Displaying items by tag: Bunions

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we often get questions from our Los Angeles County patients about custom orthotics. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this very effective, non-invasive type of podiatric treatment.

Q: What conditions can orthotics help treat?

A: Orthotics are footwear inserts that are used to provide support and reduce pain, discomfort, pressure or imbalance, and other symptoms caused by a wide range of foot and ankle deformities, injuries, and diseases as well as biomechanical problems. Some common conditions that can be treated with orthotics include flat feet, heel pain, arthritis, bunions, calluses, corns, big toe pain, and neuropathic ulcerations.

Q: What’s the difference between over-the-counter shoe inserts and custom orthotics?

A: Over-the-counter inserts can provide some arch support and treat minor discomfort and pain. Prescription orthotics, however, are made from a mold of your unique foot and therefore better able to address and correct your specific foot issues. Prescription orthotics are also constructed of more durable materials and can last a long time.

Q: What are some common kinds of prescription orthotics?

A: Orthotics come in many shapes and sizes and are made from a variety of materials depending on individual needs. They may take the form of insoles, arch supports, heel pads, or foot cushions. Generally, there are two classifications of orthotics. Accommodative orthotics offer cushioning and reduce pressure on a vulnerable area of the foot. Functional orthotics are used to treat foot problems caused by foot and ankle motion and alignment.

Q: How are custom orthotics made?

A: The first step is to have our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, conduct a thorough examination of your feet and ankles and evaluate how they are impacting your knees, legs, and lower back. Once the foot doctor has a diagnosis of your podiatric disorder and a complete understanding of the biomechanics of your foot, a mold of your foot will be made from a plaster cast or a specialized computer scan that maps your foot structure and your gait. The podiatrist will then check to make sure the orthotic is fitted properly and monitor your progress.

If you would like to learn more about orthotics and whether or not they can help you, contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800 office for an appointment today.

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center some of the problems our Los Angeles County patients bring to us most frequently are caused by repetitive friction and pressure being applied to the feet. Below are two common podiatric conditions of this type and what’s behind them.

Corns—typically corns appear on the tops and sides of the toes or between toes. They are the result of pressure from footwear or toes on toes and are often a secondary condition that develops as the result of a deformity such as a bunion, hammertoe, or claw toe. The deformity makes it difficult to fit into shoes and the constant pressure to a spot that is out of place or enlarged causes the corn to form.

Calluses—calluses are thickened patches of skin that are hard and tough. Although the problem manifests on the surface of your skin, the source is usually much deeper in the foot. Calluses are the result of long-term pressure to a specific spot, and they most often develop on weight-bearing parts of the foot like the heel, sole, ball of the foot, or big toe. Since the issue with a callus is more than skin deep, there may be inflamed nerves or bone deformity involved as well.

Treatment Options

Both corns and calluses can be treated at home by soaking them in warm, soapy water and then using a pumice stone or foot file to gently smooth and reduce them. Apply a rich moisturizer afterward to keep the skin soft. However, the best course of treatment is to consult our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, to determine the root cause of your corn or callus. It’s unlikely that the problem will be resolved completely until the underlying cause of the friction or pressure is identified and treated.

If corns or calluses are causing you pain and making it difficult to find comfortable shoes, contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800 for an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Did you know that the average person walks between 2.5 and 5 miles a day? At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we know that means our Los Angeles County senior patients have likely put quite a few miles on their feet. In honor of Older Americans Month 2021, we’d like to offer some tips for protecting podiatric health as you age.

1. Listen to your feet. Foot pain, shoes that don’t seem to fit properly anymore, and fatigue in your legs or feet are all ways that your feet communicate that something isn’t right. Don’t put off seeking an evaluation of these symptoms. Contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800 to schedule an appointment with our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas.
2. Keep feet clean and dry. Wash daily with soap and water and dry thoroughly (paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes). If you tend to sweat excessively, keep an extra pair of socks with you and change when you notice your feet feel damp. This will go a long way in preventing fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
3. Check your feet daily. Look over your entire foot (or ask someone to do it for you) for any unusual changes. Toenail or skin discoloration, bumps, bruises and swelling may all indicate a developing foot or even systemic problem. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis often first manifest in the feet.
4. Choose shoes wisely. Your footwear is one of the biggest predictors of podiatric health. Look for styles that have good arch support and heel and insole cushioning. Treads should be non-slip but not have rubber over the toes which can lead to tripping. Ask the podiatrist for recommendations of shoe styles if you have a deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe. Lastly, get your feet professionally measured to ensure a proper fit and always try on both shoes before purchasing.
5. Reduce fall risk. Falls are the number one cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in seniors. Safeguard your home by installing additional stair rails and lighting. Remove throw rugs, plant stands, electrical cords that are across walking areas, and other clutter to lower your chances of falling.

Your podiatrist is your partner in making sure your feet continue to be healthy and enable you to keep on living the active life you love. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.

March is Women’s History Month. At Superior Foot & Ankle Center we thought we’d help celebrate our Los Angeles County women by providing tips on taking good care of their feet.

Bunion Prevention

Although men can also get bunions, it is a deformity that plagues women more frequently and this is due in part to shoes. High heels that force the foot forward exerting excess pressure on the toes and styles with narrow, pointy toe boxes are a contributing factor in the development and progression of bunions. In some cases, the tendency for the toe joint to move out of place is genetic. There are exercises that can be done to strengthen toes and feet and help prevent bunions. The podiatrist may also recommend a custom orthotic device to realign the foot properly and relieve pressure on the toes. If you notice your toe moving out of place, even slightly, it’s important that you make an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling (562) 420-9800. The earlier our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, are able to diagnose a bunion the greater chances of being able to slow its progression.

Importance of Good Footwear

Well-made footwear for women is important for other reasons beyond bunion prevention. It’s essential that your shoes have good arch support (often lacking in fashion boots and some other styles) in order to avoid heel pain. On average, women walk 3 miles more a day than men, and a cushioned insole can greatly increase comfort. A less positive statistic: it’s estimated that up to 90% of women are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet. Get your feet professionally measured when buying new shoes and understand that your foot size can change over time.

As You Age

It’s natural as you get older for your feet so show some signs of “wear and tear.”  However, that does not mean that foot pain is “normal” as a senior. Fat pads on the soles and heels may deteriorate requiring you to add some gel or other padding to your shoes. Be on the lookout for stiffness in joints that may signal arthritis. It’s important to maintain a regular exercise routine and not to sit with your legs crossed for long periods of time to encourage good circulation. You may also notice symptoms in your feet that point to other, more serious systemic conditions such as diabetes or arterial disease. Alert your podiatrist to unusual symptoms such as loss of hair on your legs or toes, cold feet, or decreased sensation in your feet.

Healthy feet help successful women get where they want to go! If you have questions or concerns about your feet, don’t hesitate to contact us.

February is American Heart Month and at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we know that your feet and your heart have a loving relationship. A healthy heart means good circulation which is beneficial to your feet. Your feet play an important role in a key element of heart health: staying active. We want our Los Angeles County patients to know that regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends adults get in 150 active minutes (2.5 hours) each week. In addition to keeping your heart healthy, there are other benefits of an active lifestyle including:

• Reduced risk of other diseases such as stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, and several types of cancer
• Help with weight loss or maintaining an appropriate weight
• Better sleep
• Less anxiety and depression
• Improved bone strength and balance, which decreases fall risk
• Mental sharpness: improved cognition, attention, processing, and memory

Help Your Feet Help Your Heart

For your feet to be able to help you stay active, they too need care and attention. Follow these tips to ensure that your feet and ankles are in tip-top shape for physical activity.

Take Care of Foot Pain—continuing to work out if your feet or ankles hurt is a bad idea. Any podiatric discomfort should be evaluated by our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas. The foot doctor will examine your feet and diagnose any problems that will impede your ability to be active. Your podiatrist can also make recommendations to help you accommodate chronic foot problems like plantar fasciitis and bunions. Shoe modifications, custom orthotics, and other recommendations can help. Make an appointment by contacting our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800.

Choose Shoes Wisely—what you wear on your feet can have a big impact on the success of any fitness regimen. Be sure the athletic footwear you are using is the right kind for the activity you’ve chosen. Check shoes regularly for signs of wear such as compacted insoles, worn down heels, and rips or tears. Get your feet professionally measured to ensure you’re wearing the correct size.

Mix Up Your Routine—choose a variety of different types of activity each week. A mix of aerobic and strength training will benefit your heart and avoiding repetitive strain and impact is good for your feet.

If you have additional questions about heart health, fitness, and your feet, contact us today.

January is a time for making a fresh start and resolving to make positive changes. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care, we’d like to encourage our Los Angeles County patients to take some steps to ensure healthier feet and ankles in 2021. Below are some easy tips to implement:

• Commit to a Basic Hygiene Regimen—Did you know that simply washing your feet daily with soap and water and drying them thoroughly can significantly reduce your risk of fungal infections? If you add a dusting of a foot or fungal powder in the morning and a rich moisturizer at night before bed, you’ve got a fast and effective foot care plan.
• Check Your Feet for Changes—It’s easy enough while you’re cleaning your feet to look them over for any symptoms that may signal a developing problem. Check for toes that appear to be moving out of place, bruises, swelling, wounds that are slow to heal, discoloration of skin or nails, and any growths or lumps. If you notice something concerning, contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800 to make an appointment with our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, to examine your feet and diagnose any problems.
• Keep Up with Nail Care—Trim toenails regularly and file any rough edges to prevent them from getting caught and tearing. Always cut nails straight across and be careful not to make them too short or they will be in danger of becoming ingrown.
• Choose Shoes Wisely—One of the single biggest steps you can take to prevent many common foot disorders is wearing good shoes. Look for styles that are made of soft, flexible material and have roomy toe boxes. Good arch support and a cushioned insole are also important. Limit time spent in high heels as these can harm your feet and cause bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities.
• Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices—Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep all impact the condition of your feet as well as the rest of your body. Don’t try to change everything at once. Small changes that you can sustain will have big payoffs in the New Year!

If you have questions about the care of your feet, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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.

January is a good time for starting new habits, and we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center would like to urge patients to make this the year that you commit to better care of your feet. We believe in educating our patients to be proactive about the health of their feet. There are many ways that you can reduce your risk of injury and foot disorders and improve your podiatric health. Below are some suggestions:

• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly, with particular attention to the area between the toes. This will significantly reduce the risk of athlete’s foot.
• Don’t walk barefoot. Out in public, walking without shoes increase your risk of coming in contact with a fungal infection. Even at home, you can protect your feet from stepping on sharp objects by keeping them covered.
• Get in the habit of inspecting your feet on a regular basis. The best outcomes for foot disorders occur when they are treated in their earliest stages. Being vigilant about reporting changes in skin or nail color, swelling, bumps or growths, bruising and cuts that don’t seem to be healing to our podiatrists, Victoria Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas, can save you from prolonged and invasive treatments.
• Making wise shoe choices. Did you know that the single most significant step you can take to improve the health of your feet is choosing good shoes? Styles with roomy toe boxes that don’t constrict your toes, adequate arch support and laces for a firm fit can reduce the risk of falls, joint conditions, and toe deformities. In addition, getting away from wearing high heels can prevent neuromas and lessen the chances of bunions and several other podiatric problems.
• Apply sunscreen, not just on beach days but any days when the bare skin of your feet will be exposed in open sandals or shoes to the sun. The skin on your feet is just as susceptible to skin cancer as the skin on the rest of your body.
• Take care of toenails. Keep your nails trimmed straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails from developing.

Better foot care needn’t be complicated or time-consuming. A few simple changes in your daily regimen can make a world of difference. If you have questions regarding the care of your feet, contact our Long Beach office today by calling: (562) 420-9800.

Bunions are a condition that we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center treat often. A bunion is a deformity of the toe joint that most often affects the big toe. It causes the joint to move out of place and drift toward the second toe. Bunions can have a number of different causes, including:

• Neuromuscular problems
• Flat feet
• Recurring stress to the foot
• Congenital defects
• Previous injury
• Arthritis
• Ill-fitting footwear

Bunions are a progressive disorder, which means they will continue to get worse over time. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley or Dr. Constance Omelas will start by doing a complete physical examination of your feet. While conservative measures are always preferable, if your bunion has progressed to the point where it is impeding your ability to wear shoes and walk without pain, surgery may be the best treatment option. Below are some questions to ask before scheduling bunion surgery:

What type of bunion surgery do you recommend? There are several different kinds of bunionectomies. The foot and ankle surgeon will choose the type that best addresses the structural changes that have occurred to your toe because of the deformity. Ask the podiatrist to thoroughly explain the surgical procedure and ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand.

Where will the surgery take place? Bunion surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. It will be necessary to have someone drive you home so be sure to arrange for that before the date of the surgery.

What will the recovery be like? You will have to avoid bearing weight on the affected foot for some period of time after the surgery. Ask the foot doctor how long you will need to be out of work. In addition, you’ll want to know how much discomfort to expect post operatively. Even after you are able to bear weight and return to work, you may need to do physical therapy or use a custom orthotic. Find out what results the podiatrist expects from the surgery and what the post-surgical treatment plan will consist of.

Knowing what to expect for your bunion surgery will reduce worry and help you better prepare for the modifications to your schedule. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.

We tend to take our feet for granted. Every day we get up out of bed, put on shoes and go on about our day—standing, walking, running, maybe even hiking, dancing and playing a sport. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we thought it might be fun to take a look at some facts about your feet:

• Each of your feet contains 26 bones (that is nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body!), 33 joints and over 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and tendons.
• Your feet have more nerves per square centimeter than any other part of your body—over 8,000 in total.
• The average person walks about 115,000 miles over the course of their life—that’s equal to circling the earth four times.
• Women typically walk 3 miles more a day than men.
• Your feet have approximately 250,000 sweat glands which produce up to ½ pint of perspiration each day.
• Most people have one foot that is larger than the other.
• About 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at some point in their lives and women have foot pain four times more often than men.
• 9 out of 10 people are wearing shoes that are too small for their feet.
• Over 50% of American women have bunions—a toe deformity where the big toe drifts over to the second toe, forcing the joint out of place and creating a bump on the outside of the big toe.
• Foot size on average has increased two sizes since the 1970’s. The reason behind this is thought to be that feet are getting larger in order to support extra pounds as the average weight of people also continues to climb.
• It takes 5-6 months to grow a completely new toenail. Toenails grow faster in warm weather, during teenage years and pregnancy.

Now that you know just how incredible your feet are, our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas, want to encourage you to be proactive in the care of them. If you experience any pain or discomfort, don’t delay. Contact our Long Beach office promptly for evaluation and treatment by calling: (562) 420-9800.