February 2024

Plantar warts, though benign, are contagious and can be a source of discomfort for many individuals. These small, grainy growths typically develop on the soles of the feet, particularly in areas that bear weight such as the heel or ball of the feet. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, specifically strains that thrive in warm, moist environments. Plantar warts often enter the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers can increase the risk of exposure to the virus. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised skin integrity are more susceptible to developing plantar warts. The pressure and friction exerted on the feet during walking can flatten plantar warts, causing them to grow inward and become painful. While plantar warts may resolve on their own over time, seeking treatment from a podiatrist can help alleviate discomfort and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the feet or to other individuals. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Stress fractures are hairline fractures in the foot that are caused by repetitive activity, such as running on hard surfaces. These tiny cracks, that can affect various foot bones, often cause pain and further complications if left untreated. Calcaneal stress fractures affect the heel bone, and are common among soldiers and runners. Symptoms include gradual heel pain worsened by weight-bearing activities. Calcaneal stress fractures often require bone scans or an MRI for diagnosis. Navicular stress fractures are more prevalent in sprinters and jumpers. They cause a midfoot ache that worsens with exercise and is accompanied by tenderness over the navicular bone. Metatarsal stress fractures, particularly in the second metatarsal, arise from overuse and poor biomechanics. Symptoms include gradual foot pain and swelling but they are difficult to identify, necessitating advanced imaging for diagnosis. Jones fractures, occurring in the fifth metatarsal after sudden trauma or ankle twisting, cause acute pain, tenderness, and weight-bearing difficulty. If you have foot pain that may be caused by repetitive activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and suggest correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Plantar fibromas, benign tumors that develop in the plantar fascia of the foot, can cause discomfort and limit mobility for those affected. While conservative treatments may alleviate symptoms, surgery becomes a consideration for persistent cases. Surgical intervention aims to remove the fibrous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The procedure involves making an incision in the foot to access and excise the fibroma, followed by meticulous closure to promote proper healing. Recovery from plantar fibroma surgery typically involves a period of immobilization, followed by gradual rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility to the affected foot. While surgery carries inherent risks and requires careful consideration, it can offer long-term relief and improved quality of life for individuals with symptomatic plantar fibromas. Consulting with a podiatric surgeon and exploring all treatment options can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their foot health and overall well-being. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is correct for you.

A plantar fibroma may 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the importance of wearing appropriate shoes often takes a backseat. However, the effect of choosing the right footwear for your workday cannot be overstated. The shoes you wear play a pivotal role in supporting your feet and maintaining overall well-being. Wearing ill-fitting or improper shoes can lead to a cascade of issues, from discomfort and fatigue to more severe problems like joint pain and posture issues. Investing in the right pair of shoes tailored to your work environment is an investment in your health and productivity. The correct shoes provide adequate support, preventing strain on your feet and lower limbs throughout the day. By prioritizing proper footwear, you not only enhance your physical comfort but also contribute to a more focused and effective work routine, setting the foundation for a successful and pain-free professional journey. If you experience any type of foot pain as a result of the shoes you wear while working, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.