Items filtered by date: June 2022

It should be no surprise that during pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes to accommodate the baby growing inside of her. The changes can be both beautiful and uncomfortable. An unpleasant symptom many women endure during pregnancy is pain and swelling in their legs and feet. Foot pain at this time in a woman’s life can make it hard to stand, walk, or engage in daily activities. This type of pain is usually related to weight gain that puts pressure on the feet and ligaments near the arch of the foot, posture and gait changes due to the center of gravity changing with pregnancy, increased blood volume which can cause foot cramps and swelling, and shoes that might be too tight and cause pain. Women who are pregnant can try to get relief from foot pain by using orthotics to support the arch of the foot, wearing well-fitted, comfortable shoes, putting the feet up when sitting to ease blood flow, doing simple foot exercises to help with cramping and blood circulation, and keeping well hydrated. If you are experiencing painful feet during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and recommendations to help you get through this unforgettable time in your life more comfortably.

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.

The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone at the back of the foot. Some people have heel bones with a more prominent bump at this location. They may also wear tight or stiff shoes, such as high heels, that rub against this area. This combination of a bony prominence in the heel bone and pressure from footwear can squeeze the soft tissue between the heel and the shoe. This can inflame the tissue and cause it to thicken into a bump that further pressurizes the soft tissue and causes pain. This condition is known as Haglund’s deformity, or “pump bump.” Having very high arches or a tight Achilles tendon can also increase a person’s risk for developing Haglund’s deformity. Symptoms may include a visible bump, redness, swelling, and pain at the back of the heel, especially when wearing certain shoes. A podiatrist can reduce symptoms of Haglund’s deformity with a variety of conservative treatments and therapies. Reach out to a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed here to get the relief you deserve.  

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.

A broken or fractured ankle happens when there is a partial or complete break in the ankle joint bones – the tibia, the fibula, and the talus bones. This can occur from excessive stress on the joint through heavy impact or twisting beyond the normal range of movement. The main symptom of a broken ankle is pain but swelling and bruising can also show at or around the site of the break. The ankle joint may be stiff and hard to move, and it might be hard for one with such a fracture to support their body weight. Recovery from a broken ankle will depend on how severe the break is and how well one follows the recommended care regimen. In most cases, recovery time is six to 12 weeks. If you think you have broken your ankle, visit a podiatrist to find out if there is an actual break and how it can best be treated.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Faced with a myriad of shoes one can find in running stores, it can be hard to determine which is the right pair for you. The most important criterion in buying new running shoes is that they be comfortable while running. There are many components of a running shoe that should be evaluated to make sure they fit the shape of your feet and provide adequate support and protection. Instead of choosing shoes based on looks, focus on fit, feel, and function. Make sure the shoes you buy are roomy enough in the toe box for the toes to move freely and not be shoved up against the front of the shoe. Shop for running shoes later in the day after the feet have done their normal swelling and make sure you bring the socks you will wear and any inserts you normally use so as to get the right size shoe and fit. Measure your feet to make sure you are not assuming you know the right size to purchase. If you are a runner, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to obtain expert advice on the best shoes for your particular feet and tips to deal with any current or potential foot problems.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our 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.