September 2023

Properly caring for aging feet is crucial for maintaining a senior's health. Wearing properly fitted shoes, washing and moisturizing the feet daily, and conducting regular foot checks are all essential practices. Trimming the nails is also important, as well as seeking assistance from caregivers, family members, or other professionals for help if needed. Minimizing foot injuries is vital to prevent further issues. Participating in regular exercise will also keep the feet in good condition. Embracing nutritious diets promotes overall health. Resting the feet and avoiding high heels can further safeguard them. Special care is needed for seniors with diabetes to prevent complications. If you are a senior or you take care of one, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain daily professional care. 

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Foot blisters are a common and painful skin condition that can disrupt your daily life. These small, fluid filled sacs form as a result of friction or pressure on the skin, typically caused by ill fitting shoes, prolonged periods of walking or running, or repetitive movements. Blisters can develop on any part of the foot, but they are most commonly found on the heels, toes, and soles. The body creates blisters as a protective mechanism and the clear fluid inside serves as a cushion to shield the underlying skin from further damage. While blisters will often heal on their own, it is important to avoid popping them as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, keep the area clean, apply a sterile dressing, and protect it from further irritation. Wearing shoes that fit properly is a preventive measure, in addition to using friction reducing creams to minimize the likelihood of foot blisters. If you have developed blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you additional prevention methods.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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 care needs.

Flat feet are exactly what its name implies. The bottom of the foot lies flat on the ground, due to having little or no arch. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch typically develops during the teenage years. Adults with flat feet may have endured a foot injury or been born with an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or rheumatoid arthritis may cause flat feet, as well as genetic reasons. Some patients who have flat feet and experience pain in various parts of the foot and ankle may choose to wear orthotics for mild relief. Severely flat feet may affect balance, and the feet may become stiff. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you relief options that are suitable for you. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is 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. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches 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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition affecting millions of people annually, with approximately 20% of cases becoming chronic. Traditional treatments, such as stretching and medication, work in many but not all situations. The root cause of chronic plantar fasciitis is not inflammation, but tissue degeneration, which challenges the efficacy of anti inflammatory treatments. Surgery is an option but carries risks. Emerging minimally invasive therapies aim to stimulate tissue healing by enhancing local circulation. These include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, radiofrequency microtenotomy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and micromobile compression. Each of these treatments offers an alternative to traditional treatment or surgery for plantar fasciitis, and may help in chronic cases. Targeting the root cause of the ongoing nature of the condition is key. If you suffer from this disruptive affliction, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether a minimally invasive therapy may be an option worthy of your consideration.

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.