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Posts for tag: Orthotics

By Crofton Podiatry
January 16, 2019
Category: Seniors Foot Care
Tags: corns   calluses   Orthotics   Ulcers   arthritis   Hammertoes   Diabetic   ingrown   odor   neuromas   foot exams   rashes   exercises   swollen  

As older loved ones age, it’s even more important that caregivers look to taking care of the feet. With age comes many complex health issues, including ones that affect mobility like arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, diabetes, and heart problems. In some cases, the feet can be the first to experience issues associated with many of these problems, even pointing you in the right direction when it comes to a diagnosis.

Here are some ways to care for senior feet and why they are important:

  • Regular hygiene – It’s important to wash the feet with soap and warm water every day to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. If the skin tends to get dry, apply some moisturizer. Keep in mind that even if seniors are not as active, the feet can sweat and develop an unpleasant odor due to bacteria.
  • Frequent foot exams – While helping your loved one wash up, inspect for any new skin issues, like cuts, scrapes, rashes, skin breakdown, or even ulcers. Depending on other health issues he or she might have, their skin may have trouble healing properly, or even feeling that there is a problem. For example, diabetic patients may begin to lose feeling in their feet due to diabetic neuropathy. This is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves. If you don’t pay attention, a wound can become an infected ulcer, requiring immediate treatment.
  • Proper toenail trimming – Toenails need to be cut straight across. Otherwise, they may become ingrown and cause pain. Additionally, allowing them to get too long can cause them to break and cause pain.
  • Daily exercises – Keeping feet strong and flexible is part of keeping them healthy. Encourage foot exercises, which will help reduce the risk of falls and also increase circulation in the feet. Seniors who are mostly sedentary are prone to swollen feet, and moving the feet can reduce that risk.
  • Make sure the shoes fit – Make sure that they are wearing the correct sized shoes so that they don’t have to worry about painful toe conditions like hammertoes, neuromas, or corns and calluses. If they have a foot deformity requiring special shoes, bring them in to get custom orthotics.

Regular checkups with our podiatrist should also be a part of that care. Remember, the feet can often indicate a larger health issue. Make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Brad Toll to help you find treatment for your older loved ones’ foot conditions. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.

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By Crofton Podiatry
January 02, 2019

Did you know that a burning desire to serve your country is not enough to join the military? There are many obstacles that can stop you from joining the military. Good physical and mental health, as well as a high school level of education, are necessary starting points to being able to enlist.

Among the many qualifications needed to join the military are those related to your physical health. You wouldn’t be surprised, then, that your feet need to be in tip-top shape to be able to perform your military duties.

There are many foot conditions that can keep you from serving, including:

  • Unhealed fractures at the time of applying. Even if they will heal soon, you need to be able to perform all functions before you can officially enlist.
  • Implanted orthopedic devices (such as titanium plates) that align bones. If you’ve broken a bone or had orthopedic problems that require a permanent fixture, you are likely unable to enlist.
  • Any joint replacement. This includes the big toe joint, due to arthritis.
  • Any deformity or condition that interferes with walking, marching, running or jumping, OR that interferes with wearing military footwear. These can include toe deformities (like hammertoes), uncorrected clubfoot, and neuromas.
  • Flat feet that need prescription shoes or orthotics. This would mean that you cannot use standard military footwear.
  • Chronic plantar fasciitis. Chronic pain while bearing weight on the feet will disqualify you from military service.
  • Severely ingrown toenails. If they are infected or causing you pain at the time of enlisting, they will disqualify you.
  • Any other injuries or conditions that will prevent them from passing the medical tests.

Some of these issues are treatable, so it’s best to see our podiatrist right away if you are thinking of enlisting. Make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll to help you find treatment for your foot conditions. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505 today! We provide services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.

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By Crofton Podiatry
September 26, 2018
Category: Running

Whether it’s to fundraise for a good cause or to challenge yourself with a new activity, running (or walking) a 5K race can be a lot of fun! This is especially true if you join in with friends or family as you cross the finish line.

While 5Ks and other running events are healthy physical activities, they come with risks if you are not careful. The following are tips on how to get started with preparing for a 5K (or longer) running event:

  • Start slow. If you are not a runner, running a 5K without any preparation can be an exhausting activity. Walk or slowly jog the distance you’re training for to see how far it really is. Do not overdo it on the first go, as you might be left with blisters, painful shin splints, and/or shortness of breath. Doing too much too quickly can also lead to chronic Achilles tendonitis or other overuse injuries.
  • Build up endurance and speed. Again, start slow and practice running the 5K (or longer) distance. The more practice you get, the easier it will be on your body when it comes to actually running the race. Start with shorter distances and then make them longer as you train. Then, you might want to practice running the distance at a faster pace. (Hint: use music to help you stay at a steady pace)
  • Wear the right shoes. Are your feet sore or tired after your practice runs? It might mean that you are not wearing the right shoes. Make sure they fit you correctly, have ample cushioning on the inner sole, and are not wearing down on the outer sole. The extra cushion will reduce the impact on your joints!
  • Use orthotics. If your feet have a specific shape, such as flat feet, you may want to use orthotic inserts to get more support.
  • Rest, stretch, and hydrate. Be sure to rest enough so that your feet and ankles do not become injured with overuse injuries. Don’t forget to stretch and hydrate before and after each training as well!

Running a 5K without preparing for it can lead to injuries, so it’s important to start with the above tips. If you have pain from running, come to see us at Crofton Podiatry for an assessment. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to see our board-certified foot doctor, Dr. Brad Toll. Our team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD.

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By Crofton Podiatry
August 29, 2018
Category: ankle pain

Whether or not you realize it, the Achilles tendon is very highly utilized, and therefore prone to developing Achilles tendonitis. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, allowing the calf muscle to pull up on the heel bone. Any time your heel is raised off the ground, your Achilles tendon is in action.

The Achilles is prone to injury and inflammation because of the forces it endures and how often it is utilized. If the tendon becomes inflamed from overuse, it can be characterized as Achilles tendonitis.

Causes of Achilles tendonitis

For most instances of Achilles tendonitis, it occurs because of a sudden increase in intensity or duration of activity. A common injury for runners, adding a lot of sprinting or uphill running can cause inflammation and pain. For some, symptoms can set in as soon as you engage in an abrupt activity. For others, it can cause you chronic pain that can get worse over time.

When you are affected by Achilles tendonitis, you might feel:

  • Soreness, aching or burning pain in the back of the ankle or calf, especially after a workout.
  • Swelling along the back of the ankle
  • Tenderness or stiffness at the back of the ankle when you wake up.
  • Development of a bone spur where the ankle meets the calf (after long-term aggravation of the Achilles tendon).

What you can do to ease the pain of Achilles tendonitis:

  • Stop what you’re doing! The Achilles tendon takes longer to heal because of the low blood flow. Give your ankle time to heal before you put it through more work. If our podiatrist believes you need to immobilize your feet, he’ll prescribe an orthotic brace or cast.
  • Stretch the Achilles tendon to relieve tightness or stiffness.
  • Get a foot massage. Roll a frozen water bottle or another cylindrical object up and down your lower leg. A partner can also help you release painful symptoms.
  • Use orthotics. Orthotic inserts can help to provide more support to your feet and ankles. Our podiatrist can help you figure out how to best utilize them.

In extreme cases, surgery might be necessary to correct a chronic case of Achilles tendonitis. Make an appointment today at our Crofton, MD office to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. At Crofton Podiatry, we will use the latest treatment options to assess and take care of your family’s foot and ankle care needs. We provide services to the Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.

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By Crofton Podiatry
August 22, 2018
Category: Children's Feet
Tags: Orthotics   walk   inward   supportive shoes   gait  

Got your Back-to-School lists in hand? Clothing companies and office supply stores are ready to get your kiddos equipped with the latest and greatest. Backpacks, pencil cases, loose leaf paper, and of course, the best locker supplies, are at the top of the list. But don’t forget about those rapidly growing feet!

Get measured!

Children’s feet can grow at such a pace that they might need new shoes within three months (depending on their developmental stage)! While you might not add “get new shoes” to your back-to-school shopping list, you might want to add “measure feet for new shoes.” This way, if their feet have indeed grown, you’ll already be in a shoe store!

Observe their walk

Have your children walk in a straight line in their current shoes. Are they walking in a heel-to-toe gait or are they flat stomping? Do their ankles seem to roll inward or outward? Are their feet pointing inward or outward? Are the outer soles more worn down on one side than the other? Have they complained about any pain?

If you notice any of these issues, it might be a good time to review whether or not their shoes are supportive enough. Supportive shoes (with adequate arch and heel support) can help to reduce the risk of foot problems from developing. However, if your child complains of pain or if you notice that their gait is off, you may want to consider orthotics to correct issues and reduce pain.

Function OVER Fashion or Convenience

The “in” thing at school might be backless sandals or the latest Nike LeBron 15’s. While popularity might seem to be the most important thing for children and teenagers, remind them that uncomfortable or painful feet can get in the way of that. Encourage your children to find a balance between fashion and function, especially if they walk long distances to and from school. Oh! And don’t forget those socks! Not wearing socks with closed-toe shoes can really make for a stink fest (and talk about embarrassing smelly feet!).

Additionally, we warn parents against simply buying a pair of shoes for your children without them present. Unless they tried the specific pair of shoes on very recently, it’s in your children’s best interest to try the shoes on themselves. Each pair of shoes fits a bit differently, so it’s best to get a feel for them in the store.

If your child has been complaining of foot pain, or if you notice that your children are walking abnormally, make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. At Crofton Podiatry, we use the latest treatment options to assess and take care of your family’s foot and ankle care needs. Our Crofton, MD office 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