Blog
Wednesday, 20 August 2014 15:33
Effects of Diabetes Affects Great-Grandmother
Roselle Hartsfield has many people to live for. Not only a mother of seven, the East Orange resident is also a grandmother to fifteen and a great-grandmother to seven. At 84, Hartsfield has suffered from diabetes for over three decades, incurring many complications along the way.
“I have glaucoma in my eyes and two years ago, two of my toes got so badly infected that I had to go into a hyperbaric chamber for 39 days to avoid amputation,” Hartsfield reported. Well aware of the risks, Hartsfield says that she fears having to undergoing amputation or even an early death. Although diabetic-related care has many advancements, patients must still monitor their condition effectively.
All people must care for their feet, especially if you are diabetic. If you or a loved one has diabetes, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will treat your diabetic feet as well as any other foot or ankle concern.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send the proper signals to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in a condition known as neuropathy. Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is imperative that the feet are well taken care of to avoid possible amputation of the feet.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Regularly check your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet; socks shouldn’t be tight.
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are comfortable.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels as this test lets the physician know how well the blood sugar levels have been controlled during the past 3 months. It is important to keep the blood sugar levels in a normal range (70-110mg/dl). It is advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet.
For more information about Diabetic Foot Care, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Wednesday, 13 August 2014 13:29
RLS Captain Fitted for Foot Orthotics
A minor foot injury has forced Kyle Beckerman, captain of the Real Salt Lake soccer team, to drop out of the Major League Soccer All-Star Game. Supposedly his injury was exacerbated by his participation in the World Cup in Brazil earlier this summer.
Beckerman has been outfitted with a pair of foot orthotics to aid him in his recovery. He was seen doing warm-ups and a light jog during a recent team practice but didn’t do any drills. “We have to be really mindful of Kyle's body, especially going all the way back to Brazil,” RLS coach Jeff Cessar said. “So we have to rest him as much as we possibly can. But his feet are really messed up.”
Sometimes people with foot injuries have to use orthotics to supplement their treatments. If you are interesting in trying orthotics, visit podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoffcan perform a full assessment of your injury and get you fitted for a brace.
What are Ankle Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics are physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics are known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.
Why might you need orthotics?
Orthotics are often prescribed when someone is suffering from diseases that affect the musculature, like polio and multiple sclerosis. However, more common conditions like arthritis and stroke, or those that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.
Modern orthotics have improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics are made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support. Often the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored.
For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Tuesday, 05 August 2014 22:01
Barefoot Runner Trekking from Montreal to Ushuaia
Joseph Michael Kai-Tsu Liu Roqueni has been running barefoot across North America for about a year now. He started in Montreal, Canada with the goal of making it to “the end of the world,” a nickname for the city of Ushuaia, Argentina. He’s currently just south of the Mexican city of Oaxaca.
According to Liu Roqueni, he never would have made it as far as he has without help from many of the people he’s met since beginning his journey. Since he started his quest he’s had to switch from running completely barefoot to running in a pair of thin sandals to avoid damage to his feet.
Running barefoot has its drawbacks, but it can be very beneficial to a runners’ performance if he or she is experienced enough. To learn more about barefoot running, talk to podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will explain what precautions you should take before running without shoes on and provide you with practical advice and insights.
Barefoot Running
The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.
The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.
The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.
So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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Tuesday, 29 July 2014 18:37
Woman Develops Big Plantar Warts in Her Heels
Around Christmas time of last year, writer Kelly Bradford developed a strange pain in her heels that she couldn’t account for. At first she thought it might be related to high heels, but the discomfort didn’t diminish after she stopped wearing them as frequently. Next she suspected corns, but the pain didn’t stop even after she applied salicylic acid.
After a few months the pain became unbearable, so Bradford went to see a medical professional. Her doctor found two extremely large verrucas, or plantar warts, in her heels, pressing against her nerves. Fortunately some cryotherapy and a few weeks of applying over-the-counter drugs to the afflicted areas were enough to make the problem go away.
A plantar wart is a common skin condition that occurs when the human papilloma virus gets into the body. If you need help getting rid of plantar warts from your lower extremities, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can prescribe a comprehensive form of treatment and teach you how to prevent these irritating growths from coming back.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are found on the feet. These warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into open wounds on the feet. You can recognize plantar warts by a hard bump on the foot. They are usually found on the heels or balls of the feet. Plantar warts are usually not a sign of anything dangerous but do not ignore them if they do cause pain or embarrassment.
If you do have a plantar wart, you may notice some pain when standing but since these warts are not cancerous or dangerous, a podiatrist only needs to be seen if there is excess pain. Doctors can usually easily diagnose plantar warts. Although plantar warts don’t often call for treatment, there are options available.
Home remedies are also available to help with plantar warts. An apple cider vinegar soak can help remove the wart. You can soak your feet in the vinegar for 20 minutes before using a pumice stone to remove any loose skin from the wart.
For more information about Plantar Warts, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about Plantar Warts
Tuesday, 22 July 2014 15:38
Triathlete Achieves Personal Goal By One Minute
Triathlete Akhil Viz competed in the 2014 Cotswold 113 with the objective of completing the race in less than four and a half hours. The cycling and swimming of the competition proved to be little trouble for Viz. However, when Viz began the running portion, that is when the triathlon proved to be a challenge.
This difficulty level was there since Viz had to adjust his biomechanics to running as opposed to cycling or swimming. Viz was almost worn out towards the end, but he was still able to accomplish his goal by finishing with the impressive time of 4 hours and 29 minutes.
Biomechanics make up your body’s movements. For foot and ankle conditions and injuries, contact podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body causing an interference with the biological structure and focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics.
For more information about Biomechanics in Podiatry, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about Biomechanics in Podiatry
Monday, 14 July 2014 20:52
NBA Up-and-Comer Insists His Foot is Fully Recovered
Last year, during Julius Randle’s senior year of high school, the young basketball star broke his foot and needed to have a screw surgically inserted into the bone to make sure it healed all the way. Now he’s considered one of the NBA’s top draft prospects, but his value has recently come into question in light of certain rumors that he’s going to need more surgery soon to replace the screw.
“My foot is fine,” Randle told the press during a pre-draft workout he performed for the Celtics. “Everybody has their opinion on what they should do. But I’m pain-free.” Having another operation would prevent the draftee from playing in the summer, but he would likely be fully healed by the time training camp starts.
After Randle’s foot surgery, it probably took him a while to get back into playing basketball. If you’re an athlete who recently sustained a podiatric injury, contact podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will help you plan the levels of physical activity you take part in for the next few months so that your body reacclimatizes itself to sports in a healthy way.
Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries
While one of the most common injuries among athletes may be a sprained ankle, there are still many other types of injuries that plague athletes in any sport. But for less severe foot and ankle injuries, it is recommended by physical therapists and sports medicine doctors that athletes use the R.I.C.E. method to help alleviate pain and to speed up the healing process.
The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four steps help in the healing process, not only to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to improve overall health of the affected area, allowing you to get back on to your feet again. Although resting is usually the key to all healing, it’s necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.
For more information about Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 08 July 2014 15:34
Politician Looks to Place Limitations on High Heels
Russian Parliament member Oleg Mikheyev is seeking to endorse a national ban on shoes with heels that are more than five centimeters in height. “The harmful effects of wearing extremely high heels and flat shoes have now been recognized by experts of the entire world,” Mikheyev wrote of his plan. “It’s time to change this trend.”
Although some believe the politician’s proposal carries misogynistic undertones, Mikheyev claims that what he does is for the podiatric health of Russia. If this proposal is indeed enacted, rumors have it that some women will wear their heels high in spite of this law out of protest.
Even if they are legal, high heels aren’t soaring when it comes to foot health. If you are struggling with foot or ankle pain, call podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.
For more information about the Effects of High Heels, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about the Effects of High Heels
Monday, 30 June 2014 19:02
NFL Player Ruptures Achilles, Ends Season
Sean Weatherspoon of the Atlanta Falcons suffered an injury to his Achilles tendon during a team practice. “We sent Sean to the doctor for some additional testing and evaluation and unfortunately the results showed that he ruptured his Achilles tendon,” coach Mike Smith said. Unfortunately for Weatherspoon, this spells the end of this year’s season as a result.
“Sean had been working extremely hard to get back on the field, but regrettably he will miss the entire 2014 season. He will have a procedure done in the near future and we expect him to make a full recovery.” Smith said in a team statement. Recovery time from Achilles injuries generally range from six months up to a year.
Achilles tendon injuries can be extremely painful. If you injured your Achilles, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle injuries.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries
Tuesday, 24 June 2014 14:29
Track Runner Aims for NCAA Semifinals Despite Battling Foot Injury
Chastity Stewart has been battling a foot injury for over a month but is heading to the NCAA national meet in Eugene, Ore. “I think I have a shot,” Stewart said. “I didn’t think I would be here getting ready for nationals or run as fast as I did at conference or regionals. I want to surprise myself as well as everyone else and pull it out.”
Stewart felt a sharp pain in her foot about a month ago, and tried to roll her foot over a round object to massage the muscles and tissues. Her pain continued, and she went to UNT’s trainers who treated her for plantar fasciitis. Despite this, Stewart will continue to participate on the track.
Plantar fasciitis can be painful. For questions or treatment options, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle injuries.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices.
- Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience. Requires multiple sessions. This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
- Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia. This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.
New Studies on Treatment
According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 17 June 2014 20:34
Grandfather Suffers Blisters to Raise Money for Relative
Bob Satko is ready and willing to run 250 miles to raise money for his grandson, who suffers from Fancomi Anemia. Satko’s grandson was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. Fancomi Anemia is an uncommon blood disease that can turn into bone marrow and even develop certain cancers. The marathon Satko will participate in will be putting raised money towards the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, which will aid his grandson and others suffering from the condition.
Two years prior, Satko finished a previous challenge that left the grandfather with blisters on his feet. “This year I will be much more careful,” the Maple Valley resident said. This year, Satko will run an extra 50 miles beyond the finish line in support of his grandson.
Blisters on the feet can be difficult to contend with. If you sustained blisters on your feet, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.
What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.
How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet are prone to blister formation easily.
For more information regarding the prevention and treatment of blisters on the feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
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