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November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

What Is the Ideal Shoe Like?

Finding the right shoes is a very important task, but sometimes it can be challenging. What should you look for when shopping for shoes? What should you avoid? We can come closer to answering these questions by describing the features that an ideal shoe should have, and why these features are important. An ideal shoe should fit snugly. You may want to look for shoes that have laces, velcro fasteners, or buckles, as well as a snug, stiff back to keep your feet from sliding when you walk. The shoe should be the correct size. Look for a shoe that leaves you with about a half inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The inside of the shoe should be supportive and free of irritants. Look for an arch shape that supports your foot and a smooth lining without any rough seams. What about high heels? While they may look nice, excessively high heels can hurt your feet. When shopping for shoes, select heels that are no taller than 1.5 inches. For more information on finding the right shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist.   

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

  • Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
  • Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
  • Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
  • Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Read more about Proper Shoe Fitting
Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

Ways to Diagnose an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect the bones of the leg to the foot. These ligaments are important, as they help keep the ankle bones in position as well as the ankle joint stable. This type of injury generally happens when you accidentally twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. A podiatrist can diagnose an ankle sprain by performing a thorough physical examination of the affected foot and ankle. This includes touching the skin around the injury to check for areas of tenderness, and moving the foot to check the range of motion Sometimes, imaging scans may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other possibilities, such as a broken bone. Examples of imaging scans that a podiatrist may use include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds. For more information about ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist. 

 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Monday, 16 November 2020 00:00

An Overview of Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve located near the base of the toes becomes compressed. This condition causes pain in the ball of the foot that has a burning quality and numbness that radiates to nearby toes. The pain from Morton's neuroma often increases while walking or when the ball of the foot is squeezed. Sometimes, the pain is severe enough to interfere with walking, leading to a limp. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can examine the affected foot, order diagnostic imaging tests, and provide treatment options. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Read more about What is Morton's Neuroma?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Monday, 09 November 2020 00:00

Possible Treatments for Warts

Warts that develop on the bottom of the feet are known as plantar warts. They are caused by a virus and can be contagious. Symptoms of plantar warts include the appearance of potentially painful, hard, grainy, or fleshy warts on the sole of the foot. There are various treatments for plantar warts. One treatment that your doctor may use is freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. The doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to the wart, causing a blister to form there. After four to seven days, the blister will break, dry up, and fall off. Sometimes, a wart may need to be treated with liquid nitrogen several times to get full results. For more information about this and other treatments for plantar warts, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Monday, 09 November 2020 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Gout Can Affect the Joints in the Big Toe

A type of arthritis that is referred to as gout is considered to be common among men over the age of forty. It generally occurs from an increased level of uric acid in the blood, which can happen for a variety of reasons. These can consist of genetic factors, underlying medical conditions, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. These specific types of foods often include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that have a high sugar content. The symptoms that are associated with gout are severe pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe, swelling, and extreme tenderness. Some patients can experience pain that is so debilitating, it can hinder their ability to walk. When treating gout, it may be beneficial to implement healthy eating habits into your daily routine, and taking anti-inflammatory medication may relieve pain. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

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