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anklesprains2Argentine forward and world renowned soccer superstar Lionel Messi is recovering from an injured foot he sustained during the recent El Clasico win over Real Madrid. Messi was forced to sit out of both of Argentina’s friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador over his clubs international break due to the injury.

However, he was soon able to participate in light running and stretching activities. According to Barcelona officials on their website, “The inflammation of Messi’s Foot has improved and the player will attempt to join the rest of internationals tomorrow.

Getting back into sports after foot and ankle injuries may sometimes be tricky due to possibilities of worsening any injuries. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Rich Feet. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries
While one of the most common injuries among athletes may be a sprained ankle, there are still many other types of injuries that plague athletes in any sport. But for less severe foot and ankle injuries, it is recommended by physical therapists and sports medicine doctors that athletes use the R.I.C.E. method to help alleviate pain and to speed up the healing process.

The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four steps help in the healing process, not only to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to improve overall health of the affected area, allowing you to get back on to your feet again. Although resting is usually the key to all healing, it is necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.

It is best for injured athletes to allow themselves time to heal. Some athletes need hours of re-training, exercise, check-ups with their physical therapist, and other remedies. But with the right attitude and motivation, it is not hard to get back into sports after foot and ankle injuries.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about getting into sports after foot and ankle injuries.

Monday, 20 April 2015 00:00

Salon Visits can help ease Cracked Heels

brokenAccording to Suzanne Edmonds of SunMedia, it is best to take good care of your foot health on both the outside and on the inside. Sometimes a trip to the salon for a pedicure is an integral part of maintaining that foot health, especially when it comes to cracked heels. Pedicures involve soaking the foot in warm soapy water in a bowl that is sanitized to avoid bacteria infecting the foot.

After the soak, the hardened skin on the heels should be a little softened and easy to file down. The final step of the pedicure is a layer of moisturizer that can also be applied regularly at home to prevent heels from cracking again and simultaneously reducing any calluses that may have formed.

Cracked heels can become painful if left untreated. To learn more, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth, FL. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs. 
 
The Truth about Cracked Heels
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.
Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Cracked Heels

afootDr. Margaret Abbott of Nottingham states that athlete’s foot is a mild fungal infection that causes an itchy rash to develop or for red, scaly, and dry skin to appear.

The bottom of the foot is also capable of becoming inflamed or blistery. Abbott states that feet are warm, dark, and humid, and are the perfect conditions for fungi to multiply, which can become troublesome if infected. Athlete’s foot is easily treated with antifungal medication.

The ailment can also be prevented by washing feet regularly with soap and water. It is important to thoroughly dry the feet after they have been wet as well. Wear breathable, cotton socks, and change your socks and shoes regularly to ensure proper dryness of the feet.

Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable condition to deal with. If you are suffering from athlete’s foot contactDr. Kevin H. Lapoff ofLake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a condition that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. Treatment is often difficult, because of its contagious and reoccurring nature. Also known as tinea pedis, it is found to survive in moist humid areas.

Common places found:

  • shower floors
  • public changing areas
  • locker rooms
  • Gyms
  • bathrooms
  • public swimming pools
  • socks and shoes
  • dormitory style houses

Treatment & Prevention

Because of its reoccurring nature, the best way to treat Athlete’s foot is with prevention. Take necessary precautions such as:

  • Wearing flips-flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using powders to keep your feet dry
  • Keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air

Athlete’s foot can be treated with special creams and sprays.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about athlete’s foot

studentsAlthough flip-flops and sandals are typically worn less throughout the colder months, college students that shower in a communal space should keep wearing the sandals year round. Since public grooming areas are already naturally moist, they are common areas for biofilms, slimy areas where microorganisms stick together, to grow.

Professor Philip Tierno of New York University’s School of Medicine even mentions that it will take more than soap and water to eliminate the hazards caused by biofilms. In order to reduce the chance of any infections that might occur when coming in contact with these biofilms, college students must make the choice to wear flip-flops anywhere near the shower.

Tierno states, “People don’t think they have a contusion or lesion or crack in their skin, but many people have dried skin and they do have the ability for an organism to gain access to the foot and spread elsewhere in the body.”
Flip-flops can cause a lot of foot problems if worn too often and in the incorrect conditions, they can help you to avoid infection in certain areas.

If you have any questions concerning infections on the feet, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?
Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result.

For more information about Flip Flops, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet

Monday, 30 March 2015 00:00

Jockey Out until May due to Broken Ankle

anikleFor the third time in her career, New Plymouth Jockey Vanessa Johnston has been forced to the sidelines due to a broken ankle. The incident occurred when the 27-year-old fell from her horse at the New Plymouth track. Although the Johnston had started the season off slowly, she felt as though things had started to go well, winning the Fielding Gold Cup, the Eulogy Stakes, and the Levin Stakes so far this season. The night of the injury, the jockey had spent the night in the hospital with a plaster cast and will spend the rest of the time recovering. “I’ll be in a moon boot for five weeks…I hope to be back riding in May,” Johnston stated.

Broken ankles are extremely painful and inconvenient. If you have any questions about broken ankles contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth, FL. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.


Read More About Broken Ankles

runnersnewWhether you were born with perfect feet or have every ailment possible in your lower extremities, it is necessary to have the proper footwear to avoid future pain and practice every day foot care. Often time many common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and hammertoes occur because of ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear. By having your foot fitting for the best type of shoe that suits your needs, you are treating and preventing foot complications.

Finding shoes with the proper fit and support is only one portion in maintaining everyday foot care. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 of your foot ankle injuries.


Read more about Everyday Foot Care

bunionsViola Davis recentlyappeared on the Ellen Show after winning a SAG Award for her role in How to Get Away With Murder where she discussed her quick remedy for temporary relief on bunion pain. The actress recalled that she was extremely worried about walking around on the red carpet in heels that would cause further pain to her foot. The night before the awards Davis had her husband go to the supermarket and buy her a can of white vegetable shortening called Crisco. She claims the white greasy ingredient in fried chicken reduces the friction between the bunion and the shoes and soothes her dry skin.

Bunions can be very troublesome if they are not treated correctly. If you are having problems with your bunions consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will diagnose the severity of your bunion and give you the proper treatment for your needs.

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 by 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 cause bunions to form

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Bunions

Obesity Causing Limb Amputation Epidemic in Scotland

ObesityAccording to the World Health Organization, as obesity increases in young adults and children, so do foot and ankle problems. These issues are more likely to occur because there is too much pressure being put on the lower extremities. Obese children are less likely to participate in physical activities due to the problems that may occur in the foot structure and often time, obese individuals end up with flat feet due to the pressure. Childhood obesity may have a negative effect on the feet over a period of time and may result in permanent issues with foot function. For children and young adults to reduce the chance of permanent foot problems, it is important to establish the proper amount of diet and exercise. For some, additional coaching may be necessary to overcome the challenges of obesity.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet if not taken care of properly. If you’re an obese individual and you’re concerned about your feet, talk to Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will can determine if your weight has caused you to develop any complications in your lower extremities and get you the care that you need.

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.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Read more about Obesity and Your Feet

high heelHigh heels are a major staple in nearly every woman’s wardrobe; unfortunately many doctors are telling their patients to avoid them at all costs to protect the feet and ankles from serious damage. Many women are aware that high heels will cause the usual pain of blisters and corns, but in a recent study, it was found that the shoe has the potential to change the entire way the foot moves even after they are taken off. The study listed nearly twelve possible injuries heel wearers can obtain from wearing the shoe type too often including: Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendonitis, hammertoes, pump bump, sprained ankles, and arthritis. If avoiding high heels is not possible, professionals recommend wearing a lower heel or a heel with a wider toe box to avoid some of these ailments.

High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?


      • Ankle Joints
      • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
      • Balls of the Feet
      • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
      • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.




 What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?


      • Corns
      • Calluses
      • Hammertoe
      • Bunions
      • Morton’s Neuroma
      • Plantar Fasciitis


How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. 

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 the Effects of High Heels

Morton's NeuromaMorton’s Neuroma occurs when a nerve between the third and fourth or the second and third toes becomes compressed or injured. Those with Morton’s neuroma may typically feel sharp pain, burning, or numbness in the foot and the nerves may thicken causing a visible lump in the foot. According to Dr. Anthony Komaroff of Harvard Medical School, women are at a greater risk because they usually wear tight shoes or high heels. One of the best ways to prevent and treat Morton’s neuroma is to wear low heeled shoes with a wider toe box so the bones, ligaments, muscles and nerves, are not squeezed. Dr. K also recommends massaging the area or visiting your foot care professional for metatarsal pads to help correct any structural problems you may have. If the pain persists, doctors may inject a local anesthetic with corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Surgery may be needed if the previously mentioned methods do not work. 

Morton’s neuroma can be a difficult condition to live with. If you would like to learn more about your Morton’s neuroma and possible treatment options, speak to podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will diagnose and treat your feet accordingly.

Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.  Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.

If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.

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.

Read more on Morton’s Neuroma
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