Blog
Monday, 12 October 2015 00:00
Donald Trump Blames Lack of Military Experience on Heel Spurs
Potential GOP candidate for President of the United States and business mogul Donald Trump is known for making out of the ordinary statements including a few statements about his medical deferment from serving in the military. Donald Trump, often criticized for not having served in the military, has stated, “My [draft number] was so incredible and it was a very high draft number. Anyway I never had to do that, but I felt that I was in the military in the true sense because I dealt with those people.” Trump also cited his lack of military experience due to heel spurs on both of his feet.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful, and sometimes might make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, call Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be a cause from small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching it to the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot. Bone may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs. Pain sometimes intensifies with age. Heel spurs are known to cause a substantial amount of pain. One of the main associations spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often times because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to poke and affect other boners and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain there are several methods for healing. Medicines, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
For more information about Heel Spurs, follow the link below.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Monday, 05 October 2015 00:00
Chinese Women with Bound Feet Have Poor Circulation as a Result
In a China of the past, women with bound feet were stereotypical and quite common. The practice was popular due to the belief that small feet were a sign of beauty and attraction. The practice was eventually outlawed in the country following strong opposition from 19th-century Christian missionaries. Despite its outlaw, elderly women with bound feet can still be found, particularly in China’s rural areas. Relatives of women with bound feet can recall the practice’s negative effects; bound feet caused poor circulation, which often brought along severely unpleasant headaches.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
-muscle pain -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 28 September 2015 00:00
The Wide Variety of Running Shoes Today Allows Everyone to Find the Proper Fit
In the past couple of years, the running shoe market has skyrocketed with nearly thirty-five legitimate running shoe models currently for sale in the United States this year. Experts claim this may be occurring because we live in a fitness conscious society where there is high appeal for running shoes. Since running has become a more accessible form of exercise more people than ever before are interested in purchasing the proper shoe for their foot type.
The right running shoe is essentially different for every person. If you have any concerns feel free to contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Your Foot Type
Running is a physical activity although fun, can put a lot of stress on the joints, bones and ligaments of the body. Injury and stress on the foot can be an important factor on which kind of shoe you’re wearing. Running shoes should be worn based on your foot type. It is important to find out what fits you based on cushioning, stability and motion.
Determining your type
Speak with a shoe specialist or retail professional to see what your foot type is. They will be able to identify and measure your arch type, stride and gait.
Running Mechanics
When you are running or walking in your shoes, every step determines how your foot is landing. Pronation is the natural rolling of your ankle from outside to inside during foot strike.
Pronation is a correct form of walking or running. It helps absorb shock and store energy from your lower extremities. Neutral runners who pronate correctly do not need specific shoes, since they have stability and control.
Over-pronators
Those who run with excessive ankle rolling. Over-pronators tend to have ankles that angle inward, flat feet, and or bowed legs. This can cause a series of injuries: of the knees, ankles and Achilles tendons.
Under-pronation
Under-pronation is less common than over-pronation. This usually happens to those who have inflexible feet and high arches. Even though there is less rotational stress on the ankles and knees, it prevents any kind of shock absorptions. Under-pronation needs shoes with increase in cushion and flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 21 September 2015 00:00
Bethenny Frankel of Real Housewives of New York Breaks Toe Jumping out of Bed
Skinnygirl founder and Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel recently broke her toe while jumping out of bed. The 44-year-old took to Instagram to show off the bruised middle toe captioned, “This idiot broke her toe jumping outta bed, but a rough paddle race Saturday was not prob.” A few days prior Frankel participated in the Paddle & Party for Pink in the Hamptons, NY where she paddle raced for charity and did not sustain any injury. Additionally, Frankel’s surrounding toes were left unharmed and were taped alongside the broken toe to use as a splint.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- throbbing pain
- swelling
- bruising on the skin and toenail
- the inability to move the toe
- toe appears crooked or disfigured
- tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any concerns please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 14 September 2015 00:00
Viral Star and Daughter of NBA Champion Stephen Curry Suffers from Weak Ankles
Riley Curry, daughter of NBA Champion and MVP Stephen Curry, has been recently pictured having her ankles taped for support by her father. The picture captioned “Must run in the family,” comes after many of her relatives have been known to suffer from weak ankles. Stephen suffered from ankle issues early in his career causing him to miss much of the 2011-12 season as well as some of the 2013 season. Seth, Riley’s uncle also suffered from ankle injuries during his senior year at Duke.
Ankle injuries are often common, but need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your ankles contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What To Know About Ankle Injuries
It is very common to incur an injury to the ankle. As the point of connection from the leg and the foot, the ankle is susceptible to sprains and fractures due to its location. Ankle sprains, the most common ankle injury, occur when the foot is twisted in an unnatural way. This unnatural twisting results in severe pain as a result of inflammation and swelling. This inflammation and swelling comes from fluid leakage into the tissues, which sensitize and place additional pressure on the nerves. Heavy blood flow also occurs, which is why swollen ankles are warm to the touch. Ankle sprains can occur by the following means:
- Sports injuries
- Slipping on stairs
- Walking on uneven ground
While ankle sprains can be minor, if you are experiencing severe pain, bone deformity, loss of sensation or even an inability to walk, it is a sure sign that you require immediate medical attention. X-rays could determine potential fractures. The ankle can experience injury in the joint, tendons, and ligaments. Anytime there is an ankle injury ice should be applied to the injured area in order to reduce inflammation. To reduce pressure, elevate the ankle above the level of the heart and apply an elastic bandage as needed.
If you have any concerns contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot or ankle needs.
Monday, 07 September 2015 00:00
Certain Foods High in Purine Can Trigger Gout Attacks
John Calvo has been suffering from gout since he was 25 years of age. Nearly twelve years later Calvo understands what triggers gout attacks and what can prevent them. Calvo recalls the pain felt during his first couple of attacks stating, “I just thought I had a broken toe… Bloodwork was done. Doc said it showed uric acid levels of a 40 year old.” Since then Calvo has found his gout attacks occur after drinking beer and his relatives have attacks after eating pork and shellfish. While uric acid is found in nearly every organism, high protein meats or foods with high levels of purine are most likely to trigger an attack.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 31 August 2015 00:00
Dipa Karmakar Fixed Her Flat Feet with the Help of her Gymnastics Coach
Fifteen years ago, Dipa Karmakar was a flat-footed six-year-old participating in gymnastics when Coach Bishweshwar Nandi decided to take her on. Today the partnership has corrected her flat foot and Karmakar has recently won the bronze medal at the Asian Championships in Japan. “I still remember Dipa coming to see me as a flat-footed kid, which is not good for a gymnast. It affects the spring her in jump,” stated coach Nandi. Since the fix, Karmakar has had a variety of successes including becoming the first Indian woman to win a Commonwealth medal at the 2014 Glasgow games on the Vault table.
Most arches will develop in children after a certain age. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Kevin H. Lapoffof Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms:
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe.
Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
Flat look to one or both feet.
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment:
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and treatments for your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 24 August 2015 00:00
Professionals Find Increased Flip-Flop Injuries Resulting in Emergency Room Visits
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 25,000 people visited the emergency room last year due to flip-flop related injuries. Although flip-flops are convenient and comfortable, flip-flops are becoming an increasing problem. Many medical professionals have seen an increase in flip-flop related blisters, posture problems, overuse injuries, and tripping injuries. While you can still wear flip-flops for now, experts say it is best to warm the feet up to the impact the shoes may have on the feet and body.
Flip-flops can cause many problems to the feet. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:
- Ball and arch problems in the foot
- Changes to the body’s natural gait
- Blisters
- Ankle Sprains
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
- Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles
To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.
You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 17 August 2015 00:00
United Kingdom Blames 135 Weekly Diabetic Related Amputations on Obesity
In the last five years, the United Kingdom has seen a 17% increase in diabetic amputations, performed on average 135 times per week. Experts blame this increase on Britain’s obesity epidemic where there has been in a 62% increase in diabetes overall within the past decade. Despite these figures, Diabetes UK believes that these numbers can change and amputations can be avoided if diabetic patients are given the correct care and education.
Feet associated with obesity and diabetes need regular care and attention. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Obesity and your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Solutions
Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.
Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.
Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 10 August 2015 00:00
Converse Releasing New Supportive Version of Chuck Taylor All Stars
Popular footwear company, Converse, has finally updated their Chuck Taylor’s by making a more supportive version of the shoe to be known as Chuck Taylor All Star II. The new Chucks include lining, upgraded tongue and patch, and cushioning to support the feet. Since Converse was acquired by Nike in the early 2000s, the Chuck II uses Nike’s plush cushioning technology to provide a springy insert created with layers of foam. All of the upgrades were created to make converses more comfortable and supportive for the high volume of consumers.
Proper foot support is of utmost importance in foot health. To learn more, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.
The Importance of Proper Foot Support
Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support.
Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.
The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.
When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes. If footwear is too tight, this can affect the body’s posture, stress, bone deformities, and other foot and back pain. Therefore, it is important that shoes fit well in order to avoid these complications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
