Maintain A Healthy Heart

February isn’t just for lovers. American Heart Month also reminds us to take care of our hearts and consider our risk factors. In honor of American Heart Month, our team of specialists are dedicating this post to improving heart health among our patients by sharing 5 fun activities you can participate in to maintain a healthy heart.

5 Fun Activities to Maintain a Healthy Heart

Get Moving. Looking to boost your heart health without going for a jog? Try aerobic physical activities, or opt for another cardio option like a neighborhood walk with your family. Whatever gets your body moving and your heart pumping! To get the ball rolling, here are some moderate-intensity exercises for your heart and lungs that you can do to improve heart health:

• Brisk walking
• Play Tennis
• Swim or Participate in Water Aerobics
• Join A Cycling Class
• Go On a Hike

Cuddle. Looking to reduce your stress levels? Cuddling with a pet or a loved one has been shown to reduce stress levels, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease. During American Heart Month, give your pet extra cuddles, take a walk for some aerobic physical activity, or adopt a furry friend. Your heart and theirs will definitely appreciate it!

Have A Piece of Dark Chocolate Before Bedtime. There is a study showing that all kinds of chocolate may help lower your risk of heart problems. If dark chocolate is your favorite sweet treat, you’re in luck. Dark chocolate contains less sugar, a higher ratio of cocoa, and more antioxidants. Eating a piece of dark chocolate may even help you balance your cholesterol!

Have A Good Laugh. When was the last time you laughed so hard, you began to tear-up? There is research showing the greater your sense of humor is, the lower the risk you have of developing heart disease. Laughing at humorous things also helps battle against distressing emotions like depression, anxiety, and anger, all of which increase the likelihood of heart problems. The saying “Laughter is the best medicine” truly does hit home with this heart healthy activity.

Don’t Skip Breakfast. Breakfast can be the most common meal of the day to skip. We have all had those early mornings with no energy or appetite. A study of over 4,000 participants found that those who get less than five percent of their daily calories from breakfast (100 of the 2,000 recommended for women) were more likely to have clogged and damaged arteries than those who eat a high-energy breakfast (over 400 calories for women). So grab your fresh fruit, whip up some eggs, and improve your heart health with a tasty breakfast every day!

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)-825-9697.

Let This Year Be The End Of Your Foot 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)-825-9697.

Everything You Need to Know About Gout

A condition often seen in our office this time of year is gout. Gout is a condition that affects the lower extremities, and symptoms of gout are often increased with colder temperatures. Our specialists discuss everything you need to know about this condition, including what it is, its risks, treatments, and so much more!

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the lower extremities. Gout usually develops in adulthood and rarely seen in children. Gout usually develops earlier in adult men (between the ages of 30-45) than in adult women (after age 55). Gout can be triggered by certain festive holiday foods that we tend to consume more during this time of the year. These foods can cause uric acid to excessively build in the body and trigger the symptoms of gout.

The Phases of Gout

The three phases of gout are:

1. Gout Flare– This is the initial gout flare that most likely involves a single joint.
2. Intercritical Gout– This is the time between gout flares. When gout is treated, flares will rarely occur more than once within two-year intervals.
3. Tophaceous Gout– This is a condition that develops after suffering from multiple gout flares. This is a condition that describes the accumulation of urate crystal masses within the body.

What Are the Risks of Developing Gout?

As previously mentioned, certain lifestyle factors will increase your risk of developing gout. The most common lifestyle factors are:

1. Certain medications (such as diuretics)
2. Dehydration
3. Consuming large amounts of meat
4. Consuming large number of beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup
5. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
6. Being overweight
7. Family history
8. Certain medical conditions
9. Recent injury or surgery in the lower extremities
10. Age and sex

Symptoms of Gout

The most common symptoms of developing gout are:

• Sudden attack of pain in the lower extremities
• Discomfort that does not subside
• Intense joint pain
• Stiffness in the lower extremities
• Signs of limping
• Joints feel hot-to-the-touch
• Inflammation in the lower extremities
• Limited range of motion in the affected area

When To See a Podiatrist

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at (301)-825-9697 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information. Please note that our office hours are currently Monday, 10am-5:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-5pm. For new or current patients who do not want to come into the office, we are also offering Telehealth video visits. To schedule a Telehealth visit, please call our office.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Around the world, podiatrists pursue the advancement of the Podiatry field for everyone’s benefit, and, to better serve those who suffer from ankle and foot conditions. Your feet are vital to your everyday life. They permit you to walk 150,000 miles in your lifetime, which is equal to walking around the world six times! Foot issues can be debilitating; therefore, it is important to take care of your feet.

People may wonder why there is a branch of medicine that deals strictly with feet. It’s because foot problems are very common. A few of the most common issues people have with their feet include:

• Bunions
• Athlete’s foot
• Ingrown toenails
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Corns
• Heel spurs
• Blisters

Education and Awareness

Our team of experts at Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center strive to elevate awareness about the importance of proper foot health. That is one of the reasons we wanted our patients to be able to access reliable and accessible information that pertains to the lower extremities. If you would like to get involved, you can help spread the word about podiatry and important foot health tips! When you’ve learned more about proper foot health, you can begin spreading the word and educating others. Start here:

• Read up on health conditions related to the feet, including information on keeping your feet healthy.
• Proper daily foot care involves activities like caring for your toenails and wearing the right shoes.
• Learn to maintain good foot health
• Have an in-person conversation or by using social media to discuss podiatry and foot health.

When To See a Podiatrist

Anytime you experience foot or ankle discomfort, changes in the appearance of your feet, abnormal growth(s), or have an underlying medical condition that affects your feet or ability to function. Symptoms are not always obvious and may even continue unnoticed. If you or anyone you know is experiencing one or more symptoms, it is time to see a podiatrist.

Schedule An Appointment

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at (301-)825-9697 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

We have all heard the saying “one size fits all.” Unfortunately, when it comes to footwear, this does not apply. Sometimes you might notice that one foot feels slightly different from the other. It is due to each person having their own unique feet! At Kentland’s Foot and Ankle Center, patients are examined and treated based on their own unique feet. Our podiatry team recommends using foot orthotics if foot muscles, ligaments, bones, or tendons are not aligned well or the patient is experiencing discomfort. Orthotics are known to redistribute the pressure that your feet endure each day.

Custom Orthotics VS Over-the-counter Orthotics

Over-the-counter foot orthotics are usually found at drugstores. The use of orthotics, in general, can be very helpful in eliminating foot discomfort quickly. For chronic foot pain, we always advise our patients to get fitted for custom foot orthotics. Precise measurements of your foot are documented and sent to a lab where they will make your orthotics. It ensures that you receive all the support your feet need.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are known to:

1. Provide superior comfort allowing you to stand, walk and run comfortably
2. Fight off pain in the lower extremities
3. Improve balance by allowing your feet the support to maintain a functional position
4. Enhance athletic performance
5. Lower the risk of injury

Custom orthotics help your feet feel better, but did you know they also help your overall body? Custom orthotics are also known to:

1. Reduce ankle and leg pain
2. Maintain balance
3. Stand or walk for extended periods of pain-free
4. Reduce lower back pain
5. Lower the risk of calluses, corns, and bunions
6. Improve posture

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at (301-)825-9697 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information.

Preparing For Your Next Appointment

A doctor visit can be nerve-wracking, especially if this is your first time at a podiatrist’s office. But with some simple preparation, you can limit the anxiety you feel prior to your appointment and make the most out of seeing your specialist. At Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center, we take extra care in making sure your visit is as comfortable and helpful as possible! Below is a useful guide to help you prepare for your next appointment.

Before Your Visit

It might be helpful to make a physical or mental checklist of some important information to make your podiatrist’s questions easier to answer, such as:

• The symptoms you’re experiencing
• Any medication you’re taking
• Relevant lab test results
• Allergies they should know about
• Previous surgeries
• Any questions or concerns you have for your doctor

During Your Visit

• Expect your podiatrist to go over all the information listed above
• Be sure to ask for any clarification if you’re unclear with what your doctor is saying
• Take notes if you find it helpful
• If you’re attending a virtual appointment, be sure you arrive to your appointment on time and check that your technology is working properly

After Your Visit

• Make sure you follow your podiatrists’ recommendations for healing and recovery
• Pick up any medication your doctor may prescribe and take them as instructed
• Schedule a follow up appointment if necessary
• If your doctor has not gotten back to you with test results, give them a call
• Reach out to your podiatrist if you have any follow up concerns or questions

Schedule A Visit

It is recommended that you visit your local podiatrist once a year for an annual checkup. If you’ve been experiencing any foot or ankle pain, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so they can examine and treat any problem you might be facing. To schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman, at our Montgomery County office, call (301)-825-9697 or visit our website for more information.