March 2017

If you have ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you know how painful and how much of a hindrance it can be.  It occurs when part of the toenail grows into the tissue of the toe.  This can turn into a serious condition, as swelling and infection may result.  Medically known as onychocryptosis, this disorder is typically caused by over clipping of toenails or wearing shoes that do not fit properly.  With nearly 3 million cases of patients with ingrown toenails, it is important to contact your podiatrist to learn about proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis is a very common disease that can affect joints in areas all over the body.  Arthritis of the feet can be especially painful and debilitating due to the constant weight put on that section of the body.  For someone with arthritic feet, every step taken can be excruciating.  There are many different types of arthritis, though inflammatory arthritis can be one of the most devastating.  Rheumatoid arthritis is one such type, where the cartilage of the joints is being destroyed.  Though there is really no set diet to cure this illness, there are some recommended foods that may prove effective in helping mitigate some of the arthritic symptoms.  The key is to reduce inflammation.  Certain foods that help do just that are nuts, fish, and, dark vegetables.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs frequently in diabetics, typically in the feet.  The symptoms include: numbness, tingling, throbbing, freezing/burning sensation, and pain.  Not all those with diabetes will get peripheral neuropathy, and not all suffering from it will have the exact same symptoms.  This neuropathy occurs when the walls of the capillaries, or tiny blood vessels, are damaged by high sugar levels in the blood.  Due to the damage they are not able to carry enough blood to the nerves, which then leads to the aforementioned symptoms.  In order to avoid peripheral neuropathy there a few things that can be done.  First, and perhaps most importantly, monitor your blood sugar level, and keep it in balance.  Exercise and diet can help keep your weight down, as well as your blood sugar.  If you are suffering from numbness in your feet, and you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, it is essential that you see a doctor immediately.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.