June 2023

There are differences between running shoes and sneakers. The similarities end with their appearance, and specific technology used in running shoes that can aid in running. Additionally, they are constructed to prevent injury by having ample cushioning which can help to absorb shock. It is beneficial to make sure the running shoes fit perfectly, and it is helpful to try shoes on at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. A general rule to follow can consist of ensuring there is a thumb’s width between the top of the shoe and the end of the foot. This is an adequate method to rule out any pinching or sliding that may happen while wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The most durable type of running shoe can be classified as an everyday running shoe and can handle most types of running. People who enjoy running fast may benefit from wearing lightweight running shoes, which have less cushioning than other shoes. When running on rocky trails or dirt, choosing a trail running shoe is the best option. If you would like more information about what type of running shoes to purchase, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you in making the right choice.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

The foot condition known as a bunion is a progressive bone disorder. It is a lump on the side of the big toe that can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area. Bunions may also occur due to genetic reasons. A bunion is considered a deformity and severe bunions can cause the other toes to shift toward each other. Some patients can develop bunions from overpronation, and this causes the foot to roll inward and can also be related to having flat feet. If the body's weight is unevenly distributed, an abnormal foot structure may develop which could lead to a bunion developing. Hypermobility is a condition that causes the bones to move more than they normally would and this may also result in a bunion. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the proper plan of treatment for you. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 big toe contributes in large measure to a person’s ability to stand, walk, or run. It bears the majority of the body’s weight when doing any of these activities. For that reason, the big toe can often become painful. Two common causes of pain under the big toe are gout and sesamoiditis. Gout is an inflammatory condition brought on largely by an overabundance of uric acid in the body. When the uric acid crystallizes within the joint of the big toe, the result is sharp, throbbing, and constant pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and tenderness to touch. Gout flare-ups typically subside after a week or so, but may return if the underlying causes are not treated. Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of two tiny bones located just under the big toe joint. This pair of bones, which are free-floating, help with balance and allow the big toe to flex. The sesamoids are under constant pressure during ambulatory activities, typically felt in runners, dancers, and other athletes who put extreme pressure on the big toe. For help with these or other complaints of pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

A ganglion cyst on the foot develops near joints or tendons, of which there are many in the foot. It is like a soft pebble filled with a gel-like fluid and is noncancerous. In many cases, a ganglion cyst will disappear or gradually diminish in size, despite the fact it can be quite painful and tender to the touch. Symptoms of a ganglion cyst are a noticeable lump, a tingling or burning pain if it touches a nerve, and irritation that can happen while wearing shoes. A ganglion cyst forms when synovial fluid leaks from a joint or tendon and collects in a sac under the skin. If it is particularly painful and interferes with the completion of your daily activities, a podiatrist can drain the cyst of its fluid and inject it with medication. It is very dangerous to try to pop a ganglion cyst yourself, as this may cause further damage and increase the risk of infection. In severe cases, surgery can be an option. For help with a ganglion cyst on the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the best options to treat a ganglion cyst. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.