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People who pursue careers in podiatric medicine share an interest in helping patients who develop many types of foot conditions. They can properly diagnose and treat uncomfortable ailments including plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, and heel spurs. This is often accomplished by performing physical examinations and X-rays. Additionally, these individuals are able to provide adequate advice on how to take care of diabetic feet, provide necessary medication, and to possibly perform surgery for the correction of deformities that involve the structure of the foot. Those individuals interested in pursuing a career as a podiatrist will earn a DPM degree, and this will typically take 4 years to complete. It may be beneficial to be proficient in developing specific skills, including being able to be detail-oriented, possess critical thinking skills, and to develop compassion. It’s advised to speak with a podiatrist to learn if this is a correct career choice for you.

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.

Research has shown there are several differences between shoes made for walking and shoes to run in. The typical running shoe is generally constructed with added cushioning, which aids in promoting stability. Additionally, the soles may be thicker, which may cause potential trip hazards. There may be more sizes and colors to choose from in running shoes, which may make it easier to locate a comfortable pair. For serious walkers, it’s beneficial to purchase walking shoes that are designed to move the foot through the proper motion of walking. One significant difference in the styles of walking and running include runners landing flat-footed and walkers typically landing on their heels. If you are seriously considering pursuing either activity as a hobby, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer advice on which type of shoe is best for you.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

If you notice a large bony protrusion on the side of your big toe, you may have what is referred to as a bunion. It is considered to be a deformity, and there may be several reasons why this condition may occur. Research has shown that genetics may play a significant role in the formation of bunions. If you happen to have a pre-existing case of bunions, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly could possibly make it even worse. This type of footwear may include shoes that have a narrow toe area, which does not have adequate room for the toes to move about in. This may result in the toes being forced to squeeze into an area that is too small. There is a significant reduction in the development of bunions in non-western countries and this may be a result of wearing shoes that fit correctly. If you feel you have a bunion, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist who can begin treatment options that are right for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

If you experience any level of pain on the outside of your foot, it is possible that you may have injured your cuboid bone. You may begin to notice an uncomfortable sensation when you try to bear weight on the outer edge of the foot or your toes may become weak. The condition that is known as cuboid syndrome may be a result of this particular bone in the foot becoming torn or damaged. There may be several symptoms associated with this ailment including swelling and redness surrounding the affected area, loss of strength in the ankle, or extreme tenderness on the side of the foot. One of the main causes of cuboid syndrome are sprains that are incurred to the ankle. This can happen as a result of falling, repeated strain from frequent jumping or running, or from an activity such as misjudging a  step off a curb. If you feel you have injured this portion of your foot, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment technique that is correct for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.