Blog
Monday, 14 September 2015 00:00
Viral Star and Daughter of NBA Champion Stephen Curry Suffers from Weak Ankles
Riley Curry, daughter of NBA Champion and MVP Stephen Curry, has been recently pictured having her ankles taped for support by her father. The picture captioned “Must run in the family,” comes after many of her relatives have been known to suffer from weak ankles. Stephen suffered from ankle issues early in his career causing him to miss much of the 2011-12 season as well as some of the 2013 season. Seth, Riley’s uncle also suffered from ankle injuries during his senior year at Duke.
Ankle injuries are often common, but need immediate treatment. If you have any concerns about your ankles contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What To Know About Ankle Injuries
It is very common to incur an injury to the ankle. As the point of connection from the leg and the foot, the ankle is susceptible to sprains and fractures due to its location. Ankle sprains, the most common ankle injury, occur when the foot is twisted in an unnatural way. This unnatural twisting results in severe pain as a result of inflammation and swelling. This inflammation and swelling comes from fluid leakage into the tissues, which sensitize and place additional pressure on the nerves. Heavy blood flow also occurs, which is why swollen ankles are warm to the touch. Ankle sprains can occur by the following means:
- Sports injuries
- Slipping on stairs
- Walking on uneven ground
While ankle sprains can be minor, if you are experiencing severe pain, bone deformity, loss of sensation or even an inability to walk, it is a sure sign that you require immediate medical attention. X-rays could determine potential fractures. The ankle can experience injury in the joint, tendons, and ligaments. Anytime there is an ankle injury ice should be applied to the injured area in order to reduce inflammation. To reduce pressure, elevate the ankle above the level of the heart and apply an elastic bandage as needed.
If you have any concerns contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot or ankle needs.
Monday, 07 September 2015 00:00
Certain Foods High in Purine Can Trigger Gout Attacks
John Calvo has been suffering from gout since he was 25 years of age. Nearly twelve years later Calvo understands what triggers gout attacks and what can prevent them. Calvo recalls the pain felt during his first couple of attacks stating, “I just thought I had a broken toe… Bloodwork was done. Doc said it showed uric acid levels of a 40 year old.” Since then Calvo has found his gout attacks occur after drinking beer and his relatives have attacks after eating pork and shellfish. While uric acid is found in nearly every organism, high protein meats or foods with high levels of purine are most likely to trigger an attack.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and holistic treatment protocols for all your individual foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 31 August 2015 00:00
Dipa Karmakar Fixed Her Flat Feet with the Help of her Gymnastics Coach
Fifteen years ago, Dipa Karmakar was a flat-footed six-year-old participating in gymnastics when Coach Bishweshwar Nandi decided to take her on. Today the partnership has corrected her flat foot and Karmakar has recently won the bronze medal at the Asian Championships in Japan. “I still remember Dipa coming to see me as a flat-footed kid, which is not good for a gymnast. It affects the spring her in jump,” stated coach Nandi. Since the fix, Karmakar has had a variety of successes including becoming the first Indian woman to win a Commonwealth medal at the 2014 Glasgow games on the Vault table.
Most arches will develop in children after a certain age. If you suspect that your child has the condition, speak to Dr. Kevin H. Lapoffof Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot and ankle related questions and attend to all of your podiatric needs.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are 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. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch 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 tools and treatments for your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 24 August 2015 00:00
Professionals Find Increased Flip-Flop Injuries Resulting in Emergency Room Visits
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 25,000 people visited the emergency room last year due to flip-flop related injuries. Although flip-flops are convenient and comfortable, flip-flops are becoming an increasing problem. Many medical professionals have seen an increase in flip-flop related blisters, posture problems, overuse injuries, and tripping injuries. While you can still wear flip-flops for now, experts say it is best to warm the feet up to the impact the shoes may have on the feet and body.
Flip-flops can cause many problems to the feet. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:
- Ball and arch problems in the foot
- Changes to the body’s natural gait
- Blisters
- Ankle Sprains
- Higher risk of infection
- Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
- Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles
To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.
You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.
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.
Monday, 17 August 2015 00:00
United Kingdom Blames 135 Weekly Diabetic Related Amputations on Obesity
In the last five years, the United Kingdom has seen a 17% increase in diabetic amputations, performed on average 135 times per week. Experts blame this increase on Britain’s obesity epidemic where there has been in a 62% increase in diabetes overall within the past decade. Despite these figures, Diabetes UK believes that these numbers can change and amputations can be avoided if diabetic patients are given the correct care and education.
Feet associated with obesity and diabetes need regular care and attention. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Obesity and your Feet
Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.
Problems & Complications
Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.
Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.
Solutions
Footwear – Specially made footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is a great option to mitigate pressure and pain. A podiatrist will help you decide what works best for your specific needs.
Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength it needs to support your body. Exercise also increases blood flow to your feet, allowing them to remain healthy and strong.
Most importantly, seek the help of a podiatrist for foot care if something is wrong or doesn’t seem to be working. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
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.
Monday, 10 August 2015 00:00
Converse Releasing New Supportive Version of Chuck Taylor All Stars
Popular footwear company, Converse, has finally updated their Chuck Taylor’s by making a more supportive version of the shoe to be known as Chuck Taylor All Star II. The new Chucks include lining, upgraded tongue and patch, and cushioning to support the feet. Since Converse was acquired by Nike in the early 2000s, the Chuck II uses Nike’s plush cushioning technology to provide a springy insert created with layers of foam. All of the upgrades were created to make converses more comfortable and supportive for the high volume of consumers.
Proper foot support is of utmost importance in foot health. To learn more, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will provide you with the foot and ankle information you seek.
The Importance of Proper Foot Support
Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support.
Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.
The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.
When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes. If footwear is too tight, this can affect the body’s posture, stress, bone deformities, and other foot and back pain. Therefore, it is important that shoes fit well in order to avoid these complications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Monday, 03 August 2015 00:00
Southpaw Actor Jake Gyllenhaal Regularly Participates in Barefoot Running
Academy award nominated Hollywood Actor, Jake Gyllenhaal, is known for taking on intense roles where he needs to be extremely fit. Recently Gyllenhaal, the self-proclaimed exercise addict has taken up barefoot running and states that activity has done wonders to reduce the usual muscles soreness he feels after runs with shoes. Although the Southpaw actor particularly enjoys barefoot running, he states, “I’ve had to teach myself how to slow down a bit, because I get so into it, it becomes a real addiction.”
Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. To learn more about this trend, consider speaking to Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will explain the facts of barefoot running and help you decide if it’s a practice you’d like to take up.
Barefoot Running
The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.
The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.
The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.
So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an 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 care needs.
Monday, 27 July 2015 00:00
Standing on your Feet at Work Can Reduce Chances of Heart Attacks
According to a study commissioned by the Public Health England and the Active Working Community Interest Company, standing on your feet for more than half of the day can reduce the risk of heart attacks, cancer, and diabetes. The study states that employers should allow their workers to stand for at least two hours of the day or provide standing desks to significantly reduce the changes or cardio metabolic diseases or premature mortality. The change in work behavior may be uncomfortable at first, but the change in habits is better for long term health benefits.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM, FACFAS of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – choosing this shoe places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – our feet were not designed to be enclosed for hours, or all day. Try allowing yourself to expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and stretches is beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – stretching the foot out flat on the floor, will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Keep your feet healthy and your body will thank you for it.
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, 20 July 2015 00:00
Many Nail Disorders Begin as a Form of Fungal Nails
According to U.S. News and Health Report, approximately forty percent of all nail disorders end up being a case of fungal nails. Fungal infections tend to also be hereditary and tend to run in families. Unlike treatment for general foot fungus, however, treatment for toenail fungus tends to be more complicated. Oral medications are often relied on to eradicate toenail fungus. Many doctors encourage a topical product in conjunction with pills. If a patient is predisposed to fungus, he or she will most likely get it again in the future.
While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM, FACFAS of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your podiatric needs.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.
Antibiotics & Treatments
Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.
Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well
Alternative Treatments
There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.
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.
Monday, 13 July 2015 00:00
Doctor Live Streams Operation on Periscope for Medical Education
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center surgeon, Dr. Timothy Miller, recently streamed an Achilles tendon surgery on the video-streaming appPeriscope. Dr. Miller is one of the first among many surgeons using the app hoping that it will help advance medical education. In this day and age of medical education, students and residents are all equally busy which makes the viewing of cases like these increasingly difficult. The streaming session reeled in nearly 170 live viewers, was viewed more than 800 times after during the 24 hours Periscope archived the surgery, and with the help of an assistant in the operating room, five to six questions were answered during the procedure.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
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.
