Items filtered by date: August 2020

A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects up to 10% of all Americans. There are several risk factors for developing this condition. Wearing tight footwear can crowd the toes and cause them to become moist and warm. This creates the perfect conditions for fungus to thrive in, so try to avoid this by wearing wider, open-toed shoes. Exercise might cause repetitive minor trauma to the nail, allowing fungus to invade. Communal showers and other public areas like locker rooms and pools increase your risk of exposure to fungus, so make sure to not walk barefoot in these places. Finally, various diseases, such as diabetes and AIDS that can weaken the immune system, make it easier for fungal nail infections to occur. If you have a fungal nail infection, it is recommended that you seek medical treatment from a podiatrist.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner of Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can occur for a variety of reasons, one of them being a condition known as heel spurs. A heel spur is a bony growth that develops around the heel bone, often causing pain and sometimes inflammation. The sharp bony protrusion can press into the supporting structures of the feet, which is why someone with a heel spur may express an intense stinging or sharp pain felt in the heel. It’s been found that keeping the feet both strong and flexible, can help in easing the symptoms of a heel spur. Looking into particular stretches for strengthening the feet and improving their flexibility is a great method for reducing pain caused by heel spurs. For more information on what stretches can help ease the pain of a heel spur, please consult with a podiatrist.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wellington and Boca Raton, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Athlete’s foot is a contagious foot condition that is often accompanied by a burning and itching sensation. To help prevent getting athlete’s foot, you should avoid sharing socks, shoes, and stockings. Because the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is known to thrive in moist environments, wearing the proper footwear in locker rooms, gyms, communal showers, and swimming pools can help with prevention as well. Wearing clean socks, and regularly washing your feet may also be beneficial in avoiding getting an athlete’s foot infection. For more prevention tips, please speak with a podiatrist for professional advice.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

Flip-flops are a staple of summer footwear, especially at the beach or pool. However, wearing flip-flops may do more harm than good for the health of your foot. If you frequently wear flip-flops, you may notice that you have to constantly flex your toes to keep the shoes firmly on your feet. This toe flexing can lead to bunions and hammertoes, conditions that disfigure the joints of your toes. Flip-flops also provide very little support to your feet while you walk, potentially increasing your likelihood of foot and heel pain, especially if you have flat feet or fallen arches. Since flip-flops increase your feet’s exposure to the elements, you may also be at risk for developing fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. If you must wear flip-flops, you may be able to avoid damage to your feet by wearing them only for short periods of time. For more information on the effects of flip-flops on your feet, and for treatment of any foot condition, consult with a podiatrist today.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

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; they're 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 regularly 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 that 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.

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.