Items filtered by date: June 2019

Thursday, 27 June 2019 12:21

Do You Like How Your Feet Look?

Are you comfortable wearing strappy sandals or open-style shoes? If not, does the appearance of your feet have something to do with it? At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know that several podiatric disorders have unsightly outward signs that can make female patients feel self-conscious about wearing individual shoe styles. Below are some of the most common ones and what you can do about them.

Bunions—a large bump at the base of the big toe is the telltale sign of a bunion. While many patients know how to recognize a bunion, there is a lack of understanding about the condition. A bunion is a progressive condition, meaning it will only get worse over time. That’s why at the first sign of a bunion it’s important that you make an appointment at our Long Beach office (562-420-9800) so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas can evaluate it. The foot doctor may want to take an x-ray to use to monitor the progression of the bunion. There are several conservative treatment options available, although only surgery can correct a bunion. The podiatrist will recommend the best treatment based on your individual case.

Haglund’s Deformity—perhaps you know this condition by its more common name—pump bump. A bony enlargement at the back of the heel distinguishes it. When pumps or other shoes with stiff backs rub against the bony protrusion, it can become inflamed and red, causing pain and discomfort. Wearing open-backed shoes and using heel lifts can both help reduce the irritation.

Fungal Toenails—a brownish discoloration of a toenail, along with thickening and crumbling edges can signal a fungal toenail. Although these are often not painful, they are unattractive and can spread to other nails if left untreated. Topical, oral, and laser therapy are all possible treatments for eradicating fungal nails.

You don’t have to hide your feet. If you have a condition that is causing you to want to keep your feet hidden away, contact us and let us help you restore your feet’s natural beauty.

Wednesday, 19 June 2019 12:20

4 Common Foot Problems for Men

June is a month for celebrating men! At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want to recognize Men’s Health Month by highlighting some foot infections that afflict men. Studies show that men are less likely to be proactive and diligent about getting medical care. Encourage the men you love to get foot problems treated promptly by our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas. Below are some common podiatric issues men face.

  1. Haglund’s Deformity—while this condition, known as “pump bump,” it frequently affects men as well as women. Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel that can become inflamed and irritated from the friction of stiff dress shoes and other footwear rubbing up against it. Bursitis can also develop because of Haglund’s deformity. The foot doctor will recommend shoe modifications, including changes in style and heel lifts or pads to help reduce friction. Icing and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to relieve initial pain and inflammation.
  2. Gout—this painful, arthritic condition that usually strikes the joint at the base of the big toe is seen most often in men, ages 40-60. It is caused by too much uric acid in the body, which crystallizes in the joint. There are several potential sources of gout, and the podiatrist will help men who have suffered a gout attack before tracking down the cause. In many cases, certain foods can trigger an attack, and gout patients may need to avoid shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and rich sauces.
  3. Fungal Infections—regular exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but if the gym or community pool is the work site of choice, it’s essential to keep feet covered to avoid fungal infections like athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. These are passed on by direct contact. Places where people usually are barefoot and that are moist and warm are prime breeding grounds.
  4. Plantar Fasciitis—one of the most frequent causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a long band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of your foot. If it becomes inflamed, heel pain may result. Flat feet and poorly fitting or worn out shoes are one common cause of inflammation.

Encourage your man not to ignore foot and ankle pain. Instead, make an appointment at our Long Beach office today by calling: (562) 420-9800 and get treatment before the problem worsens.

Wednesday, 12 June 2019 12:16

Losing Weight: Your Feet Will Thank You

It’s a sad fact that 74% of overweight Americans have foot problems. So, while you may wonder what the connection is, at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know there is a direct correlation between being overweight or obese and the health of your feet. It’s easy to see when you stop and think about it: your feet are carrying the weight of your entire body—the more you weigh the more stress and hard work for your feet. Below are three benefits for your feet to losing weight:

  1. Less foot pain—excess weight puts strain on your tendons and joints and can cause a flattening of the arch of your foot. This can increase your risk or the severity of several foot conditions, including:
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Sesamoiditis
  • Gout

Changes and discomfort in your feet can also lead to problems with your back, hips and knees. If you are experiencing pain in any part of your foot, it’s essential that you make an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas can examine your feet and determine the source of your foot problem.

  1. Prevention of diseases—maintaining a healthy weight can also help lower your risk of certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and peripheral arterial disease. These systemic diseases can have devastating affects on your feet like neuropathy and circulation problems.
  2. Greater mobility—the less you weigh, the easier it is to be active. Being active can help in losing and maintaining a proper weight. A regular exercise routine will also help keep foot joints flexible and preserve a full range of motion.

The good news is that it doesn’t require a huge drop in weight to see big results for your feet. For example, for every pound you lose, this reduces the pressure on your knees by up to four pounds. If you are concerned that your weight may be affecting the condition of your feet, contact us today for more information.

Thursday, 06 June 2019 12:12

Avoid Summer Foot Hazards

During the summer months your feet experience some particular challenges. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we want to alert our patients to some potential foot and ankle problems and ways to prevent them.

Puncture Wounds and Cuts—going bare foot increases your risk of stepping on a sharp object. If this does happen and you sustain a puncture wound or cut be sure to clean it out completely and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Avoid swimming in lakes or the ocean while the wound remains open to prevent an infection from developing. If the area around the wound starts to feel warm or you notice redness or any pus or discharge, contact our Long Beach office immediately by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas will examine your foot and determine if you need treatment.

Fungal Infections—athlete’s foot, fungal toenails and warts are among the bacterial and fungal infections that are spread by direct contact. For this reason, we recommend keeping your feet covered in public places like community pools, gym locker rooms and showers and the nail salon.

Heel Pain—if flip-flops are your summer go-to shoes, you may notice an increase in heel pain. The average pair of flip-flops provides no arch support. Flattening of the arch exerts more pressure on your heel. If this is your footwear of choice, invest in a pair designed with sturdy soles and built in arch support.

Ankle Sprains—unfortunately many other summer shoe styles are also lacking in side, ankle and arch support. While these may be fine for dinner out or a special occasion, be sure not to wear them for extended periods of walking or sports activities as this likely to result in an ankle twisting injury.

Fortunately, a little common sense and smart choices can go a long way toward protecting your feet this summer. If you have foot pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

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