October 2024

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a degenerative joint disease that can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. When OA affects the feet, it leads to joint stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, which can make walking and balancing difficult. In the feet, OA commonly affects the ankles and toes, causing discomfort with every step and reducing stability. To prevent falls, people with osteoarthritis should focus on maintaining mobility and strengthening muscles surrounding the affected joints. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes and using custom orthotics can improve balance and reduce pain. A podiatrist can provide valuable care by fitting custom orthotics, recommending appropriate footwear, and guiding patients through foot-specific exercises that enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls. If you have osteoarthritis of the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team for routine exams and help with falls prevention.

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.

Lateral ankle injuries involve damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. They are often caused by rolling or twisting the foot during activities like running, jumping, or walking on uneven surfaces. Such ankle injuries are common in athletes but can happen to anyone, especially during sudden movements or improper foot placement. The most frequent type of lateral ankle injury is an ankle sprain, where the ligaments stretch or tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out fractures and assess ligament damage. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Severe sprains may require bracing or targeted exercises to restore strength and mobility. If you have pain on the outside of your ankle, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper care so as to prevent long-term ankle instability.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

Measuring feet for proper shoe sizing is imperative for comfort and preventing foot problems. To get the most accurate size, measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest. Use a ruler or foot-measuring tool to assess the length from heel to toe and the width at the widest point. It is important to measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger. Shoes should fit the larger foot. A podiatrist can provide expert guidance in finding the right shoe size, especially if you have foot issues like bunions, hammertoes, or flat arches. They can assess your foot structure and recommend orthotics or custom shoes for optimal support. A podiatrist can also help treat any foot-related problems that arise from wearing improper footwear and offer advice on the best shoes for different activities to prevent future discomfort or injury. If you have foot problems or need help in selecting well-fitting shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Diabetes can have serious effects on the feet due to poor circulation and nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. Reduced blood flow to the feet can delay the healing of cuts, blisters, or sores, increasing the risk of infections and, in severe cases, leading to ulcers or even amputation. Neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation in the feet, making it harder to detect injuries or changes in skin condition, which can go unnoticed and worsen over time. A podiatrist plays a critical role in diabetic foot care. They can perform regular foot exams to identify problems early, treat wounds, and recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics to prevent pressure points. Podiatrists also offer guidance on daily foot care routines, such as inspecting feet for sores and maintaining good hygiene. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you schedule routine podiatric visits to help manage diabetes-related foot complications and reduce the risk of serious issues.

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.

Managing cuts on the bottom of the feet, which requires prompt and careful attention to prevent infection and promote healing, is often done by a podiatrist. This type of doctor will start by cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water to remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection. This is generally followed by gently patting the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. The doctor will then apply an antiseptic to the cut to further disinfect the area, and cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage or dressing to protect it from dirt and friction. The dressing will be secure but not too tight, allowing for comfort and breathability. Regularly changing the dressing and monitoring the cut for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge will be recommended. If you have a cut on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.