Dr. Tarrs Blog

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By contactus
May 16, 2012
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I am happy to announce that we have upgraded to digital x-ray in both the Sudbury Podiatry and Westford Podiatry offices.
Digital X-Ray offers many benefits over the traditional X-Rays. From a medical practice standpoint, digital X-Ray offers a sharper image to aide in diagnosing patholgy. These digital X-Ray images can easily be manipulated using contrast and brightness alterations. This is impossible with the traditional X-Ray. It is also very easy to archive digital X-Ray on digital media thereby reducing storage space. These digital images can easily be backed up to a remote site in case of fire or some other catastrophic event.

From a patient standpoint digital X-Rays tend to be available much quicker thereby giving a speedy diagnosis. There is much higher picture quality, often times requiring lower doses of radiation and fewer "retakes" due to poor quality film. It is very easy to email a copy to your primary care physician or copy to a dvd to give the patient.

From an environmental standpoint, there is no disposal of film or any hazardous chemicals (developer, fixer). There is also no waste of water which is required with traditional X-Ray.

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By contactus
January 12, 2012
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- Additional Foot Friendly Tips - 
 
Have feet measured. Size can change throughout life!  Keep in mind - your boot size may  
not fit the same in all styles and brands. 
 
Try boots on in the afternoon - feet tend to swell during the day.  
 
Buy for the larger foot - most feet are not the exact same size. 
 
Carry an insole when boot shopping in case a pair lacks the proper arch support. 
 
Boots should feel comfortable when tried on in the store. There shouldn’t be a “break-in”  
period. 
 
A boot constructed of natural materials, like leather, will keep feet dry and comfortable  
during the winter months. 
 
Choose a boot with plenty of toe room, a firm heel counter, and traction to ensure stability.
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By contactus
January 11, 2012
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1. How does pregnancy impact the feet?   
Pregnancy can impact the feet in numerous ways, from overpronation and plantar fasciitis due to  
increased body weight to an increase in foot size related to hormonal changes and leg  
cramps because of impeded circulation.  
 
2. Is it normal for my baby’s feet to look discolored or wrinkled or for his/her skin to peel when  
he/she is born? 
Babies spend anywhere from nine to 10 months in a shelter of protective fluid. The feet need just as  
much time to fill out and turn a normal color as the rest of the body. Once you give birth, your obstetrician and 
then later your pediatrician will look for obvious abnormalities of your baby’s feet and legs.
 
3. Are there certain things I can do to care for my baby’s feet? 
Caring for your baby’s feet is no different than the care you provide to the rest of his/her body. Trim your child’s 
toenails with baby nail clippers, making sure to cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Also, be sure to 
thoroughly dry your baby’s feet after a bath. Try SmartKnit Kids Seamless Sensitivity Socks* – these soft, 
anti-microbial socks don’t wrinkle or bunch and are proven to reduce irritation on your tot’s tootsies. 
 
4. At what age should my child take his/her first step? 
When physically and emotionally ready, your child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading, 
since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months. 
 
5. When should I put my baby in his/her first pair of shoes? 
When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your youngster to go barefoot or 
to wear only socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the 
grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected 
in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.  Try Pediped’s* – designed for infants and toddlers up 
to two years old, these soft, hand-stitched shoes provide a safe environment for tiny toes while allowing plenty of 
room for foot growth and muscle development.  
 
6. When should I take my child to child to see a podiatrist? 
The APMA recommends having your child examined by a podiatrist, if there is a family history 
of foot problems, once he/she begins to walk to make sure his/her feet are progressing normally.  
 
7. When is a child’s foot fully developed, and why is this important? 
Full skeletal maturity takes place in most individuals between the ages of 18 to 23 years of age. Foot maturity 
continues while many children are active on their feet. It is important to have your child’s feet checked regularly 
by a podiatrist. 
 
8. What steps should be taken to make sure a child’s feet are not at risk when participating in sports?
When your child participates in sports, make sure he/she wears sport-specific shoes that fit properly. He/she 
should also warm up and cool down before and after participating in a sport and avoid poor outside playing 
conditions, such as very wet grass.
 
For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Bryant Tarr or visit his website at www.sudburypodiatry.com or www.westfordpodiatry.com 
 
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By contactus
January 10, 2012
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Sudbury Podiatry and Westford Podiatry's mobile website is now up and running live! This means you are now able to access our website and all of it's contents on all of your mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Please check out the new, user-friendly layout and mobile-specific features including click-to-call, door-to-door office directions, appointment requesting and quick access to social media and review sites.
Please feel free to let me know what you think.

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By contactus
November 24, 2011
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Could your running shoe be running you into trouble?

Believe it or not, many of us are not wearing proper athletic shoes when we engage in cardio activities.  The biggest mistake a lot of us make is wearing shoes that are either too small or that are designed for a foot type other than our own.  Many of us start a running or walking routine with improper shoes that can lead to developing plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and tendonitis.  Here are simple ways to make sure you're staying on track toward a healthy fitness routine:

1)  Always buy shoes at the end of the day. 

            -Your feet will be at their largest and fullest size.

2)  Make sure you are wearing a shoe with the correct support. 

            -Does your foot type need more motion control (if you pronate), more stability, or more    cushion?

            -Your podiatrist can help you determine the proper shoe type for your foot.

3)  Try on the shoes you will be purchasing with the socks you will be running with. 

            -Trying on shoes with nylon socks will cause most of us to purchase our shoes too small or too tight.

4)  Always buy the shoe slightly larger than your dress shoe size.

5)  Change shoes every 400-500 miles. 

            -Shoes that are too worn out will no longer be functioning properly to provide your foot      with the support it needs.            

6)  Make sure your shoes actually fit! 

            -Measure if there is enough space at the tip of the shoe by using a thumb width at the  end of your longest toe.

            -Make sure you are accounting for a wide toebox (for a bunion) or a long toebox (for longer toes)

            -Make sure that your shoe bends right where your toes start and bend.  If the shoe bends more towards the middle of your foot (closer to heel than your toes), your shoe's arch may not align with your foot's natural arch

7)  Measure your feet regularly

            -Believe it or not but your feet size can change due to weight gain, pregnancy, activity,   and age

 

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