June 2014

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.

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The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. Its purpose is to connect the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. This tendon is responsible for facilitating all types of movement, like walking and running. Since this tendon provides an enormous amount of mobility to an individual, any injuries inflicted to this tissue should be immediately brought up with a physician to prevent further damage.

The most common injuries that can trouble the Achilles tendon are tendon ruptures and Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis is the milder of the two injuries and can be recognized by the following symptoms: inflammation, dull to severe pain, an increased flow of blood to the tendon, thickening of the tendon, and slower movement time. Tendinitis can be treated via several methods and is often diagnosed by an MRI.

An Achilles tendon rupture is trickier to heal, and is by far the most painful injury. It is caused by the tendon ripping or completely snapping. The results are immediate and absolutely devastating, and will render the patient immobile. If a rupture or tear occurs, operative and non-operative methods are available. Once the treatment begins, depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time for these types of issues can take up to a year.

Simple preventative measures can be taken as a means to avoid both injuries. Prior to any movement, taking a few minutes to stretch out the tendon is a great way to stimulate the tissue. Calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses are all suggested ways to help strengthen the lower legs and promote Achilles tendon health.

Many problems arise among athletes and people who overexert themselves while exercising or who do not properly warm up before beginning an activity. Proper, comfortable shoes that fit correctly can also decrease tendon injuries. Some professionals also suggest that when exercising, you should make sure that the floor you are on is cushioned or has a mat, as this will relieve pressure on the heels. As always, a healthy diet will also increase tendon health.

It is very important to seek out a podiatrist if you believe you have an injury in the Achilles region, because further damage could result in severe complications that would make being mobile difficult, if not impossible.

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.

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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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If you have ever worn a pair of shoes that were two tight or just rubbed you in the wrong place, then chances are that you have experienced the pain of having a blister formed. To better understand how blisters form, what treatment we should apply for blisters, and how we can avoid having them form, we should learn more about what blisters are.

A blister on the foot is basically a small pocket that is fluid filled. This pocket typically forms on the upper layers of skin, because those layers are so thin. The majority of the time, blisters are filled with clear fluid; however, sometimes the blisters may be filled with blood and even pus if they have become infected due to bacteria entering the blister pocket.

Blisters on the feet are almost always a result of a shoe rubbing the foot constantly which results in what is termed a friction blister. These blisters occur after you have walked for very long periods of time or when you wear a pair of shoes that do not fit your feet properly. Blisters also form more easily if your feet are moist.

If you experience the displeasure of having a blister form on your foot, then proper treatment is an absolute must to alleviate pain and to prevent infection. In general the best treatment for blisters that are full of clear fluid is to just leave them alone. Your body will form new skin under the blister and then when the time is right your body will allow the blister to pop. If you try to lance the blister you may introduce bacteria in it that will lead to an infection. If the blister is painful, then you can use a band-aid over it to provide some cushioning which should relieve pain.

If the blister is filled with blood or pus, then the best treatment is to seek out the attention of a doctor. These blisters may need to be further evaluated and you may be given antibiotics to destroy any infection that you may have.

Preventing blisters on the feet is the best way to prevent any pain or infection that could occur. You can prevent blisters by keeping your feet dry and by making sure that you wear a proper pair of shoes that fit your feet well, without being too tight or too loose. If you do feel a place on your foot where your shoe is rubbing, then applying a band-aid to that spot may prevent a blister from forming until you can change them.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every twenty seconds someone loses a limb because of diabetes.  Hoping to change this number, scientists from the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance developed what they call a ‘Smart Sock’ that utilizes sensors and fiber optics to detect areas where ulcers may form.

Dr. Armstrong claims this invention was inspired by virtual reality video games. Although this technology is impressive, it is not expected to be available to the public until at least 2019. Until then, many people with diabetes and other systemic diseases are prone to amputation if their condition is left untreated.

If left untreated, systemic diseases can create permanent debilitations in your daily life. If you are contending with foot or ankle difficulty, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Foot

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

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. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs to lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often leads to amputation. 

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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It is true that what you give out is what you get in return when it comes to your appearance. If you choose to sacrifice comfort for the sake of style, you are in for quite a cost, according to WRIC Newsroom.

"I adore shoes," says 17-year-old Alaini Snoot as she rummages through the aisles at Saxon Shoes. The teen says that she owns more pairs than she can count on her two hands. "Every shoe I go for is going to be fun and cute." Saxon Shoes President Gary Weiner says "When they like something, they really want it. Sometimes size goes out the window."  Unfortunately, wearing the wrong shoes is when complications of the feet such as bunions and foot pain develops.  

Bunions are a very common foot condition. If you suffer from bunions, see podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff can provide assistance with your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth enlargement, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big to become inflamed and often painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians
• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form
• Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease
• Radiological Exam- X-rays can show whether there are any joint enlargements near the toe’s base, which can indicate a bunion

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists knowledgeable in anatomy and foot structure can be able to diagnose bunions through the following two methods:

To learn more about treatment procedures on bunions, please follow 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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