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At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we find that patients may not accurately understand the seriousness of decreased circulation to the lower extremities. The medical condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) describes a situation where plaque (fatty deposits or cholesterol) have adhered to the walls of the arteries that lead to your legs and feet causing a partial or total blockage. This restricts the blood flow to the lower half of your body. PAD is often associated with diabetes and a significant cause of some of the more serious complications of the disease. When oxygen and nutrient-rich blood cannot get to your legs and feet in significant quantities, it makes it difficult to heal wounds and ulcers. This can lead to infection and, in extreme cases, amputation.
There is a variety of symptoms of PAD that you may observe or experience. These include:
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact our Long Beach office for an appointment by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas will want to examine your feet. There are a number of simple, non-invasive tests the foot doctor can perform to see if your symptoms point to PAD.
In addition to diabetes, PAD is also more common in patients who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or who have suffered a stroke. You are also at a higher risk for developing PAD if you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke. The good news, however, is that some risk factors for PAD are within your control to control. These include:
Making healthy lifestyle choices now and partnering with your podiatrist to monitor your foot health can help you prevent PAD or slow its progression. If you have additional questions about PAD, contact us at our Long Beach office in Douglas Park CA.
At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know that families all over Long Beach, Douglas Park area in California are preparing for that annual back-to-school shoe shopping trip. Of course, we think that the most important item on your list is new shoes. The choices you make for your children’s footwear can increase overall foot health and decrease the risk of injuries and podiatric disorders. Take our true/false quiz below to see how you score on shoe-shopping knowledge.
False—shoe size can vary among different brands and styles. You shouldn’t buy any shoes for your child without having them try them on. You also shouldn’t assume you know your child’s foot size. Children’s feet can increase a half size in as little as four months. It’s best to take your child to a shoe store, have their feet professionally measured, and then have them try on the shoes you are considering buying.
It’s best to shop first thing in the morning while my child is fresh and not cranky.
False—although your child may be in a better mood early in the day, that’s also when feet are at their smallest. Shoes bought then may feel tight later in the day and result in blisters or foot pain. Shop late in the afternoon or after dinner to ensure that shoes will feel comfortable all day long.
There should be some room in a shoe between the big toe and the front of the shoe.
True—about a thumb’s width (half an inch) of space will ensure that your child can move their toes and forefoot comfortably in the shoes. Tight toe boxes can lead to ingrown toenails and foot pain. You should also choose shoes that have firm heel counters, arch support, and a cushioned foot bed.
The podiatrist can offer recommendations regarding shoe styles for my child.
True—our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas will be happy to examine your child’s feet and make suggestions about proper footwear. It’s particularly important that you make an appointment at our Long Beach office if your child has sustained a foot or ankle injury recently or has a chronic foot condition such as flat feet or weak ankles. Contact us by calling: (562) 420-9800.
During the month of August, we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center recognize Psoriasis Action Month. Psoriasis can appear on your legs and feet as well as on other parts of your body. Below are some facts about this condition and what can be done about it.
FACT: Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system. It manifests most often as a skin condition. In people with psoriasis, new skin cells come to the surface too rapidly. This results in an inflammation of the skin.
FACT: It’s estimated that 8-12 million Americans currently suffer from psoriasis.
FACT: Psoriasis often first develops in patients between the ages of 15 and 25, but can strike at any age.
FACT: Researchers believe that the cause of psoriasis is a combination of an inherited genetic tendency for the disease combined with exposure to certain external triggers. Several possible triggers have been identified, including stress, certain medications, an injury or infection. Triggers are not the same for each person.
FACT: There are multiple types of psoriasis and they can appear differently on the skin. Thick patches of skin, redness, blisters, and lesions are some of the possible symptoms. Psoriasis may cause itching and pain.
FACT: Psoriasis can also cause inflammation and pain in your joints, tendons, and ligaments. About one in three patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
FACT: Patients with psoriasis are at an elevated risk for contracting other conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, osteoporosis, liver disease, diabetes, and more.
FACT: On your feet and toenails, psoriasis may look like athlete’s foot or fungal toenail infection. For this reason, if you notice any unusual changes in your skin or toenails or you are experiencing unexplained joint pain, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 for an appointment. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas will examine your feet and determine whether an infection, psoriasis or some other disorder is the source of your discomfort.
At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know that diabetes can affect your skin, joints, and bones in a number of ways. Two conditions associated with the disease—peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and neuropathy—are of particular concern when it comes to your lower extremities. PAD is a narrowing or blocking of the arteries to your legs, which can lead to poor circulation. This means that nutrient and oxygen-rich blood necessary for healing cannot reach your legs, feet, and toes as quickly as needed. Neuropathy is nerve damage that can result in loss of feeling in your feet, which makes it difficult to perceive pain and injury. This double whammy means that patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for a host of podiatric problems, including:
Difficulty healing can cause even minor foot and toe problems to become major threats with the potential for infection and even amputation. Below are some ways you can be proactive in preventing foot problems if you have diabetes:
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