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September 2017

Monday, 25 September 2017 00:00

Taking Care of Your Feet

Our feet allow us to do so much, yet they are often neglected or overlooked. Therefore it is important for us to take good care of them. Wearing proper footwear is just one of the ways we can take care of our feet. Look for shoes that are comfortable and provide enough room inside. Shoes that are tight or that force the foot into an uncomfortable position, such as heels, can cause a number of health problems such as plantar fasciitis and corns. If you experience sweaty feet, use foot powder and switch socks often to prevent conditions like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. Washing your feet will keep them clean and also help stave off certain foot ailments. If your feet hurt, giving yourself a massage by rubbing them in circular motions with your hands can help relieve some tension. If pain is constant or chronic, however, see a podiatrist for help. Finally, if you paint your nails, avoid using nail polish and polish remover containing harsh chemicals.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

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Monday, 18 September 2017 00:00

The Elderly and Foot Health

Taking good care of your feet becomes more important as you get older. Age tends to exacerbate foot issues, with many people over the age of 65 reportedly suffering from foot pain. Another common issue among the elderly is diabetes. Diabetes causes neuropathy, or nerve loss, in the lower body, especially in the feet. Diabetics suffer from poor blood circulation in the legs and feet as well. This means that if a diabetic sustains a wound, they may not realize it due to loss of sensation, and the wound may not heal properly. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary if the infection significantly worsens. Because of this, elderly diabetics need to take extra care of their feet, though most elderly people will also benefit from practicing good foot health. Good foot health strategies include daily foot inspections for any abnormalities, washing and drying the feet, keeping one's diabetes in check, and wearing quality socks and footwear that will protect the feet and provide ample foot support. Finally, performing a check-up with a podiatrist yearly is also recommended.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

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Monday, 11 September 2017 00:00

Podiatrists and Pedicurists

Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the foot and ankle and can treat the most severe foot conditions. While conditions like corns, calluses, foot fungus, and cracked heels may seem minor to some, podiatrists offer the best solutions when it comes to fixing them. Pedicurists, on the other hand, are cosmeticians and cannot treat foot ailments. Pedicurists may also not know what a fungal infection like athlete's foot looks like and may therefore be unable to alert you if you have the condition. Despite this, pedicures are a great way to beautify and maintain clean-looking feet. Just ensure that the pedicure salon uses clean instruments, as unclean tools can potentially lead to fungal infections. Be wary of the type of nail polish used by a pedicurist, as certain varieties can be harsh on nails and preserve and hide toenail infections. If the pedicurist cuts skin around the cuticle, this is potentially dangerous and can also lead to infections. Above all, be aware of what is going on in a pedicure salon; remember that pedicurists are not podiatrists and cannot help with foot conditions. If you have an issue with your feet, see a podiatrist for proper care.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

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Tuesday, 05 September 2017 00:00

Picking the Right Footwear for Children

When it comes to picking the right shoes, children are much more different than adults. Children’s feet are still growing and developing compared to adult feet. With this in mind, it is important for parents to make sure that their children’s shoes properly fit them. If your child is having a growth spurt, they can quickly outgrow the shoes they wear even if they are relatively new. Children’s shoes should be flexible and have enough space for their toes to move around. They also need to provide good foot support and cushion for comfort. Shoes should be comfortable even after wearing them for hours. Finally, knowing when to wear the right shoe is vital. Sandals or flip-flops are fine for the beach but not for wearing all day. If your child plays sports, they need high performance shoes that can handle the stress. Parents should routinely check their children’s shoes to make sure they properly fit.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

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