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Understanding Foot Problems in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects children under age 16. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Although many people think of arthritis affecting the hands or knees, the feet and ankles are commonly involved in children with this condition. When these joints are affected, walking, running, and daily activities can become difficult. Studies show that problems in the lower limbs often cause the greatest limits in movement and comfort. Children may experience ankle or foot pain, inflammation surrounding the tendons, or develop flat feet that place extra strain on the joints. When the disease is more active, these symptoms can greatly affect quality of life. Early care is important to protect growing joints. If your child has foot or ankle pain related to arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can evaluate the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Feet

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory joint condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. When this disorder affects the feet, it can lead to progressive inflammation that damages joints, ligaments, and surrounding structures. Symptoms include persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness within the forefoot and toes. Over time, visible changes in appearance may occur as bone damage develops and toes begin curling or shifting from their natural position. These structural changes may alter foot shape and may affect shoe size or comfort when walking. Risk factors include genetic susceptibility and autoimmune disease patterns. A podiatrist can monitor joint health, reduce pressure on affected areas, and recommend supportive care. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Causes of Foot and Ankle Pain While Roller Skating

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Foot and ankle pain while roller skating often develops from improper equipment or technique. Wearing the wrong size boots can create pressure points, reduce stability, and strain muscles and joints. Incorrect skating technique may also place excessive stress on the feet and ankles, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Properly fitting boots should feel secure and supportive without squeezing the toes or sides of the foot. Laces should be fairly tight to provide stability, and the ankle strap should be adjusted to keep the heel secure and the ankle well-supported. Poor foot mechanics or repeated strain may worsen pain over time. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive insoles, and provide guidance to improve comfort and prevent injury. If you have foot or ankle pain from skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Foot Health and Wearing High Heels

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Wearing high heels regularly can have a significant negative impact on foot health. The unnatural angle and pressure on the forefoot can contribute to the development of bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, which can affect balance and alter natural gait. Over time, this added strain may lead to chronic pain, calluses, and difficulty walking comfortably. Risk factors include prolonged use of high heels with a narrow toe box, previous foot deformities, and high activity levels while wearing heels. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and offer treatment to relieve pain and prevent further damage. If you have foot pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of 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. 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. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.

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.

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Friday, 06 March 2026

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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