Blog
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00
Exercises May Help Hammertoe
A foot condition that is considered to be a deformity can be referred to as hammertoe. It is a noticeable ailment that affects the toes, and pushes them into a bent position. The joint bends downward, often resembling a hammer. It is most often seen in the second, third, or fourth toes, and can cause difficulty in walking. It is known as an imbalance that affects muscles, toes, and ligaments, and may happen for various reasons. Some people have a predisposition to developing hammertoe, or it can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it may happen if a foot injury has occurred, or from having weak calf muscles. Relief can be found when specific foot stretches are done, and performing regular exercise promotes healing and can improve flexibility. If you have this condition, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
- Painful and/or difficult toe movement
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Calluses/Corns
- Physical deformity
Risk Factors
- Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
- Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
- Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
- Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best 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 care needs.
Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00
Wearing High Heels May Cause Morton’s Neuroma
The pain that is associated with the foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally found in the ball of the foot. It happens as a result of a compressed or irritated nerve between the third and fourth toes, and it occurs more frequently in women. Wearing high heels may be a common cause for Morton’s neuroma to develop. More often than not, the toes may have limited room to move freely in, and the nerve may become inflamed. Common symptoms of this ailment include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, and some patients describe the feeling as similar to standing on a marble or pebble. Additionally, the toes may be affected as the pain radiates through the foot, and can be uncomfortable. A proper diagnosis is needed to rule out arthritis or a fracture, and this is accomplished by having an X-ray taken. If you have pain in this part of your foot, a podiatrist can provide you with answers to questions you may have, and guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
- Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
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.
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00
Do You Work on Your Feet?
Many people who work on their feet for most of the day understand the importance of resting their feet briefly during a scheduled break before returning to their duties at work. This can include many professions including the restaurant industry, medical personnel, and retail workers. There are several foot conditions that can result from standing all day. Plantar fasciitis, poor circulation, bunions, and foot arthritis are a few examples. It is extremely beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly and are comfortable. It is essential to choose shoes that have a good support system and avoid shoes that are flat like flip-flops or ballet shoes. Additionally, it is suggested to refrain from wearing shoes that will push the toes forward which can move the center of gravity. Many people wear compression socks as this can be helpful in controlling circulation. When the workday is over, many people understand the pleasure of soaking their feet in warm water since this is helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet while working or standing all day, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
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 from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor 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 type 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 all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are 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.
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.
Wednesday, 14 September 2022 00:00
Gout Is a Common Form of Arthritis
Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis, and is considered to be the most common form of this painful condition. Gout generally affects the joints in the big toe, and is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, causing crystals to form. This can occur from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high purine levels. These types of foods can include red meat, shellfish, alcohol, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain that patients experience with gout can be debilitating, and it is often difficult to walk. A proper diagnosis can consist of having an X-ray taken, and fluid may be extracted out of the affected joints that houses the crystals. Patients who have existing medical issues may be at a higher risk for getting gout. These can include obesity, kidney disorders, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Living a healthy lifestyle may help to prevent future gout attacks, and may be easier to control if they do happen. If you have questions about gout, or have frequent attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can answer any concerns you may have, and guide you toward proper treatment options.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat 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 treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00
When to See a Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a doctor that treats the foot, ankle, and any connecting leg parts. They are known as a doctor of podiatric medicine or DPM, and these initials will appear after their name. Podiatrists must complete four years of study and training at a podiatric medical school. After this, they must complete residency training for three more years in a hospital or clinic. When they pass all required exams, they are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (APMA). Some of these doctors choose to specialize (such as in surgery, sports medicine, or pediatrics), and if they do this, they must obtain more training in their area of specialty. Podiatrists must be licensed in the state that they work in, and like other physicians, they must renew their licenses and keep up to date with their training. Like a family doctor or general care physician, unless they specialize, podiatrists treat people of all ages and for a range of conditions. If your feet hurt or if you have sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is time to see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment. It is a good idea to have your feet checked by this type of doctor periodically anyway. Remember, your feet support your weight and get you through a lifetime of mobility.
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.
Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00
Causes and Treatment of Heel Spurs
A heel spur is caused when calcium builds up on the heel bone. It can be a plantar heel spur, which grows on the bottom of the heel, or a posterior heel spur, which grows on the back of the heel. A great many people have heel spurs and won’t know it until the spurs show up on an X-ray. Others with heel spurs can experience a great deal of pain, which can be acute, intermittent, or chronic. The precise cause of heel spurs has been debated by scientists, but what is clear is that more than 80 percent of people who have them are overweight. Older people also are more likely to develop heel spurs, as are post-menopausal women. Possible causes include arthritis, plantar fasciitis, excessive running or jogging, and shoes without adequate cushioning in the heel. The two main ways to treat bone spurs are resting and icing the foot and wearing orthotic shoe inserts. If the pain caused by heel spurs continues or worsens, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist who may suggest further treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections and being fitted for custom orthotics.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00
Where Are Seed Corns Found?
Corns can cause severe pain and discomfort. They are defined as small patches of hardened skin that develop as a result of excess friction typically from wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. There are certain medical conditions that may lead to corns. Patients who have hammertoe and bunions may find that corns develop on top of the extended joints. There are three categories of corns consisting of hard, soft, and seed corns. If you notice a corn on the bottom of your foot, it most likely is a seed corn. The medical term for this type of corn is heloma milliare and they develop due to dry skin. Other characteristics of a seed corn can include multiple corns in one area, and they may appear circular and smaller than other types of corns. Soft corns are found between the toes and remain moist from the sweat that is found there. A hard corn can develop on the side of the pinky toe or on top of the other toes from excess friction. If you have corns on your feet, please seek the expert advice of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment options.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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.
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00
Runners and Blisters
People who enjoy running are often familiar with blisters. Patients who get them often can generally feel when they are developing blisters and may wear running socks to prevent them. Blisters come from wearing shoes and socks that can cause excess friction and develop as the body’s natural defense to heal damaged skin. It is defined as a small area that resembles a bubble that is filled with fluid, and it immediately forms over the damaged skin. When new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain as it is no longer needed. There may be existing medical reasons why people get blisters including eczema and psoriasis, in addition to having overly dry skin. A bunion may be the cause of blisters forming on the feet and this often happens from wearing shoes that are too tight. It is beneficial for people who run to gradually build up the skin on their feet as this may lead to getting blisters less often. If you frequently get blisters on your feet and would like to know more information about treatment and prevention, please confer with a podiatrist.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
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.
Sunday, 14 August 2022 00:00
Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
