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Does My Child Have an Ankle Injury?
Ankle injuries are common in children and can involve either the ligaments and/or bones of the ankle. When the ligaments that surround and support the ankle get overly stretched, twisted, or torn, this is known as an ankle sprain. When the fibula bone (which is one of the leg bones that make up the ankle) gets either chipped or its growth plate breaks, this is a kind of ankle fracture. With a minor ankle injury, there may be swelling, bruising, pain, or tenderness in your child’s ankle, and they may have limited movement or difficulty walking. The R.I.C.E. method of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation may help a minor ankle injury, however if the ankle is red, your child has a fever, or to ensure their ankle heals properly, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen 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.
How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor blood flow to the lower limbs due to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries which supply blood to the area. Your podiatrist may want to screen you for PAD if you are older, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or if you show any of the symptoms of PAD, including leg cramps, shiny skin, hair loss, or ulcers on the legs, and brittle toenails. PAD screenings are generally painless, noninvasive, and can be performed relatively quickly. Your podiatrist may perform the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which involves taking the blood pressure at your upper arms and ankles and then comparing the resulting numbers to determine your likelihood of having PAD. You may also have an ultrasound scan of your lower legs to visualize blood flow in the area. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
- Doppler examination
- Pedal pulses
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
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.
What Should I Do if I Broke My Toe?
A broken toe may occur due to a sudden injury, or can develop gradually over time. If you have broken your toe, you may notice symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and difficulty walking. You should seek immediate medical attention if the toe is numb or badly cut or wounded, deformed, makes a snapping, popping, or grinding sound at the time of injury, or if you have severe pain. You should also seek medical care as soon as possible if you have broken your big toe. Less severe injuries can usually be managed with rest, ice, and elevation at home while you wait for an appointment with your doctor. If you suspect you may have broken your toe, please see a podiatrist.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Swelling
- Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
- Stiffness
- Nail Injury
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
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.
Can Ultrasound Therapy Help My Sports Injury?
Ultrasound therapy pulses low intensity sound waves into the site of trauma, vibrating the area and tissue to boost collagen production and create deep heat within the tissue. This, in turn, relieves pain, increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the body’s natural healing and repair process. Ultrasound therapy can be beneficial in treating certain sports injuries involving trauma to tendons, tissues, bones, and ligaments. Some of the most common sports injuries podiatrists treat with ultrasound therapy include sprains, strains, and fractured bones in the feet and ankles. If you have suffered a sports injury and would like to know if ultrasound therapy may help your condition, contact a podiatrist for an examination and consultation.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Do you have a large, bony bump on the outside of your big toe that is causing you pain or discomfort? Enlargement of the bone or tissue around the base of the big toe joint may be a bunion. This condition may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, excess stress or injury to the foot, and rheumatoid arthritis. Having flat feet can also make developing bunions more likely. Usually a visual examination is all that is needed to diagnose a bunion, but your podiatrist may also order imaging studies, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine the extent of the deformity. Conservative treatments such as taking over the counter pain medications and wearing larger, more comfortable shoes or orthotics can help relieve symptoms. If conservative treatment methods fail to provide relief, surgery may also be an option. If you suspect that you have a bunion, please see a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you are suffering from bunions, 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.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- Surgery
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.
Arch, Toe, and Achilles Tendon Stretches
The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and can produce the ability to remain mobile and independent. Proper foot fitness can provide full range of motion, and this can help to keep the muscles, tendons, and ligaments healthy. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are flexible, in addition to performing specific foot stretches. These can include slowly rolling each foot on a tennis ball, which can help to strengthen the arch. Additionally, the Achilles tendon can remain flexible when a towel is placed around the bottom of the foot while in a seated position, and gently pulled upward. The toes can become stronger when each toe is lifted separately, or this can be accomplished by picking up marbles from the floor with your toes. If you would like more information about how frequently stretching the feet can improve the health of the overall body, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
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.
The Growing Pains of Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a painful condition that occurs almost exclusively among growing children between five-to-twelve years old. During growth spurts when the body is changing rapidly, the Achilles tendon which attaches to the back of the calcaneus (heel) bone, can pull repeatedly on the growth plate, causing inflammation and pain at the site. Children who are active in sports—and put additional stress on that area of the heel by running and jumping—are at an increased risk of developing Sever’s disease. While Sever’s disease will go away in time when the growth plate closes, it can be a very painful condition and restrict a child from activities they enjoy. A podiatrist can create custom orthotics that are designed for the child’s individual foot to cushion and support the heel, and give them specific stretching and strengthening exercises as well as anti-inflammatory medicine to help any pain or swelling in the area.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
How Does Athlete’s Foot Develop?
The fungus that causes athlete's foot lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these places, and this may help to prevent the fungus from entering the body through tiny cracks in the skin of the feet. Common symptoms of this uncomfortable foot condition can consist of severe itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet, and the affected area can become red and tender. Effective preventive techniques can often include refraining from walking barefoot, and wearing shoes and socks that are made from breathable materials. Additionally, it may help to keep the feet and nails as clean as possible. If you are afflicted with athlete’s foot, please speak with a podiatrist who can offer you remedies that can help athlete's foot.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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.
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