The bony bump on the inside of your ankle is actually the end of your tibia bone. This anatomical region of the tibia is known as the medial malleolus and is also the inner bone of your ankle. The medial malleolus supports the ankle on the inside of the foot and attaches to the major (deltoid) ligament there. Although ankle fractures of the medial malleolus usually occur in tandem with other ankle bone fractures, an isolated medial malleolus fracture can occur when the foot is forcefully rotated/rolled outwardly or inwardly. The medial malleolus can also suffer from a stress fracture from repetitive activity which weakens it over time. Symptoms of a medial malleolus fracture may include swelling and bruising throughout the foot, pain on the inner part of the ankle, and even difficulty walking. In order to be diagnosed and treated properly and to make sure there are no other injuries to other bones or tissue, it is very important to be seen by a podiatrist if you experience any of these symptoms.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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
• 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.

The medical term for toenail fungus is known as onychomycosis. It is considered to be the most common of nail diseases among adults and can be quite unsightly. Conditions that can include diabetes and ailments that suppress the immune system may lead to the development of toenail fungus. This condition is caused by a specific type of fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These types of places can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Common symptoms that many people experience can include yellow and thickened nails, and in severe cases, the nail may have an odor. Effective prevention techniques can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these places, and refrain from sharing towels and socks. It is suggested that you visit a podiatrist if you have any of these symptoms, who can help create the correct treatment plan for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Ultrasound therapy pulses low intensity sound waves into the site of trauma, vibrating the area and tissue to boost collagen production and create deep heat within the tissue. This, in turn, relieves pain, increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the body’s natural healing and repair process. Ultrasound therapy can be beneficial in treating certain sports injuries involving trauma to tendons, tissues, bones, and ligaments. Some of the most common sports injuries podiatrists treat with ultrasound therapy include sprains, strains, and fractured bones in the feet and ankles. If you have suffered a sports injury and would like to know if ultrasound therapy may help your condition, contact a podiatrist for an examination and consultation.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete 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 care needs.

The foot condition that is known as cracked heels can become a medical issue without prompt treatment. This ailment can gradually develop from wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Deep cracks in the skin are referred to as fissures, and can become infected without proper care. Existing medical conditions including diabetes and psoriasis can lead to the formation of cracked heels. Additionally, research has shown a deficiency in omega-3 or zinc can decrease the oil in the feet, and this may improve the chances of getting cracked heels. If you are afflicted with this condition, please consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe effective medication and offer mild relief options.

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.

Ankle sprains are a common occurrence in children because they are often engaged in physical activities that involve jumping, running, and changing direction abruptly. These sprains happen when the ligaments holding the bones in the ankle together become overly stretched, or torn. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include swelling, pain on the outside of the ankle, and bruising. While the RICE strategy (Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation) can help ease pain and swelling, a podiatrist should examine your child to rule out a broken ankle, and help treat more severe strains properly.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further 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.

The growth plate in the heel is commonly injured among children and young teenagers that frequently participate in running and jumping activities. Injury to the growth plate can lead to a condition that is known as Sever’s disease, which can cause pain and discomfort. Along with injury, this condition can develop as a result of different growth rates as the bones, muscles, and tendons mature. Common symptoms of Sever’s disease can include stiffness in the heel area and the heel may appear to be red. Elevating the affected foot may bring mild relief, and it can help to temporarily stop the activity that caused this condition. Additionally, some patients find it helpful to wear an elastic wrap which may provide necessary support as the healing process occurs. If you notice your child is limping, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who is able to treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.