Items filtered by date: September 2023

For runners, black toenails and toenail loss can be distressing issues that affect comfort and performance. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to maintain strong and healthy toenails while pursuing your passion for running. It all starts with choosing the right footwear. Opt for running shoes that provide ample toe room, ensuring your toenails aren't cramped or subjected to undue pressure. Moisture management plays an important role; keeping your feet dry and utilizing moisture-wicking socks can prevent nail softening and potential damage. Be diligent about lacing your shoes securely to prevent your feet from shifting forward and affecting the front of the shoe. Additionally, consider a gradual approach to increasing training intensity to minimize the repetitive stress on your toenails. By following these proactive measures, you can safeguard your toenails from becoming bruised or falling off. If you have problems with your toenails as a result of running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and care. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lerner of Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a prevalent heel condition that mainly affects children and adolescents during their growth spurts. Contrary to its name, it's not an actual disease, but rather an overuse injury characterized by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, or calcaneus. Sever's disease generally strikes during the pre-teen and teenage years when the heel bone is still developing. The rapid growth of bones and muscles can lead to tension and stress on the heel's growth plate, resulting in pain and discomfort. This pain is typically experienced in the back of the heel, especially during activities such as running, jumping, or walking. Sever's disease is more common in active youngsters, particularly those involved in sports with repetitive impact on the heel. While it can be painful and frustrating, it is generally a self-limiting condition that tends to resolve once the growth plate fully matures. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Jeffrey Lerner from Palm Beach Podiatric Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone or the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. These spurs are not sharp, unlike their name suggests, but they can cause excruciating discomfort by irritating the surrounding tissues. They often develop as a response to long-term strain on the foot's ligaments and muscles. Repetitive activities, such as running or standing for extended periods, improper footwear, and being overweight can contribute to the formation of heel spurs. Additionally, individuals with flat feet or high arches are more susceptible. While heel spurs may not always cause pain, when they do, it's typically due to inflammation of the nearby soft tissues. Understanding the definition and underlying causes of heel spurs empowers individuals to make informed choices in managing and preventing this sometimes debilitating foot condition. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat heel spurs.

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.

Neuropathy is a nerve-related condition causing tingling, numbness, and pain, and can greatly diminish the quality of life. In the realm of medical advancements, laser treatment emerges as a ray of hope for those grappling with neuropathic discomfort. Laser treatment for neuropathy involves the application of specific wavelengths of light to targeted areas. These photons penetrate the skin, stimulating cellular activity, and promoting circulation. This process prompts the release of endorphins, natural pain relievers that provide relief from neuropathic symptoms. By fostering cellular repair and reducing inflammation, laser treatment can aid in restoring nerve function and minimizing discomfort. This approach is non-invasive and offers a promising alternative to traditional therapies. If you are experiencing neuropathy that affects the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you consider if laser treatment is the right approach for you.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, 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.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

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.