Items filtered by date: September 2019

Wednesday, 25 September 2019 12:55

Fall Shoes Bring Bunion and Hammertoe Discomfort

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we often find that more women are making appointments at our Long Beach office in Douglas Park, CA the fall with complaints about their bunions and hammertoes. These are both deformities of the toes that can seem more painful than ever when patients switch from the open shoe styles of summer to closed toe shoes in the fall.

A bunion occurs when the big toe joint begins to move out of place and the big toe drifts toward the second toe. As the dislocation of the joint progresses, the telltale bump forms on the side of the toe. In the case of hammertoe, the second, third, or fourth toe begins to bend at the middle joint creating the hammer-like position of the toe and hence the name. Although these two conditions are different in appearance, they are both toe deformities and have several things in common.

The Shoe Factor

Bunions and hammertoes are both biomechanical problems that can be caused by an inherited tendency for the deformity, or a number of other risk factors, such as arthritis or a previous injury. Both conditions, however, can be made worse by wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toe box. High-heeled shoes and boots can also exacerbate these conditions because they force feet forward and exert extra pressure on the toes.

What to Do

If you are experiencing increased discomfort from either a hammertoe or a bunion, make an appointment with our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas, so they can evaluate your toes and see how far the condition has progressed. The foot doctor will determine if surgery is needed to correct the problem or if you can get by at this point with conservative measures. These may include:

  • Icing the toe
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Shoe modifications or a custom orthotic
  • Stretching exercises or physical therapy

Don’t wait. If you are in pain, contact us today and let us help you get relief.

Wednesday, 18 September 2019 12:53

Helpful Hints for Hikers

Hiking is a great way to stay in shape, spend time with family and friends, and appreciate the beauty of nature. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want our patients to keep their feet safe while enjoying this activity. Below are some recommendations before you hit the trail.

Shoe Sense—it all starts with the right hiking shoes or boots. The terrain on trails can be steep, uneven, and unstable. It’s essential that you have the proper foot gear. Get professionally fitted and buy quality-hiking shoes that protect your feet from moisture, provide good support and shock absorption, and have a tread to help prevent slips and slides. If you have chronic foot problem such as weak ankles or heel spurs, see our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas get recommendations for shoe styles and other modifications that will best accommodate your condition.

Proper Planning—if you are planning to hike on a trail you’ve never been on, study a map to determine the length of the trail, whether it’s “in and out” or a circle, the elevation, and how the trail is maintained. Take into consideration your current physical condition and don’t overdo it. Warm-up and stretch before starting a hike to avoid injuries like Achilles tendonitis.

Knapsack Know-How—in addition to granola bars and plenty of water (which will not only keep you hydrated but also reduce the chances of painful swelling in your feet and ankles), you should include a few other items in your backpack. Blisters, though small, can ruin a hike. Pack moleskin and use it as soon as you notice rubbing or a sore spot on your foot. It’s also a good idea to have wraps or elastic bandages in case of an ankle sprain and bandages and antibiotic ointment for minor scrapes or insect bites.

Foot and ankle injuries require immediate medical attention. If you fall, twist an ankle, or injure your feet or ankles in any way while hiking, contact our Long Beach office in Douglas Park, CA by calling (562) 420-9800 as soon as possible. Until you can get in to see us, follow the RICE regimen: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Wednesday, 11 September 2019 12:51

“It Won’t Happen to Me” and Other Fall Myths

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we treat patients of all ages. During the month of September, we celebrate Fall Prevention Awareness Day , and it’s a good opportunity for us to address this serious concern for our senior patients.

Facts about Falls

Some sobering statistics about falls:

  • Every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in the emergency room for a fall injury
  • Falls are the number one cause of fatal injuries and trauma-related hospital admissions for senior citizens
  • Each year, one fourth of all Americans aged 65 and older will fall
  • Falls can lead to a decrease in quality of life for older adults causing fear, depression, physical decline and social isolation

There is much that can be done to prevent senior falls. The first step is debunking common myths and changing the mindset of at-risk patients. Some of the more common fallacies about falls include:

“Falling is just a normal part of getting old.” Not so. For every senior who falls there are three that don’t. Staying active, wearing shoes that fit properly, getting your vision and other medical issues checked regularly and managing medications properly are just a few ways to reduce fall risk.

“If my feet hurt, I just need to be extra careful when I walk.” Foot pain is primary cause of fall injuries. When you are in pain, you naturally alter the way you walk to protect the vulnerable area. This, in turn, can throw off your balance and cause you to stumble. Get foot pain checked out promptly by our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas. The foot doctor can diagnose your podiatric problem and prescribe the necessary treatment to bring relief from pain.

“Using a cane or walker will really make me look old and lead to loss of independence.” If the foot doctor or physical therapist prescribes a walking aid, it will actually help you preserve your independence by enabling you to walk safely. Follow instructions for use and be sure the cane or walker is fitted for you.

“If I stay home, I’ll be safe.” The truth is that over half of all falls happen at home. Reduce the chances of taking a spill by getting rid of clutter on the floor and throw rugs. Add grab bars in the bathroom and a second handrail on stairs. Increase lighting in hallways and by the entrances to your home.

Don’t be embarrassed to share concerns about falling with the podiatrist at your next appointment. If you have questions, contact our Long Beach office in Douglas Park, CA by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Thursday, 05 September 2019 12:48

Fall Sports Do’s and Don’ts

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.

Recognize the Symptoms

There is a variety of symptoms of PAD that you may observe or experience. These include:

  • Pain or cramping in your feet, legs, thighs or buttocks
  • Feeling of coldness in your legs
  • Hair loss on your toes and legs
  • Bluish or reddish tinge to the skin on your feet or under the toenails
  • Thickening and discoloration of your toenails
  • Ulcers or wounds on your feet that have not healed after 8-12 weeks

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.

Reducing Your Risk

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:

  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity

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.

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