May 2022

If you enjoy running, keeping your feet healthy will ensure that you can keep running and do so pain-free. Maintaining the strength of all the muscles in the foot is important in preventing pain while running. Do some simple exercises regularly to help build strong feet, which in turn will keep the foot and ankle in better alignment and reduce the risk of injury leading to foot pain. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and that have proper support. Running shoes should be replaced regularly. Rotate running shoes so that the same areas of the feet, ankles, and legs are not repeatedly stressed. Do not try to do too much, too fast. Listen to your body and slowly build up speed and distance. Have rest days. Practicing good foot health will not guarantee freedom from running injuries but may help prevent them and make healing easier. If you feel pain while running, it is important to visit a podiatrist and get an expert’s diagnosis of the discomfort and advice on how to properly treat the problem.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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 term for flat feet is known as pes planus or pes valgus. The noticeable symptom of flat feet is a lack of an arch when the foot is lying flat on the ground. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch typically develops with age. Research has indicated there are two types of flat feet. An arch that can be seen when the foot is elevated is known as a flexible flat foot and an absent arch also when the foot is elevated is known as a rigid flat foot. Flexible flat feet generally do not cause severe pain although some patients may feel mild achiness if intensely walking. Abnormal foot development may be the cause of rigid flat foot and surgery can be a necessary option for a significant correction. Some patients will even have a second surgery after the foot has fully formed to fuse the bones together. If you have flat feet, it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Everyone can stumble but older people have a higher propensity to falling. In fact, one in four seniors fall each year and the chances of falling double after falling once. Falls can be serious and cause broken bones or a head injury. They can greatly interfere with one’s ability to function and do so independently. Even if a fall is avoided, an older person can become fearful of falls and limit their participation in daily activities. This can further lead to weakness and increased chances of falling. Physical conditions that can make one more prone to falling include lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency, difficulty with walking or balance, use of certain medications, vision problems, and foot pain. Other issues that lead to a greater risk of falls are poorly fitting footwear or home hazards, such as broken or uneven steps or throw rugs that can be tripped over. Tending to physical and other conditions, getting regular strength and balance exercise, and seeing a podiatrist for evaluation of risk for falling can help as well. As one ages, regular visits to a podiatrist are encouraged as a preventative health measure.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

Exercising is good for the body and mind but can be painful when one has a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony growth that attaches to the heel bone and can grow into the arch of the foot. These can develop from a common condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation and possible tearing of the plantar fascia tissue running across the length of the foot. The body can try to deal with this injury by trying to repair the tissue with bone formation. The most common symptom of heel spurs is pain, especially after being off the foot for some time. Wearing properly fitting footwear, stretching the foot, and performing other strengthening exercises can help, but if you have a painful heel spur, it is best to see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

As one ages, it is important that foot care be maintained as their feet have worked for them for a long time and are apt to suffer from some wear and tear. At the least, an elderly person’s feet tend to flatten, widen, and have less padding that leaves bones and joints more unstable. Seemingly small problems like ingrown toenails or a minor cut can result in a barrage of health conditions that can impact an older adult’s health and well-being. Having healthy feet helps seniors to remain mobile, independent, and upright. Essential to good foot care are keeping one’s feet clean, proper drying and moisturizing of feet, wearing well-fitting socks and shoes that do not rub or cause friction, trimming toenails straight across, and monitoring any developing sores. An elderly person who cannot do these things for themselves, can enlist the services of a podiatrist and through regular visits, keep their feet in tip-top shape, and prevent burgeoning problems from worsening.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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