Foot Care Tips

Foot Care Tips (20)

Feet are often taken for granted and not given much attention, but in April we celebrate National Foot Health Awareness Month. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want to take this opportunity to share with our Los Angeles county patients some simple steps you can take to protect the health of your feet and avoid many common podiatric disorders.

  • Inspect your feet regularly. When is the last time you really looked at your feet? Changes in skin color or the condition of your toenails, unexplained bruising, lumps, and cuts that don’t heal are all potential signs of a foot problem. Many deformities like bunions and hammertoes also occur gradually. The majority of podiatric disorders can be more easily and better treated in their early stages. If you spot anything concerning, contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800 and make an appointment with our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, so that they can examine your feet and determine if there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
  • Make smart shoe choices. One of the most important determining factors for the health of your feet is what you put on them. Proper fit is essential. Don’t wear shoes that feel tight or squeeze your toes together. Look for styles with roomy toe boxes, good arch support, and a firm fit around the heel. Avoid spending too much time in heels over two inches high.
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash feet daily. Dust with anti-fungal or talcum powder if your feet tend to sweat excessively and moisturize at night with a good moisturizer.
  • Engage in a healthy lifestyle. We sometimes forget that what we do with the rest of our body most definitely impacts the health of our feet. High cholesterol, for example, can lead to poor circulation which diminishes the ability of oxygen and nutrients needed for healing to reach your feet in a timely manner. Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and exercising regularly will all benefit your feet as well.

If you have questions about how to best take care of your feet and ankles, contact us today.

Wednesday, 11 March 2020 13:48

Simple Steps to Improve Foot Health

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we want all of our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients to have the healthiest feet possible. Often, small changes can make a huge impact on the condition of your feet. Below are some simple ways you can improve your podiatric health and reduce the risk of common foot disorders.

  • Be mindful of changes in your feet. Inspecting your feet regularly will help you spot anything unusual or different about your feet, and that is important in detecting problems in their earliest stages. Unexplained bruising, swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, growths, and toes that look like they are moving out of place should all be brought to the prompt attention of our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas.
  • Keep them clean. Simply washing your feet every day with soap and water will go a long way toward preventing infections. Be sure to dry your feet completely before putting on socks, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes. Accumulating moisture there can create a breeding ground for athlete’s foot.
  • Choose your shoes wisely. To prevent a whole host of foot disorders such as bunions, Haglund’s deformity, and plantar fasciitis, wear shoes that are well-designed and fit properly. As many as 9 out of 10 people are wearing shoes that are too small for them! Get your feet professionally measured. Invest in quality shoes with good arch support and cushioned insoles.
  • Keep your feet covered, especially in public places. It is the single biggest way to prevent fungal infections and warts, which are spread by direct contact.
  • Take care of the toenails. Trim toenails straight across and not so short that the skin on the sides can overlap the nail and cause an ingrown toenail. Always file nails straight across and get rid of rough or jagged nails promptly.

Good foot care isn’t hard or time-consuming, and your feet will reward you with many years of active life. If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of podiatric care, don’t hesitate to contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Do you have plans to take a vacation this summer? At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we have seen too many patients happily making travel plans only to return a week later with a foot injury or other podiatric problem. Fortunately, many of these issues can be avoided if you take a few simple precautions. Below are five tips for ensuring safe travels for your feet and ankles.

  1. Take breaks. If your destination is more than an hour or two away, be sure to get up and walk around a bit and stretch periodically. In a plane or train, this is easy enough to do. If you are driving, plan to stop every couple of hours and get out of the car for a short walk.
  2. Wear compression stockings for long flights. These can prevent deep vein thrombosis and blood clots from forming in your legs by stimulating circulation and keeping the blood flowing to and from your extremities.
  3. Choose good travel shoes. Save the strappy sandals and flip-flops for your vacation site. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes traveling to and from your destination. Hauling luggage, running for flights and packing/unpacking requires good shoes.
  4. Check your children’s shoes before you go. Kids grow out of their shoes quickly. You don’t want your first “souvenir” shopping trip to be for new shoes for your child because the ones she has on your trip are too small and hurting her feet.
  5. Don’t forget to pack the foot care basics. Nail clippers, an emery board, moleskin, bandages, and antibiotic ointment can save the day when it comes to minor foot injuries and preventive care.

If you sustain a foot injury or experience acute pain in your toes, feet, or ankles while you’re away, seek medical attention promptly. Be sure to follow up with an appointment at our Long Beach office (562- 420-9800) when you return so that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas can check your feet and make sure no further treatment is necessary.

Monday, 01 April 2019 11:55

10 Simple Steps to Healthier Feet

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we want patients to know that being proactive about the health of your feet and ankles doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and in its honor, we are providing these easy suggestions for taking care of your feet:

  1. Wash your feet every day with soap and warm water.
  2. Keep feet dry—change your socks if you sweat excessively. Dry between your toes after you shower. Dry feet are less likely to develop athlete’s foot.
  3. Don’t share shoes, socks, nail clippers, towels or other items that touch someone else’s feet.
  4. Inspect your feet regularly. Look for signs of foot disorders: swelling, redness, rashes, growths, lumps, discoloration of toenails and any cuts or wounds that are slow to heal.
  5. Don’t delay seeking treatment for foot and ankle pain. Most podiatric conditions will get worse the longer they go untreated. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, make an appointment with our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas to get your condition evaluated as soon as possible.
  6. Get your foot measured professionally. Foot size can change during pregnancy and as you age. The majority of patients are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet.
  7. Wear shoes with good arch support. Many cases of heel pain and plantar fasciitis are caused by footwear that allows your arch to flatten, which in turn puts pressure on your heel.
  8. Stretch your feet. Flexing your feet, wiggling your toes and rotating your ankles all help keep feet flexible and promote good range of motion.
  9. Maintain a healthy weight. Many foot disorders are caused or made worse by being overweight.
  10. Apply sunscreen to your feet when they will be exposed—this means when you’re wearing sandals and open shoes as well as when you’re spending a day at the beach or pool.

Following these small steps will have a big impact on the health of your feet. To learn more about how to be proactive in the care of your feet, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Wednesday, 19 December 2018 19:12

Do’s and Don’ts for Better Foot Health

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we want to encourage our patients to be proactive in the health of their feet. There are many ways that you can help prevent foot and ankle disorders.

Below are some basic foot care tips:

  • Practice good podiatric hygiene. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water. Drying feet completely, especially between the toes will help prevent athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
  • Don’t walk barefoot. Even in the comfort of your own home going barefoot increases the risk of puncture wounds from stepping on a sharp object hiding in the carpet or stubbing your toe or foot. In public places, walking with bare feet is an invitation for contagious podiatric conditions such as fungal toenails and
  • Always use sunscreen on your feet when you are outside, and feet are exposed. This goes for days when you are out walking in open sandals as well as when you are at the beach or pool.
  • Take care of toenails. Keeping toenails trimmed straight across (never with curved edges) and not too short reduces the risk of getting an ingrown toenail.
  • Examine your feet periodically. Look for changes in nail or skin color, bruising, swelling, bumps, rashes and redness. Unusual changes can be a sign of a foot problem. If you notice anything concerning, contact our Long Beach office for an Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas, will examine your feet and determine if a problem exists, that requires treatment.
  • Don’t attempt to treat yourself. “Bathroom surgery” conducted by patients trying to shave corns, or calluses, remove warts or ingrown nails can lead to severe injury and infection. The podiatrist best handles those tasks.
  • When in pain, seek treatment. Ignoring foot pain will usually result in condition getting worse. Don’t delay, contact us by calling: (562) 420-9800.
Wednesday, 12 December 2018 19:10

All Your Feet Want for Christmas

Dear Santa,

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, we have been working extra hard and trying our best to do everything we are asked to do. We have walked the mall looking for the best gifts, stood on line at the post office mailing cards and packages, attended several festivities and been putting in extra hours for house cleaning and cooking. Below is a list of gifts we are requesting:

  1. A visit to Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center. We’ve been hurting for a while now and the added pressure of the holidays has only increased our discomfort. We know that foot doctors, Dr. Victoria Foley, and Dr. Constance Ornelas will examine us and be able to provide a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan for what’s causing our pain.
  2. New shoes. We have a few comfy favorites, but honestly, they are getting a little worn out. The backs are stretched, and there is some frayed stitching on the toe that I am afraid is going to cause a trip or fall. In addition, it’s time to ditch some of the high heels and shoes with pointy toes—they are making our toes hurt, and we are worried that wearing them may cause a bunion to develop. We need to be professionally measured too because, over time, foot size can change.
  3. Professional pedicure. It would be relaxing to soak in a warm bath and then have my nails trimmed and polished in a festive color for the holidays. Of course, that’s only if the salon follows all the proper sanitizing procedures for sterilizing foot baths and nail tools so that we don’t end up with a fungal infection.
  4. Extra emollient moisturizer. With the heat on all the time, our skin is getting pretty dry. Flakes and itching are annoying enough, but we certainly don’t want to get to the point where cracks are opening in our heels. Thick and rich cream or lotion to put on our feet would be much appreciated. In addition, maybe a pair of fleece socks to put on after the lotion is applied would be great if it’s not too much to ask.

Are your feet trying to tell you something? If you have questions about unusual podiatric symptoms, you are experiencing or want to learn more ways to be proactive in caring for your feet, contact our Long Beach office today by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Thursday, 02 August 2018 16:34

Celebrate “I Love My Feet Day”

On August 17th we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center want our patients to recognize a special occasion: “I Love My Feet” Day. Your feet are the transportation for your body. Although often taken for granted, there’s not much you can do without them. So, take this opportunity to treat your feet to something special. Below are a few suggestions:

Foot massage

Get a professional foot massage or give yourself one (there are lots of how-to’s online). Foot massage can relieve soreness after a long day spent on your feet. It also can help with certain chronic foot disorders like arthritis, flat feet and plantar fasciitis as well as improve circulation and reduce stress. Plus, it just feels soooo good!

Upgrade your shoes

Do an inventory of your shoe wardrobe. Throw out any shoes that are worn out or hurt when you wear them (hint: ones with heels over two inches and narrow, pointy toe boxes are likely offenders). If you spend a large amount of time in flip-flops, invest in a pair that has arch support to prevent heel and arch pain.

Start doing self-exams

One of the best ways you can care for your feet is by doing regular self-exams on them. Look over your entire foot, top and bottom. Check for changes in color, bruising, rashes, bumps, cuts that don’t seem to be healing and changes in moles or freckles. Inspect toenails to make sure they are not growing inward or showing signs of a fungal infection (crumbling at the edges, discoloration). Stretch your feet, wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles—any pain, stiffness or limitations in range of motion? If you notice anything abnormal or questionable, make an appointment at our Long Beach office so that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas can examine your feet and determine if anything is wrong.

Put them up

Give your feet a break! Elevate them at the end of the day to a height higher than your heart if possible. This will help with swelling and circulation and also give them some much-deserved rest.

If you have questions about other ways to improve the health and well-being of your feet, contact us by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Thursday, 12 July 2018 16:29

5 Foot Friendly Vacation Tips

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we’ve heard horror stories of summer vacations that patients never got to enjoy because they were sidelined by a foot problem early on in their trip. We’d like to help prevent podiatric mishaps when traveling and so we are offering these 4 tips for safer summer vacations:

  1. Wear comfy shoes on travel days. Whether you’re flying or taking a long road trip, you’ll want to start (and end) your trip with a comfortable pair of shoes, preferably ones with low heels and roomy toe boxes. Travel days can be strenuous—loading luggage, running to catch a flight, getting in and out of the car, are all best done in a pair of shoes that won’t hurt your feet or cause you to trip or fall. You will also want dependable shoes for walking and sports activities—save the heels and sandals for dinner out.
  2. Wear water shoes at the beach or lake. If there’s water in your vacation plans be sure to pack water shoes. Rocks, nails, glass, broken shells and washed up jellyfish and insects can be hidden in sand and mud and you can protect your feet from puncture wounds, cuts and stings by keeping them covered. Another good reason for water shoes (and this is true at a resort pool too) is that they prevent your feet from coming in contact with fungi and bacteria that lurk in warm, moist, public places. Nobody wants to bring home a case of athlete’s foot!
  3. Lather on the sunscreen. If the sun can get to your feet, your feet can end up sunburned. Badly burned feet can mean spending precious vacation days unable to walk. Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet when at the beach or pool. For sightseeing or shopping trips, if you’ll be wearing sandals put sunscreen on first, then your shoes.
  4. Drink lots of water. Edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, can make walking painful. Staying hydrated helps to get rid of excess fluid and decreases swelling. Plus, it’s good for the rest of your body too!
  5. Add a few items to your pack list. They won’t take up much space but moleskin, some bandages and antibiotic ointment, extra socks and foot powder can make your days more comfortable.

If your summer vacation leaves you with any unwanted souvenirs such as an ankle injury, an unexplained rash or foot pain, contact our Long Beach office as soon as you return by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley or Dr. Constance Omelas will help determine the cause of the problem and prescribe the right treatment to get you back to basking in the afterglow of your vacation.

Monday, 02 July 2018 16:27

Free Your Feet from Shoes that Hurt

Freedom is a word frequently associated with Independence Day and here at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, it’s also a reminder that many patients are wearing shoes that too small for their feet. Improperly fitting shoes is one of the top causes of foot pain and can lead to chronic foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis and fallen arches. Follow the tips below on your next shoe shopping trip to ensure a good fit:

  • Don’t buy shoes without trying them on. Even if you think you know your size, fit can vary based on the manufacturer and the shoe style.
  • Get your foot professionally measured. There are two good reasons for this. First, most people have two different sized feet. You’ll want to buy shoes to fit the bigger foot. Also, your shoe size may increase as you get older or if you’ve recently given birth.
  • Shop at the end of the day. Your feet are at their largest and most swollen after you’ve been on them all day. A common foot shopping faux pas is buying shoes early in the day and then finding when you wear them that you can’t wait to take them off at the end of the day because they make your feet hurt.
  • Focus on the toes. Many common toe problems such as bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and corns are made worse by shoes that have narrow toe boxes. High heels can also force toes into a cramped position. You should be able to wiggle all your toes freely in a properly fitting pair of shoes and there should be at least a half an inch of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • Avoid styles that are completely flat with no arch support. In addition, if the foot doctor has prescribed an orthotic device, bring it with you and try on with the shoes you are considering.
  • Try on both shoes and take your time walking around the store to make sure they are comfortable. When you take the shoes off, check for red marks on your feet which may indicate friction or rubbing from the shoe.

If you are experiencing chronic foot aches and pains, schedule an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley or Dr. Constance Omelas will evaluate your feet and determine whether it’s your shoes or another problem that is causing your discomfort.

Thursday, 03 May 2018 16:09

Mower Safety Tips

Did you know that each year over 25,000 Americans are injured while using their power mowers? The majority of these injuries occur to the lower extremities, hence our concern here at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center. It’s easy to get complacent when doing repetitive tasks and we’d like to offer the following safety tips and reminders when mowing your lawn:

  • Never mow a lawn that is wet. The number one cause of foot injuries by power mowers is the loss of control of the mower on slippery, wet grass.
  • Okay, you wouldn’t think we’d have to say this, but emergency room reports say otherwise: don’t mow your lawn wearing sandals, open-toed shoes or barefoot! Even sneakers do not provide much protection against blades whirling at 3,000 revolutions per minute. Work boots or other heavy shoes are your best bet.
  • For lawns that slope, mow crosswise, not up and down.
  • Do not take small children for “rides” on the lawn mower or let them sit on your lap when mowing. Many tragic accidents occur when a child tries to get on or off the machine and their feet can’t clear the blades.
  • Pick up large sticks and any other debris in your yard before mowing to avoid projectile injuries from objects being kicked up by the mower.
  • Don’t pull a running mower backward.
  • Make sure you know where your children are when you are mowing and teach them not to try to come out and talk to you when mowing. The noise of the mower will prevent you from knowing they are approaching.
  • Use a mower that has an automatic shut off when you release the handle.

Even if you sustain what appears to be a superficial wound from a lawnmower blade it’s essential that you stop and immediately clean the area, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. If you notice any heat or redness around the wound within a few days following the injury or you just are not sure it is healing properly, contact our Long Beach office to make an appointment by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas will examine your injured foot and prescribe any additional treatment needed.

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