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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
August 02, 2017
Category: Childrens Feet
Tags: surgery   clubfoot  

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is congenital deformity that is found in about one newborn for every 1,000 live births. The infant is born with one or both feet turned inward, changing the shape and/or positioning of the foot.  This deformity can be identified during pregnancy or right after birth, since the foot is so abnormally shaped. Genetics and environmental factors seem to play a big part in whether or not a child is born with clubfoot.

How do you treat clubfoot?

The baby’s doctor will be able to begin treatment almost immediately. If left untreated, quality of life can be severely impacted, since the child’s mobility will be compromised. Treating the deformity early can make it easier to correct the problem, since babies are more flexible compared to when their bodies develop and bones begin to harden.

Typically successful methods of treatment include:

Ponseti method – This method includes one or two sessions per week of stretching the child’s foot to the correct positioning, and then casting it. Since they are still very flexible while they are babies, it is easier to get the feet to the correct position before they develop and set. This resetting and casting can happen over several months. Toward the end, your podiatrist may need to perform surgery to correct the length of the Achilles tendon.

French Functional method – This physical therapy method includes 3 sessions per week over several months. The process includes stretching, mobilization, and taping to slowly move the foot into the correct position. Exercise and massage helps to coax the foot back into the right shape and place, and then a plastic splint is placed to keep the foot in place.

Both methods are found to be successful, but only if the parents continue to stretch, exercise, and brace the foot and ankle to retain the correct position.

In the case where the above methods do not work, surgery might be necessary. The tendons may need to be adjusted to the right size and position as well. Afterward, the child will require a cast. If treatment is not started early, bones may need restructuring as well.

Was your child born with clubfoot or other congenital foot disorder? 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 and your family at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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