February 2022

Having healthy feet is a lifelong journey, and developing a foot care program for your child can start at birth. One way babies develop muscle strength is by kicking and wiggling their feet and legs. So it’s a good idea to avoid constricting bed covers and footwear. It is thought that going barefoot helps the child’s feet develop properly. If your baby wears socks or one-piece outfits with feet, be sure to check them frequently to make sure they are not too tight around the toes. It’s also important to keep the baby's feet clean and dry daily. Here are a few things to look for as your child gets older: turning the foot in or out, not walking independently by around 18 months, frequent tripping and falling, still walking on toes by age 3, skin rashes, bumps, or other foot problems. It is a good idea to start early with a visit to a podiatrist who can examine your child’s feet and deal with any problems that may arise as he or she grows.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

If you have ever had an ankle sprain, it is likely an experience that you wouldn’t want to repeat. Yet spraining your ankle once can make future ankle sprains more likely. In some individuals, the sprained ankle doesn’t heal fully. This not only increases the risk for future sprains, but can also cause chronic ankle instability. Chronic ankle instability is characterized by ankle pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and repeated sensations of the ankle “giving out.” The ankle instability can be caused by excessively lax ligaments, or deficits in the nerves and muscles surrounding the ankles. If you are prone to ankle sprains, don’t live with chronic pain. Please seek the care of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that can grow along the outside of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions are considered a deformity, as they change the shape and structure of the foot. When left untreated, bunions tend to progressively worsen. If you have bunions, there are several measures that you can take to prevent them from getting worse. During the day, wear wider, more comfortable shoes that give your toes some wiggle room. At night, wear a splint on the affected toe to help keep it in proper alignment and reduce pain and discomfort. Strengthen your toes with various foot exercises. To reduce pain at home, soak your feet in a warm bath, apply ice to the bunion, or take over-the-counter pain medications. If you have painful bunions, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

People with diabetes can often lose feeling in their feet and the ability to heal ordinary cuts, abrasions or pressure points. This can lead to the development of non-healing wounds and far more serious complications. Foot care can help the diabetic keep their feet healthy and protected. The best way for diabetics to take care of their feet is by wearing quality shoes that fit perfectly and refraining from going barefoot — even in the house. Daily foot inspections are also a must in order to spot anything unusual. If any abrasion, discoloration, redness or purple area is detected, it is suggested that you seek the treatment of a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid it festering and turning into a wound. For detailed information on diabetic foot care as well as regular foot checkups, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.