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Posts for: November, 2017

By Crofton Podiatry
November 21, 2017
Category: Diabetes
Tags: corns   calluses   Diabetes   Ulcers   gangrene  

As part of American diabetes month, we wanted to share with you how it can affect your feet. High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can damage your nerves, leading to  neuropathy. This direct problem can lead to complications from even the smallest injuries or conditions.

It starts with neuropathy.

When diabetes is not properly controlled, your nerves are at risk for damage. In particular, the legs and feet begin to tingle, burn, and/or lose feeling completely. Treatments can be used to slow down progression and relieve symptoms, but once it has begun its course, diabetic patients become more at risk for foot complications because of neuropathy, including:

  • Poor circulation – Because the nerves signal how the body functions, damaged nerves can mean that blood does not reach certain parts of the body. You may experience decreased blood flow to the feet, which means that fighting infection and wounds is more difficult.
  • Ulcers, Gangrene – With neuropathy, it is more likely that cuts or injuries can go unnoticed. A seemingly small issue can become more complicated, since the healing process is slowed down due to poor circulation. Ulcers can form and deep infections can even get to the point of causing gangrene. When this problem is left untreated, amputation may become necessary to prevent further complications.
  • Calluses, Corns – Because you lose feeling in the feet, you may not realize how much friction your feet endure in your shoes. It can cause calluses and corns that thicken part of your skin. Ultimately, they can begin to break down and become an ulcer if left untreated. You should use a pumice stone when you see calluses and corns on your feet, and seek help from our podiatrist if you cannot get a good handle on it.
  • Dry Skin – The skin on the feet can become irritated or dry, without you realizing it. The lack of sensation and nerve damage contribute to your body not replenishing oils and moisture to the feet’s skin. Pay attention to your feet and moisturize after daily foot washing.

Remember to check and wash your feet daily, being careful not to burn your feet in hot water. This is an important part of taking care of diabetic feet. If you notice problems with your diabetic feet, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry before complications worsen. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to receive a thorough assessment. 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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By Crofton Podiatry
November 15, 2017
Category: Feet Safety
Tags: Orthotics   blisters   stretch   injuries  

Falling leaves can be quite a beautiful sight in the autumn. The bright, sometimes fiery colors seem like a nice reminder of the changing season. Unfortunately, it also means that those leaves are falling and covering our yards and streets. Not only does it make it a bit messy and unsightly, but it can also be slippery and a site for critters to hide in.

This means that we have to roll up our sleeves, get out the rake, and get to tidying up our yards, walkways, and driveways. While not the most dangerous activity, there are a few risks of injury. The following are some tips for staying injury-free while raking leaves:

  • Stretch and warm up. Again, it may not seem like a hardcore activity, but after a while (especially if you have a large yard), it can become strenuous. Your neck, back, shoulders, wrists, and knees are important areas to focus on.
  • Wear the proper gear and clothing. Be mindful of the weather. Has it been very windy and dry? You may want to wear a mask to prevent yourself from becoming irritated by the dust particles. If it has just rained, be sure to wear non-slip boots. This will ensure that your feet stay dry and protected from irritation, and will lower the risk of slipping. Try not to rake while standing on wet leaves since you can easily slip on them.
  • Speaking of footwear, your shoes should fit well and have non-skid outsoles, as well as good support on the inner soles. Good arch support and heel cups can reduce the strain on your feet and therefore your back.
  • When raking, try to maintain a good posture. Don’t bend over too much or you might strain your neck or back. Additionally, if you lean your weight forward, you may not be able to balance if you do slip. This could lead to injuries in your feet or ankles.
  • Give yourself time to rest while you work. Your body will overcompensate and overworked muscles and tendons will take longer to heal if you don’t. Work in sections if you have to – you don’t have to do it all in one go.
  • Finally, after you’ve finished, be sure to stretch and cool down. Check your feet for any bugs, cuts, blisters, or other issues. Chances are, after hard work, your feet (and the rest of your body) will appreciate a soak or warm shower to relax and recuperate. Listen to your body.

Got the right boots, but need more support? You may benefit from custom orthotics. 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. 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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By Crofton Podiatry
November 08, 2017
Category: Diabetes
Tags: Diabetes   nutritional   activity  

After a diagnosis of diabetes, you may begin to worry about how you’re going to handle your body’s changes. Since blood sugar levels can spike or drop unexpectedly, it’s important to focus on some of the following key changes in your lifestyle.

  • Eat healthy: One of the best ways to help regulate your blood sugar levels is by eating consistent healthy meals. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, fat, and carbohydrates (which turn into sugar). Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as lean meats are part of a nutritional diet for diabetics. Your medication will have a direct affect on how much food you eat. Too little food could be countered with too much insulin, resulting in a drop in blood sugar, and too much food could mean too little insulin, resulting in a spike in blood sugar.  
  • Use and store medication properly: Because medication is so important to proper function, be sure to use and store them properly. Expired or tainted meds can make insulin ineffective.
  • Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively. Sports, walking, and even gardening use glucose, which can improve blood sugar levels. Remember to keep track of your blood sugar levels so that you do not risk injury from levels that are too low or too high.
  • Manage stress: Stress can make your blood sugar go up. It can also make you lose track of your schedule, eat more or less, and forget to exercise. These things can cause chaos in controlling your blood sugar levels, so you should find ways to manage stress, like scheduling rest, and activities like taking a walk or practicing yoga.
  • Reduce drinking alcohol and stop smoking: These unhealthy habits can make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels. Smoking can make risk of complications higher, especially for cardiovascular and kidney disease. When you drink too much alcohol, not only can you lose track of blood sugar levels, you may not be prudent with glucose tests and/or administering the appropriate amount of insulin medication.
  • Use orthotic shoes: For our patients that have started to experience diabetic neuropathy, you may want to look into shoes that are geared for safety and comfort. When your feet lose sensation, you won’t know if your muscles or ligaments are uncomfortable or in pain. It’s best to wear shoes that are protective (from injury), supportive, and cushioned to prevent issues.

Additionally, here are some tips for taking care of diabetic feet. Be sure to check your feet each day for any new signs of injury. If you are unsure about caring for 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. 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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By Crofton Podiatry
November 01, 2017
Category: Diabetes
Tags: Diabetes  

Those with diabetes know the effects it can have on your body and lifestyle once symptoms begin. Meals, exercise, rest and blood glucose monitoring must all be planned out, and the smallest change can lead to symptoms of high or low blood sugar, such as nausea, dizziness, confusion (for high blood sugar), and headache, weakness, shaking, and sweating (for low blood sugar).

Diabetes is not a rare disorder. The most recent data suggest that just under 30 million US adults have diabetes and about 1 of 4 do not know they have it. The exact causes of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are unknown, but it seems that genetics and environmental factors seem linked. If you have risk factors of diabetes, it’s helpful to get checked and begin to make changes to prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes.

In the general public, not much is known about how insulin plays a role in blood sugar and diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. In Type 1, the pancreas doesn’t make insulin anymore, whereas in Type 2, your body does not use insulin properly. With the high rate of prevalence in US adults, it’s important to become more aware and educated about the disease.

The following are signs of diabetes:

  • Hunger and fatigue affects you more than usual.
  • You are thirsty and urinate often.
  • Dry mouth and dry skin.
  • Your vision can become blurry.
  • Type 1: Nausea and vomiting, weight loss
  • Type 2: Yeast infections, slow-healing cuts, pain or numbness in feet or legs.

How does diabetes affect the feet?

High blood sugar levels can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels, particularly in the feet. It can lead to diabetic peripheral neuropathy where the feet and legs lose sensation, have decreased blood flow and poor circulation. It can make it harder for you to notice if you have an injury or infection and healing can be very slow. Review these tips for taking care of diabetic feet.

What can you do to lower your risk?

For Type 1, risk factors include: genetics, environment, diet (e.g. low vitamin D). For Type 2, risk factors include: being overweight, inactivity, family history, race, age (older than 45), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. For Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to occur quickly, whereas for Type 2, you can mitigate effects by making changes:

  • Manage your weight. Your goal is to maintain a healthy weight by eating a nutritional diet and increase activity to at least 3 times a week.
  • Monitor blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
  • Stop smoking and reduce other unhealthy habits. 

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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