Items filtered by date: November 2022

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe on the foot. This can happen from direct impact by either dropping something on the toe or stubbing it against a hard object. The fracture of this toe usually occurs at its base. When one has broken their baby toe, swelling often occurs. There may be a snapping or grinding noise when the toe breaks, the toe may appear crooked, there might be bruising, and it will likely hurt. If there is an open wound when the toe breaks, one should seek immediate medical attention. Rest and taping the broken toe to the toe next to it may be all that is necessary. However, if these simple treatments do not relieve the symptoms, or they seem to be getting worse, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can examine the toe and recommend further treatment as appropriate.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Cracked heels can develop when the skin on the back part of the heels becomes so rough and dry that the skin cracks. While some cases of cracked heels will not be accompanied by any pain, others might. If you have cracked heels, it is best to go see a podiatrist. This type of foot specialist will help you identify and treat the problem. Before you go to your appointment, however, there are some steps you might consider taking in the meantime to mitigate your cracked heels. There are a variety of natural ingredients that may help reduce the effects of cracked heels. Shea butter, for instance, can be beneficial for the feet because of its moisturizing properties. Additionally, olive oil can be an extremely moisturizing agent when applied to the feet. Of course, it is always best to consult a medical professional first. See a podiatrist today to properly heal your cracked heels. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels 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.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Swollen feet can be uncomfortable. The medical term is known as oedema, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. Pregnancy is a reason the feet can swell, and may become worse as the pregnancy progresses. This is a result of the excess fluid the body needs to support the growing fetus, and will gradually dissipate when the baby is born. Swollen feet may develop in patients who eat salty foods, and may be balanced in people who drink plenty of fresh water daily. Additionally, this condition may be caused by taking specific medications that can include blood pressure pills or antidepressants. Oedema can occur as an allergic reaction from an insect bite, or it may happen from an ankle sprain or fracture. These may be existing medical conditions that can lead to having swollen feet, consisting of a kidney disorder, or a heart condition. There are some patients who have found mild relief when they frequently elevate their feet, in addition to practicing gentle exercises and stretches. If you have swollen feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief methods.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It involves the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel along the sole of the foot. Most people with plantar fasciitis can be treated through a series of exercises, resting the foot, and wearing orthotics in the shoe. In rare cases, however, surgery is the only viable option for relief. Surgery should be considered only if the plantar fasciitis has not responded to ordinary treatment after at least six months to a year. In addition, if significant pain affects your job or daily activities, surgery may be an option. Further, if the pain caused by plantar fasciitis disrupts or inhibits the quality of your life, you may wish to explore surgical options. Plantar fascia release surgery cuts the plantar fascia to relieve tension. This can be done by cutting through the heel in open surgery or performing endoscopic surgery, which is less invasive but reduces access and view of the area. To find out more about the surgical options for relief from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

People who experience painful or uncomfortable conditions regarding the foot and ankle often seek the advice of a podiatrist. These are doctors that specialize in treating a multitude of disorders concerning the feet. They are trained in diagnosing and treating foot conditions. The extensive schooling that is needed to pursue this type of career consists of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, followed by completing a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. This typically takes approximately four years to finish, and then a residency will take place in a hospital for three years. There are tests that must be passed to be licensed in a particular state to practice in. When the above tasks are completed, a podiatrist can choose what type of places to work in. These can consist of hospitals, private or group practices, in addition to extended care facilities. If you are considering pursuing a career in podiatry, it is strongly suggested that you speak with this type of doctor who can help you in determining if this is a right choice for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.