Doctors who treat ailments of the foot are referred to as podiatrists. They are skilled in diagnosing various foot conditions in addition to providing quality treatment. Podiatric medicine is considered to be a specialty, involving the feet and ankles. There are several areas of this type of medicine to be proficient in, including public health, orthopedics, or surgery. These doctors are able to correct foot deformities, and can advise patients on how to care for their foot conditions. The education process starts with earning a bachelor's degree, followed by completing a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program. This takes approximately four years to complete. The next step is to enroll in a podiatric medicine and surgery residency program. It is mandatory for podiatrists to obtain a license to practice podiatry in their specific state, in addition to passing a state exam. Many podiatrists choose to work in an office or hospital, or can become part of a group practice. If you are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

The ankle is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to help you stand, walk, and run. A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Two peroneal tendons are located on the outer side of the ankle. One connects the bone to the metatarsal on the outside of the foot, and the other runs beneath the foot and connects to the arch. Their job is to stabilize the foot and ankle muscles, helping to prevent strains. Injury to these tendons is common among athletes and people with high arches. The three main categories of peroneal tendon injuries are tendonitis, acute tears, and subluxation. Tendonitis, or inflammation, is most likely the result of repetitive use or overuse that causes pain, swelling, and warmth to the touch. Acute tears are commonly caused by repetitive activity or trauma that results in pain, swelling, and ankle joint instability. Subluxation occurs when the tendon slips out of position, often after an ankle sprain. Symptoms include a snapping feeling in the ankle, along with weakness and instability. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 care needs.

Many people stopped wearing high heels during last year's lockdown. People who have chosen to resume wearing high heels as more social and workplaces open up may be experiencing foot pain. This may be a result of a shortened Achilles tendon and may take time to adjust when high heels are worn again. There are foot conditions that may develop as a result of frequently wearing high heels, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. Additionally, ailments consisting of Morton’s neuroma and corns may cause pain from wearing high heels. The good news is that high heels can be worn as desired when the heels that are chosen are not higher than an inch and a half. This can give the appearance that is wanted and the feet can be protected at the same time. If you have questions about how high heels can affect the feet, please feel free to confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Research has shown the risk of falling among construction workers is greater than other professions. Many construction workers use tall ladders and climb on rooftops. There are prevention techniques that can be implemented that may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can include inspection of the work site on a daily basis, and proper clean up at the end of the day. Additionally, it is helpful for the employees to be aware of a fall protection program, and it is beneficial that the employer provides proper protective equipment. Many construction sites have guard rails in place that can help to prevent falling. Falling can affect the feet and ankles, and can hinder completing daily activities. If you would like additional information about how the feet can be harmed from falling, and to learn about proper prevention techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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 care needs.

A large band of tissue that lies on the bottom of the foot connects the toes to the heels. This is known as the plantar fascia, and plantar fasciitis is the term used if it becomes inflamed. Many runners experience this condition, which often causes severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, people who stand on hard surfaces for most of the day may develop plantar fasciitis. Patients who are obese may develop this ailment as a result of the added weight the feet endure. There are a number of strengthening exercises that may bring mild relief. These include standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Some patients find it helps when they roll their foot over a tennis ball. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.