August 2024

Toe injuries are common among runners, often caused by the repetitive impact and friction involved in the sport. Runner’s toe, or toenail trauma, typically results from the toenail repeatedly hitting the inside of the shoe, causing pain and potential bruising. Bruised toenails occur when blood collects under the nail due to direct impact or pressure, leading to dark discoloration. Black toenails, a more severe form of bruising, may be indicative of more significant trauma and can sometimes lead to the toenail falling off. To prevent these issues, ensure that running shoes fit properly with adequate room for toe movement and cushioning to absorb shock. Regularly trimming toenails and wearing moisture-wicking socks can also reduce the risk of injury. If you are experiencing toe pain from a running injury, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for treatment. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition often causes stabbing pain, especially in the morning. Standard treatments include rest, targeted exercises, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Custom-made orthotics, however, provide an extremely effective solution by offering tailored support and cushioning. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, these orthotics are specifically designed to fit the unique contours of an individual's feet, alleviating pressure on the plantar fascia. By distributing weight more evenly and correcting abnormal foot mechanics, custom orthotics can significantly reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, they are as effective as corticosteroid injections in reducing thickness and swelling, providing long-term relief and preventing recurrence. If you have persistent discomfort from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether custom-made orthotics can help you.

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 shoes for your child can be a real challenge, especially with their feet constantly growing and changing. To ensure a proper fit, start by checking for wiggle room at the front of the shoe. Aim for about half an inch between the tip of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe to allow for comfortable toe movement. Next, focus on the width by examining the widest part of the foot, making sure there’s no bulging or squeezing of the pinky toe, which indicates the shoe is too narrow. Finally, assess the heel fit by sliding your finger between the back of the shoe around your child’s heel. If you can fit more than one or two fingers, the shoe may be too wide. Properly fitting shoes are important for your child’s comfort and foot health. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your child, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Engaging in windsurfing or kitesurfing can be exhilarating, but it also exposes participants to potential foot injuries and cuts caused by beach pollution. Debris like sharp shells, broken glass, or discarded objects can pose hazards, leading to cuts or puncture wounds on the feet. Immediate first aid is critical, involving cleaning the wound with fresh water and applying an antiseptic to prevent infection. Removing any embedded debris from the affected foot carefully is essential before covering the laceration with a sterile bandage. Prevention strategies include wearing water shoes or protective footwear to minimize direct contact with hazardous materials. Surfers should also familiarize themselves with the beach conditions and inspect the area for potential dangers that can happen to the feet before launching into the water. If you enjoy either form of surfing and you endured a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot injury you may have.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.