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Argentine forward and world renowned soccer superstar Lionel Messi is recovering from an injured foot he sustained during the recent El Clasico win over Real Madrid. Messi was forced to sit out of both of Argentina’s friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador over his clubs international break due to the injury.

However, he was soon able to participate in light running and stretching activities. According to Barcelona officials on their website, “The inflammation of Messi’s Foot has improved and the player will attempt to join the rest of internationals tomorrow.

Getting back into sports after foot and ankle injuries may sometimes be tricky due to possibilities of worsening any injuries. If you have any concerns about your foot and ankle needs contact podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Rich Feet. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 is necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.

It is best for injured athletes to allow themselves time to heal. Some athletes need hours of re-training, exercise, check-ups with their physical therapist, and other remedies. But with the right attitude and motivation, it is not hard to get back into sports after foot and ankle injuries.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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According to Suzanne Edmonds of SunMedia, it is best to take good care of your foot health on both the outside and on the inside. Sometimes a trip to the salon for a pedicure is an integral part of maintaining that foot health, especially when it comes to cracked heels. Pedicures involve soaking the foot in warm soapy water in a bowl that is sanitized to avoid bacteria infecting the foot.

After the soak, the hardened skin on the heels should be a little softened and easy to file down. The final step of the pedicure is a layer of moisturizer that can also be applied regularly at home to prevent heels from cracking again and simultaneously reducing any calluses that may have formed.

Cracked heels can become painful if left untreated. To learn more, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth, FL. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs. 
 
The Truth about Cracked Heels
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.
Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Dr. Margaret Abbott of Nottingham states that athlete’s foot is a mild fungal infection that causes an itchy rash to develop or for red, scaly, and dry skin to appear.

The bottom of the foot is also capable of becoming inflamed or blistery. Abbott states that feet are warm, dark, and humid, and are the perfect conditions for fungi to multiply, which can become troublesome if infected. Athlete’s foot is easily treated with antifungal medication.

The ailment can also be prevented by washing feet regularly with soap and water. It is important to thoroughly dry the feet after they have been wet as well. Wear breathable, cotton socks, and change your socks and shoes regularly to ensure proper dryness of the feet.

Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable condition to deal with. If you are suffering from athlete’s foot contactDr. Kevin H. Lapoff ofLake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a condition that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. Treatment is often difficult, because of its contagious and reoccurring nature. Also known as tinea pedis, it is found to survive in moist humid areas.

Common places found:

• shower floors
• public changing areas
• locker rooms
• Gyms
• bathrooms
• public swimming pools
• socks and shoes
• dormitory style houses

Treatment & Prevention

Because of its reoccurring nature, the best way to treat Athlete’s foot is with prevention. Take necessary precautions such as:

• Wearing flips-flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers
• Using powders to keep your feet dry
• Keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air

Athlete’s foot can be treated with special creams and sprays.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Although flip-flops and sandals are typically worn less throughout the colder months, college students that shower in a communal space should keep wearing the sandals year round. Since public grooming areas are already naturally moist, they are common areas for biofilms, slimy areas where microorganisms stick together, to grow.

Professor Philip Tierno of New York University’s School of Medicine even mentions that it will take more than soap and water to eliminate the hazards caused by biofilms. In order to reduce the chance of any infections that might occur when coming in contact with these biofilms, college students must make the choice to wear flip-flops anywhere near the shower.

Tierno states, “People don’t think they have a contusion or lesion or crack in their skin, but many people have dried skin and they do have the ability for an organism to gain access to the foot and spread elsewhere in the body.”
Flip-flops can cause a lot of foot problems if worn too often and in the incorrect conditions, they can help you to avoid infection in certain areas.

If you have any questions concerning infections on the feet, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?
Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result.

For more information about Flip Flops, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

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