John Hollander, DPM

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, sometimes referred to as a “wear and tear” disease because the cartilage in the joint wears down with repeated stress and use over time. As the cartilage deteriorates and gets thinner, the bones lose their protective covering and eventually may rub together, causing pain and inflammation of the joint.

 In the foot, the disease most frequently occurs in the big toe, although it is also often found in the midfoot and ankle. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but they most often affect joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine.

Causes:

• Stress and overuse of joints or tendons
• Flatfeet or high arches
• Fractures
• Severe strains

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness
• Swelling of the joint
• Difficulty walking or bending of the joint

While joint pain can be managed, the damage cannot be reversed.  By staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and receiving certain treatments, you may be able to slow the progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.

For an evaluation and pain management plan, call our office at 707-578-1222 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hollander. 

It’s T-minus 10 days till the big holiday, and you still need to find a few gifts.  I’ve compiled a list of things that are both of quality and usefulness for your gift recipient. Some are easily found here locally, and others are online purchases. Take a look and see what inspires you as you shop for your last-minute gifts.

Le Mini Macaron’s 3-in-1 Spa Pedicure Kit is a spa set to relax & prep your feet for your next pedicure! It includes foot butter, 3 fizzy foot bombs in lavender scent, and a double-sided pumice and foot brush. You can find it at Ulta.

 

Balega Hidden Contour socks will keep your feet happy with their cushioned and structured design. They provide a supportive fit that promotes natural foot movement and proper blood circulation thanks to the unique positioning of varying elastic bands. Sweaty feet won’t be a problem in these socks—they contain Balega’s proprietary Drynamix moisture-wicking fibers and reinforced microfiber ventilation panels to keep your feet cool and dry. A seamless toe, extra-deep heel and a heel tab help mitigate blisters and prevent any slipping in the shoe. Plus, this entire sock is made in the USA. Pick up a few fun colors at Fleet Feet Santa Rosa.

Dearfoams Women’s and Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Warm-Up Bootie Slipper are on Oprah’s Favorite Things 2022 List this year and they are selling out fast! With quilted nylon on the outside and memory foam insoles, this plush pair, makes it feel like you’re walking on a cloud. Snag a pair for mom, dad, and yourself on Amazon.

Medal Holder is great for that person that hangs their running medals all over the place.  It keeps them neatly displayed and is available with different sayings/mantras. Available from Runningonthewall.com

 

 

Kera-42 Cream is an unconventional gift idea and would make better sense if you included in your own DIY footcare basket. Kera-42 Cream is a Urea-based daily moisturizer that is used to keep callus build-up at bay and away.  This is a high-quality and useful gift that specific family members may appreciate.  You can pick up a bottle at our office, and perhaps even grab a few colors of Dr.’s REMEDY nail polish or a pair of Spenco PolySborb orthotic inserts- great for everyone- to include with it! John Hollander DPM Office.

 

Water Bottle Carriers are an overlooked useful accessory for men and women.  They can provide extra insulation, free up your hands and even offer extra storage options for your phone or keys.  The Go Time Gear Exo-Tek H2O MOLLE Water Bottle Pouch Hydration Carrier has it all, zipper closures, a padded strap, a drainage hole, a straw slot, and more.  Great gift for that outdoorsy person!  If you want a water bottle carrier that offers more personal expression and color, take a look at the WINTOJO Water Bottle Carrier Bag Holder which comes in several colors and sizes! Find these both on Amazon.

Nourish them with a gift card to Fruity Moto Restaurant. They make the most colorful and tasty dishes and drinks. From pressed juice, to smoothies, gluten-free dishes and mouth-watering bowls and sandwhiches. *UPDATE: Just got word that their Santa Rosa shop will be closing. You can however, still enjoy their amazing creations via foodtruck. Follow them on Instagram #SonomaFruityMoto to find out where they will be next.

 

And if all else fails in your search for the “perfect” gift, just know that you yourself are a perfect gift.  Happy Holidays to you all.

 

Are you noticing thick skin buildup on your feet? Is it making it painful to walk or be active? Then you may be suffering from callus buildup.

Calluses are caused by friction and pressure. If you wear open sandals in the summer then you may notice more calluses than in the winter when you are wearing closed-toe shoes with socks. If the calluses go untreated they can become very painful and spilt causing an open wound.

Here are some easy at-home treatment options for callus care:

1. Wear a cushioned, supportive and proper-fitting shoe with socks
2. Place a cushioned Spenco insole in your shoe to reduce friction
3. Use a callus grater to debride the skin. This is best used after showering when your skin is soft
4. Use urea cream, such as Kera-42, to help soften and moisture the callused skin
5. Limit barefoot walking and sandal use

Remember it is always best to be properly diagnosed by a doctor and to follow their suggestions for treatment.

Call Dr. Hollander today for an evaluation, 707-578-1222.

Are you preparing for the upcoming Clo Cow Half Marathon in Petaluma, California or the Hallowine Run in Healdsburg? Wouldn’t it be devastating to have a chronic condition like plantar fasciitis or have an Achilles tendinitis flare up right before the big event?! If the unthinkable happens, extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be necessary to promote healing to your feet so that you can still run on the day of the race.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ECSWT for short, is a therapy in which shockwaves are sent directly to the site of pain. It’s used when other more conservative treatments have failed, but before opting for surgical methods. There are different levels of shock waves; some require a local anesthetic and others that don’t. This therapy offers many of the same results as surgery, but with less downtime and a much faster rate of recovery.

Podiatrists and patients alike prefer ECSWT to surgery, because of reduced healing times. You will probably notice, even after the first day of treatment, that the pain does not worsen. As the damaged cells begin to repair and new cells grow, you will notice that your pain is subsiding even more. After a session of this therapy, you will most likely notice soreness or possibly some bruising at the site of treatment. However, these effects are mild compared to those of a surgical intervention.

If you want to learn more about ECSWT, call Dr. John Hollander, DPM today at 707-578-1222. We want your feet to be as healthy as they can be. Faster, more effective healing means you’ll be ready for your next big race.

You know there is something wrong with your feet when your pet can’t even stand the smell of them! Stop by our office today to purchase our Tolcylen Antimicrobial Shoe Spray. The Tolcylen spray will help you get rid of the bad odor your feet produce after sweating all day. There is also a new product we have in our office called the ShoeZap, which helps clean and sanitize your shoes to get rid of that odor-causing bacteria. The ShoeZap will keep you from re-infecting your shoes over and over again by using a special light to kill the bacteria in the shoe.

For more information regarding our Tolcylen antifungal products and the ShoeZap, please give us a call at (707) 578-1222 or stop by our office today!! Your pets will appreciate it!!  😉

 

Many women experience general fatigue and soreness throughout their entire body while pregnant but a large complaint is sore feet and swelling.

Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity is completely altered. This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressure on the knees and feet.

Pregnant women are susceptible to aching and swollen feet. It is very important to watch for and take care of these symptoms.

Here are a few tips for proper foot care during pregnancy:

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot. Wear a supportive sandal, house shoe, or slipper as an alternative
• Wear shoes with good arch support – no flimsy shoes that are easily rolled up like a burrito
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Get foot massages
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking which will promote blood circulation to the feet

Over-Pronation, also referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing and their feet roll inward when walking. This can create extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Over-pronation can make walking very painful and can increase strain on the feet, calves and/or the back.

If you are pregnant and having foot pain, or know someone that is, call Dr. Hollander today at 707-578-1222.  He can give you a proper treatment algorithm that will help heal your symptoms and give you relief.

Our office is proud to carry an exciting item to help combat fungal infections. The ShoeZap is a great way to clean and sanitize your shoes. Neglecting your shoes may mean you are re-infecting your feet again and again.

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• ShoeZap 15 Minute UV Shoe Sanitizer is the fast, easy way to kill fungus and bacteria using UVC germicidal light.
• One-size sanitizer fits in any shoe, and can also be used on small items that fit into the Protection Bag- great for the whole family!
• Kills up to 99.9% of the germs that cause shoe odor, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and warts inside shoes.

Contact our office at 707-578-1222  if you are interested in learning more about this great device. You can also stop by our office and purchase the ShoeZap and start to sanitize your shoes today!

When the weather heats up, so do our feet!  We get relief from that heat by wearing shoes that allow our feet to breathe better, like sandals or mesh tennis shoes, or we don’t wear any shoes at all. But with this change in footwear, many of us start to see a change in our feet in the form of callus build-up.

Calluses are thickened skin often observed on the heel or ball of your feet.  They are caused by pressure and friction, the rubbing of the skin against another surface.  Excessive callus build-up can cause foot pain as well.

But what does summer have to do with calluses?  Well, often people will wear sandals in the summer, and many sandal varieties slip back and forth on the foot as we walk.  Walking barefoot at home or at the beach also causes friction on the foot.

Stay on top of your potential callus build-up by, wearing sandals with straps, wearing socks, moisturizing daily with a cream specific for feet, utilizing a pumice stone or callus shaver, seek out medical pedicure services if you need assistance.

If your calluses feel out of control, or you can’t maintain them the way that you would like to, reach out to Dr. Hollander today.  We can provide you with services to get your feet back to feeling good and looking smooth.  We also carry special foot-specific creams that work great for callus prevention.

We are here for you! (707) 578-1222.

Are you preparing for the upcoming Annadel Half Marathon in Santa Rosa, California next month or the Windsor Half Marathon in June? Wouldn’t it be devastating to have a chronic condition like plantar fasciitis or have an Achilles tendinitis flare up right before the big event?! If the unthinkable happens, extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be necessary to promote healing to your feet so that you can still run the day of the race.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ECSWT for short, is a therapy in which shockwaves are sent directly to the site of pain. It’s used when other more conservative treatments have failed, but before opting for surgical methods. There are different levels of shock waves; some that require a local anesthetic and others that don’t. This therapy offers many of the same results as surgery, but with less downtime and a much faster rate of recovery.

Podiatrists and patients alike prefer ECSWT to surgery, because of reduced healing times. You will probably notice, even after the first day of treatment, that the pain does not worsen. As the damaged cells begin to repair and new cells grow, you will notice that your pain is subsiding even more. After a session of this therapy, you will most likely notice soreness or possibly some bruising at the site of treatment. However, these effects are mild compared to those of a surgical intervention.

If you want to learn more about ECSWT, call Dr. John Hollander, DPM today at 707-578-1222 or schedule an appointment online. We want your feet to be as healthy as they can be. Faster, more effective healing means you’ll be ready for your next big race.

Everyone has at least one ‘difficult to buy for’ person in their lives, or someone that has “everything”, so why not consider buying a gift that caters to their feet this year? After all, they play a significant role in our everyday lives!

You will be surprised at the number of options that you have to give them the gift of happy feet this Christmas.  Below is a list of gifts that anyone would be happy to find under their tree, many of which can be purchased in our office or at other local vendors!

Luxury Insulated Water Bottles

Everyone is loving the double insulated water bottles these days, but they are so boring looking.  Check out these luxurious and beautiful bottles by Bougie.  They come with straws too, so you don’t have to unscrew the top every time you need a drink. A must-have for me!  Purchase yours today at Bougie or check for a local retailer near you.

 

 

Nail Polish with Benefits!

Dr.’s Remedy Polish is Free of all the “bad stuff” and filled with all the “good stuff”. Containing lavender, wheat protein, garlic extract, tea tree oil and bioten, all things that help repair and hydrate, dry brittle nails, and keep existing nails healthy! It is also a 10-FREE product, so for your recipients that want organic, cruelty-free and vegan options, this is a fantastic option! You can purchase Dr.’s Remedy Polish in our office!

 

Pedicure at Home!

Barefoot Scientist offers a hydration pedicure kit that contains all the good things needed to hydrate even the dryest of feet (ergonomic foot file, intensive hydration cream, and special hydration socks). Hey, maybe you could provide the pedicure to your recipient too!?  Available at Ulta.  If you want to make your own pedicure kit, check out our last post on recipes to make foot soaks, scrubs, and heel balm!

Foot Cooling Lotion

This cooling lotion helps to invigorate and revitalize tired feet! Available at The Body Shop.

 

 

 

 

Wow them with Bombas Socks!

Bombas socks are amazing. They are super comfortable, come in amazing colors, and for every pair that is purchased, an additional pair is donated to someone in need.  You’re going to want to buy yourself some of the socks as well, they are just that awesome.  Note: for larger calves, consider trying the Merino Wool line, for it has a bit more stretch in the calf area. Bombas.com

 

CBD Therapy Pain Relief

Is your gift recipient in need of pain relief? Consider Medterra CBD Rapid cooling cream that provides relief for sore muscles and joints.  A powerful combination of CBD and certified organic ingredients, Medterra CBD Rapid Cream provides a rapid cooling feeling, perfect for sore muscles and joints. THC Free and made in the USA.  This product is available for purchase in our office!

 

Fashion Forward Slippers with Arch Support!

As podiatrists, we want everyone to have good arch support.  So here are two price points with Podiatrist approved sandals that your recipient is sure to love.

Birkenstock Zermatt Slippers — $100.00 Podiatrists love Birkenstocks’ footbeds for their comfort and arch support. This pair has a deep heel cup that keeps your natural cushioning under the heel bone, longitudinal arch support along the sides of the footbed for stability, and a raised toe bar that encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet.

L.L. Bean Women’s & Men’s Mountain Slippers — $69.00.  These slippers have a cozy fleece lining to keep your toes nice and toasty, a rubber bottom that provides traction, and—of course—good arch support. The insole can be removed should you want to wear your custom orthotics in them. Men’s pair, Women’s pair.

 

 

Small Ball, Big Impact!

If you’ve never used a foot massage ball, then you need to get one as a gift for yourself as well!  This little ball works wonders on tired and achy feet! The little bumps can also provide pinpoint pressure on your heels with minimal effort! This is a BIG deal for those with thick calluses!  Check them out at FleetFeet.

 

Medical Pedicures!

Did you know that we offer medical pedicures in our office?  Medical pedicures are wonderful for everyone, but especially for our diabetic and high-risk patients.  Having a pedicure performed in our office means you have a doctor nearby and trained medical assistants that specialize in foot care, treating your feet.  Take a look at our spa menu and how you can pick up a gift certificate.

 

We hope this list inspires you and that your gift recipients (or you) enjoy the thoughtful items.

**These are NOT paid endorsements/advertisements of these products, just simply a few fun ideas to help you get your holiday shopping completed!