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Thursday, 27 November 2014 00:20
University of Nottingham Study Finds Ingrown Toenails Associated with Over Grooming
A recent study conducted at the University of Nottingham found that trimming nails too often may actually lead to certain nail problems including ingrown toenails. After examining how the nails stick to the nail bed and grow forward, researchers found that cutting the nails daily puts a certain force on the nail that can make nails grow too slow or too fast as well as causing additional problems.
Lead study author, Cynthia Rauch, also used the research to find ways to avoid ingrown nail problems. She states, “Looking at our results, we suggest that nail beauty fanatics who trim their nails on a daily basis opt for straight or parabolic edges, as otherwise they may amplify the imbalance of stresses which could lead to a number of serious conditions.”
Ingrown toenails are terribly uncomfortable, and in the worst cases surgery might be required to get rid of them. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, consult with Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will confirm your diagnosis and do everything she can to treat your problem.
Ingrown Toenails Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.
Treatment
There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:
-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up
If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation. Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
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Wednesday, 19 November 2014 10:24
Proper Fitting Shoes are Optimal for Exercising and Avoiding Diabetes
In 2002, Roger Gallup was one of the 1 in 3 Americans with pre-diabetes, a condition where you have diabetes-like symptoms, but you do not have all of the ailments that go with condition. Pre-diabetes is reversible with exercise and a proper diet, but Gallup was overweight and found that most shoes were hurting his feet; the pain was keeping him from changing his lifestyle. Gallup decided to have his feet measured by a professional and then used a machine to find where his feet place most of their pressure in order to find the perfect fitting shoe. Since his diagnosis and proper shoe fitting, Gallup has lost 125 pounds and reversed his pre-diabetes. “I think the proper footwear is very important in the exercises you do,” stated Gallup.
Proper fitting shoes are essential to one’s overall health. Speak to Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry to learn more about the detrimental effects of shoes that fit incorrectly. Our doctors can assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
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Wednesday, 12 November 2014 18:48
Gout Occurs depending on Certain Temperatures
Students at Boston University School of Medicine conducted research experiment that shows a correlation between high temperatures and the reoccurrence of gout attacks. The head scientist, Tuhina Neogi, MD, PhD, and other faculty members started by gathering data from over 600 patients with suffering from gout using a questionnaire. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 – 88.
According to the data, it was discovered that temperatures of 70°-79° F were associated with a 43% increase of a potential gout attack occurring. When the temperature reached over 80° F the risk changed to 40%. Following their findings, researchers stated, “Patients with gout may be advised that under conditions of hot and/or dry weather, appropriate measures, such as increased water intake, should be considered to minimize the risk of recurrent gout attacks.”
The severity of gout attacks can vary, but they should always be granted proper medical care. For assistance with a foot condition like gout, contact podiatrist Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can figure out why you keep getting flare-ups and work with you to treat the root of the problem.
What is gout?
Diseases of the feet can affect the whole body, and symptoms usually arise within the feet. A condition like gout can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. The pain caused by this disease is often so agonizing that it requires elevation of the feet and some time off for them to fully recover.
Known in the past as “the disease of kings”, Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. This buildup of acid is typically seen on the big toe of the foot and can cause inflammation, redness and swelling. Although these are common symptoms of the diseases others include joint pain, extreme fatigue and a high fever.
Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.
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.
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Thursday, 06 November 2014 17:50
Indiana Pacers Lose Last Quality Player to Sprained Ankle
Indiana Pacers’ best remaining player, David West, was escorted off the court after a sprained ankle occurred near the basket during a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks. It appeared as though the forward’s foot rolled during an attempted layup to the point that his foot came out of his shoe, keeping him on the ground until his benched teammates came out to aid him. West was seen being carried to the locker room with the help of two of his team mates. Although it is only the preseason, many of the Pacers’ top players are already out on injury. If West is unable to play again for the season, things will not look so good for the rest of the team.
Some sprained ankles can be extremely worse than others, in any case it is always best to make sure your ankle is fully healed before engaging in strenuous activity. If your ankle is sprained, consult with Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer all of your related questions.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Happen?
This type of injury takes place when the ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured; however, even the simple act of walking may cause a sprain. If footing is lost or you are walking on uneven terrain, ankle damage may occur.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin, depending on severity
Is there a Way to Care for my Ankle at Home?
Self-care for ankle sprains includes propping the ankle up and keeping it elevated, applying ice packs as needed, and remaining off your feet. Some may also find that wrapping the ankle with an ACE bandage and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are helpful. One of the most important things is to avoid further stress to the affected area.
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
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, which will allow you to walk while stabilizing 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 care needs.
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Thursday, 30 October 2014 09:27
Natural Foot-Shaped Running Shoes Prevent Blackened Toes
Although most feet have never naturally came to a point at the tip, many shoe creations have long been designed with a pointy toe and other impractical shapes. Recently, the creation of foot-shaped running shoes by shoe makers can allow room for the toes to stretch naturally by following the natural shape of the foot. This helps regular runners from avoiding the damage created from constantly slamming their toes into the front of their shoes. Many runners have even gone as far as removing their toenails to prevent blackened toenails; other consistent runners accept the damaged toenails as a twisted badge of honor. The creation of foot shaped shoes saves the toes from damage while also creating comfort and balance of the foot.
Running shoes should be chosen based on their comfort and support. For more information about what to look for in choosing a running shoe, consult with Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can address all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Although it seems simple, running is in fact a complex movement that places stress on the joints, bones, and ligaments of the body. To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes is centered around pronation, which is the rolling of the ankle from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even go barefoot
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. Runners who supinate require shoes with more flexibility and cushion
To learn about your foot type, visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals will be able to measure your stride, gait, and arch type and inform you of your footwear needs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Wednesday, 22 October 2014 21:12
Kindergartener Breaks Foot After Pushed Under School Bus
Five year-old Thaddeus Delaney was attempting to give his sister a hug when he was suddenly pushed under an oncoming school bus by a fellow schoolmate. The kindergartener ended up breaking three bones in his foot when a third grader shoved him and the Denver Public School bus ran over his legs and feet. After the incident an ambulance took Delaney to the hospital. The event is still under investigation and the school system is looking to implement and anti-bullying plan. “He’s been mean to me all my life,” Thaddeus said of the bully while sitting in a wheelchair with an orange cast on his leg. “There’s gotta be a point where it’s gotta stop, it’s got to,” his mother added.
To prevent any future complications, a broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you are seeking treatment for a broken foot, visit Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will assess your injury and provide you with quality treatment.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot ‘breaking’, or fracturing. Bones typically break when the bone is bent, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue (foot)
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those who are experiencing any of these symptoms, or suspect that they have a broken foot, should seek medical attention in a center where x-rays can be performed. This is especially urgent if any of the symptoms include numbness, blue coloring, cold feet, cuts, misshapen toes or deformities as these indicate more severe cases.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 14 October 2014 14:58
Mother Nature’s Remedies for Treating Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is known for being a tough condition to deal with. Most of the time, over the counter treatments are prescribed. However, there are natural home remedies from Mother Nature that can also treat Athlete’s Foot. For example, just apply apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil directly on the affected area to ease the irritation.
Nature offers a variety of liquid solutions that can be created to treat Athlete’s Foot, in fact. One solution made up of part white vinegar and warm water may work. Another solution consisting of garlic paste mixed with water is also known to be effective. Neem leaves boiled in water for ten minutes is a third available solution available to the holistic patient.
Athlete’s foot can be treated with either prescription drugs or natural remedies like those aforementioned. Consult with podiatrist Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.
What is Tinea?
- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Athlete’s Foot
Wednesday, 08 October 2014 09:29
Arthritic Implant Acts as Shock Absorber for Hillingdon Woman
Val Cornwall of Hillingdon, Middlesex discovered she had hallux rigidus or arthritis of the big toe when she suddenly had trouble walking and noticed swelling underneath the joint of her toe. This occurs over time when cartilage between the foot bones rub together and start to wear away. After taking endless steroid injections and trying other home remedies, the sixty-seven year old decided to seek new treatment. Cornwall’s foot surgeon then introduced her to a trial implant known as Cartiva that would act as a shock absorber where her original cartilage had worn away. Years later, Cornwall is considerably active and states that the ache in her toe had disappeared almost instantly after the surgery.
If left untreated, arthritis of the feet can be very problematic and could potentially worsen. If painful arthritis has been troubling you, consult Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment and alleviate your joint pain.
Arthritic Foot Care
In an average lifetime, we walk approximately 75,000 miles. This can put a great deal of stress on the 26 bones and 30 joints that we have in our feet. As we get older, our feet lose flexibility and elasticity. Our shock absorbers weaken, and if arthritis comes into play, the joints become inflamed and distorted. Arthritic foot care and treatment would become imperative at this point.
It is best to take care of your feet by wearing well-fitted shoes. Certain conditions may develop when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, for example hammertoes, neuroma, and bunions. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room in the shoe can help your feet be comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with arch support will help; it is also a good idea to buy shoes that contour to your foot.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
-Specific exercises may help; stretching the Achilles tendon can prevent further pain and injury. Stretching can also increase your mobility.
For more information about Arthritic Foot Care, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Arthritic Foot Care
Tuesday, 30 September 2014 13:10
Acupuncture Helpful in Treating Heel Pain
Scientists at Guangzhou Dongsheng Hospital and Guangzhou Social Welfare House have conducted a research study about acupuncture that shows the treatment is highly effective in treating heel pain. The study also showed that acupuncture is especially effective when it comes to treating plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
A group of scientists at Guangzhou used sixty-six patients that were dealing with ongoing heel pain. Some of the subjects were provided a filiform acupuncture needle treatment, while the rest of the patients received the typical pharmaceutical drugs. After a six month period, the scientists found that the patients that completed the acupuncture treatment gave it an effectiveness rating of 97% while the drugs were only granted a 76% rating.
Your life can greatly be affected by even simplest heel pain. If your heel hurts, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your heel pain.
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 thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
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.
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Wednesday, 24 September 2014 21:40
Summer Swimming Class for Seniors Exercises Feet
Over the summer, Sue Asher conducts an aerobic swimming class for the elderly near Manville, NJ. The class involves movement of the feet, legs, and arms with exercises that include arm circles and walking around the pool. The class helps the participants with their arthritis and other joint problems, but it is not too tiring.
“Class starts at 10:45 but between 10:30 and 10:45 we catch up on things that are happening in the town, happening with the senior citizens and it is our social time,” Asher said. “Then we do our exercises and work hard.”
Swimming is very helpful in relieving joint pain and exercising the feet. If you want to learn more about the benefits swimming has on the feet, contact Dr. Kevin Lapoff at Lake Worth Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Lapoff will let you know if you have any lower extremity problems that could be resolved by exercising in the water.
Benefits of Swimming and Foot care
Our feet receive the most stress on a daily basis. Walking, running, and long standing contribute to pain and stress on the feet. Swimming helps promote circulation and keep the body feeling great and healthy.
Benefits of swimming:
Improve blood circulation
- Swimming is a good, safe way to get in extra physical activity and improve circulation, without causing further trauma to the feet
Relieve aches or pains
- It takes all the pressure off of them, allowing the feet to relax and recover, and improves blood flow to them.
Circulation overall for diabetics
- Swimming contributes to blood flow, and increase oxygen levels within the body.
Reduce foot inflammation
- Swimming in warm water can increase blood flow and make it easier to move and stretch the afflicted foot. The feet are also exposed in water, giving them much needed air.
Swimming the helpful alternative:
Many people like the elderly and diabetics suffer from weakened muscles and joints. A water sport like swimming will support the body, thus allowing him or her to move freely.
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.
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