Diabetic foot wounds develop from a combination of nerve and blood vessel damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to notice minor injuries like cuts or blisters. Also, poor blood flow, resulting from damaged blood vessels, slows healing and increases the risk of infections. Common triggers for diabetic foot wounds include wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot deformities like bunions or hammer toes, and excessive callus formation. Early symptoms may include dry or warm skin, tingling, and numbness. The appearance of poorly healing sores, particularly on the soles, toes, or heels are other factors. In advanced cases, such wounds can deepen, become infected, or result in tissue death and possible limb loss. A podiatrist can assess nerve and blood flow issues, treat wounds, and recommend preventive measures like proper footwear and regular foot examinations. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing foot care.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe walking is a common behavior observed in children, where they walk on their toes rather than with their feet flat on the ground. One of the primary causes of toe walking is habitual behavior, where children simply adopt this pattern without any underlying medical issue. However, in some cases, toe walking may be linked to sensory processing differences, where children may prefer the sensation of walking on their toes due to heightened or reduced sensitivity to touch. Another cause is tight calf muscles, which may restrict the ability to walk normally and lead to toe walking as a compensatory movement. Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or other motor disorders, can also contribute to toe walking due to muscle weakness or coordination issues. In any case, if toe walking persists beyond early childhood, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess the cause and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Joan Oloff, DPM of Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the second toe can arise from less commonly recognized conditions that require professional evaluation. Capsulitis, for instance, involves inflammation of the ligament capsule at the base of the toe. This may be due to improper foot mechanics or excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, and can cause a sensation similar to walking on a marble. Morton’s neuroma, typically associated with the third and fourth toes, can also affect the second toe due to nerve tissue thickening, causing burning pain or numbness. Additionally, structural abnormalities like Morton’s toe, where the second toe is longer than the big toe, can lead to misalignment and strain. Bunions or arthritis in adjacent joints may radiate discomfort to the second toe. A podiatrist can assess these underlying issues to determine the proper treatment. If you have pain in your second toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Joan Oloff, DPM of Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.