Blog
Tuesday, 27 July 2021 00:00
Topical Treatments for Diabetic Foot Wounds
Those with diabetes may find that their feet are more prone to dryness, itchiness, bruising, cuts, scrapes, and sores. These seemingly minor issues can be dangerous for diabetic feet. Even small wounds may heal slowly and poorly, becoming infected, or develop into diabetic foot ulcers (DFU's) over time. Topical medications are treatments that are applied directly to the skin to treat a skin problem. There are various topical medications that may be used to address skin conditions on diabetic feet. These include medications that moisturize the skin, protect the skin from irritants, reduce itchiness, decrease pain, disinfect wounds and aid wound healing. If you have DFU's or other skin problems on your feet a podiatrist can help to find the correct treatment for you.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
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, 20 July 2021 00:00
Risk Factors for Foot Stress Fractures
A stress fracture refers to a tiny crack in a bone that may happen when the bone can no longer bear the load placed on it. Foot stress fractures often affect athletes, who place a great deal of stress on their feet. Foot fractures also commonly affect women. This is thought to be due to fluctuating hormone levels weakening the bones. Teens are also at an increased risk of stress fractures, as they often have high activity levels and bones that are still in the process of growing. Osteoporosis, abnormal foot biomechanics, or having had a previous stress fracture can all make another stress fracture more likely to occur, as can wearing shoes that don't properly fit or support the foot. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or tenderness in your foot, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
- Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
- Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
- Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
- Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
- Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
Monday, 19 July 2021 00:00
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Tuesday, 13 July 2021 00:00
ESWT for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is a major cause of heel pain. While this condition typically responds well to conservative treatments like resting, icing, and stretching the foot, some cases do require extra care. Plantar fasciitis that has not responded well to conservative treatments may respond to extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). This is a newer, quick and non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves directed into the foot to stimulate the body’s healing processes, break up scar tissue, and reduce sensitivity and pain. If you have plantar fasciitis or chronic heel pain and would like to learn more about ESWT, please consult with a podiatrist.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with 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.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
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, 06 July 2021 00:00
Foods, High Purine Levels, Uric Acid, and Gout
Excess uric acid in the body may cause a painful medical condition known as gout. It is considered to be a form of arthritis and can cause some patients to have debilitating pain. The big toe is generally affected by large amounts of uric acid which can cause crystals to form and lodge in the joints of the toes. Gout attacks often occur at night and can last for hours and even as long as a week. There are various foods that contain high levels of purines, which the body can not process naturally. These types of foods include shellfish, excess alcohol, organ meats, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who are obese or who have existing kidney conditions may not filter foods correctly, and this can result in high uric acid levels. If you are afflicted with gout it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
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.
Tuesday, 29 June 2021 00:00
Does My Child Have an Ankle Injury?
Ankle injuries are common in children and can involve either the ligaments and/or bones of the ankle. When the ligaments that surround and support the ankle get overly stretched, twisted, or torn, this is known as an ankle sprain. When the fibula bone (which is one of the leg bones that make up the ankle) gets either chipped or its growth plate breaks, this is a kind of ankle fracture. With a minor ankle injury, there may be swelling, bruising, pain, or tenderness in your child’s ankle, and they may have limited movement or difficulty walking. The R.I.C.E. method of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation may help a minor ankle injury, however if the ankle is red, your child has a fever, or to ensure their ankle heals properly, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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, 22 June 2021 00:00
How Is Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor blood flow to the lower limbs due to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries which supply blood to the area. Your podiatrist may want to screen you for PAD if you are older, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or if you show any of the symptoms of PAD, including leg cramps, shiny skin, hair loss, or ulcers on the legs, and brittle toenails. PAD screenings are generally painless, noninvasive, and can be performed relatively quickly. Your podiatrist may perform the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which involves taking the blood pressure at your upper arms and ankles and then comparing the resulting numbers to determine your likelihood of having PAD. You may also have an ultrasound scan of your lower legs to visualize blood flow in the area. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, 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.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
- Doppler examination
- Pedal pulses
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
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.
Saturday, 19 June 2021 00:00
Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00
What Should I Do if I Broke My Toe?
A broken toe may occur due to a sudden injury, or can develop gradually over time. If you have broken your toe, you may notice symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, bruising, and difficulty walking. You should seek immediate medical attention if the toe is numb or badly cut or wounded, deformed, makes a snapping, popping, or grinding sound at the time of injury, or if you have severe pain. You should also seek medical care as soon as possible if you have broken your big toe. Less severe injuries can usually be managed with rest, ice, and elevation at home while you wait for an appointment with your doctor. If you suspect you may have broken your toe, please see a podiatrist.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. 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 Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Swelling
- Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
- Stiffness
- Nail Injury
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
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, 08 June 2021 00:00
Can Ultrasound Therapy Help My Sports Injury?
Ultrasound therapy pulses low intensity sound waves into the site of trauma, vibrating the area and tissue to boost collagen production and create deep heat within the tissue. This, in turn, relieves pain, increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the body’s natural healing and repair process. Ultrasound therapy can be beneficial in treating certain sports injuries involving trauma to tendons, tissues, bones, and ligaments. Some of the most common sports injuries podiatrists treat with ultrasound therapy include sprains, strains, and fractured bones in the feet and ankles. If you have suffered a sports injury and would like to know if ultrasound therapy may help your condition, contact a podiatrist for an examination and consultation.
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.
