Displaying items by tag: ankle twisting injuries

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we often find that our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients with ongoing ankle issues assume that this is a condition they have to live with. Not so! Below are some frequently asked questions about chronic ankle pain and instability, including how to best treat it.

What are the signs of a chronic ankle condition?

Chronic ankle conditions may manifest in several ways, including:

• Feelings of weakness or instability in the ankle
• Frequently turning of the ankle
• Pain or tenderness
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling

These symptoms may come and go, but that doesn’t mean they should not be evaluated by our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas.

Why does chronic ankle pain and weakness occur?

Most often, recurring ankle problems are the result of an ankle sprain that did not fully heal. Other causes are:

• Scar tissue
• Ankle joint bone fractures
• Arthritis
• Inflammation of tendons or joint lining
• Nerve damage, such as tearing, pinching, or stretching of the ankle nerves.

The wide range of possible causes is why you need to have ankle discomfort evaluated. Make an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.

How is chronic ankle pain and instability treated?

The treatment for an ongoing ankle issue will depend on the root cause of the discomfort and the severity of the condition. The foot doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory or steroidal medications temporarily to relieve swelling and inflammation. Ankle braces and supports can help keep your ankle stable. Physical therapy and exercise can strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion. In some cases, surgery may be warranted.

It’s important not to put off seeking treatment for chronic ankle problems. If you do, chances are they will only get worse. If you have any troubling symptoms or concerns about your ankle, contact us today.

It’s that time of year again—flyers are flooding your mailbox and ads on television are getting you primed for holiday bargains. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we want to make sure that the money you save on holiday shopping isn’t at the expense of your feet and ankles. Your best defense against foot pain and injury is the shoes you wear. Below are 6 tips for choosing the best shoes for long shopping days:

1. Go for fit first. Did you know that some studies estimate as many as 90% of people are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet? The longer you’re on your feet, the more your feet swell. If you are starting with shoes that are too small, your shopping day is going to be shortened because your feet will begin to hurt after just a couple of hours of power walking from store to store. It’s a good idea to get your feet professionally measured to ensure the proper size.
2. Don’t wear a new pair of shoes. Even if they felt comfortable in the store, a new pair of shoes should be worn for short periods of time at first to make sure there is no rubbing or friction. A marathon shopping day is not the time to try them out. Wear a pair that you know to be comfortable.
3. Be light on your feet. Choose a lighter weight pair of shoes for a long day of shopping. The heavier the shoes, the faster your feet will get tired out wearing them.
4. Don’t forget your orthotics. If the foot doctor has prescribed a custom orthotic device to be worn in your shoes, it’s to keep your feet properly positioned to help correct a biomechanical problem and avoid foot pain.
5. Choose a thick sole. Shock absorption is key to preventing foot pain. Gel insoles and cushioned midsoles can increase comfort by cushioning your steps to protect your feet.
6. Prevent injury. High top shoes with solid ankle support and shoes with a grooved tread can help prevent slips and ankle twisting injuries which could bring bargain shopping to a screeching halt. If you do sustain an injury, don’t wait. Contact our Long Beach office (562-420-9800) so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas can examine your feet and determine the extent of your injury and the appropriate treatment.