Blog

Getting Help for Painful Cracked Heels

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Cracked heels, also called heel fissures, develop when the skin on the bottom of the feet becomes dry, leading to thickened, flaky, or rough areas that eventually split. If left untreated, cracked heels can deepen and cause pain, bleeding, or infection. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis may increase the likelihood of developing cracked heels. Prolonged standing, wearing open-backed shoes like flip-flops, or spending long hours on hard surfaces, can also contribute. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the fissures, trim away thickened skin through a process called debridement, and apply protective dressings to promote healing. Specialized orthotics may be recommended to redistribute pressure and support the heel. In more severe cases, prescription-strength agents or even surgery may be needed to address complications. If you have painful cracks or fissures on your heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

Invest in a good foot cream
Try Using Petroleum Jelly
Ease up on Soaps
Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

Moisturize After Showering
Skip a Shower
Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.

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.

Methods That Can Help Prevent Falling

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Falling is a common occurrence among seniors that can inhibit completing everyday activities. An effective falls prevention technique is to exercise frequently, as this can help to keep the muscles strong and flexible. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the toilet and shower area, and using a bath mat may aid in preventing unnecessary falls as well. Research has indicated it is proactive to get regular physician examinations, where existing medications and eyewear can be checked and updated when necessary. Some patients may have medical conditions that make them more prone to falling, including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain types of arthritis. If you are over sixty-five years old and would like to learn about how falling can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can also offer your additional prevention techniques.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

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.

Have I Broken My Pinky Toe?

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

A broken pinky toe can occur from stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or twisting it awkwardly. Although it is often difficult to distinguish from a severe bruise or sprain, certain signs can indicate a fracture. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, and difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot. Prompt evaluation is important to prevent long-term issues such as misalignment or chronic pain. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose a broken pinky toe fracture using a physical examination and imaging, provide proper immobilization, offer pain management, and guide recovery. If you have symptoms of a broken pinky toe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Throbbing pain
Swelling
Bruising on the skin and toenail
The inability to move the toe
Toe appears crooked or disfigured
Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Care Options for Plantar Fibroma

Tuesday, 09 September 2025

A plantar fibroma is a firm growth that develops within the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia. While typically noncancerous, it can cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods of time. Podiatrists can evaluate the size, location, and impact of the fibroma before recommending treatment. Non-surgical care may involve custom orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure, padding to reduce irritation, and targeted exercises to ease tension in the surrounding tissues. In some cases, steroid injections or other therapies may be used to lessen inflammation and pain. When the fibroma continues to grow or causes significant discomfort, surgical removal might be considered. Addressing the condition early can help improve comfort and prevent worsening symptoms. If you notice a persistent lump in your foot or pain in your arch, it is suggested you have it examined by a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief tips for a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

Steroid injections
Orthotics
Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Friday, 05 September 2025

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Blog

Blog Archives