Blog
Monday, 14 September 2020 00:00
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritic Feet?
Many patients who are afflicted with arthritis are familiar with the pain and discomfort this condition can cause. When arthritis is present, there are several symptoms that can affect the feet, which can include stiffness in the toe joints or ankles, swelling, and warmth in parts of the foot. The joints in the feet may gradually deteriorate, and it may become difficult to walk. Mild relief may be felt when pressure is taken off of the affected foot, and this may help to reduce existing swelling and pain. Arthritis in the feet may lead to other foot ailments, including bursitis, hammertoes, and nodules that may form on the heel, which can affect the Achilles tendon. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment techniques.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Decreased Range of Motion
Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.
Risk Factors
- Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
- Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
- Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
- Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
- Age – Risk increases with age
- Gender –Most types are more common in women
- Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary
If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best 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, 08 September 2020 00:00
Differences in Heel Size
The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and it is important to wear the right shoes for your chosen sport. The main differences between walking and running shoes is the amount of flexibility and stability. The heel is constructed differently in running shoes, and appears to be wider than in walking shoes. Additionally, it is beneficial to have the feet professionally measured, as this is helpful in determining what the correct size shoe is. If you would like more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, please speak to a podiatrist.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
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, 31 August 2020 00:00
Children That Walk With Their Toes In Or Out May Indicate A Foot Condition
Many children can experience foot conditions their parents may be unaware of. This can be a result of the flexibility children’s feet have, which can mask misalignment and discomfort. Common problems involving the feet may include walking with the toes in or out, or knock knees which may originate from poor foot alignment. Additionally, chronic heel pain is a common problem which may indicate Sever’s disease. If you notice your child is having any type of foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist, who can determine the cause of existing foot pain as quickly as possible.
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.
Monday, 24 August 2020 00:00
How Did I Get Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes a sharp, stabbing pain near the heel. This condition is caused by injury to the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This injury causes inflammation, which in turn causes pain. Running, participating in sports that are hard on the feet, and even standing for prolonged periods of time can bring about plantar fasciitis. People who have flat feet are also at an increased risk, as flat feet have a tendency to roll inward excessively while you walk and run, potentially leading to injuries. There is an association between body weight and developing plantar fasciitis. The higher your body weight, the more likely you are to experience foot pain. If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for treatment.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
- Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
- Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
- Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
Read more about Plantar Fasciitis Sunday, 23 August 2020 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.
Monday, 17 August 2020 00:00
Exercises for Heel Spur Pain
Heel spurs are bony growths on the bottom of the heel bone. Though they are usually painless, they can cause or worsen the pain of other foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. There are several exercises you can do to prevent or reduce the pain of a heel spur. You may try an exercise called Heel Ups, where you place a tennis ball between the heels and hold the ball in place by squeezing the heels together. You then rise up on your toes and come back down several times while keeping the ball in place. Another exercise that you can do is a Soleus Stretch, where you stand facing a wall and place your foot up against it, bend your knee, and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf. For more information about heel spurs, speak with a podiatrist today.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read more about Heel Spurs Monday, 10 August 2020 00:00
The Effects Overuse Can Have on the Ankle
Many people, runners in particular, may experience ankle pain throughout their lifetime. Ankle pain can be caused by acute injuries, such as a sprain, or chronic issues such as overuse. For runners, or athletes in general, one of the main causes of injuries dealing with the overuse of the ankle is rapidly increasing the intensity of your training. This spike in activity can put a strain on the tendons and ligaments of the feet, causing pain. Those who are experiencing overuse may begin to feel pain while they run, which can worsen as the activity is performed. For information on how to avoid overuse injuries, please speak with a podiatrist.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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
- Bursitis
- 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.
Monday, 03 August 2020 00:00
The Underlying Causes of Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely problematic and can potentially lead to limited mobility for those who are suffering. Therefore, if you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to help determine the underlying causes of the issue. One cause of foot pain is arthritis, and this occurs when the cartilage protecting the joints wears down and causes the bones to rub together. Pain in the bottom of the foot could indicate plantar fasciitis, which is a tear in the plantar fascia that connects the heel to the toes. Another serious issue that foot pain can indicate is a stress fracture. These are hairline cracks in the bones that tend to occur due to overuse. Other ailments that cause pain in the feet can include bunions, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoes, ulcers, plantar warts, or flat feet. Because of the variety and severity of foot issues, it is important to consult with a podiatrist if you are suffering from pain in your feet.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.
Read more about Foot Pain Monday, 27 July 2020 00:00
Your Podiatrist Can Help Keep You On Your Feet
Did you know that each year about 30% of adults over the age of 65 experience a fall? Falls can be especially dangerous for this age group as they may lead to painful and debilitating complications, such as broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Fortunately, there are measures that you and your podiatrist can take to prevent falls. Studies have found that people who have disabling foot pain, with the addition of footwear assessment, customized insoles, foot and ankle exercises, and regular visits to the podiatrist, can reduce the number of falls one might experience. For more information on preventing falls, talk to your podiatrist today.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
- Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
- Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
- Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
- Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
- Utilizing a walker or cane
- Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
- Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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.
Friday, 24 July 2020 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.
