The arches of the feet play an important role in everyone’s daily life, as they help you walk by keeping the foot flexible. The arches of the feet also support your weight when you stand, walk, run, or jump. Stretching exercises specifically targeting the arches can keep them strong and healthy. They can increase blood flow, improve flexibility, relieve pain, improve balance, and reduce the chances of injury. Among the stretches thought to be useful for the arches are the seated foot stretch and the stair stretch. First, sit in a chair with the affected foot crossed over the opposite leg. Pull the toes toward the ankle and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat two or three times and switch legs. Second, stand on a step with the heel hanging over the edge. Be sure to hold onto a rail or banister. Lower the heel gently until you feel a slight stretch in the arch and calf. Hold for 15 seconds and release. Repeat two to four times and switch legs. If you experience arch pain more often and for longer periods, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and further information on stretches that can help.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

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.

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.

Traveling is exciting to most people as it can be relaxing or full of adventure. Either way, there is always a possibility of unforeseen situations, such as injuries, arising. Reducing risk of injury while traveling should therefore be an important goal. Slips and falls are a common accident that can happen while traveling. Consequences may be minor, but they can also be severe. Causes of falls are numerous, such as slipping on a wet pool tile or twisting an ankle and taking a spill. It is important to be aware of surroundings, avoid slippery surfaces, and wear supportive and well-fitting shoes while traveling. If you should fall while traveling, or to obtain more preventative tips, see a podiatrist who can answer your questions as well as diagnose and treat all ankle and foot-related issues.

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.

Most people who are knowledgeable about the different ways to maintain proper foot health likely know the dangers of wearing flip-flops. One of the often overlooked negative impacts that flip-flops can have on the feet is potential toe pain. There are many different reasons for this. Most importantly, flip-flops can make the toes scrunch up into abnormal contortions to keep the shoe from slipping off of the foot. An individual who wears flip-flops might also experience toe pain because wearing this kind of shoe makes one more susceptible to stubbing the toes. Lastly, flip-flops can cause toe pain because they ultimately offer next to no toe support or cushion. If you are concerned about preventing toe pain, contact a podiatrist today, especially if you typically wear flip-flops.

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.

A common Achilles tendon injury is called Achilles tendinopathy. This is defined as damage that occurs in the Achilles tendon, which is located in the calf. The function of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heels. It is known as the strongest and thickest tendon in the body, and is responsible for walking, running, or jumping movements. A sports mishap can result in a serious Achilles tendon injury. Achilles tendinopathy occurs when this tendon has become irritated and inflamed, and often causes severe pain and discomfort. Many people can experience this type of injury from increasing speed and mileage too quickly while running, in addition to eliminating a proper warm-up and cool-down. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may result in experiencing this type of injury, and this may put excess stress on the heels. The common symptoms many people have include swelling that appears at the back of the ankle, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to point and flex the foot. If you have endured this type of injury, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with effective relief methods.

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.

The big toe is generally affected when an ingrown toenail has developed. It happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Many people can get ingrown toenails from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight, or from trimming the toenails incorrectly. The skin surrounding the affected toenail may become inflamed, and is often red and swollen. Occasionally, there may be new tissue that grows over the toenail, and this is referred to as a granuloma. It may be accompanied by a discharge which can be blood or pus. Additionally, it may emit an odor if bacteria gets into the wound. Temporary relief may be found when the affected nail is soaked in warm water, followed by gently pushing the nail away from the skin using a cotton swab. For more severe infections, surgery may have to be performed that can permanently repair the nail. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

The pain that is associated with the foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally found in the ball of the foot. It happens as a result of a compressed or irritated nerve between the third and fourth toes, and it occurs more frequently in women. Wearing high heels may be a common cause for Morton’s neuroma to develop. More often than not, the toes may have limited room to move freely in, and the nerve may become inflamed. Common symptoms of this ailment include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, and some patients describe the feeling as similar to standing on a marble or pebble. Additionally, the toes may be affected as the pain radiates through the foot, and can be uncomfortable. A proper diagnosis is needed to rule out arthritis or a fracture, and this is accomplished by having an X-ray taken. If you have pain in this part of your foot, a podiatrist can provide you with answers to questions you may have, and guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis, and is considered to be the most common form of this painful condition. Gout generally affects the joints in the big toe, and is caused by excess uric acid in the blood, causing crystals to form. This can occur from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high purine levels. These types of foods can include red meat, shellfish, alcohol, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain that patients experience with gout can be debilitating, and it is often difficult to walk. A proper diagnosis can consist of having an X-ray taken, and fluid may be extracted out of the affected joints that houses the crystals. Patients who have existing medical issues may be at a higher risk for getting gout. These can include obesity, kidney disorders, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Living a healthy lifestyle may help to prevent future gout attacks, and may be easier to control if they do happen. If you have questions about gout, or have frequent attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can answer any concerns you may have, and guide you toward proper treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.