Blog
Tuesday, 04 January 2022 00:00
What Can Cause a Stress Fracture?
Stress fractures in the feet are a common injury, particularly among athletes. They can be caused by any activity that puts increased pressure on the feet, from playing a high impact sport to starting a new workout routine. A sudden increase in activity, for example, running for much longer than usual, can overload the bones in your feet. Changing the surface that you train on can have a similar effect, specifically if you are moving from a soft surface, like turf, to a hard one like asphalt. Having an improper running technique or wearing the wrong shoes can also lead to stress fractures. If you are suffering from any type of foot pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
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, 28 December 2021 00:00
Common Causes and Treatments for Heel Pain
Because heel pain can be both debilitating and affect your everyday routine, it is important to have a podiatrist assess your condition. There are a variety of different sources of heel pain, and the most common one is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or torn. Other factors, such as arthritis, an Achilles tendon injury, a stress fracture, or fat pad atrophy, can all lead to heel pain as well. Common methods that a podiatrist may use to treat heel pain include ice, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, orthotics, or even surgery. Patients who are struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
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.
Tuesday, 21 December 2021 00:00
The Diabetic Foot
Diabetes is a systemic condition. This means that it affects the whole body, including the feet. Foot problems that stem from diabetes include peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, and diabetic foot ulcers, a type of open wound that can occur on the feet and become infected when left unnoticed. Between 40 and 60 million diabetics worldwide suffer from lower limb complications each year. The best way to prevent these problems is to stay vigilant of any changes in your feet by performing daily foot inspections. Look at your feet carefully and take note of anything unusual, such as cuts, scrapes, sores, discoloration, or strange sensations. If you notice that something is off, seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
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.
Thursday, 16 December 2021 00:00
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Tuesday, 14 December 2021 00:00
How Do I Know if My Sneakers Fit Properly?
When it comes to finding the right shoes, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if the shoes fit you properly. Many people believe that shoes need to be “broken in” the first few times that they are worn to be comfortable, but this is not the case. Shoes that are the right size should fit comfortably from the moment you put them on. When it comes to sneakers or running shoes, other fit details to watch for include your heel being locked in place and not slipping or sliding as you walk or run and a snug but not tight fit in the midfoot. The toe box of the shoes should also have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. For more information about the importance of properly fitted shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
- Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
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, 07 December 2021 00:00
Why Some People Sweat Excessively on Their Feet
Thermoregulation is the body’s process of maintaining its core internal temperature, which is typically between 98°F and 100°F. Sweating is one of the mechanisms the body uses to cool down because as sweat evaporates it cools the skin, which lowers our internal temperature. Excessive sweating in specific areas of the skin is known as hyperhidrosis, or sometimes is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis when it occurs in the feet. The specific cause of Hyperhidrosis is unknown, however its possible triggers are believed to include emotions, hormones, physical activity, or brain signals which inaccurately prompt sweat glands to overreact even when it is not necessary for thermoregulation. Sweat that sits stagnant on the skin of the feet can compromise the top layer of skin, making it more susceptible to bacteria which can create odor and even expose the body to more serious bacteria. Podiatrists have a variety of treatment options to help control this embarrassing and uncomfortable condition.
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.
Tuesday, 30 November 2021 00:00
Toenail Fungal Infections
Toenail fungal infections are a very common disease of the nails. The fungus responsible for toenail infections is called onychomycosis, or tinea unguium. It is very hearty and can be resistant to D-I-Y treatments at home. Fungal infections can cause the toenails to become brittle, crumbly, thickened, ragged, and discolored with yellow or white streaking or spots. A podiatrist may treat toenail fungal infections with oral medications, topical therapies, removal of damaged areas of the nail (debridement), or laser therapy. If you think you have a toenail fungal infection, reach out to a podiatrist to discuss your treatment options.
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.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
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.
Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00
Can the Inside of My Ankle Break?
The bony bump on the inside of your ankle is actually the end of your tibia bone. This anatomical region of the tibia is known as the medial malleolus and is also the inner bone of your ankle. The medial malleolus supports the ankle on the inside of the foot and attaches to the major (deltoid) ligament there. Although ankle fractures of the medial malleolus usually occur in tandem with other ankle bone fractures, an isolated medial malleolus fracture can occur when the foot is forcefully rotated/rolled outwardly or inwardly. The medial malleolus can also suffer from a stress fracture from repetitive activity which weakens it over time. Symptoms of a medial malleolus fracture may include swelling and bruising throughout the foot, pain on the inner part of the ankle, and even difficulty walking. In order to be diagnosed and treated properly and to make sure there are no other injuries to other bones or tissue, it is very important to be seen by a podiatrist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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, 16 November 2021 00:00
Why Is My Child Complaining of Heel Pain?
If your child is complaining of heel pain they may be suffering from Sever’s Disease. When children are growing and bones have not fully developed, the growth plate at the back of the heel (the apophysis) can become irritated, stressed, and painful—especially when the child is physically active in sporting activities. This condition is known as Sever’s Disease and typically occurs in growing children between the ages of 9 and 14. It can take place in both sexes, however, it is more common among males. This ailment is said to improve as the child matures and the growth plate hardens into bone. In the meantime, pain and discomfort can be difficult for an active child to deal with. A podiatrist can help ease your child’s pain by prescribing icing, stretching, resting, orthotics, and more.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.
Tuesday, 16 November 2021 00:00
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
