At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we know that our Los Angeles County patients are within driving distance of many beautiful California beaches. This favorite summertime excursion, however, can end in pain and discomfort for your feet or ankles if you fail to take the proper precautions. Below are some beach-day fun busters and how to prevent them.

Burns—while sunburn is an obvious concern that most people are aware of on a beach day, we find that many patients neglect to apply sunscreen diligently to their feet. It’s essential to use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply the sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Sitting in a sand chair the soles of your feet are exposed to direct sunlight and reflective rays off the sand. Reapply sunscreen to your feet after swimming or every two hours, whichever comes first.

Walking on hot sand or pavement can also cause the soles of your feet to burn. It may seem like a short trip to get to your beach blanket, but the temperatures of the sand can easily heat up enough to cause third-degree burns to the skin in a very short time. Always cover your feet before stepping out.

Jelly Fish Sting—Did you know that these creatures can still sting you even after they have washed up on the shore and died? Pack a small container of vinegar or baking soda in your beach bag and apply it to a jellyfish sting to relieve pain. Most stings will heal on their own within a few days. If yours appears to be getting worse instead of better, contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800 office for an appointment so that our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, can examine your wound and determine if it has become infected.

Ankle Sprain—some people enjoy adding a little sports activity to their beach day with a game of beach volleyball or frisbee. If you fall into this category, remember to bring sneakers to support your feet in sliding sands to avoid ankle sprains and other injuries.

Puncture Wound—sharp objects can easily be concealed in the sand. Wear shoes for beach walks to avoid cuts. If you do get a cut, clean it immediately and put antibacterial ointment and a bandage on the wound.

We hope you have lots of summer fun! If you have any foot or ankle issues, contact us for evaluation and treatment.

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care we’ve seen an increase in foot pain among our Los Angeles County patients in recent months. For many, this is the result of the shutdown due to the pandemic. Many people have had their normal fitness routine interrupted. In addition, a simple at-home habit has had a surprising consequence. Going barefoot or wearing slippers or flip-flops around the house may be normal after work—but what about when you don’t leave the house to go to work? The increased amount of time in this type of footwear leads to several common conditions including:

• Flat feet
• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
• Arch pain

Re-Entering an Active Lifestyle

As you begin to get back to your normal routine there are some steps you can take to help ease the transition and reduce foot discomfort.

• Wear good quality, supportive shoes, even when home. The trouble with going barefoot is that the arch of the foot is not supported. As your arch flattens, it puts strain on the plantar fascia (the long band of tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot). This can cause both arch and heel pain. A cushioned insole is also helpful in preventing podiatric pain.
• Change positions frequently. Working from home means you’re not even walking to the car or going out at lunch. Be sure to get up at least once an hour if you’re sitting at a desk or try standing to work if you can find a counter that is the correct height. Stretch and rotate your feet and wiggle your toes throughout the day to stay flexible and keep up good circulation.
• Gradually increase activity. While it may be tempting to jump into an exercise program at full speed, it’s better to start slowly. You’re more prone to injuries if you try to push your body too far too fast after a period of being inactive. Walking is a great way to re-enter a more active lifestyle. Try fitting in a walk during lunch or at the end of the workday.

If you’re experiencing foot pain that you can’t explain or you start to have uncomfortable symptoms in your feet or ankles as you become more active, contact our Long Beach office at (562) 420-9800 and schedule an appointment with our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas.