(410) 721-4505
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114
Those who have diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic neuropathy. In particular, it can affect the hands and feet, putting them in danger of injury without feeling it. Since the feet keep you mobile, it’s important to make sure that they are kept in tip-top shape. Otherwise, even a small cut can become an infection that goes unnoticed until it is very severe.
To protect yourself from diabetes-related foot complications, you should perform regular self-exams of your feet and ankles. If you have not lost sensation in your feet, do a weekly self-exam to make sure no new problems are developing. If diabetic neuropathy has already set in and you have lost feeling in your feet, perform these checks daily. If you cannot perform these steps due to flexibility or other positioning issues, recruit a family member or a home health aide to help you with your foot exams.
1.Wash your feet with warm water and soap daily. This will help reduce risk of infections and give you another chance at inspecting your feet.
2.Gently dry your feet completely before you begin the self-exam. This will reduce risk of bacterial or fungal growth between the toes. You may need to sit on a stool, chair, or your bed to fully get in between your toes.
3.From that sitting position, begin the foot exam. Visually inspect your feet. Remember to look at the soles of your feet and in between toes, using your hands to rotate the foot upward, if necessary. (If flexibility is an issue, use a mirror or ask someone to help you with the exam). Check for cuts, lumps, bumps, redness, swelling, or any other changes in the skin. You’ll need to treat any corns, calluses, bunions, cuts, or scrapes. If you notice an open wound (ulcer), contact our podiatrist right away.
4.Use your hands to feel every part of your foot for bumps or lumps that may not be visible to the eyes. Gently massage or press on parts of your feet (including the toes) to check for blood circulation and any pain or abnormal pressure. Additionally, take note of any difference in temperature along your foot.
5.Check your toenails for any signs that they are ingrown (growing into the skin) or have a fungal infection (discolored, brittle nails). These must be taken care of carefully to prevent complication, so you may want our podiatrist to handle treatment.
6.Check your skin to see if it is dry. Visually inspect your skin as you feel it. Cracked heels can be prone to infection, so be sure to moisturize dry skin.
7.Finally, smell your feet. Yes, you should check your feet, as well as socks and shoes for evidence of foot odor. Daily foot washing will help with this. As for shoes, be sure to sanitize and allow them to fully dry in between wears, as this can indicate bacterial or fungal growth that can lead to infection. If you have diabetic shoes, you may need more than one pair.
These self-exams should be performed along with regular podiatric visits for your feet. For injuries or other concerns regarding your diabetic feet, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to receive a thorough assessment at our Crofton, MD office, where our team is ready to assist you. We also serve the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.
Bone and Joint Action Week has two more event days before it’s close: World Pediatric Bone and Joint (PB&J) Day as well as World Osteoporosis Day. Tomorrow, October 19th is dedicated to focusing on and raising awareness about musculoskeletal problems that affect children. Around 50% of adults in the US population have bone and joint problems, and some of those adults have been affected since childhood. That is why prevention and awareness are of utmost importance.
One of the risk factors for bone and joint issues for children is obesity. When children are overweight or obese, their growth plates can be affected or injured from the excessive weight. They are more likely to have back, hip, and leg issues with symptoms ranging from pain to developmental problems and deformities.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent musculoskeletal issues in children, consider the following tips for healthy bones and joints:
For injuries or other concerns regarding your children’s feet and ankles, consult with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 at our Crofton, MD for a thorough assessment by our dedicated team. Our podiatry office also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.
Each year, October 12th to the 20th marks a week of activities to raise awareness for musculoskeletal (bone and joint) conditions that affect more than half the population over the age of 18. You are part of this population if you need treatment for issues related to arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal deformities, back pain, and injuries with trauma to bones or soft tissues. Because many of these problems can have lasting effects of pain and/or deformity, it is a leading cause of physical disability and severe long-term pain.
Your feet can be affected by many musculoskeletal conditions because of the 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in each foot. That is why it is so important to regularly check, maintain, and treat your feet and ankles. Hygiene, exercise, and healthy meals are important to taking care of your bones and joints.
To help you understand more about bone and joint health, as well as to help raise awareness, read these tips for taking care of bones and joints:
If you are suffering from any of the abovementioned musculoskeletal conditions, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry in Maryland. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to receive a thorough assessment and treatment plan. Our team is ready to assist you at our office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD.
The autumn season marks a special time for travel. In fact, some states and countries, like Vermont, New Hampshire, Germany and Italy are wonderful places to celebrate the fall with foliage and harvest celebrations. If you plan on a trip, bon voyage! Below we have some tips for you. And while we don’t mean to add to the long list of things to remember and pack, some of all of the following can make your trip more enjoyable:
Shoes
Transportation
Lodging
Have concerns about traveling with foot problems? Do you need orthotics for comfortable travel and walking? Consult with 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, MD areas.
2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114