According to Suzanne Edmonds of SunMedia, it is best to take good care of your foot health on both the outside and on the inside. Sometimes a trip to the salon for a pedicure is an integral part of maintaining that foot health, especially when it comes to cracked heels. Pedicures involve soaking the foot in warm soapy water in a bowl that is sanitized to avoid bacteria infecting the foot.

After the soak, the hardened skin on the heels should be a little softened and easy to file down. The final step of the pedicure is a layer of moisturizer that can also be applied regularly at home to prevent heels from cracking again and simultaneously reducing any calluses that may have formed.

Cracked heels can become painful if left untreated. To learn more, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth, FL. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs. 
 
The Truth about Cracked Heels
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are unappealing, and make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Not only may they look bad, but they can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How do you get them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief, or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – wearing socks with medicated creams, helps lock in moisture so it can stay on longer.
Moisturizers – applying it both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – these remove dead skin, and then you can massage cream onto your foot. This way the cream will be absorbed. The skin needs to be exfoliated; therefore the outer layer dead skin needs removal.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Dr. Margaret Abbott of Nottingham states that athlete’s foot is a mild fungal infection that causes an itchy rash to develop or for red, scaly, and dry skin to appear.

The bottom of the foot is also capable of becoming inflamed or blistery. Abbott states that feet are warm, dark, and humid, and are the perfect conditions for fungi to multiply, which can become troublesome if infected. Athlete’s foot is easily treated with antifungal medication.

The ailment can also be prevented by washing feet regularly with soap and water. It is important to thoroughly dry the feet after they have been wet as well. Wear breathable, cotton socks, and change your socks and shoes regularly to ensure proper dryness of the feet.

Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable condition to deal with. If you are suffering from athlete’s foot contactDr. Kevin H. Lapoff ofLake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a condition that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. Treatment is often difficult, because of its contagious and reoccurring nature. Also known as tinea pedis, it is found to survive in moist humid areas.

Common places found:

• shower floors
• public changing areas
• locker rooms
• Gyms
• bathrooms
• public swimming pools
• socks and shoes
• dormitory style houses

Treatment & Prevention

Because of its reoccurring nature, the best way to treat Athlete’s foot is with prevention. Take necessary precautions such as:

• Wearing flips-flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers
• Using powders to keep your feet dry
• Keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air

Athlete’s foot can be treated with special creams and sprays.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Athlete’s foot is an extremely contagious infection caused by a fungus that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. The fungus that causes athletes foot is known as tinea pedis and thrives in moist, dark areas such as shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, commons areas, public changing areas, bathrooms, dormitory style houses, locker rooms, and public swimming pools.

Athlete’s foot is difficult to treat as well because of the highly contagious and recurrent nature of the fungus.

Tinea is the same fungus that causes ringworm, and is spread by direct contact with an infected body part, contaminated clothing, or by touching other objects and body parts that have been exposed to the fungus. Because the feet are an ideal place for tinea to grow, thrive, and spread, this is the most commonly affected area, but it is known to grow in other places. However, for obvious reasons, the term athlete’s foot describes tinea that grows strictly on the feet.

The most commonly infected body parts are the hands, groin, and scalp, as well as obviously the feet. Around 70% of the population suffer from tinea infections at some point in their lives, however not all of these cases are athlete’s foot. Just like any other ailment, some people are more likely to get it than others, such as people with a history of tinea infections or other skin infections, both recurring and non-recurring ones. On top of this, the extent to which a person experiences regrowth and recurrent tinea infections varies from person to person.

Sometimes people will not even know that they are infected with tinea or that they have athlete’s foot because of a lack of symptoms. However, most experience mild to moderate flaking, itching, redness, and burning. However, some of the more severe symptoms include cracking and bleeding skin, intense itching and burning, pain while walking or standing, and even blistering.

Because of the recurring nature of the tinea fungus and the athlete’s foot it causes, the best way to treat this condition is with prevention. While it is hard to completely avoid, you can take some preventative measures such as wearing flip flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers to reduce contact with the floor. It also helps to keep clean, dry feet while allowing them to breathe.

Using powders to keep your feet dry is a good idea, as well as keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air, as these are not desirable conditions for tinea to grow. If you do happen to get athlete’s foot, treating it with topical medicated creams, ointments or sprays will not only help eliminate it but also prevent it from coming back.

Although flip-flops and sandals are typically worn less throughout the colder months, college students that shower in a communal space should keep wearing the sandals year round. Since public grooming areas are already naturally moist, they are common areas for biofilms, slimy areas where microorganisms stick together, to grow.

Professor Philip Tierno of New York University’s School of Medicine even mentions that it will take more than soap and water to eliminate the hazards caused by biofilms. In order to reduce the chance of any infections that might occur when coming in contact with these biofilms, college students must make the choice to wear flip-flops anywhere near the shower.

Tierno states, “People don’t think they have a contusion or lesion or crack in their skin, but many people have dried skin and they do have the ability for an organism to gain access to the foot and spread elsewhere in the body.”
Flip-flops can cause a lot of foot problems if worn too often and in the incorrect conditions, they can help you to avoid infection in certain areas.

If you have any questions concerning infections on the feet, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?
Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result.

For more information about Flip Flops, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer all the newest in diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle conditions.

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Flip-flops are often a popular choice of footwear for their ability to allow your feet to take in open air. As well as, for the freedom of movement they allow your toes. They are easy to slip on and can be worn with virtually any style of clothing. Flip-flops, however, despite their many benefits, can be detrimental for your foot health.

Despite their comfortableness, the frequent wearing of flip-flops can create problems in the lower body over time. Issues mainly stem from the fact that people walk differently in flip-flops compared to other footwear, such as sneakers. This is due to a change in one’s natural gait, which therefore creates stress in different parts of the body while simultaneously throwing off the body entirely. Problems can also arise in the arches and balls of the feet, as flip-flops provide little to no support to these areas.

Aside from long-term problems, flip-fops can also create short-term issues as well, such as ankle sprains and blisters. Weak materials that are flexible and bendable are generally used to manufacture flip-fops; these materials make a wearer prone to both trip and injure their ankles. Flip-flops can create blisters as the material rubs against the foot. People are much more at risk for infection while wearing flip-flops due to their openness; this also makes it easier to scrape and cut the foot since there is a lack of protection. If these cuts are left untreated and uncovered, the risk then becomes greater.

To prevent the aforementioned occurrences, purchase a pair of flip-flops that offer significant protection. The soles of the flip-flops should not be floppy, but sturdy and firm, and should not significantly bend or wiggle when lifted from the floor. Flip-flops made of high-quality materials will not be affected by this problem. While higher quality flip-flops may be more expensive, they will last longer and provide better protection compared to a cheaper pair. Brand name flip-flops sold from a quality manufacturer are a dependable option.

For the third time in her career, New Plymouth Jockey Vanessa Johnston has been forced to the sidelines due to a broken ankle. The incident occurred when the 27-year-old fell from her horse at the New Plymouth track. Although the Johnston had started the season off slowly, she felt as though things had started to go well, winning the Fielding Gold Cup, the Eulogy Stakes, and the Levin Stakes so far this season. The night of the injury, the jockey had spent the night in the hospital with a plaster cast and will spend the rest of the time recovering. “I’ll be in a moon boot for five weeks…I hope to be back riding in May,” Johnston stated.

Broken ankles are extremely painful and inconvenient. If you have any questions about broken ankles contact Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth, FL. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Broken ankles are a serious injury that can lead to an inability to walk, function, and also cause a significant amount of pain. A broken ankle is actually a break in one of the three bones in your body that connect at the ankle joint, the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and fibula are your two primary leg bones that connect at the knee, which sit directly upon the talus bone. This is protected by a fibrous membrane that allows for movement in our ankle joint. A broken ankle is usually caused by the foot rolling under or twisting too far, causing one of these three bones to snap.

A broken ankle is different from an ankle sprain, which occurs when the ligaments are ripped or torn but no bones have been broken. However, a sprain can still be very severe, causing bruising in the foot and an inability to hold your own weight, much like a broken ankle would. If you cannot stand on your own weight and suspect that you have a broken ankle, the first thing to do would be to get an immediate x-ray to determine the severity of the break.

A common way to break your ankle is to roll over onto it with enough pressure to break the bones, usually done while engaging in exercise, sports, or some other physical activity. Another common cause is a fall or jump from a large height.
Broken ankles can cause severe pain, but immediate relief can come from elevating the feet above your head to reduce blood flow to the injured area. You can also apply ice packs to the ankles to help reduce the swelling, redness, inflammation, and pain. After these initial steps, getting a cast on and staying off your feet as much as possible will aid in the recovery of the broken ankle, because the less movement and stress the ankle has to endure, the more complete it will heal. A doctor can determine if surgery is needed in order to heal correctly. In these cases, an operation may be the only option to ensure the ability to walk properly again, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation.

It is highly important to determine if surgery is needed early on, because a broken ankle can become much more severe than you realize. If not professionally treated, the broken ankle will inhibit your walking, daily functioning, and produce a large amount of pain, so the quicker you act, the better.

Whether you were born with perfect feet or have every ailment possible in your lower extremities, it is necessary to have the proper footwear to avoid future pain and practice every day foot care. Often time many common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and hammertoes occur because of ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear. By having your foot fitting for the best type of shoe that suits your needs, you are treating and preventing foot complications.

Finding shoes with the proper fit and support is only one portion in maintaining everyday foot care. For more information about everyday foot care, consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 of your foot ankle injuries.

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Viola Davis recentlyappeared on the Ellen Show after winning a SAG Award for her role in How to Get Away With Murder where she discussed her quick remedy for temporary relief on bunion pain. The actress recalled that she was extremely worried about walking around on the red carpet in heels that would cause further pain to her foot. The night before the awards Davis had her husband go to the supermarket and buy her a can of white vegetable shortening called Crisco. She claims the white greasy ingredient in fried chicken reduces the friction between the bunion and the shoes and soothes her dry skin.

Bunions can be very troublesome if they are not treated correctly. If you are having problems with your bunions consult with Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff of Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will diagnose the severity of your bunion and give you the proper treatment for your needs.

What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?
Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Bunions