June 2025

Foot wounds often require specialized attention, but clinical expertise alone is not always enough. The choices patients make about their care matter. From the type of dressings used to how often visits are scheduled, each decision can affect comfort, confidence, and healing. When patients are involved in the planning of their treatment, they are more likely to follow through with care and speak up about concerns. This creates a stronger partnership with the provider and often leads to better outcomes. Respecting personal routines, cultural beliefs, and lifestyle needs helps tailor care that fits into daily life rather than disrupting it. Listening to patient preferences is not just courteous. It is a critical step in treating wounds that are often slow to heal. To create a care plan that truly works, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who understands the importance of patient input at every stage.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Toenail fungus often begins as a white or yellow spot under the nail and can progress to thickening, discoloration, and crumbling, if left untreated. Fungal infections thrive in moist, enclosed environments like sweaty shoes or damp socks. To reduce risk and manage the condition, it is important to keep feet clean and dry, trim nails regularly, and wear breathable footwear. Avoid walking barefoot in public showers or pool areas, and disinfect nail tools after use. Mild antifungal creams may help in some cases, but deeper infections often require prescription medication or laser therapy. Fungal nails can be stubborn and take time to clear. Regular monitoring and consistent care are key. If the condition is not improving or spreading, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan that targets the infection at its source.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and is essential for walking, running, and jumping. When this tendon becomes overused or strained, it can lead to Achilles tendinitis, which causes swelling and pain at the back of the ankle. A podiatrist may recommend rehabilitation exercises to promote healing and restore strength. One key movement is the eccentric heel drop, which involves rising up on both feet and then slowly lowering the body down using only the injured leg. This helps lengthen and strengthen the tendon under controlled tension, improving resilience without excessive strain. Other useful exercises include towel stretches to loosen the calf and plantar fascia, step-ups to rebuild balance, and toe raises to improve foot control. These exercises should be performed gradually and with care to avoid further Achilles tendon damage. A podiatrist can track your recovery, recommend modifications, and determine if further treatment is needed. If you have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

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 create immense 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 injuries 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, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a chronic pain condition that can develop after an injury, surgery, or trauma, even if the initial event seems minor. When CRPS affects only the big toe, it can cause intense, persistent pain that is often out of proportion to the original injury. Other symptoms include swelling, temperature changes, skin color changes, and increased sensitivity to touch or pressure. In some cases, the toe may become stiff or difficult to move. Although CRPS is more commonly seen in the hand or foot as a whole, it can also be localized to a single toe. Treatment includes medication, targeted exercise, nerve blocks, and desensitization techniques aimed at restoring function and relieving pain. If you are experiencing unexplained or prolonged pain in your big toe following an injury or procedure, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.