March 2024

Maintaining balance and stability is essential for daily activities and overall well-being. Incorporating specific foot stretches into your routine can help strengthen muscles, improve proprioception, and enhance stability. One effective exercise is toe-tapping, where you alternate tapping your toes on the ground while keeping your heels stationary. This movement engages the muscles in your feet and ankles, promoting better balance. Another beneficial exercise is heel-to-toe walking, also known as tandem walking, where you walk in a straight line placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the opposite foot. This exercise challenges your balance and awareness of your body movement, helping to improve coordination and stability. Practicing single-leg balance exercises, such as standing on one foot for increasing durations, can further enhance stability. By incorporating these foot exercises into your daily routine, you can strengthen your foundation, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls and injuries, ultimately supporting your overall health and mobility. If you are seeking additional foot stretches to perform, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are looking for.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Shoe size plays a pivotal role in both shoe comfort and foot health. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to a multitude of foot problems, ranging from blisters and calluses to more severe issues, like bunions and hammertoes. When shoes are too tight, they can constrict blood flow and cause discomfort, while overly loose shoes may lead to friction and instability, increasing the risk of injury. Properly fitting shoes should have enough room for the toes to wiggle comfortably without being too loose in the heel or arch. As feet can change in size over time, due to factors such as weight gain, pregnancy, and aging, it is essential to regularly measure shoe size to ensure optimal fit and support. Investing in shoes that accommodate the unique shape and size of your feet can help prevent foot pain and deformities, promoting overall foot health and well-being. By prioritizing shoe size in shoe selection, individuals can enjoy greater comfort, mobility, and longevity in their footwear choices. If you have questions about correct shoe size and how it relates to foot health, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Wearing high heels can transform the way we walk, influencing posture and gait dynamics in subtle yet significant ways. The elevated heel of high-heeled shoes prompts a redistribution of body weight, causing the pelvis to tilt slightly forward and the spine to arch gently. This adjustment creates the illusion of longer legs and a more defined silhouette, enhancing confidence and poise. Additionally, high heels encourage shorter, more deliberate strides, leading to a smoother and more controlled walking motion. The lifted heel also engages the calf muscles and accentuates the curve of the buttocks, contributing to a more graceful and elegant stride. Despite these perceived benefits, it is important to note that prolonged wear of high heels can place strain on the feet, ankles, and lower back, potentially leading to discomfort and musculoskeletal issues over time. So, while high heels can indeed enhance the aesthetic appeal of walking, it is essential to strike a balance between style and comfort for optimal foot health. If you would like more information about the effect high heels have on walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of 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.  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.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, is often triggered by certain foods high in purines, which are natural compounds found in various food sources. Purines break down into uric acid in the body. When uric acid levels become elevated, it can lead to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, like the big toe, and cause gout flare-ups. Foods rich in purines include red meat, organ meats like liver and kidneys, shellfish, and certain types of fish like anchovies and sardines. Additionally, alcohol, particularly beer and liquor, can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Sugary beverages and foods high in fructose can also contribute to gout symptoms. Limiting consumption of these purine-rich foods and beverages, and focusing on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, can help manage gout symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. If you have gout attacks in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, which may include effective nutritional recommendations.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of 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 care needs.