Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, occurs when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Diagnosing this condition typically involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist, focusing on the affected foot's tenderness and range of motion. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may also be utilized to rule out other possible causes of heel pain and confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, incorporating stretching exercises into a daily routine can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Simple stretches targeting the calf muscles and the plantar fascia itself, such as calf stretches, towel stretches, and plantar fascia stretches can effectively reduce tightness and discomfort. These stretches should be performed gently and consistently to gradually improve flexibility and reduce strain on the affected tissues. In addition to stretching, lifestyle modifications may be recommended to manage plantar fasciitis and restore foot health. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.

Sever's disease, despite its name, is not actually a disease but rather a common condition affecting children during periods of rapid growth. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, Sever's disease occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel bone becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse. This condition commonly affects active children and adolescents, particularly those involved in sports like running or jumping. Symptoms of Sever's disease typically include heel pain, tenderness, and swelling, which may worsen with physical activity and improve with rest. Although Sever's disease is temporary and does not cause long-term damage, it can be debilitating and affect a child's participation in sports and daily activities. With proper care and management, most children recover from Sever's disease within a few weeks to months, allowing them to resume their normal activities pain-free. If your child has heel pain and participates in sporting activities, it may be possible Sever’s disease has developed. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 and ankle injuries.

Genodermatoses encompass a group of genetic disorders affecting the skin, and sometimes, the feet serve as a significant indicator of these conditions. The foot symptoms of genodermatoses can manifest in various ways, reflecting the underlying genetic mutations. Some individuals may experience thickened, scaly skin on the soles of their feet, a common feature of certain genodermatoses like palmoplantar keratoderma. In other cases, individuals may develop blistering or ulceration on the feet due to conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa, where the skin is fragile and prone to tearing. Additionally, abnormalities in nail growth or structure can occur, ranging from thickened nails to the complete absence of nails, as seen in some forms of ectodermal dysplasia. Recognizing and understanding these foot symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and management of genodermatoses. If you have this rare foot condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.