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Posts for: June, 2017

By Crofton Podiatry
June 21, 2017

For those suffering from plantar fasciitis, unfortunately, there is no quick fix for the problem. It tends to be a chronic or recurring pain issue, and other treatments like bracing, orthotics, stretching, and exercises may not always help. Pain along the bottom of the feet, from the balls of the feet to the back of the heels can arise after long periods of rest, as well as after intense activity.

Luckily, there’s an alternative treatment option! It’s called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). This noninvasive procedure uses sonic energy in pulses to the area of pain. The energy waves stimulate growth of new blood vessels and new nerve cells, as well as promoting healing factors. The goal of the procedure is to reduce pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia.

At the office, Dr. Toll will perform this outpatient procedure under local anesthesia in about 30 minutes. After the procedure, there may be inflammation in the treatment site, which, in turn, promotes healing mechanisms. There is very limited recovery time, which makes it a better option than surgery with regards to time, effort, and cost. This is especially the case when compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) wound healing or surgical options. It is FDA-approved for plantar fasciitis, has about a 70% success rate for long-time sufferers, and has no long-term side effects. ESWT has also been suggested for treatment of other tendon, joint, and muscle conditions, such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis.

Unfortunately, ESWT is contraindicated for some, including: pregnant women, patients with neurological or vascular foot disease, patients who have ruptured their plantar fascial ligament, patients with metal implants, patients with pacemakers, or patients taking medications that are blood thinners or anticoagulants.

Have you tried many treatments for plantar fasciitis and still unable to find a solution? Come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

 


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By Crofton Podiatry
June 13, 2017
Category: Children's Feet

When it comes to our children, their health is of utmost importance. It’s no surprise, then, that parents would be very concerned if they were born with (or develop) a foot deformity.  These include conditions that may affect the bones, tendons, and muscles of the foot or ankles. While all are not very common, most are treatable and can be almost completely corrected if treated early enough.

Parents, we’d like to make you more aware of possible foot issues that your child may encounter. The following are some of the more commonly seen pediatric foot deformities:

  • Club Foot – Sometimes detected even during an ultrasound, clubfoot is immediately noticeable when the baby is born. One or both of the feet are turned inward and down. You can start treating the issue soon after birth. The recommended treatment is to use the Ponseti Method, in which weekly casting is done to set the feet in normal positioning. In some cases, additional procedures or surgeries may be required. Then, braces are used for a while to maintain proper alignment.
     

  • Metatarsus Adductus / Skewfoot – The deformity occurs in the middle of the foot, making the front half of the foot turn inward. Treatment depends on when the problem begins and how flexible the deformity is. For infants, stretching, manipulation, and casts may help to correct the issue. For some children, the problem can resolve itself too.

  • Flat feet – When children begin to stand on their toes and learn to walk, an arch should appear on the inner part of the midfoot. Otherwise, the feet are considered to be flat feet. Some children will not experience any pain, but others may have issues with foot or joint pain. Treatment usually involves using orthotic inserts, especially with good arch support. Surgery is not usually recommended, but in rare cases, a child may benefit from restoring tendon or ligaments or a procedure involving the midfoot bones.

  • Tarsal Coalition – When an abnormal connection develops between the bones in the midfoot and back part of the foot. It begins to limit foot movement and can cause pain and stiffness. Other foot problems may accompany tarsal coalition, which needs treatment too. Treatments usually involve corrective shoes, custom orthotic inserts, or physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery is performed to allow for pain relief

  • Juvenile Bunions – While most adults that get bunions can attribute them to narrow shoes and high heels, young girls that get bunions typically develop them due to flat feet. The growth of the big toe joint can be painful and uncomfortable, especially when they do not fit the shapes of normal footwear. Treatment includes bunion pads, straps, and orthotics, as well as wearing shoes with roomier toeboxes. If bunion surgery is required, it is recommended to wait until the foot is fully formed.

If you have concerns about your child’s foot pain or possible deformities, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.


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By Crofton Podiatry
June 07, 2017
Category: Feet Safety

The warm weather means more than fun in the sun. It also means caring for your lawn and fixing up your landscaping around your house. For those that maintain their lawns on their own, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with using motorized landscaping tools like power mowers with rotary blades.  Thousands of Americans suffer power mower injuries each year, with hand and foot injuries topping the list of injury sites. Children younger than the age of 14 and older adults seem to be more likely to get injured.

At Crofton Podiatry, we put the safety of our patients first. The following are guidelines you can follow to prevent injuries while using a power mower:

  • Safety gear: Wear goggles, hearing protection, long pants and closed-toe shoes with gripped outer soles. Use protective gloves when putting your hand near the blades (Try to use a stick or something else instead of your hands if possible) to fix something or replace blades.
  • Weather: Only mow lawns in good weather. A wet lawn can put you at risk of slipping and injuring your foot.
  • Children: Keep children and pets away from the lawn while mowing or using other landscaping tools. They may run up to the machines without you realizing it. Do not allow them to ride on the lawn mower, and do not allow them to even sit on an adults lap while on a lawn tractor as they can get injured while getting on or off.
  • Clear the Lawn: Before you start mowing, clear the lawn of toys, branches, and other debris so that they do not become projectiles when caught in the rotary blades. Children should be at least 12 years old before using a lawn mower, and at least 16 years old for a riding mower.
  • Power landscaping tools: Buy ones that have auto shut-off when your hands release the handle. You also need to get one that is appropriate to your landscape – steep hills are a no-no for riding mowers.
  • While mowing: Always keep the clip bag attached. Mow across and not up and down hills. Also, never mow backwards unless you don’t have any alternative as it is high risk for injury if someone is behind you.
  • Tool maintenance: The power tools should be stored away from high traffic areas and out of reach of children. Only adults should adjust blade settings. Power mowers can get very hot and cause an explosion or fire. Refueling when hot can lead to burns. Never service the mower while it’s running (including unclogging or unjamming the blades) – shut it off and let it cool down first.

Injuries from power landscaping tools should be treated promptly! Go to the emergency department for severe injuries. For strains or sprains from using mowers, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves 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