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Posts for: October, 2017

By Crofton Podiatry
October 26, 2017
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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.

 


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By Crofton Podiatry
October 19, 2017
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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:

  • If your child is obese, make it a priority to work with his or her pediatrician to reduce weight and engage in a healthier lifestyle.
  • It’s important for you and your children to eat healthy meals that include all food groups. Bones and joints need foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Look for milk products, dark leafy greens, enriched cereals, fish, nuts, and plenty of sunlight. Additionally, foods with anti-inflammatory qualities help with joint inflammation, so make sure to include foods like ginger, wild blueberries, and even dark chocolate!
  • Regular exercise is important for all children, overweight or not. It helps to increase their health and strength, especially in the bones department. Some exercises should be weight-bearing or resistance-based to encourage development of denser bones.
  • Injuries can have long-term effects for growing children. They should be treated promptly to prevent worsening issues.

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.


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By Crofton Podiatry
October 13, 2017
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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:

  • Be informed – If you or your family members do not have prominent musculoskeletal problems, there’s a chance you may not know much about them. Read up on the basics of common diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis to understand the importance of prevention. It will also help to know what symptoms look like for early detection and treatment.
  • Keep a solid backbone – Research shows that back pain and other spinal problems can be traced to poor posture and inactivity. Spine issues can lead to other problems in your body, including issues for your feet and ankles.
  • Protect yourself and children from injury – Your body’s flexibility, strength, and conditioning can all be improved through various exercises. Keeping fit and active can prevent injury (especially from overuse), as well as help with faster recovery. Always use the proper shoes and equipment for activities to reduce risk of injury that can have long-lasting consequences.
  • Get proper treatment for injuries – Instead of “walking it off” or ignoring pain, it’s best to treat injuries quickly. Use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method as soon as possible and seek emergency treatment for severe injuries to prevent worsening symptoms or problems.
  • Take care of your bones – Eating healthy and regular strength-building exercises are crucial for strong bones. Start early for healthy bones later in life.

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.


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By Crofton Podiatry
October 05, 2017
Category: Proper Foot Care
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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

  • Flip-flops: These will have many useful jobs. On planes you may want to switch into more comfortable flip-flops for moments when you use the bathroom or walk around. Additionally, they will provide you with a more sanitary experience in your hotel room and bathroom.
  • Walking Shoes: While on vacation, you will want to look your best for photos, but fashion should not take importance over function. Travel often includes a lot of walking, so you should have comfortable and supportive shoes to prevent foot fatigue by the end of the day, especially if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. You wouldn’t want your tired feet to prevent you from seeing more sights, would you?
  • Fancy Shoes: If you are traveling for an event or plan to celebrate with a nice dinner or evening out, don’t forget to pack nice shoes. However, be mindful that not only will they take room in your luggage, they will also prevent you from a long night out. Flats may be a better alternative for nice shoes that are more comfortable, but even they are not the best for long-term wear.
  • Activity-specific shoes: If you’ll be participating in specific activities, don’t forget your water shoes, hiking boots, climbing shoes, etc. If you can, however, break them in before wearing any gear for the first time, so that you can ensure fit and comfort.

 

Transportation

  • Plane: If you’ll be traveling by air, you may want to pack compression leggings or socks to prevent any swelling you might experience, especially on long flights. Make sure to stay hydrated and move every hour or so, to prevent cramping and swelling.
  • Train: Explore the train’s amenities and look out at the views from different cars as an excuse to get moving while you travel. Step out for a bit at each station, if the train will make a few stops before your destination.
  • Car: The best road trips include stops in random areas where you can find a little bit of culture along the way. Stop in country stores and different local restaurants to stretch your legs and get a taste of each location.

 

Lodging

  • Rooms: While housekeeping usually does a good job of cleaning and vacuuming, the floors may not always be sanitized. We would recommend wearing flip-flops while in the room and while you shower.
  • Spas/Pools/Gyms/Other Amenities: Again, we recommend wearing flip-flops to protect from potential infections, even if you wish to trust that everything is kept sanitized.

 

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.


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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