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At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we thought we’d get into the spirit of Halloween for our Los Angeles County patients by exploring some foot problems that have frightening names. If our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas told you that you had one of the disorders named below, you might panic. But in reality, these are just the medical names for some fairly common and easily treatable conditions. And, our friendly podiatrists would most likely tell you the “user-friendly” name of your foot problem to avoid alarming you!

Tinea Pedis—You’d probably be less scared if you heard “athlete’s foot,” the common name for this itchy skin problem. Often beginning between your toes, the skin will be red, itchy, and flaky. In advanced cases, oozing blisters and cracks in the skin may develop. There are a number of topical treatments that the foot doctor may prescribe to eliminate athlete’s foot. Of course, it’s better to avoid contracting it in the first place. To prevent athlete’s foot, wear shower shoes when walking in public places like community pools and gyms, avoid items that touch another person’s foot, and keep feet dry.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome—You may experience this podiatric problem if you’ve recently started a new walking or running program. Its shorter name is “shin splints.” Telltale signs include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the front of the leg on either side of the shin bones. It’s important that you have your legs and feet examined by the foot doctor if you have shin splints because there are a number of different causes of this condition. Left untreated, the pain will get worse and may even lead to a stress fracture.

Onychomycosis—What does it mean when your toenails become discolored and get thick and crumbly? Most likely you’ve contracted toenail fungus—also known as onychomycosis. Fungal toenails are harder to get rid of than other fungal infections. The foot doctor will prescribe the best treatment option for you. We also offer KeryFlex Nail Restoration System to repair nails damaged by fungal infections.

We don’t ever want any of our patients to be fearful about seeing the podiatrist. If you notice anything that looks even a little frightful about your toes, feet or ankles make an appointment at our Long Beach office today by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Tuesday, 07 April 2020 14:01

Enjoy an At-Home Pedicure

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know the coronavirus has made life very stressful for our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients, and we hope everyone is doing their best to stay safe and healthy. One suggestion we have if you are staying in your home is to treat yourself to a pedicure—home style. Taking care of yourself helps maintain good health and a healthy attitude.

An at-home pedicure is also relaxing and soothing. Just follow these 9 simple steps:

  1. Find a quiet place in your home. Put on some soft music and light a scented candle. Try to have all our tools gathered before you start.
  2. Remove old nail polish using nail polish remover and cotton balls.
  3. Soak your feet in a basin of warm, soapy water. Add some essential oils to the water if you have them. Using a soft nail brush, gently scrub your toenails. Rinse feet with clean water. For patients with diabetes, you should now skip to step 7. Cutting nails and cuticles should be handled by our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, to avoid possible injury or infection.
  4. Exfoliate dead skin from rough areas on the heel and ball of the feet using a pumice stone or foot file. Wipe feet clean.
  5. Trim toenails straight across. Be careful not to cut nails too short, or this can cause an ingrown toenail to develop. File smooth, but don’t round the edges.
  6. Use an orange stick to push back cuticles gently. Carefully trim if needed, being careful not to cut too aggressively, so they bleed.
  7. Massage a rich moisturizer into your entire foot. Take your time! Massage eases aches and tension and feels so good.
  8. Remove any leftover lotion from toenails with nail polish remover.
  9. If you’d like, apply a base coat, your favorite spring color, and a topcoat, allowing ample time between coats for nails to dry.

If, during the course of your home pedicure, you notice anything unusual about the appearance of your feet, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 to confer with one of our podiatrists.

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know that staying home is the best way for our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but it can also cause everyone in your family to get a case of cabin fever. One way to break the boredom and do something good for yourselves is by enjoying some sports and fitness activities together. Exercise has many benefits for parents and children:

  • Helps burn calories to maintain a healthy weight
  • Plays a role in preventing many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Decreases stress and improves mood

Who can’t get behind all of those right now?! Who knows, you may find new ways to enjoy family time and stay fit that you’ll want to continue after the coronavirus is long gone.

Start with the Basics

A good exercise program will start out slowly and gradually build in intensity and duration. Other tips before you begin:

  • Make sure everyone has the proper footwear. Shoes that fit properly and are designed for fitness activities are a must.
  • Get the green light on previous foot problems. If you or someone in your family suffers from a chronic foot condition such as heel pain or a weak ankle, contact our Long Beach office by calling, (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas may want to discuss the best types of exercise to prevent your condition from worsening and any special accommodations you should make.
  • Warm-up and stretch at the beginning of your activity session and end with a cool down to prevent injuries.

Explore New Activities

Get the whole family involved in choosing what types of activities you’ll do. Have everyone write down something they want to try (yoga, biking, etc.) using gear you already own. Put them in a basket and draw one out at a time and try them out.

Stuck indoors? Go online for fitness classes, learn about training with weights (use canned goods if you don’t have enough weights) or create an indoor exercise circuit.

Most importantly, have fun and stay safe! If you have questions about fitness and your feet, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Monday, 30 March 2020 13:57

TeleHealth or EVisits

Dear Valued Patient,

To limit the spread of COVID-19 and respect social distancing, Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center can provide Tele-Health and E-Visits.

  • Medicare and other Health Insurance Companies have expanded covered benefits to include the use of Tele-Health or E-Visit services.
  • Tele-Health visits include the use of phone calls, video calls, and e-mail that support long-distance or at-home clinical healthcare.
  • Our office will be using Skype and Face-time to conduct these calls. A staff member will call at the time of the appointment to confirm your phone number and whether you have an iPhone or Android device.
  • You get healthcare from the safety and comfort of your own home using your cell phone, tablet, or personal computer.
  • While we know that some conditions may still require an in-office visit/exam, we want to make sure patients have access to proper treatment during this emergent pandemic.

If you have questions or are interested in Tele-Health services, please call our office at 562.420.9800.

Sincerely,

Victoria M. Foley, DPM, FACFAS
Constance J. Ornelas, DPM, FACFAS

Monday, 23 March 2020 13:55

FAQ’s about Chronic Ankle Problems

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.

Thursday, 19 March 2020 13:52

Dear Valued Patient

Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center has been closely monitoring information and recommendations from the CDC and CA Department of Health about the COVID-19, Coronavirus. Even before the outbreak, our medical staff already used standard infection control practices.

In accordance with current guidelines and recommendations, we have put extra protocols in place to reduce risk to our patients and medical staff members.

  • We ask that any patient or family member, that displays symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, to reschedule appointments until they are free from symptoms for at least 24 hours. We ask this of our medical staff members as well.
  • We are asking patients to cooperate in a rescheduling effort for non-emergency appointments.
  • We are asking that all patients call our office when they arrive in the parking lot for their appointment. We will then call you back when we are ready for you to come in and have you go directly to a patient room.
  • We are trying to limit the number of people in the office at any one time to 10 people. You may bring one additional person with you to your appointment (i.e. caregiver or parent of the child) if necessary.
  • Dr. Foley and Dr. Ornelas will be available by phone for consultations if needed.

CDC recommends to take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza, by doing the following:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
  • Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
  • Consult the CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.

For more information, check out the following:

Sincerely,

Victoria M. Foley, DPM, FACFAS
Constance J. Ornelas, DPM, FACFAS

Monday, 16 March 2020 13:49

Dealing with Flat Feet

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we find that many of our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients are surprised when they receive a diagnosis of flat feet from our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas. That’s because the symptoms don’t immediately point to a problem in the arch of your foot, which is the source of flat feet discomfort. Patients may experience:

  • Pain in the foot (particularly the middle of the foot or heel), ankle, lower leg, knees, hips or back
  • Localized swelling
  • Decrease in foot flexibility
  • Feelings of fatigue if feet or lower legs

What Causes Flat Feet?

There is a wide variety of possible causes of partial or total lack of an arch in your foot. These include:

  • Hereditary tendency
  • Failure in childhood for the arch to fully develop normally
  • Aging
  • Weight gain due to pregnancy or obesity
  • Injury or trauma
  • Medical conditions such as arthritis

Due to the many potential sources of flat feet, it’s essential that the foot doctor examines you and determines the cause and severity of the deformity. The podiatrist may also want to get an x-ray of your foot to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

The treatment the foot doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, including your level of discomfort and the ultimate source of the condition. In some cases, wearing more supportive shoes and limiting activities that require you to stand or walk for extended periods may be enough. Additional treatment options include:

  • Icing the painful or swollen area
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
  • Stretching exercises and physical therapy
  • Arch supports, foot braces or supportive tape
  • Custom orthotics

In some cases where the arch is collapsed or not present, the podiatrist may want to perform reconstructive surgery to correct this deformity. To have your foot evaluated and learn what options are best for you, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.

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.

Tuesday, 03 March 2020 13:42

Celebrating National Nutrition Month

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we know there’s a direct connection between what you eat and your feet. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet can positively impact your podiatric health in several ways:

  • Decreasing the amount of foot pain you experience by helping you attain and maintain a healthy weight
  • Lower your risk for developing many lower extremity disorders like flat feet, sesamoiditis, heel pain and more
  • Reducing inflammation in joints, ligaments, and tendons
  • Helping prevent systemic health problems like diabetes and heart disease, which can have harmful effects on your feet

Healthy Changes

Unfortunately, for many Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients, eating healthy seems like deprivation. However, many changes can be painless and even enjoyable. Try some of the tips below and aim to incorporate more nutritious choices into your menus slowly. Create more colorful plates. Eating a rainbow of different kinds of produce will help ensure that you are getting a well-rounded variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet.

  • Cook more meals at home. Make it a family affair and involve your children in meal planning, shopping, and preparation.
  • Travel the world through your menus, at home and in restaurants, sample the wide variety of healthful cuisines available from other countries. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new spices and cooking methods like roasting and steaming the preserve nutrients without adding fat or high-calorie ingredients.
  • Eat seasonally. Fruits and vegetables that are in season or, better yet, locally grown are going to be fresher, more nutritious, and delicious. Consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and learn about the growing season in your part of the country.

Eating a nutritious diet is just one way to be proactive in the health of your feet. If you want to learn more or you are currently experiencing any lower extremity discomfort, make an appointment to see our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, by calling our Long Beach office for an at (562) 420-9800.

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.

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