January 2018

Wearing high heels may negate the fact that the feet act as shock absorbers. If proper shoes are worn, cushioning in the soles of the shoes generally protects the body from the constant battering incurred while walking and running. However, if the choice to wear high heels is made, the body’s weight shifts onto the balls of the feet, forcing the toes to be crammed into a small area and potentially resulting in all kinds of conditions. There are typically several reasons to avoid wearing high heels, one of which is abnormal movement occurring in the ankles. This can result from the foot being forced to bend forward, possibly restricting circulation in the feet. Additionally, the Achilles tendon is often affected which may cause pain in the calves. If high heels are consistently worn, the ankle and calf tendons may lose flexibility, making it difficult to walk. Good advice is to wear high heels as little as possible.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Many younger people who are physically active and engage in sports on regular basis often see inflammation in the sesamoid bones found under the toes This is referred to as sesamoiditis. This condition is considered to be a type of tendonitis, as the surrounding tendons become inflamed as well. Certain athletes and dancers may be afflicted by this often because additional weight is placed on the front of the foot. Common causes for this condition may include the sesamoid bones being involved in an injury, walking in shoes with thin soles, or wearing high heels. Inherited high arches that cause the foot to become stiff may be an additional cause. Possible treatments will likely include resting the foot, thus keeping it free from any weight bearing activities. Typically, wearing shoes with insoles that have adequate cushioning and support and choosing flat shoes instead of high heels are important choices to make if this condition is experienced. If you have pain in your foot you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Stretching the feet before an exercise regimen is crucial in preventing foot injuries. To increase flexibility in the ankles, a resistance band is typically used. Stretches done on a step also work very well to loosen the heels. Rising up on the balls of the feet and holding the position for a few seconds will not only feel good, but also stretch the bottoms of the feet. Utilizing a tennis ball for stretching the foot is effective in flexing the tendons and ligaments. This is practiced by rolling the ball around with the sole of your foot to help stretch the arch, in addition to helping relieve tension.  Occasionally, pain experienced in the feet may come from the need to purchase different sized shoes. If the foot pain experienced is severe or lasts for several days, it is recommended to see a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Relieving stress and shedding calories are a couple of popular reasons for running regularly, but occasionally it comes at cost of incurring an injury. To prevent these types of mishaps, it may be helpful to wear the correct shoes in addition to paying attention to any aches in the legs. If pain should develop in the knee, it usually happens because the cartilage becomes worn and irritated. When this occurs ice may be the best treatment; however, preventing it by performing proper exercises regularly will be beneficial as well. Shin splints are a common injury to develop and are typically felt when running first begins. The inflamed tendons commonly affected are found near the shin, and this type of injury may be prevented by stretching the calf muscles. Discomfort near the heel is most often associated with possible damage to the Achilles tendon, and focusing on low-impact exercises may temporarily relieve the pain. If symptoms are experienced from a possible running injury, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised for proper treatment techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.