Items filtered by date: March 2022

Orthotics are shoe or heel inserts that can help with a variety of foot, leg, and back problems. They can help the foot and ankle work better, correct foot deformities, and reduce risk for further injuries. Generic orthotics can be purchased online or in stores or they can be prescribed by a podiatrist and custom-made specifically for your needs. Orthotics have been used to deal with foot pain associated with arthritis, lack of foot cushioning, high arches, bunions, diabetic neuropathy, high arches, and other foot conditions. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter treatments, exercises or rest, a podiatrist can examine the condition of your feet, watch you walk and perform movements, and possibly recommend imaging, such as an X-ray, bone scan, or MRI to identify specific problem areas and create custom orthotics and/or other avenues of treatment. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please 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.

Heel pain is a very common occurrence. It is usually felt under the heel or at the back of the heel. When pain and inflammation is located on the bottom of the heel toward the front of the foot, plantar fasciitis is typically the cause. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue, which runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel with the toes. Other causes of heel pain on the bottom of the foot may be attributed to heel pad atrophy or heel spurs. If pain is felt at the back of the heel, Achilles tendonitis is often at the root of the cause. This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the back of the heel bone, becomes damaged or torn over time, causing pain and swelling. Other possible causes include bursitis, Sever’s disease, and heel bumps. Pain from a heel stress fracture can occur anywhere on the heel, and tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause heel pain underneath the ankle bone. Heel pain can also be caused by neurological issues, infections and arthritis. Unless you suffer an acute injury, heel pain typically starts out mild, but can become severe. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, don’t hesitate to contact a podiatrist to find out the cause and take measures to keep it from worsening or becoming chronic or debilitating.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

Blisters on the feet can be uncomfortable, painful, and if infected, can become a serious health issue. Blisters are a small pocket of fluid that develops over a damaged portion of skin. This is the body’s natural defense in protecting the area as new skin forms. Blisters can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and this can cause the foot to rub against the shoe. Many patients find it helpful to keep their feet as dry as possible, and this can aid in preventing blisters. Additionally, blisters can develop from a severe sun or chemical burn, frostbite, or possibly from an allergic reaction. If you have developed blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment and healing techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Keeping aging adults ambulatory is considered by many to be essential. Mobility is believed to provide the elderly with dignity, independence, and self-esteem. Foot care plays an important part in the aging adult’s mental health and quality of life, and it should be equal to care they receive for other parts of their body. This is particularly true for elderly patients with chronic diseases, like diabetes. Older adults should be educated on proper foot care, and have their foot health regularly monitored and assessed by a podiatrist. This is important to help the older adults stay mobile while avoiding complications that can result from a foot condition that is ignored or goes undetected. To help ensure your foot health or that of your loved one, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist today.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner of Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.