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Crofton, MD 21114

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Posts for: December, 2016

By Crofton Podiatry
December 28, 2016
Category: Foot Care Tips
Tags: stretching   massaging   moisturize  

We’re ready for you, 2017! The new year usually encourages us to get our New Year’s Resolutions started. New Year = New Beginnings! There’s no better time, actually, to put your best foot forward – actually, both feet forward. Yes, we mean taking better care of your feet so that you can feel better overall.

So what are some resolutions you can make to get your feet happy?

  • Learn more about your feet by reading some of our other blog posts. This includes proper hygiene, looking for signs of diseases, and tending to foot pain sooner, rather than later.
  • Stretch and massage your feet regularly, especially if you are on your feet all day. Yoga is a great way to see how your feet are doing in terms of balance, strength, and flexibility. Any pain during an activity like yoga will give you better insight as to any foot issues you may have.
  • Keep you body moving. Increase your step count. Begin a jogging/running routine. Get on that stationary or road bike. If you received a pedometer or activity tracker as a gift for the holidays, it is time to put it to use! Get your circulation going to reduce risk of edema and increase blood flow to get necessary nutrients from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.
  • If you are beginning a new workout regimen such as running or weightlifting, make sure you take necessary precautions to keep your body safe from injury. Find the right shoes, always warm up, dress appropriately for the weather, and set reasonable goals to keep you motivated! Consult a doctor if you have pain or other issues before you begin.
  • Wear shoes that are supportive and comfortable. Start listening to your body – function over fashion for long term foot and ankle health!
  • Hydrate and moisturize your feet, especially during the dry winter weather.
  • Have foot pain or diseases that you can’t shake off? Make your annual appointment with your favorite podiatrist!

In fact, make an appointment today! Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry is eager to greet you in the New Year. For all of you living in the Crofton, MD and the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas, call today at (410) 721-4505. Happy New Year and Cheers to happy feet!


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By Crofton Podiatry
December 20, 2016
Category: Foot Care Tips
Tags: warm socks   slippers   foot soaks  

Brr! The weather just keeps getting colder! While we know to layer on the clothes and zip up our puffy coats, you may not know how to properly care for your feet to protect them from the cold, winter climate. The following are some tips for braving the cold, inside and outside:

When you’re going out:

  • Double up on Socks – Always wear socks. If your feet seem to be cold even with socks on, try wearing a thin sock, and then a thicker sock on top. Make sure, however, that your feet are not too constrained.
  • Be cautious of waterproof boots ­– Winter shoes usually tend to be thick and waterproof preventing the feet from breathing. Coupled with double socks, it can create a situation where you sweat, but doesn’t dry up, making you feel colder. It’s also a breeding ground for bacterial or fungal infections. If you have to be in your socks and boots for a long time, use foot powder on your feet to reduce wetness.
  • When doing winter activities like skiing or snowboarding, wear the appropriate boots to keep you safe.
  • DO NOT WEAR SUMMER FOOTWEAR – even if it’s that much more convenient for a quick trip to the store.     

When you’re staying in:

  • Feel free to break out the fuzzy, cozy socks, but make sure they have anti-slip grips on smooth floors.
  • Warm slippers – If you prefer fuzzy slippers, make sure that there isn’t heavy duty grip for if you’re walking on carpets; on the other hand, grippy bottoms are best for hardwood floors or tile.
  • Let your feet warm up by the heater or fireplace. However, make sure to stay a safe distance away so that you do not risk fire or cooking your feet!
  • Rest feet on a heat pack, but make sure the temperature is not too hot as to burn your feet.

For both inside and outside:

  • Drink warm beverages – Avoid alcohol as it may warm you up at first, but then it will cool your core temperatures. It can put you at risk of bumping into things or slipping on black ice.
  • When your feet feel cold even with socks on, try a hot foot soak with Epsom salt. It can relieve soreness and help with dry skin. If they are red or itchy, try using some baking soda to alleviate symptoms. If they are cracked or dry, you can put moisturizing cream or honey to heal the skin.

Still feeling cold? We are here to help check out what the problem might be. Make an appointment at Crofton Podiatry with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll, by calling us at (410) 721-4505. We are happy to serve all patients in Crofton, MD and the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas. We wish you happy and healthy holidays!

 

 

 

 


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By Crofton Podiatry
December 14, 2016
Category: Childrens Feet
Tags: flat feet   arch   pediatric   feet muscles  

At birth, you may not notice the exact shape of your baby’s feet. In fact, you probably just think about how cute the little toes are on those tiny feet. Then you put them in cute little baby shoes (non-functional as they don’t even walk yet) and go ga-ga over how precious they are.

Then, in what seems like a blink of an eye, they are standing up and starting to walk. You begin to pay attention to the way they take their steps. They have a funny waddle at first, but then their legs start to straighten out and it looks like their gait is normal. But wait, is there something off? Why don’t your child’s feet look like yours? The way they walk is to hit the entire feet on the ground instead of the heel-to-toe foot strike.

Don’t panic! Did you know that children are usually born with flat feet? There is a lot of padding on the feet until they begin to use them to stand and walk. The tissues begin to tighten and feet muscles develop the arch area into a curve. As the leg muscles strengthen and your child becomes more confident in their walking habits, their gaits should normalize too.

However, some children do not develop an arch because the tissues do not tighten. This may be a case of pediatric flat feet. As they continue to develop, children may grow out of this. They may experience no painful symptoms and may not have any other developmental issues. Others, however, may experience pain, cramping along the bottom of the feet, or incorrect bone growth as the heel grows in a tilted manner.

If you are concerned about your child’s flat feet, make an appointment at Crofton Podiatry. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll will assess whether or not your child needs corrective treatment, such as orthotic inserts or shoes. He may diagnose the flatfeet as flexible or rigid flat feet, with the latter having no arch form at all, even when the child is tiptoeing. Pain is not part of the development process, so you call us at (410) 721-4505 if your child is experiencing it. We are happy to serve all patients in Crofton, MD and the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.


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By Crofton Podiatry
December 07, 2016
Category: Foot Care Tips

Winter is coming! Even just the thought of the nippy weather and morning frost can make us shiver. You wouldn’t even blame your family for wanting to spend more time snuggled on the couch, watching television. However, be careful with allowing your family to get too comfortable while avoiding the cold. At Crofton Podiatry, we want our patients to stay healthy and strong by actively using their feet and ankles.

Here are some ideas for keeping your family moving during the winter months:

  • Find time to take your family to winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing.
  • Figure out ways to walk together – a competition of getting the most steps on a pedometer; take the dog on a walk together; walk up and down the stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator at the library or mall.
  • Buy games and activities to keep the family entertained indoors. Twister, charades, or even Wii Sports Games are great options.
  • Come up with games or competitions that you can do at home. A hula hoop competition, push up competition, etc. The winner can pick dinner or other activity!

One of the best ways to keep active and keep walking is to limit hours watching television or on mobile entertainment like phones and tablets. Your family will need a lot of options to stay active, so get creative. Also, don’t be afraid of the cold. Get out and do a power walk to work up a sweat.

Remember to stay hydrated and moisturize during the winter weather, no matter what activity you and your family decide on. Some may experience aches and pains in the winter weather. If so, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He and his team will help you find ways to get active and stay active. Make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office today by calling (410) 721-4505. We are happy to serve patients in the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.


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By Crofton Podiatry
December 01, 2016
Category: Foot Care Tips
Tags: yoga   tree pose   hero pose   balance  

Yoga is an activity that is great for overall health. When practiced regularly, it is good for stretching and stretching your body, as well as developing balance and helping you keep proper posture. In many poses, you can focus your practice to bring awareness to you’re the tendencies of your feet, as well as increase foot health.

Here are some Yoga poses that you can try. They allow you to test the condition of your feet and ankles. For first timers, it would be wise to try out Yoga with a teacher so that they can help you with proper form and alignment.

  • Tadasana (or Mountain Pose): This is a standing pose. Become aware of how your feet touch the ground and how they bear your body weight. Try stretching out your toes, lifting them up, and closing your eyes to challenge your balance and stability in this pose.
  • Tree Pose: While you balance on one leg, you will be able to notice if you tend to under or over pronate. As you become more stable in this position, you will be able to further advance to raising your elevated foot, as well as raising your arms above your head.
  • Downward-Facing Dog: This is a wonderful stretching pose for the whole body, and can serve as a resting pose. This stretches hamstrings, calves, ankles, and feet, especially as you try to get your heels to touch the ground.
  • Hero Pose: Not many people tend to sit in this position, so it may feel strange or uncomfortable the first time you try this pose. Your ankles and quads will feel the stretch.

Continued practice will improve your balance, stretching, and strength in your feet and ankles. Pay attention to and listen to your body to see if there is pain. Only go as far as you can push yourself without pain. If you experience any pain or discomfort in particular parts of your feet or ankles, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll, at Crofton Podiatry. Using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques in podiatric care, he and his team will help you continue to keep active. Make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office today by calling (410) 721-4505. We serve patients in the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

 

 


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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114

Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505