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Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?
If you are experiencing yellow and brittle toenails, you may have what is referred to as a toenail fungus. It is a reasonably common condition affecting millions of Americans and can be uncomfortable and unattractive. Research has shown that this contagious condition is caused by a fungus and may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes in public showers, pools, and surrounding areas. Additionally, this condition may develop from an injury endured by the toenail or from wearing shoes that fit improperly, often providing inadequate room for the toes to move about. Toenail fungus may affect people who are diabetic, and these individuals must execute accelerated action for proper treatment. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information and proper treatment options for toenail fungus.
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.
Read more about Toenail FungusSymptoms of Sever’s Disease
If your pre-teen child experiences heel pain, it may be a condition known as Sever’s disease. This condition typically affects children between eight and fourteen years of age, and recent research has shown that it occurs in males slightly more than females. You may notice your child limping especially after a running activity, and heel pain may be noticed if a sports game is participated in. This ailment is typically related to physically active teens. It’s beneficial to rest between physical activities, which may enable the heel to obtain adequate comfort. If your child is hindered by this condition, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information and proper treatment options.
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.
What Causes Blisters on the Feet?
Blisters on the feet typically develop as a result of increased friction. A blister generally looks like a small area resembling a bubble and consists of fluid that protects the raw skin. It’s advised to not pop or drain the blister, as the blister can possibly prevent an infection from developing and can promote healing. A common reason friction on the feet can occur may be wearing shoes that fit poorly, causing the toes to rub on the inside of the shoe. Additional reasons may include wearing shoes without socks and walking for extended periods of time. If you experience blisters forming on the feet, it’s suggested to stop wearing the shoes that caused this condition to develop, and walk barefoot as often as possible. The majority of blisters will heal naturally, although complications such as wound infections may occur typically in patients who have diabetes or poor circulation. A consultation with a podiatrist is recommended if you are experiencing pain or if the blisters are not healing properly.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
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.
Are Runners Affected by Plantar Fasciitis?
There is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. If this tissue should become torn and inflamed, it is referred to as a condition called plantar fasciitis. There are several functions of the plantar fascia, including maintaining the foot’s balance and how the walk is controlled. If this portion of tissue should become injured, the discomfort and pain that’s experienced may be disabling. One of the earliest signs of a tear or injury is pain that’s felt after sleeping when the first step is taken. There are preventative stretches that can be performed to strengthen the foot, which may help to avoid injury. It’s equally important to cease all activities that cause any discomfort, in addition to wearing the right running shoes with adequate arch support. If you suffer from this ailment, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist for additional information about plantar fasciitis.
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.
Symptoms of Flat Feet
A condition referred to as flat feet is a result of arches that have dropped. It can cause a feeling of tiredness in the feet and ankles, in addition to moderate aches and pains. If the entire foot touches the ground while standing, chances are favorable that you may have this ailment. The purpose of the arch is to raise the middle of the foot, which is comprised of tendons, bones, ligaments, and muscles. When the arch develops correctly, the foot is able to balance, walk, and run, in addition to the ability to absorb any physical shock the feet may endure. Most babies are born with flat feet that generally disappear as the child progresses in age. There are several reasons why this condition may occur in adults, including injuries that affect the joints and tissues, damage the foot or ankle may have incurred, or a predisposed inherited gene. If pain is experienced or you have noticed the arches have collapsed, contact your podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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.
Read more about Flat FeetStretches to Help Your Feet
If you have a job where standing is done most of the day, it’s beneficial to stretch the tendons and muscles of the feet. Stretching the feet will not only feel good but help reduce any potential swelling the feet may incur, in addition to alleviating any pain that can develop. By wearing shoes and socks that fit comfortably, the chances are favorable that your feet will not feel any discomfort at the end of the day. The following is a stretching exercise the feet may benefit from when practiced regularly. One such exercise is called “split squats,” and this is demonstrated by placing the right leg forward and pulling the left leg backward. This will provide a large distance between the feet. Slowly bend down, and a gentle stretch in the feet can be felt when the back knee touches the floor. It’s suggested to rise slowly, and repeat on the other side. Recent research has suggested that stretching the feet is crucial in maintaining strong arches, muscles, and tendons. Please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information about working on your feet.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
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.
The Importance of Taking Care of Your Feet As You Get Older
It’s important to practice good foot care, and this is especially true of the elderly population. This may include checking the feet daily, and if this proves to be a difficult task, a family member may be able to help. Recent research has shown that it's beneficial to elevate the feet as much as possible, and this will enable the blood to circulate freely. The feet typically get larger as the aging process occurs, and a key element in having healthy feet is to choose shoes that fit properly and comfortably. Some of the foot problems that elderly people need to be aware of developing are fungal and bacterial conditions, and this can include athlete’s foot and warts. Prevention of these conditions and others such as corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails is imperative in maintaining good foot health. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to take care of elderly feet.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
- Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
- Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
- Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
- Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- Pressure sores
- Loss of circulation in legs & feet
- Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
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.
How The Foot Is Affected by Running Injuries
Runners may be prone to experiencing injuries frequently if they neglect to perform proper training techniques. The feet endure an enormous amount of stress because of the pounding that occurs while running. If you choose to run as a part of your daily or weekly workout, it’s advised to slowly increase the distance and speed of your run. A runner’s worst nightmare can come from an injury that forces the running to cease. An injury to the Achilles tendon is common if proper stretching exercises are not performed prior to running. To prevent injury from occurring, stretching this tendon is crucial and needs to be implemented daily. This may help you avoid any irritation that can causes tendinitis. Additionally, if pain and tenderness in the heel is present, you may have a condition referred to as plantar fasciitis. This is caused by small tears in the tendons that connect the heel to the toes. It is suggested to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options if your feet are affected by a running injury.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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 How to Prevent Running InjuriesWhat is a Bunion?
A large growth located on the foot at the bottom of the big toe is referred to as a bunion. It appears as an unsightly bony mass and may be caused by a predisposed inherited trait. Wearing high heels may cause the toes to remain in a cramped position for extended periods of time, and this can exacerbate an existing bunion. There are several ways to prevent this condition from occurring, including wearing shoes with a low heel or making sure a supportive feature, such as a strap, is present to prevent the foot from sliding. Additionally, it’s important to wear shoes with ample room to allow the toes to move freely. If you’re experiencing a bunion that’s causing severe pain, a consultation with a podiatrist is advised for possible treatment options.
If you are suffering from bunions, 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 Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
- Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
- Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
- Orthotics or foot inserts
- 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.
Read more about BunionsWhat is a Soft Corn?
If the skin becomes reddened and painful, you may be experiencing a corn. Whitened skin and inflammation generally accompany a corn, typically causing severe discomfort. Soft corns develop from shoes that fit poorly, causing friction. Moisture between the toes may grow and accumulate, possibly causing an infection. This can be avoided by incorporating washing and drying between the toes into your daily routine. An effective way to prevent corns is to choose shoes that give the toes ample room to move around, in addition to selecting shoes that have enough cushioning and support. If the pain is affecting your daily routine, a consultation with a podiatrist may be suggested for the best options for relief.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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 Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them