May 2021

When a nerve swells and becomes inflamed, it is known as a neuroma. Morton's neuroma occurs when this swelling and inflammation affects the nerve between the metatarsal bones of the third and fourth toes. When the nerves get trapped between these bones, pain usually occurs in the ball of the foot or the toes. Pain may become worse if tight fitting shoes are worn, such as high heels. Other symptoms include a burning, stabbing, or shooting pain, the feeling of a small stone stuck under the foot, or a tingling, numb feeling in the foot. Patients who are struggling with pain in the foot and believe it’s due to Morton's neuroma should consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Peripheral artery disease or “PAD”, is a medical condition in which there is inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is a fatty substance that clings to the walls of the arteries, making them narrow and harden. PAD is fairly common, affecting 20% of people over the age of 65, and can lead to serious complications if left undetected. However, many people who have PAD have no symptoms. Those that do have symptoms may notice an increase in leg pain, fatigue, and cramps while walking or exercising, numbness, achiness, or heaviness in the legs, skin discoloration, poor nail and hair growth, and the development of poorly healing wounds on the legs and feet. If you are over the age of 65, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease, stroke, or metabolic syndrome, then you are at an increased risk for PAD. A podiatrist can help diagnose this condition and offer treatment options that will reduce foot and ankle pain and restore mobility. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Pregnancy causes many changes in your body, including your feet. Swelling in the feet or ankles (edema) may occur, especially at the end of the day or after spending time on your feet. You can help alleviate this discomfort by elevating your feet whenever you get the chance, keeping yourself hydrated, wearing comfortable shoes with low heels, exercising your feet by rotating them and flexing them up and down, and sleeping on your left side to help circulation. While edema will normally subside after pregnancy, an increase in your foot’s size may not. A hormone called relaxin is released during pregnancy to prepare your body for birth, which can also relax the ligaments in your feet, causing them to lengthen and widen. To keep your feet as comfortable as possible during pregnancy, wear flat or low-heeled shoes with good arch support. As you advance in your pregnancy, you may want to avoid laces and opt for slip-on shoes, and always check your foot size before buying new shoes. For more information on how to properly care for and dress your feet during pregnancy, consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

Foot wounds are sores, cuts, or scrapes that can appear on the feet. If you have systemic conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation, these wounds may heal slowly and poorly, resulting in potentially serious complications, from infection to amputation. If you notice a wound on your foot, you should protect the wound from bacteria immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water, then apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the wound with a bandage, as leaving the wound open to air might allow bacteria to multiply on and infect the wound. Change the bandage and repeat this process every one to two days. Keep pressure off the wound by resting the affected foot. Your doctor may also suggest wearing specialized shoes or socks to offload pressure. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.