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Corns on the feet develop as a result of excess pressure that is generally caused by the shoes that are worn. There may also be existing medical conditions that can lead to getting a corn, including hammer toe and bunions. Corns can cause extreme pain and discomfort, despite their small size. They are defined as small areas of hardened skin that forms on top of the toes, or on the side of the pinky toe. Additionally, corns may form on the soles of the feet, and they are referred to as seed corns. This type of corn is often associated with having dry skin, and may be found in clusters on the bottom of the feet. Applying a good moisturizer may help to keep the skin soft, and can possibly reduce the number of seed corns that can develop. Shoes may be difficult to wear, which may be from the weight the feet endure while walking or standing. Many patients have found temporary relief when their foot is soaked in warm water, and from wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly. Corns that will not diminish or disappear is often a reason a podiatrist is contacted. If this applies to you, please consult this type of doctor who can effectively treat corns on the feet.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions 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 are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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.

Sometimes, an individual’s feet may swell up in size and become filled with extra bodily fluids. There are many different reasons why an individual might experience increased foot swelling. For example, when an individual is pregnant, they may have foot swelling. Sometimes, certain things that cause swollen feet can also result in lower back pain. Importantly, the two are not always linked, but sometimes can be. Pregnancy is one such condition that can cause both lower back pain and foot swelling. It is well-known that pregnancy is associated with swollen feet due to increased fluid accumulation. Additionally, due to the extra strain linked with carrying a baby to term, pregnancy can also cause pain in the lower back area. Pregnancy, of course, is not the only thing on the list that can cause both feet swelling and lower back pain. In addition to pregnancy, arthritis, piriformis syndrome, and infection can also cause these two symptoms through inflammation. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for more information about the link between swollen feet and back pain. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Hammertoe is a common foot condition and is considered to be a deformity. It is noticeable as the joints in the middle toes bend upward, forcing the toes to point downward, somewhat resembling a hammer. It generally happens as a result of wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, gradually causing them to shift abnormally. Some patients develop corns on top of the affected toes, as they touch the top of the shoe while walking. Hammertoe can fall into two categories that are referred to as flexible or rigid. As the name implies, flexible hammertoe can move at the joint, and relief may come from using a protective pad. Rigid hammertoe may press the joints out of alignment, and different relief methods may be used. If you have any form of hammertoe, it is a good idea to confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.