November 2025

Severs disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated. This condition often develops during growth spurts, and is considered an overuse injury rather than a true disease. Risk factors include high impact sports, tight calf muscles, wearing improper footwear, and rapid physical development. Children may experience heel soreness, swelling, stiffness, or discomfort during activity. A podiatrist can provide guidance through proper evaluation, supportive shoe gear, custom orthotics, and stretching plans to reduce strain on the heel. Early care helps children stay active without unnecessary pain. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 care needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear, often from twisting or rolling the foot. This injury can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, making daily activities difficult. As healing begins, gentle exercises such as building balance on the injured foot help restore stability and coordination. Scrunching a towel with your toes can improve flexibility and strengthen the supporting muscles. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain, recommend targeted treatments, and guide your rehabilitation to prevent re-injury. If you are struggling to regain strength or stability after an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective strengthening techniques. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 cuboid stress fracture is a rare overuse injury that affects the small cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the foot. It develops gradually from repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. Symptoms include persistent ankle or outer foot pain that worsens with weight bearing and physical activity. Runners, gymnasts, and basketball players are at higher risk due to repetitive impact and twisting motions. A podiatrist can diagnose this condition through imaging, recommend rest, protective footwear, or custom orthotics, and create a rehabilitation plan to promote bone healing and prevent recurrence. Do not ignore lingering foot pain. If this applies to you, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat such an injury.

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 contact our office located in Oceanside, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful type of arthritis caused by the buildup of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and tissues. These crystals form when uric acid levels in the blood become too high. Contributing factors include diet, alcohol intake, obesity, and chronic kidney disease, which reduce the body’s ability to eliminate uric acid. Symptoms include sudden joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, most often affecting the big toe due to its lower temperature and reduced circulation. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an examination and testing, then provide treatments to reduce pain, prevent future attacks, and protect joint health. If you have pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 care needs.