Our office hours are currently Monday, 10am-5:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-5pm.

If you would like to come in for care, please call the office at (301) 330-5666 and leave a voicemail with our answering service.

  • 5 Common Foot and Ankle Injury Myths in Sports

    From little league to professional sports, foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common among athletes. And unfortunately, many misconceptions and myths surround these issues, which can hinder recovery.

    In this post, we will debunk these myths to help athletes better address their foot and ankle troubles.

    Myth 1: All Ankle Sprains Are the Same.

    Fact: Ankle sprains vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. While most ankle sprains involve the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, some can also affect the ligaments on the inside. That’s why you should seek a medical evaluation to determine the extent of the injury.

    Myth 2: You’re Right, Coach. I’ll Rub Some Dirt on It.

    Fact: Continuing to play with pain can worsen an injury and delay recovery. If you experience pain in your foot or ankle, it’s important to rest and seek medical attention. Overuse injuries and stress fractures are common for athletes who are too stubborn to stop.

    Myth 3: Rest Or Surgery. There’s No In Between.

    Fact: While rest is often recommended for minor injuries and surgery is sometimes required for season-ending injuries, there lies a full spectrum of intervention between these two extremes:

    1. Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve stability.
    2. Corticosteroid injections: These injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joint.
    3. Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
    4. Orthotics: Custom orthotics may be necessary to address underlying foot mechanics.

    Myth 4: All Foot Pain is Caused by Plantar Fasciitis.

    Fact: While plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain in athletes, it’s not the only possibility. Other conditions, such as Achilles tendonitis, turf toe, neuromas, and others listed above, can cause pain and limit performance.

    Myth 5: Once an Injury Heals, You’re Good to Go.

    Fact: Even after an injury heals, it’s important to continue rehabilitation exercises to prevent re-injury. Strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving flexibility can help enhance stability and reduce the risk of recurrence.

    Want to start taking your foot and ankle health seriously? We’re happy to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To book your appointment, please call our office at 301-825-9697.

  • Protect Your Feet from the Summer Sun

    Just like the rest of your body, your feet are susceptible to sun damage. UV rays penetrate the layers of your skin, causing sunburn, premature aging, and increasing the risk of cancer. While the soles of your feet have thicker skin, the tops and ankles are vulnerable, especially for people who wear sandals or flip-flops regularly.

    If we diligently protect our faces and arms with sunscreen, why should we neglect our feet? Here’s why you shouldn’t forget about protecting them from the sun’s harmful UV rays, according to our expert team at Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center.

    The Risks of Sun-Exposed Feet

    • Actinic Keratosis: These precancerous lesions appear as rough, scaly patches on skin exposed to the sun, especially during summer. While not cancerous themselves, they can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is a type of skin cancer that can develop on the sensitive areas of the feet. Early detection can decrease the risk of complications, so be aware of any changes in the appearance of your skin, such as new moles, persistent scaling, or bleeding.
    • Age spots: These are flat, brown spots that commonly appear on sun-exposed areas, including the tops of the feet. While benign, they can be a cosmetic concern for some.
    • Pre-existing skin conditions: Sun exposure can worsen existing skin conditions on the feet, such as eczema or psoriasis, leading to increased itching, inflammation, and discomfort.

    Protecting Your Feet This Summer

    • Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the tops of your feet and ankles 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
    • Sun-Protective Footwear:  Wear closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps that cover the tops of your feet. Look for materials like canvas or mesh that allow for ventilation while providing some sun protection.
    • Examine Your Feet Regularly: Pay attention to any changes in the appearance of your skin, such as new moles, discolored spots, or changes in texture. If you notice anything concerning, consult a podiatrist.

    Want to keep your feet happy and healthy this summer? We’re eager to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To schedule your appointment, please contact our office at 301-825-9697.

  • For Foot and Ankle Pain, Tailored Treatments Offer the Best of Both Worlds

    Foot pain can sideline even the most active individuals, but before you resign yourself to chronic discomfort, consider the wide variety of treatments available from your local podiatrist. With options ranging from the conservative to the innovative and everything in between, a DPM can restore balance and mobility while managing pain.

    The key is finding the right approach for your specific needs! For this blog, the team at Kentland’s Foot and Ankle Center wants to keep you posted on a few of the most effective ones. Read on to learn more about the options available to you, from exciting newbies to tried-and-true standards.

    Starting Simple: Rest, Therapy, and Orthotics

    The first line of defense is often the simplest.

    You can get the best of both worlds via a combined approach:  A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) found that physical therapy combined with custom orthotics was highly effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

    • High-tech and low-tech can also complement one another. For example, our team utilizes 3D orthotic scanning technology to create orthotics tailored to your unique foot shape.
    • This ensures a superior fit and function compared to traditional casting methods.

    Stepping Up: Advanced Techniques for Persistent Pain

    If conservative measures don’t provide lasting relief, your podiatrist might recommend more advanced interventions.

    Sometimes, a minimally invasive surgical procedure might be the best approach.

    • Many podiatrists are skilled surgeons, able to perform procedures like bunionectomy or hammertoe correction with minimal scarring and downtime involved.

    Are you interested in learning more? We’re always happy to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To make your appointment, please call our office at 301-330-5666.

  • 5 Ways Physical Therapy Makes For Fitter Feet!

    Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center understands the value of conservative treatments and natural remedies; in fact, Dr. Sherman was featured in Business Insider a few months ago discussing just that! It should come as no surprise, then, that our team places such a high value on the power of physical therapy, which can make a difference for a wide range of lower extremity ailments.

    This blog will cover five different conditions and circumstances that PT alleviates, improves, or even prevents. Let’s kick things off!

    1. Plantar Fasciitis:

    This prevalent problem inflicts heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting your heel to your toes. Physical therapists can design personalized plantar fasciitis stretches with a custom program that improves flexibility, reduces pain, and prevents future flare-ups.

    1. Ankle Sprains:

    Rolled ankles are frequent, painful injuries, stretching or tearing the ligaments that stabilize your joints. Physical therapy can provide an ankle sprain recovery regimen and ankle strengthening exercises to help you regain range of motion, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve proprioception (your body’s awareness of joint position). This, in turn, will reduce pain, swelling, and the risk of future sprains.

    1. Achilles Tendinitis:

    Overuse can inflame the Achilles tendon, causing pain in the back of your heel. Physical therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, improving flexibility, and strengthening the calf muscles to better support the tendon.

    1. Arthritis:

    Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the foot and ankle joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Physical therapists can create an exercise program to maintain joint mobility, strengthening surrounding muscles while improving balance. This helps manage pain, maintain function, and potentially delay the need for surgery.

    1. Post-Surgical Recovery:

    After foot or ankle surgery, physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion. A personalized program helps restore proper gait mechanics and function, ensuring a smooth and successful recovery.

    As you can see, physical therapy can do all kinds of good for your feet and ankles, healing them when they’re hurt and maintaining them when they’re fit.

    Interested in learning more? We’re always available and happy to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To make your appointment, please call our office at 301-330-5666.

  • Good News for People with Chronic Heel Pain!

    A twitch of pain somewhere in your foot is one thing – brief and tolerable. Thank goodness it goes away.

    Heel pain that doesn’t go away is an entirely different matter. We’re talking about the heel pain that greets you like a knife when you step out of bed every morning. The kind of intense pain that makes you cry out, perhaps with a few choice words you didn’t mean to say. This kind of pain requires attention from Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center’s board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Jon M. Sherman, because it’s not likely to get better on its own.

    Plantar fasciitis, explained!

    The medical term for chronic heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Any medical word with the suffix “-itis” means “inflammation.” In this case, it’s the plantar fascia that’s inflamed. The plantar fascia is a large, thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the calcaneus (heel bone) to your toes. It’s easily inflamed under some circumstances:

    • You have a job that requires you to be on your feet for much of the day, such as a waiter, nurse, or urban mail carrier.
    • You’re a runner or walker who’s recently increased their mileage, pace, or distance.
    • You participate in other athletic activities, such as ballet, that put a lot of stress on your feet.
    • You’re carrying some extra pounds, which puts undue stress on your feet.
    • You have pre-existing issues with your foot anatomy, such as flatfoot or high arches.
    • You’re over 40: The older you are, the more likely you will develop plantar fasciitis.

    The pain you don’t have to live with

    Fortunately, we have many effective treatments that soothe the pain of plantar fasciitis. Dr. Sherman will likely start with conservative approaches, including taking a break from any activity that hurts, performing stretching exercises, icing, taking anti-inflammatory medications, wearing custom orthotics, and getting steroid injections. Often, the best treatment involves a combination of all these.

    Other treatment options include non-invasive shockwave therapy (ESWT, laser light therapy/cold laser, and physical therapy. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is a possibility but not a common one.

    The key to successful plantar fasciitis treatment is getting it promptly. Don’t wait. We encourage residents of Montgomery County to consult Dr. Sherman sooner rather than later for a full examination and assessment of their heel pain. Call 301-330-5666 or contact us online for an appointment at our Gaithersburg podiatry office.

  • Let This Year Be The End Of Your Foot Pain

    Pain

    As we welcome the new year, many feel motivated to take steps towards self-improvement. Some may begin by improving their daily routines, including increased healthy exercise habits. If you start a new fitness routine, be gentle with yourself, be consistent, and start slowly. Occasionally, heel pain can intensify when you begin a new exercise routine. Don’t let heel pain prevent you from moving forward with your 2023 fitness goals!

    Heel pain (plantar fasciitis) may be one of the most common issues seen by podiatrists today. It’s a condition in which the band of tissue that stretches from your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed, torn, or otherwise stressed from overuse. It is vital to get a complete exam and proper diagnosis if you experience heel pain.

    Our specialists recommend using the following methods to resolve foot pain during the new year

    • Follow simple stretches and exercise routines to strengthen the foot.
    • Wear proper fitting shoes with arch and ankle support.
    • Ice your heel several times a day to reduce uncomfortable inflammation.
    • Rest your lower extremities.
    • Use custom orthotics to alleviate chronic foot pain.
    • Use an anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen to help with the pain.
    • Call a podiatrist.

    Certain people have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis or foot pain. Those people are:

    • Between the ages 40-60
    • Carry extra weight
    • Have predisposed hereditary conditions
    • Have tight Achilles tendons
    • Wear non-supportive shoes or high heels
    • Have an occupation that causes you to be on your feet for extended periods

    The longer you have been experiencing the pain of plantar fasciitis, the longer it may take to help resolve the pain. To better determine the source of your heel pain and the best course of treatment, schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist, Dr. Jon M. Sherman, at our Montgomery office. To schedule your appointment, please call our office at 301-330-5666.