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By Crofton Podiatry
September 18, 2018
Category: Children's Feet
Tags: swelling   corns   calluses   blisters   shoes   Sever's disease   gait problems  

Depending on the age of your children, they may or may not be able to vocalize their foot problems to you. Some children might even ignore or hide foot pain or discomfort so that they do not have to “go see the doctor.”

 

Remember: Foot pain is NOT normal for growing children. Pain in the feet or ankles should not be attributed to growing pains. If your child complains of discomfort, it’s more than likely that they have a foot problem that needs attention, such as Sever’s Disease. Bring them in as soon as possible to receive an assessment with our podiatrist.

The following are signs that your child might have a foot problem:

Non-verbal signs:

  • Cranky and keeps touching feet.
  • Does not want to put shoes on and/or does not want you to touch their feet.
  • Wants to be picked up more often, rather than spend time walking or running. Keeps going back to crawling, even after they have become “expert walkers.”

Verbal signs:

  • Complains of foot pain or discomfort (Make sure that their shoes are not too small or too tight).

Visual signs:

  • Redness, swelling, bruising, and/or heat. (After an injury, your child might have some of these symptoms. However, if they won’t go away after a few days of home treatment, there could be a more serious problem.)
  • Blisters, corns, or calluses developing on the feet (Look for these when you have them in the bath or when you are clipping toenails).
  • Toe or foot deformities.
  • Gait problems, such as in-toeing or toe walking. Watch them as they walk to see if something seems abnormal or if they seem to be tripping over their own feet. Some problems do correct themselves as children grow, but it doesn’t hurt to have them checked out.
  • Limping or refusal to run. If feet or ankles are uncomfortable, your children might limp without realizing that they are doing so.

Because children’s bodies continue to develop and grow, it’s best to correct problems before they become worse. Some children need some orthotics to help them feel better, while other children might need surgery to correct a major deformity. Our podiatrist can help you find the best solution for your children’s foot problems.

Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to see our board-certified foot doctor, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Our team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.

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By Crofton Podiatry
April 25, 2018
Category: Proper Foot Wear

Depending on the type of work you do, you may be required to wear specific types of shoes. Construction workers might need to wear heavy-duty boots, while nurses need to wear safety shoes to protect themselves from needles and other hazards. And while safety comes first, does that mean you should sacrifice on foot comfort and health?

While most work shoes do have some level of comfort and support built in, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s enough for your feet. This is especially true when your work shoes begin to wear down. 

The following are tips for making sure that your work shoes are working for YOU:

  • Make sure you have enough arch and heel support. This will prevent painful symptoms for people who have flat feet or tend to overpronate. Good heel cups help you keep your feet stable so that the Achilles’ tendon does not have to become strained.
  • Check the level of cushioning. Press down on the inner soles of the shoes every now and then to make sure that you still have cushioning to absorb impact to the bones and joints in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back.
  • Buy anti-slip outer soles. Work shoes should have adequate tread to make sure that you are not at high risk for slipping on clean floors or on wet, slick surfaces. 
  • Get measured each time you buy work shoes. The best time to buy shoes, especially work shoes (which you will spend 35+ hours wearing each week), is in the afternoon, when your feet are a bit swollen from walking or standing during the day. 
  • Avoid shoes that make your feet feel cramped. Shoes with tight toe boxes do not always “break in”. Scrunching your feet into shoes that feel cramped are more likely to leave you with worse symptoms of bunions, blisters, or hammertoes.
  • Look for signs of wearing out or breaking down. If they look or feel like they are worn down, they probably are. If the insole or outer sole is very much reduced from when you first bought the work shoes, it’s a sign that your shoes are not working for you. Additionally, if there are cuts, scrapes, or broken parts of the shoes, it’s definitely time to replace the shoes.
  • Replace shoes approximately every 6 months. Typically, work shoes can go about 3-500 miles before they need to be replaced. Be good to your feet and replace them instead of trying to wear shoes until they are no longer usable.

For some of you, work shoes might mean high heels or flats. The same tips above apply, but the safety features might not be built in.

Everyone who wears work shoes that are not quite fitting properly or comfortably, you may benefit from using orthotic inserts. For those with specific shoe needs, our podiatrist can help you with custom orthotics. Make an appointment by calling our office at (410) 721-4505 to consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll, at Crofton Podiatry. He can assess your working feet and prescribe the appropriate treatment or orthotic device. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD.

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By Crofton Podiatry
January 10, 2018
Category: Heel Pain

When it comes to foot problems, the balls of the feet and the heels tend to incur many of the most common issues. The heels in particular are prone to pain from heel spurs and discomfort from the surrounding soft tissues (Achilles tendon, plantar fascia). It’s important to pay attention to these problems so that they don’t lead to chronic issues or get worse.

And speaking of problems that can get worse, don’t forget about the skin that covers the heels. The skin is subject to a lot of wear and tear and can incur damage and irritation as well. The following are heel skin problems and what might cause them:

  • Blisters: Those who wear high heels may be all too familiar with blisters that form on the back of their heels. Actually, many shoes with closed heel cups that do not have padding can cause painful blisters. And don’t forget about shoes with thin straps in the back – they can cause blisters, but also dig into the skin if they are too tight.
  • Heel callus: When the heel endures friction or irritation, the skin around the area can thicken and harden. Ill-fitting shoes, repetitive motions, or standing for a long period of time can put extra pressure on the bottom of the heels, leading to thickened skin. However, the thicker it gets, the drier and more uncomfortable it can become. Those with diabetes with peripheral neuropathy are prone to developing calluses, as they lose sensation in their feet and do not make adjustments to reduce friction on their heels.
  • Heel fissures (dry, cracked heels): Friction and continuous rubbing of the skin around the heels can also cause heel fissures. This is common when wearing open-backed shoes, such as sandals, which can leave the skin on the feet to become dry. When the heels are dry and friction is present, the skin can crack and bleed. This uncomfortable and painful condition should be treated promptly to prevent worse symptoms, like ulcers. Those with skin disorders like psoriasis or eczema should be more attentive to the skin on their feet as they are more likely to have problems with dry, cracked heels that take a long time to heal.

The cold, dry winter air can make heel skin problems worse. Moisturize your feet nightly with foot creams to relieve discomfort and nourish the skin. Additionally, use padding and orthotic inserts to relieve pressure on the parts of the heels that may be affected. Orthotics can help keep the feet in place, reducing the friction that is caused when your feet slide around in the back of the shoe. 

Having recurring skin problems on your heels this winter? Consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry to get the right treatment. Make an appointment at our Crofton, MD by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to assist you at our 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
July 03, 2017
Category: Proper Foot Care
Tags: blisters   hikers   injury  

Hiking is a great activity that you can enjoy all year round. The terrain may stay the same, but the scenery varies with the seasons, making it a new adventure each time you go. Trail hiking can range from short and easy to long and difficult with many changes in elevation.

 

It’s important, however, to make adequate preparations to have a successful hike. Otherwise, you could be left with pain and even an injury. The following are some tips for taking care of your feet before, during, and after your hike:

 

Before a hike:

  • If it is your first hike, it’s best to start with easy trails.
  • Make sure you have shoes that fit you well and are comfortable from the first time you try them on. Since trails can have uneven surfaces, shoes should have adequate cushion and traction.
  • Even if the shoes are comfortable, it’s best to wear in your shoes gradually by wearing them around the house or on walks around your neighborhood.
  • Make sure you cut your toenails so that they do not cause you pain if they push against the front of the shoes.
  • Bring a water bottle and snack in case your hike is longer than you anticipated.
  • Before you begin your hike, make sure to warm up and stretch, which will reduce risk of injury.
  • Use the bathroom and fill up your water bottle so that you can stay hydrated throughout your hike.

 

During your hike:

  • Establish a slow and steady pace so that you don’t wear yourself out. If you need to, use a hiking stick to steady yourself.
  • If you begin to feel chafing on your feet, use adhesive bandages or padding to prevent blisters.
  • Take rests as needed so that you do not overwork your foot and ankle muscles, especially if you roll your ankle or strain your feet.

 

After your hike:

  • Cool down toward the end of your hike and stretch your ankles, feet, and toes with your shoes off.
  • A foot rub and an Epsom salt foot soak can help you find relief from a good workout and promote healing to prevent soreness later.

 

If you have concerns about hiking with a foot or ankle condition, or if you suffer an injury while hiking, 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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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114

Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505