Blog
Wednesday, 20 January 2021 00:00
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Monday, 18 January 2021 00:00
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
A trapped tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel may be indicative of tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition can cause pain and discomfort, and may lead to unpleasant sensations in the foot. Overall movement of the affected foot may weaken as well. This condition can develop as a result of a foot injury, or from genetic factors that can cause the ankle to become unstable. Common symptoms that patients may experience can include swelling, a burning or tingling sensation, and numbness in the toes. Mild relief may be found when custom made orthotics are worn, as this can help to alleviate a portion of the pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, a podiatrist can diagnose your condition and offer you effective treatment options.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
- Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
- The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
- If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.
Read more about Treating Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Monday, 11 January 2021 00:00
What Are Recurrent Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone and often affect the bones of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Unlike an acute fracture, which occurs due to a one-time injury, a stress fracture develops slowly and is caused by the affected bone’s inability to bear the load placed on it. Engaging in repetitive activities that place excess pressure on the bones, such as running, can make stress fractures more likely. In a recurrent stress fracture, the affected bone heals, but then breaks again. An estimated 60% of athletes who have had one stress fracture go on to sustain additional stress fractures. If you have fractured any bone, it is important to get treatment and to give the bone adequate time to heal following an injury. For more information about recurrent stress fractures, please consult with a podiatrist.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains 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 and ankle needs.
Monday, 04 January 2021 00:00
Are You Suffering From Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel, which is usually worse in the morning, after prolonged standing, or after an intense workout. It can also be associated with a heel spur, which occurs as a spike of bone that points out from the heel bone. Common risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include playing sports that put stress on the heel bone, being flat footed, being middle-aged, obesity, pregnancy, and spending a lot of time on your feet. Common methods of relief include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, resting the foot, and wearing proper footwear or orthotics. If you are suffering from heel pain, don't hesitate to speak with a podiatrist.
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.
Monday, 28 December 2020 00:00
When Should I See a Foot and Ankle Surgeon?
Most injuries and diseases of the foot and ankle are not treated surgically. However, a foot and ankle surgeon can still help you by examining your feet and ankles when you experience pain or other symptoms of injury or disease. You may want to consult a foot and ankle surgeon if you have sustained an injury, such as a sprain or fracture, have a medical condition that can affect the feet, have difficulty completing daily activities, or notice a change in the appearance of your feet or ankles. Foot and ankle surgeons tend to only suggest surgery when a problem is severe and non-surgical treatments have failed. For more information about how a foot and ankle surgeon may be able to help you, please consult with a podiatrist.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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.
Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Monday, 21 December 2020 00:00
Runners and Foot Pain
People who enjoy running and jogging need to be especially aware of the different types of foot pain that can be endured. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can gradually develop from running over long periods of time. It generally produces heel and arch pain, and in severe cases, it may become difficult to walk. Stress fractures often occur in the metatarsals, and are considered to be hairline cracks in the bones. This can happen from increasing speed and distance too fast, and running must be stopped as the healing process occurs. Extensor tendonitis is a painful condition that may be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it may come from having a weak or tight Achilles tendon. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and guide you towards various treatment techniques.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
Monday, 14 December 2020 00:00
Diagnostic Tests for Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs due to blockages in the blood vessels that supply blood to this area. There are a variety of diagnostic tests that a doctor may use to diagnose you with PAD. Most of these tests are quick, painless, and noninvasive. The ankle-brachial index is a screening for PAD in which the doctor takes your blood pressure at your arm and at your ankle and then compares the two numbers to determine how well blood is flowing in your lower limbs. The Doppler ultrasound is an imaging test that visualizes the blood flow in the major arteries and veins and can determine where there may be a blockage. A treadmill test, in which you are asked to walk on a treadmill, can show the severity of your PAD symptoms and the level of activity that brings them on. To be tested for PAD, or to learn more about this condition, talk to a podiatrist today.
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.
Monday, 07 December 2020 00:00
Why Do I Have Hammertoes?
Hammertoes are a type of toe deformity that cause the ends of the affected toes to bend downward at the middle joint. At first, the affected toes may be flexible, but over time, the joints can become stiff, leaving the toes stuck in a claw-like position. The most common cause of hammertoes is wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight, which cause the toes to bend upward. Muscles and tendons within the affected toes become tighter and shorter, causing the toe to remain in a bent position long after you have taken off the shoes. Risk factors that increase your risk of developing hammertoes also include having longer toes, bunions, or rheumatoid arthritis. Hammertoes can cause pain and discomfort, make it difficult to wear shoes, and increase your chances of getting corns, calluses, and blisters on your toes. If you have hammertoes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
- Pain in the affected toes
- Development of corns or calluses due to friction
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Contracture of the toes
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00
Symptoms and Causes of an Ingrown Toenail
When the toenail grows into the outer edges of the skin, it generally indicates that an ingrown toenail has developed. There are several causes of this ailment, including genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or trimming the toenails incorrectly. The symptoms that patients experience can include redness, swelling, and sensitivity surrounding the affected area. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Cut the toenails straight across, avoiding cutting down into the corners of the nail. It is also beneficial to have your feet routinely measured, as this can help you to purchase the correct size shoe. If you have an ingrown toenail, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
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.
