Items filtered by date: February 2020

Monday, 24 February 2020 13:41

What’s Stopping You from Exercising?

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want to know, do any of our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients think exercise isn’t good for you and your feet? Who doesn’t want to have better circulation, lose or maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk for several foot disorders (such as plantar fasciitis and arthritis) as well as conditions such as diabetes and heart disease? Of course, we all do. But even with that being the case, many of us still can’t manage to make regular exercise a part of our routines. Below are some common blocks to exercise and how to break through them.

Barrier: You experience foot or ankle discomfort when you exercise.

Breakthrough: There are many potential reasons for podiatric discomfort ranging from injury, chronic disorders, or even improper footwear. The first step to figuring it out is to make an appointment at our Long Beach office (562-420-9800) so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, can examine your feet and find the source of your pain. The foot doctor can then prescribe the correct treatment to enable you to become more physically active.

Barrier: Too many family obligations to fit in fitness.

Breakthrough: Make exercise a family affair! Meet your children at the bus stop and take a brisk walk before heading inside for homework. Use family leisure time to engage in physically active pursuits like bike riding and hiking. Get chores done and burn calories—raking leaves, weeding and shoveling snow are more fun when done together. You’ll be helping your children and spouse stay active as well.

Barrier: Lack of motivation

Breakthrough: Choose an activity you enjoy. Discover the time of day when you have the most energy and time to work out. Forcing yourself to exercise at 6 a.m. when you’re not a morning person may be the source of your motivational issues. Get social about it. Invite a friend to walk with you on your lunch hour or after work, or join a community team for a sport you like.

The benefits of regular physical activity far outweigh whatever is holding you back. If you have additional questions about fitness and your feet, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Monday, 17 February 2020 13:40

Blister Beaters

What’s smaller than a penny, can be contracted anytime, anywhere and be painful enough to prevent you from being able to walk? A blister. At Superior Foot & Ankle Center, we acknowledge that a blister may not have the long term impact on your exercise program that a stress fracture or Achilles tendonitis would for our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients, but it can make it difficult to carry on for a several days or even weeks if you don’t correct the underlying cause.

Blisters occur when one layer of skin rubs against another and a fluid-filled raised bubble forms as a result. Friction and pressure are the primary causes for the formation of a blister. Knowing this, there are several ways to prevent a blister from forming.

Keep Feet Dry

Sweat and moisture increase friction, which increases the chances of a blister forming. Your goal is to keep your feet as dry as possible. If your sock of choice is 100% cotton, it’s time to make a change. While cotton is great at absorbing sweat, it holds it in the sock and remains damp against your foot. Instead, choose a synthetic blend of materials such as polyester, nylon, spandex or merino wool that wick the moisture away from your skin and through the sock. You may even want to consider wearing two pairs of socks. Dusting your feet with powder before putting on socks will also aid in keeping them dry.

Be Sure the Shoe Fits

Shoes that are too tight will rub and exert pressure on several parts of the foot and can easily result in blisters once you get moving. Even shoes that feel fine when you first lace them up may feel tight as your walk, run or day goes on. The longer you’re on your feet the more they swell. For this reason, it’s best to shop for shoes at the end of the day when your foot is at its largest. Get your foot professionally measured at a sport shoes store and try out new shoes at home for several hours before taking them on the road.

Take an Ounce of Prevention

You can easily slip a piece of moleskin into a pack or your pocket. As soon as you feel a sore spot developing, stop and apply the moleskin to prevent a blister from forming. If you’re on a hike, an extra pair of socks, water bottle and some bandages are other items you might want to have on hand to ward off blisters.

If you notice pus or a foul smell coming from a blister, it may be infected. Make an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 so our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, can examine and treat your blister promptly.

Monday, 10 February 2020 13:38

Have Some Heart this Valentine’s Day

February is American Heart Month, and at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want to recognize this important opportunity for our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients to make healthy changes to reduce the risk of heart disease. Did you know that symptoms of heart disease may show themselves in your feet? Swelling in the lower legs, feet, and ankles and a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin on your feet and toes may be indicators of a heart problem. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important that you contact our Long Beach office for an appointment so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, can examine your feet and determine the cause of these changes in your feet.

Show Your Love

With hearts abounding for Valentine’s Day, we’d like to suggest some heart-healthy ways to celebrate with the ones you love. After all, spending time together in good health is the best gift of all.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Take a Dance Class—Romance is in the air when you and your beloved take to the dance floor. And you’ll also be getting exercise. Staying active is a key factor in reducing the risk of heart problems.
  • Cook a Delicious Dinner Together—Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring! Fill your plates with a colorful array of vegetables and fruits. Incorporate lean proteins like skinless chicken and fish into your menu. Experiment with cuisines from around the world. Add flavor instead of fat with exotic seasonings. Light the candles, and you’re all set!
  • De-Stress Times Two—Stress increases blood pressure and puts extra strain on your heart. Find new ways to relax together. Splurge on a couple’s massage. Take a long walk in a new park or part of the city you haven’t been to before. Pray or meditate together.

Cultivating healthy habits with the one you love will help ensure a long life together. For more ways to be proactive about your podiatric health, contact us by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Monday, 03 February 2020 13:37

6 Ways to Reduce Your Fall Risk

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know that one of the major fears our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area senior patients have is falling. And with good reason: falls are the number one cause of fatal injuries to older people. It’s estimated that up to 50% of all patients 65 and older will suffer a fall in the upcoming year. There’s no reason to let fear keep you in your armchair, however. Much can be done to prevent falls. Below are six suggestions.

  1. Know your risk. Some factors indicate you have an elevated risk of falling. These include:
  • Falling within the last year
  • Having impaired vision
  • Recent foot or ankle surgery
  • Balance problems
  • Decreased sensation or weakness in your lower extremities
  1. Take care of your feet. Our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas specialize in senior foot care and are your partners in preventing falls. A major reason for falls is putting off getting foot or ankle pain evaluated and treated. Schedule regular appointments at our Long Beach office so that the foot doctor can monitor chronic problems you have such as bunions and hammertoes, which can become more painful over time. If a new podiatric problem develops or an old gets worse, contact us immediately by calling: (562) 420-9800.
  2. Re-evaluate your footwear. Your shoes can cause or prevent a fall. Don’t wear high or unstable spiky heels. Don’t choose styles that have smooth soles but instead look for a non-slip tread. Avoid flip-flops and slippers that don’t securely fit on your feet. Discard old, stretched out shoes and those with holes or damage.
  3. Conduct a home safety inspection. Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs, magazine stands and electrical cords from walkways. Be sure there is adequate lighting throughout the house and stair and grab rails where needed.
  4. Stay on top of medical conditions. Changes in vision, medications that cause you to feel dizzy, heart, blood pressure or other conditions that can make you pass out all need to be monitored with regular checkups. Report any symptoms that affect your balance to your doctor promptly.
  5. Be active. Regular exercise helps reduce stiffness and keeps your feet and legs limber and flexible. Focus on exercises that increase balance as well.

If you have additional questions about foot health for seniors, contact us today.

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