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When’s the last time that you took a good look at your feet? At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we believe regularly examining your feet is a key component of good foot health. In addition, your feet are the part of your body where several systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and peripheral neuropathy may first exhibit symptoms. You can examine your feet in as little as 10 minutes. Ready, set, go:
If you spot anything that doesn’t seem quite right, contact our Long Beach office for an appointment by calling: (562-420-9800). Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas, will give your feet a complete examination and assess whether you have a foot health issue.
Making this quick foot self-check a part of your monthly health routine will go a long way to preventing foot problems as well as detecting any conditions that do develop in their very earliest stages when treatment is usually less invasive and more effective.
Who doesn’t like showing off one of the season’s newest colors on their toes? Besides, getting a professional pedicure is a relaxing treat. Bacterial and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and fungal toenails, however, are not particularly enticing. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we want our patients to be able to enjoy this pampering experience safely and so we have compiled some tips below to help prevent infections.
First, however, it’s important that you inspect your toenails and make sure that you do not currently have any problems. If you have a toenail that is discolored, thick or crumbly, do not attempt to cover it up with nail polish. These may be signs of a fungal infection that requires treatment. If the appearance of one of your nails is concerning you, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 and let our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas examine your toenail. Fungal infections will not go away without treatment.
If your nails are all clear and you wish to have a professional pedicure, observe the suggestions here to minimize any risk of fungal or bacterial infections:
Here are some facts about lawn mower safety that may surprise you: lawn mowers produce three times the kinetic energy of a .357 handgun, with blades that spin at 3,000 revolutions per minute. It’s no wonder that more than 37,000 Americans are the victim of a power mower accident every year. Many of these are foot and toe injuries. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want to help our patients keep their feet safe and prevent mower injuries. Below are our top tips:
Did you know that when it comes to self care for patients with diabetes that men are far less likely than women to follow the podiatrist’s instructions? In honor of Men’s Health Month we at Superior Foot & Ankle Center want share some important ways that men (and the women who love them) can greatly reduce their risk of serious diabetic foot complications.
One of the biggest health threats for diabetic patients is an open wound or ulcer. Due to poor circulation and decreased immune system function even seemingly minor cuts or injuries can rapidly become major problems. Infections can develop that are very difficult to heal, leading to serious debilitation and even amputation. To reduce the risk of injury and infection, follow these tips:
Inspect your feet daily: since diabetic patients often have nerve damage which makes it difficult to perceive pain and other sensations, visual examination of the feet becomes very important. If you notice any unusual bumps, red spots, blisters, changes in color, size or shape of the foot you should let our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas know ASAP.
Don’t go barefoot: wearing some type of footwear will reduce the risk of toenail and skin infections since these are transmitted by direct contact. You will also decrease the chances of injuring your foot by banging into something or stepping on a sharp object.
Practice good hygiene: wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. Be sure to dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to help prevent athlete’s foot. Sweat glands can also be affected by diabetes. If feet are dry, be sure to apply a rich moisturizer to prevent cracking. Patients who sweat excessively should use a foot powder to help keep feet dry.
Prevent ingrown nails: keep toenails trimmed short and straight across—curved edges can grow down and back into the skin around the nail bed, opening a doorway for bacteria. If you do develop an ingrown nail, don’t attempt any “bathroom surgery!” Allow the podiatrist to take care of the nail.
Following these simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of disability and health issues from diabetes. If you have questions or are experiencing any unusual symptoms in your feet contact our Long Beach office for an appointment by calling: 562-420-9800.
Before May comes to an end we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center want to pass on information about a disease that can have a serious impact on your feet (and the rest of your body): osteoporosis. Many people don’t give osteoporosis much thought until after they discover they have it—and that often only occurs when they actually break a bone. However, The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that approximately 10 million Americans currently have this disease and that another 44 million are at risk of breaking a bone because of low bone density. To help raise awareness about osteoporosis and help patients decrease their risk of fractures here are some myths and facts about the disease:
MYTH: Osteoporosis is primarily a problem for women.
FACT: While it’s true that more women than men are affected by the disease—it’s estimated that one in two women will break a bone from osteoporosis—it’s a concern for men as well. Studies show that one in four men over the age of 50 will also break a bone from osteoporosis.
MYTH: I don’t like milk so there is no way for me to increase my bone strength through diet.
FACT: While dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are heavy hitters when it comes to calcium, there are other foods that contain high amounts as well. Certain greens, such as spinach, kale, okra and collards, soybeans, and some fish like perch, sardines, salmon and rainbow trout are all also good sources of calcium. Many cereals and juices are fortified with both calcium and vitamin D, which helps your body better absorb the calcium.
MYTH: Other than increasing your calcium intake there is really nothing you can do to increase bone strength.
FACT: There are several ways to help make bones stronger. Exercise—both weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening—helps build bone. Smart life style choices, such as not smoking, limiting alcoholic beverages and maintaining a healthy body weight can all reduce the stress placed on your bones.
MYTH: Foot health is not directly impacted by osteoporosis.
FACT: Did you know that there are 52 bones in a pair of feet—that’s nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body. Having weak bones increases your risk of both stress and regular fractures from daily activities like walking up stairs or gardening. Osteoporosis also means that falls, missteps and ankle sprains are more likely to result in fractures too.
The health of your bones is very much a concern of our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas. Be sure to discuss your personal risk factors with them at your next appointment at our Long Beach office.
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