August 2021

Broken toes are extremely painful, and they are usually a result of a severe impact or trauma such as stubbing the toe or having something fall on it. However, stress fractures, which are small hairline fractures that occur from overuse, may also develop in the toes. Common signs of a broken toe include severe pain that starts at the moment of trauma, rapid swelling, bruising and deformity. While treatment options for a broken toe generally start with resting and icing the toe, patients who may have broken their toe should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A podiatrist will be able to take an X-ray of the toe to tell if it is broken and suggest more in depth treatment options such as surgery, buddy taping (taping the broken toe to a healthy toe next to it), or, in some cases, a walking boot.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

The medical term for toenail fungus is known as onychomycosis. It is considered to be the most common of nail diseases among adults and can be quite unsightly. Conditions that can include diabetes and ailments that suppress the immune system may lead to the development of toenail fungus. This condition is caused by a specific type of fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These types of places can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Common symptoms that many people experience can include yellow and thickened nails, and in severe cases, the nail may have an odor. Effective prevention techniques can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these places, and refrain from sharing towels and socks. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist if you have any of these symptoms, who can help create the correct treatment plan for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women. As their belly grows so does the baby, and with this the feet tend to become bigger. This may be a result of thickened blood that develops during pregnancy, in addition to standing on the feet for most of the day. Research has indicated there are several different things that can be done to help alleviate foot pain during pregnancy. It is beneficial to elevate the feet as often as possible, as this may help to reduce existing swelling. Additionally, it can help to flex and point the feet at various times during the day to help improve circulation. Patients may see a noticeable difference in choosing shoes that are wide and have a low heel. Wearing cotton socks can help to avoid sweating and may improve comfort. If you would like more information about how to avoid foot pain during pregnancy, please consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

We all deal with foot sweat from time to time, but if you find that your feet are wet, clammy, or leaving soggy footprints on the floor, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating. It can affect various parts of the body, but is particularly common in feet. Other than being annoying and possibly embarrassing, untreated plantar hyperhidrosis can have health consequences. Excessive sweating can make the feet perpetually moist, increasing the risk of fungal (athlete’s foot, toenail fungus), bacterial (folliculitis), and viral (warts caused by HPV) infections and skin breakdown. A heat rash, which causes itching, redness, and stinging, may also develop. If you are suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis, a podiatrist can help find the most effective treatment for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This is typically caused by tiny, repetitive trauma to the area during walking, running, standing for prolonged periods of time, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. The heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps in the morning or after a long period of rest. This is thought to be because of the plantar fascia being slightly contracted while in bed or at rest. When you take your first few steps the ligament is stretched, which can bring about heel pain. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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.