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In order to physically prepare himself to star in the upcoming film Chapter 27, actor Jared Leto gained seventy pounds. Leto’s increased weight did more than just make him look bad.. Leto’s cholesterol went upward which resulted in Leto contracting the painful condition gout.  "Really, it's a stupid thing to do (gaining weight),” Leto said

“I got gout, and my cholesterol went up so fast in such a short time that my doctors wanted to put me on Lipitor, which is for much, much older people." Fortunately Leto toured with band 30 Seconds to Mars after the filming, which expedited the process of getting Leto down to a much healthier weight.

Gout can affect day to day living. If you are experiencing pain in your foot or ankle, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can assist you with your foot and ankle needs.

 

 

What is gout?

Diseases of the feet can affect the whole body, and symptoms usually arise within the feet. A condition like gout can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  The pain caused by this disease is often so agonizing that it requires elevation of the feet and some time off for them to fully recover.

Known in the past as “the disease of kings”, Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. This buildup of acid is typically seen on the big toe of the foot and can cause inflammation, redness and swelling. Although these are common symptoms of the diseases others include joint pain, extreme fatigue and a high fever. 

Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

For more information about gout, please follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Many kids engage in running whether as a sport, part of a sport or just general play. Running by itself serves as an excellent physical activity since it can keep children active and prevent conditions such as obesity. Since running needs only a good pair of shoes, the activity is very accessible and can even serve as a great bonding experience for friends and family.

As with any physical activity, keep in mind there is always the chance of sustaining an injury. This is especially important for parents to know since children’s bones are still gradually developing. Fortunately, with enough training and adult supervision, injuries should not be a huge issue.

All children deserve to have feet that are well accounted for. To ensure your child has healthy feet, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can care for your child’s foot and ankle needs.   

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet in childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care from birth to school-age.

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

  • Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet
  • Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet

  • Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus
  • Be watchful of any pain or injury
  • Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible
  • Comfortable, protective shoes should usually be worn

For more information about Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy, follow the link below.


If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Wednesday, 23 April 2014 13:55

Star Volleyball Player Recovers from Surgery


The Iowa State University Cyclones made their spring debut by racking up three wins with the help of star player Ciara Capezio. Capezio had spent her time during the off season recovering from surgery she underwent in order to correct Morton’s Neuroma. ISU’s coaches were unsure if she would be ready to play at the start of the season.

An All-Big 12 player, Capezio returned to her position without much difficulty and aided her team in dominating Nebraska-Kearney, Nebraska-Omaha, and Northern Iowa. “Our offense — when we were in-system, when the ball was to center — was really, really good,” said coach Christy Johnson-Lynch.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary, especially for athletes. If you are contending with a foot or an ankle condition, speak to Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can determine the most ideal procedure for your podiatric needs.  

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

- Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions

- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues

- Reconstruction to attend injuries caused by accidents or malformations

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will be dependent on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

- Bunionectomy for painful bunions

- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones

- Nerve removal for painful nerve endings

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, when it is undertaken, if can provide more complete pain relief than before, and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Such techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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East Orange resident Roselle Hartsfield has a lot to live for. The 84 year old mother to seven, grandmother to fifteen and great-grandmother to seven, Hartsfield has contended with diabetes since her 50’s, and is well aware that her long-term well-being is at risk.

“I have glaucoma in my eyes and two years ago, two of my toes got so badly infected that I had to go into a hyperbaric chamber for 39 days to avoid amputation,” she said. Although there have been many advances in diabetic care, diabetics need to do what they can do monitor their health with vigilance. Conscious of this, Hartsfield is determined to ensure her health is accounted for in order to avoid amputation or worse.

Diabetes is a very serious condition that can result in amputation or worse if left untreated. If you are diabetic, visit podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your diabetic feet.   

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet


- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet.

For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Detroit Tiger Jose Iglesias sustained stress fractures in both legs. As a result, Iglesias will be out for four to six months, trained on non-weight bearing exercises and upper-body conditioning for the meantime. Tigers manager Dave Dombrowski told fans the team will move forward to play the season without Iglesias. (He could) perhaps be back later in the year, but in my thought process that’s more unlikely than likely at this point,” Dombrowski said, adding he has been assured Iglesias will be ready to play by next season.

Stress fractures can place a lot of stress on someone. If you suffered a stress fracture to your foot or ankle, see  Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your stress fracture injuries.   

Coping with Podiatric Stress Fractures

Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken as a result of overexertion or underuse.  As a result, the ankles and feet lose support when walking or running from the ground. Since these bones are not protected, they receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes the bones to form cracks.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress Fractures are very common among those who are highly active and involved in sports or activities that make excessive use of their legs and feet. Stress fractures are especially common among:

-athletes (gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players)

-runners/joggers

-osteoporosis patients

-those who engage in high-intensity workouts

Stress Fracture Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be either constant or periodic. The pain is usually sharp or dull, accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Engagement in any kind of high impact activity will exacerbate the pain.

To learn more about stress fractures please follow link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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The celebrity everyone loves to hate, notorious bad boy Justin Bieber’s performance on several sobriety tests claim a broken foot is behind his failure. Bieber says that a hairline fracture in his right foot from a three month old skateboarding incident is the cause of his broken foot.  

Although it is more likely to be an excuse, one officer did note that Bieber had difficulty staying in line as he swayed and had leg tremors during the test, wincing as if he were experiencing pain. "He appeared to have great difficulty," the report noted. However, the injury was never mentioned or noticed after that test, adding to the possibility that it was just another performance for the bratty YouTube star. Bieber was described by the police as being “agitated and condescending”, making use of frequent profanity while being brought to the police station.

Suffering a broken foot can be a real downer. Fortunately, podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry can help. Dr. Lapoff can treat your broken foot with the professionalism and care it needs.  

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot ‘breaking’, or fracturing. Bones typically break when the bone is bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.  

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue (foot)
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those who are experiencing any of these symptoms, or suspect that they have a broken foot, should seek medical attention in a center where x-rays can be performed. This is especially urgent if any of the symptoms include numbness, blue coloring, cold feet, cuts, misshapen toes or deformities as these indicate more severe cases.

To learn more about broken foot and its treatment, please follow link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more on Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Monday, 24 March 2014 00:00

St. Kilda Saint Injures Sesamoid Bone

St. Kilda Saint JackStevensuffered an injury that will take him out for quite a while. “Scans conducted late this afternoon revealed a fracture in his right foot which is obviously disappointing for both Jack and the club on the eve of the 2014 season,” Chris Pelchen, head of St. Kilda’s football, said. “It’s important to note that the fracture is not stress related and followed an innocuous incident during training.”  As it turns out, Steven suffered a fracture to his right sesamoid bone and not a stress fracture. Unfortunately, Steven will miss at least 8-10 weeks, leading the Saints without one of their best midfielders.

A sports related foot or ankle injury can take a toll on an athlete. If you have a foot or ankle injury, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can care for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Sport 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 feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Athlete Alex Morgan has been contending with a lingering ankle injury that has kept her off the field since the start of 2014. Geoffrey Arnold of the Oregonian states that Morgan sustained a sprain in her left ankle back in October while training.

Despite her injury Morgan continued to play, which caused injury to regress into a stress reaction. "The longest injury I've been out for is my ACL," Morgan said after a team training session. "Now this is creeping up as one of the longest injuries I've ever been out for. It's really hard."    

Ankle sprains are incredibly painful and devastating. If you sprained your ankle, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your ankle sprain in addition to any other foot or ankle condition.

How Do Ankle Sprains Happen?

Sprain injuries take place when the ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are various ways that the ankle can become injured. In fact even the simple act of walking could cause a sprain. Ankle damage can occur by losing footing or walking on uneven terrain.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Skin discoloration

How Can I Care for my Ankle at Home?

Self-care for ankle sprains includes propping the ankle up and keeping it elevated, applying ice packs as needed, and remaining off your feet. Some may also find that wrapping the ankle with an ACE bandage and taking over-the-counter pain relievers helps. One of the most important things is avoiding further stress to the affected area.

Preventing Sprains

  • Wearing appropriate shoes
  • Stretching before participating in physical activity
  • Knowing your limitations

To learn more about ankle sprains please follow link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains

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