Items filtered by date: October 2022

There are several areas of the foot that can become painful. Some people experience toe pain, heel pain, or even toenail pain when specific shoes are worn, or activities are pursued. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort, and treatment is suggested to begin at the first signs of pain. Heel pain is often associated with this condition, and may radiate to the Achilles tendon. Toe pain may be the result of the ailment known as gout, or it may develop from having a bunion. Additionally, corns can cause extreme pain, especially when one forms on the outside of the pinky toe. Pain in the toenails may be what is referred to as a subungual hematoma, and can happen from excessive rubbing of the toes against the shoe. Extensor tendonitis may be the cause for pain on top of the foot, which can be accompanied by swelling and difficulty in running. If you have pain in any area of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the expert advice from a podiatrist who can determine why it is occurring, and treat it accordingly. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

The feet are an interesting and complex part of the body. Each foot is composed of 26 bones and several muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to provide mobility and balance to the body. Additionally, the feet carry the weight of the body, and are designed to absorb shock while running and walking. Research has indicated there are three types of foot postures. Humans and animals have the foot structure that is known as plantigrade, and is observed as the entire foot striking the ground while walking. The digitigrade posture is seen in dogs and cats, and is noticed as only the toes are on the ground while walking or running. Animals that run, such as horses, possess the unguligrade posture, and this is seen as a few of the toes touching the ground while running. The human foot has three parts, consisting of the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. Within each foot are bones that are divided into three categories, including tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges. There are many more parts that make up each foot, and if you would like to know more about how the feet are structured, please confer with a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you ought to know that your feet will experience a number of important changes as a result of your pregnancy. For example, in addition to experiencing possible swelling and enlargement, you might experience numbness in the feet during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that nerves in the legs can experience pressure when the uterus grows. As a result, a pregnant woman may have feelings of numbness in the toes. Some individuals will even describe this feeling as a kind of “pins and needles” sensation in the feet. A number of women experience this kind of numbness in their feet during the pregnancy, and fortunately, the feelings should subside after the pregnancy. If pregnancy is something you anticipate in your future, it might be a good idea to contact a podiatrist to discuss ways you can maintain healthy feet throughout the process.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Baby’s feet are generally adorable, and you may yearn to touch them. They are soft and pliable as a result of the fatty tissue they are composed of. This will gradually convert into bone as the growing process occurs. Research has shown that babies are born with a stepping reflex, and this can be seen while they are held in a standing position as they move their legs as if they are walking. This will eventually disappear, and crawling will begin first, then walking will start at approximately one year of age. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will be fully developed as they approach their teenage years. There are parents who choose to trim their baby's nails after they have had a bath, when the nails are the softest. An interesting fact is that baby’s feet will reach half of their adult foot size before they are one year old. Additionally, it is beneficial that the first shoes are made with a flexible sole, and padded ankle. This may be helpful in providing the necessary support as the first steps are taken. Please consult with a podiatrist if you would like to know more about what to expect as your child’s feet grow.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.