Items filtered by date: November 2020

The importance of taking care of your feet as the aging process occurs is crucial for possibly avoiding painful foot conditions. It is common that senior citizens have decreased circulation, and sores or wounds on the feet may take longer to heal. Many elderly people have difficulty trimming their toenails, and it often helps to see a podiatrist who can properly trim them on a frequent basis. Additionally, neuropathy is a common foot ailment among elderly people, and it can be difficult to feel existing bruises or cuts on the feet. If you are an elderly patient, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat and prevent foot conditions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout refers to a sudden inflammation of a joint that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals. It often affects the joint of the big toe and can lead to intense pain and swelling, stiffness, and redness. Gout tends to occur as an acute attack, happening suddenly and then subsiding after a week or two. There are several different treatments for gout. A doctor may recommend or prescribe medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and oral or injected corticosteroids to treat a gout attack. They may also prescribe medications that lower the level of uric acid in the blood to prevent future attacks. You can help prevent future gout attacks as well by drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and eating a diet low in purines. For more information about gout treatment and prevention, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. 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 one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve located near the base of the toes becomes compressed. This condition causes pain in the ball of the foot that has a burning quality and numbness that radiates to nearby toes. The pain from Morton's neuroma often increases while walking or when the ball of the foot is squeezed. Sometimes, the pain is severe enough to interfere with walking, leading to a limp. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can examine the affected foot, order diagnostic imaging tests, and provide treatment options. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner of Palm Beach Podiatric Center. 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 one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Warts that develop on the bottom of the feet are known as plantar warts. They are caused by a virus and can be contagious. Symptoms of plantar warts include the appearance of potentially painful, hard, grainy, or fleshy warts on the sole of the foot. There are various treatments for plantar warts. One treatment that your doctor may use is freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. The doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to the wart, causing a blister to form there. After four to seven days, the blister will break, dry up, and fall off. Sometimes, a wart may need to be treated with liquid nitrogen several times to get full results. For more information about this and other treatments for plantar warts, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.