April 2022

A common form of inflammatory arthritis is known as gout. It can be extremely uncomfortable and can cause severe pain. It frequently affects the joints in the big toe, and may make walking difficult. Gout develops as a result of a buildup of uric acid, which may come from specific foods, including red meat and shellfish, as well as drinking alcoholic beverages. In addition to pain in the big toe, common symptoms can consist of swelling, redness, and lumps that are painless under the skin. Prevention methods include losing excess weight, avoiding foods that can trigger gout attacks, and eating foods high in vitamin C. Additionally, implementing a gentle exercise routine may help to manage gout. If you have this type of pain in your big toe, please speak with a podiatrist who can discuss prevention techniques and offer treatment solutions. 

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.

Orthotics are designed to be inserted into shoes to help realign the feet or relieve pressure caused by other foot-related problems. They can also help with non-foot issues, such as knee pain or lower back pain. Orthotics can be made to take stress off certain parts of the feet, or to keep the feet aligned. Orthotics are also often used as a method to delay surgery (e.g., when a child needs to wait for their growth plates to close or for their bones to grow more) or to help alleviate pain after surgery. There are multiple ways to make orthotics as well. These methods include laser scanning the foot, using a foam box, or using a plaster cast. If you believe that orthotics are right for you, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested.  

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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 and ankle needs.

Finding the right running shoe to accommodate your foot structure and prevent injury can be a daunting task, particularly if you are a beginner. Here is a brief introduction of the 5 types of running shoes. 1) Racing Flats are lightweight shoes built for long distance and speed with far less cushioning than those made for more general training. They are not appropriate if you are just starting out. 2) Trail Runners are protective and stable running shoes made to accommodate the changing terrain you would encounter in nature (mud, road, grass, hard packed surfaces). 3) Stability Sneakers, made for people with normal arches, support the arch and ankle during the gait cycle and help prevent the foot from overpronation (extreme inward rolling). 4) Motion Control Shoes have a more rigid construction which can help avoid overpronation in people with low arches or with pronation problems. Heavier runners may benefit also from their extra stability and durability. 5) Cushioned Shoes, or neutral padded shoes, can help runners that do not pronate sufficiently during the gait cycle, which may help those with high arches. This footwear offers extra shock absorption in the midsole and outsole. For more individualized advice on the specific features that would be most beneficial for your individual feet and fitness goals, consult with a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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 Achilles tendon is located in the back of the heel and connects the calf muscles to the heel.  It is used for walking, running, and pointing and flexing the foot. A sudden accident to the foot can result in an Achilles tendon injury, and this can often cause severe pain and discomfort. Some patients experience an Achilles tendon partial rupture which indicates the tendon is still attached to the calf muscles. A complete tear can occur when there is no connection between the tendon and the calf muscles. Common symptoms of this type of injury can include walking flat-footed, bruising, swelling, and the inability to stand on your tiptoes. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options, which may include surgery.

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 can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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.