June 2017
Tuesday, 27 June 2017 00:00
Why You Should Flip Out About Flip-Flops
It is no secret that flip-flops can be harmful for your feet. While these noisy shoes may offer a bit more protection for your feet compared to walking barefoot, they do not offer any arch or heel support. Flip-flops can cause small problems such as corns and calluses, or it can cause more serious conditions such as plantar fasciitis. You should also be aware of the fact that flip-flops may cause you to injure yourself by tripping or falling. Flip-flops should only be worn for a short amount of time and are not meant for long-term use. However, if you opt to wear them you should look for a pair that are high quality and made out of leather. The leather material will help prevent blisters and other types of irritation.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
- Ankle problems
- Hip problems
- Lower back problems
- Pain in the balls of the feet
- Problems with foot arches
- Changes in the way you walk
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
- Sprained ankles
- Blisters
- Infections
- Cuts and Scrapes
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
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.
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 20 June 2017 00:00
What to Look for When Searching for Running Shoes
There are certain features that you should ensure your shoes have before you decide to start running. It is crucial that your shoe has arch support, cushioning, and traction in order to improve your running mechanics. The amount of support that you need in your shoe depends greatly on the arch of your foot. For example, people who have feet with high arches do not need shoes with a lot of support, since these may result in injury for them. It is important that you are aware of what type of foot arch you have so that you can find the perfect running shoe for you. Your podiatrist can help you evaluate your foot arch height as well as other factors that will help determine what running shoe you should purchase.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
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.
Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type Published in Blog
Monday, 12 June 2017 00:00
Treat Underlying Causes of Poor Foot Circulation
Poor circulation in the feet has often been linked to a number of other more serious health conditions. Some causes of poor foot circulation include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. If you suspect that you have poor circulation in your feet, you may have the following symptoms: leg numbness or weakness, poor wound healing, a weak pulse on your feet, and painful cramping. Treatment for poor circulation often requires treatment of the underlying problem it arises from. It’s crucial that you seek the assistance of a podiatrist if you think you have poor circulation in your feet.
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 doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be 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. This can restrict 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, stiffness, or weakness
- Numbness or cramping in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Slower nail & hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those 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 podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
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.
Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet Published in Blog
Monday, 05 June 2017 00:00
Warding Off Plantar Warts
A Texas man called into his local radio station to tell a story about his experience using a gym shower while barefoot. Soon after using that shower, the man started to develop a firm itchy patch on his foot which ended up being a plantar wart. The man thought he could use at-home remedies to get rid of the wart, but he was wrong. After the virus that caused the warts had spread, he eventually decided to seek professional help from a podiatrist who concluded that the man needed to surgically remove the wart on his foot. This man’s story is a perfect example of why you should never shower in a public place barefoot.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
- Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
- Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
- Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
Published in Blog
