March 2020

Many pregnant women are aware of the changes that happen to their feet and ankles. This is generally a result of increased blood volume, and additional weight that is caused by the growing baby. The feet and ankles may become swollen, which is why it may be beneficial for women to purchase larger shoes. Mild relief may be found when the legs are elevated, and it may help to limit the amount of time walking and standing throughout the day. Additionally, it may be beneficial to drink plenty of water daily, and to place a cold compress on your ankles. If you are afflicted with swollen ankles and feet during your pregnancy, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can address any foot concerns you may have.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy 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 shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Cracked heels is a common condition that many people worldwide may experience. It may develop as a result of wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. In severe cases, this ailment may produce pain and discomfort, especially while walking or running. Some patients find mild relief when the feet are washed in warm water and dried thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It may also be beneficial to drink plenty of water and to protect the heels by wearing comfortable shoes. If you have cracked heels, it’s suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer the proper treatment options for this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

The medical condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity in the middle joint of the second toe. It may gradually bend to resemble a hammer, and can overlap onto the third toe. There are a variety of reasons why this condition may occur. These can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, genetic factors that may involve a muscle imbalance, or from a toe injury. Common symptoms that are often associated with hammertoe can consist of redness and swelling on the affected joint, pain while wearing shoes, and it can be difficult to move the affected toe. It may be helpful to wear shoes that are a larger size, in addition using insoles which may relieve a portion of the discomfort. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Stress fractures are defined as a small break in one or more bones in the feet. They can occur as a result of frequently running for extended periods of time, or from participating in jumping activities. Additionally, they may happen if there is a change in the style of jogging you’re used to, or a change in the running surface. A common symptom that is associated with stress fractures can include pain during physical activity. This pain may also return after resting. Typically, effective treatment generally means the activity must be ceased that caused the fracture, and a boot or cast may be recommended for the healing process. If you have pain in your foot and think you may have a stress fracture, it is strongly advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

A type of skin condition that is caused by fungus is called athlete's foot. This ailment may develop if you don’t wear protective footwear in warm or moist environments. Places like communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, are all areas in which this condition can be spread if the proper precautions are not taken. The best way to help prevent this infection is to avoid walking around barefoot, as well as maintaining good hygiene. Some patients who have developed athlete’s foot have noticed the skin between their toes become scaly, dry, and itchy. Others have also experienced inflammation and cracking of the skin. If left untreated, this condition may spread to other areas of the feet, such as the toenails. For more information on how to treat and heal this condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.