Blog
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00
Finding Your Shoes for Jazzercise
If you enjoy jazzercise, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes is important. It would be nice if they were attractive shoes, but that should take a back seat to be good for your feet and the activity you are participating in. Attention should be paid to arch support, so feet pronate or strike the floor and correctly distribute weight. If you are at a crossroads regarding the size of the jazzercise shoe, always go a half size up, as the foot will inch forward during high-impact exercise. Shoes should be flexible between the heel and the ball of the foot to accommodate the turns, twists, and jumps done in jazzercise. Also, look for lightweight, breathable shoes that provide support but do not restrict mobility for this activity. If you want assurance in selecting the proper shoes for jazzercise and your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help guide you.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
- Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
- Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
- Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
- Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
- Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
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.
Wednesday, 12 April 2023 00:00
Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00
Plantar Fasciitis From Wearing Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are foot coverings most appropriate for wearing in gym locker room areas, the beach, and around the swimming pool. While easy to put on and take off, these thin-soled sandals lack proper support, especially at the arch area, and can cause plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot ailment that happens when the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that runs from the heels to the toes, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pain from plantar fasciitis is particularly bad when taking one’s first steps in the morning, walking, or standing for a prolonged time. This condition, left untreated, can also cause a heel spur or a calcium deposit to develop. Rest, stretching, and strength training exercises can help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. However, if the pain does not decrease, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to diagnose the condition and obtain treatment options properly.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.
When Are They Okay to Wear?
Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.
Why Are They Bad for My Feet?
These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.
More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet
- They Slow You Down
- May Cause Blisters and Calluses
- Expose Your Feet to Bacteria
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.
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00
Pickleball Can Be Good for Your Feet
Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong in that it consists of players moving across a court and hitting a ball over a net. Such movement has overall health benefits, specifically for the feet. Pickleball is a low-impact aerobic exercise and competitors are at less risk for blood clots, especially those who are overweight. Pickleball is also a weight-bearing activity in that the movement necessary to play the game requires the feet to support the body. It can help strengthen muscles in the ankles and legs. Additionally, pickleball can help improve circulation because a higher heart rate causes blood to circulate throughout the body faster. Like any sport, there is a risk of injury while playing pickleball. However, it is a relatively slow game, and the court is smaller so there is less risk of injury from lunging after the ball. The muscle strengthening benefits can help keep the joints flexible, which also helps in reducing injury while playing the game and outside of the game. If you are considering playing pickleball, or if you have sustained an injury to your feet and ankles in this sport, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for suggestions or treatment.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
Tuesday, 28 March 2023 00:00
Why Does My Ankle Hurt?
Ankle pain can happen for various reasons. Whatever the source may be, it generally causes difficulty in completing daily activities. Some people can be injured by unexpectedly stepping off of a curb and twisting the ankle, which may cause the ligaments and tendons to move beyond their normal range of motion. This can be classified as a sprain or a fracture, and an X-ray is often taken to determine which one it is. Existing medical conditions can cause ankle pain, such as different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and gout. Cartilage damage may have occurred from previous injuries, and this can make the ankle weak and unstable, possibly causing pain and discomfort. It is beneficial to seek prompt medical attention if the ankle becomes inflamed, is unable to move, or if there are signs of an infection. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and provide you with relief and treatment options that are right for you.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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.
Tuesday, 21 March 2023 00:00
Foot Care for Babies
It is beneficial for parents to pay attention to their children’s feet as they are growing. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops during their teenage years. If this fails to occur, orthotics may be needed that may help to strengthen the foot. A foot care routine can begin with washing the child’s feet, and ensuring the area between the toes is thoroughly dried. This can be followed by trimming the toenails properly, which is typically done once per week. The feet can become stronger when babies crawl barefoot while indoors, as a result of the toes gripping the floor. When it is time to walk outside, it is beneficial for the first shoes to be made with a sturdy sole and flexible materials. The feet have several thousand sweat glands, and while sweating is normal, there may be an offensive odor. It is suggested to discuss this with a podiatrist, in addition to any information you would like to know about children’s foot health.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
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.
Tuesday, 14 March 2023 00:00
Techniques for Preventing Falls
Falling can be a devastating experience. The feet and ankles can be affected which may result in a fractured or sprained ankle. Severe falls can leave an individual seriously injured and require a hospital stay. Falling often happens in the household, and there are simple fall prevention techniques that can be implemented. These can include improving lighting and removing frayed rugs and clutter. It is beneficial to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area, as well as a non-slip bath mat. It is beneficial to have routine physicals and eye examinations to monitor existing medications and eyeglasses. If you would like additional information about ways to prevent falls, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide effective tips.
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.
Sunday, 12 March 2023 00:00
It's Time for Beautiful Feet
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Tuesday, 07 March 2023 00:00
Where Are Seed Corns Found?
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.
Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00
Swollen Feet Can Be Related to Back Pain
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.
