Blog
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.
Read more about Heel Pain
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.
Read more about the Benefits of Swimming and Foot Care
Tuesday, 16 September 2014 21:36
Easy Home Remedies for Swollen Feet in Pregnant Women
Some pregnant women may often find that their feet have started to swell. Thankfully, there is a broad assortment of home remedies to ease this symptom of pregnancy. For instance, a pregnant woman could try multiple ways to soak her feet in a solution. Water mixed with either peppermint, eucalyptus oil, or salt are solutions that typically work well.
Regularly getting a foot massage, as well as keeping the feet elevated, would help regulate the blood flow in and out of the feet and legs to ease the tenderness. Swelling of the feet is often caused by salt build up in the body. In order to prevent too much build up, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water daily.
Any pregnant woman may experience discomfort and pain in her feet and ankles due to swelling. If you would like to get your swollen feet examined, consult with podiatrist Dr. Kevin Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle needs with the professionalism and care you deserve.
What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.
How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read the Full Article on Pregnancy and Foot Health
Wednesday, 10 September 2014 15:02
Sever’s Disease Occurs in Specializing Athletes
Due to many children beginning specialization in a specific sport at early ages, research suggests that children may not want to specialize until adolescence in order to prevent the onset of Severs Disease. These experts advise that specialization begins at 15-yearsof age, when boys have only three years left of growing and when girls are finishing their growth spurts.
“During growth spurts, the growth plates are at a higher risk for injury,” according to Dr. Liebeg of Akron Children’s Hospital. Sever’s disease is a foot condition that commonly occurs in growing children, especially physically active kids. The condition manifests as the inflammation of the heel’s growth plate.
Parents should not be alarmed if their child has developed Sever’s disease, as it is common in children and can be treated. See podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will attend to all of your 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.
Toe gait- develops in which the child must change the way they walk to avoid placing weight on the heel. This can lead to other problems as well in the future.
Symptoms
Acute pain – pain asscoiatied 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.
For more information about Sever’s Disease, 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 Sever’s Disease
Wednesday, 03 September 2014 20:00
Instability Training Provides Physical Boons to Athlete Capabilities
Athletes looking for self-improvement in the physical realm might look into instability training. Instability training is defined by the use of equipment such as mini-trams, rubber bands, and balance boards. Good use of these tools among others can serve to strengthen the stabilizer muscles in the feet and ankles.
In one example, a routine might involve one foot on a trampoline for half a minute. Another exercise could be moving the feet in a variety of ways while wearing the rubber bands. Standing on the tram and boards and changing position regularly can improve balance and strengthen the lower extremities.
Many people work out, but fewer remember to exercise their feet. To learn about why it’s important to strengthen the feet and ankles, speak to podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can answer all of your questions and instruct you on how to perform some simple exercises.
Exercise for Your Feet
If you spend most of your time on your feet, or don’t either way your feet should deserve attention. There are many people who exercise regularly and still don’t spend enough time to care for their feet. Your foot does get exposure that requires maintenance since your health has a lot to do with footing.
Exercises
Toe rise – this exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 seconds, then resting your feet on ground. This exercise should be repeated three times a day to strengthen the feet.
Toe Pick-ups – the toes are exercises that are done by picking up small items using your toes. This helps strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Three sets along with 15 seconds being held should be completed. Small items like marbles or stationary will work.
Ankle Pump – can be performed upwards or downwards. The workout can be completed both ways at the same time. This involves flexing the foot either towards the shin or to the ground. This makes the foot work very well, working large parts of the muscles.
Stretching – your muscles in the feet need to relax and return to their natural state.
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 Exercise for Your Feet
Wednesday, 27 August 2014 22:44
Man Wears Flip Flops for Majority of Long Hike
A Dumbarton man named Ronnie McCuaig recently completed the last 54 miles of the 96-mile West Highland Way with flip flops on his feet. He had just overcome cancer, and he wanted to hike the trail as a way of celebrating. But one of his toes got infected right before he was supposed to start, making it too painful for him to wear hiking boots.
McCuaig switched to a pair of sneakers, but after he got caught in a rainstorm they became unusable too. The only other shoes he had were flip flops. He put them on and wore them all the way to the end of the trail. The Mountaineering Council congratulated him for finishing but warned against the dangers of hiking in sandals.
Walking for long distances in flip flops can often cause serious foot and ankle problems. For help dealing with a flip flop-related lower extremity injury, talk to podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can examine your feet and get you an effective form of treatment for your condition.
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.
For more information about Flip Flops and Your 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.
Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet
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.
Read more about Diabetic Foot Care
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.
Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics
