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Halftime Diversion27 year old Michael Gregson incurred a broken ankle after a mishap with the “Big Ball Bash” halftime event during a Perinth Panthers game. The Big Ball Bash has participants split into two teams, the goal is to push a big blow-up sphere over the other team’s goal line.

While taking part in the Big Ball Bash, Gregson ran into a fellow fan, causing both men to fall to the ground. Both Gregson and the other fan were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment as a result. Although Gregson signed a waiver before taking part in the activity, he hopes the Panthers will help pay his medical bills anyway.

For help dealing with the pain of a broken ankle, consider seeing podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your foot and ankle injuries.

Broken Ankles

The ankle consists of three bones- the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and the fibula are the two bones that connect to your knees. They sit directly above the talus bone, which is protected by a fibrous membrane and allows slight movement in the ankle joint. A break usually occurs in one of these bones after the foot is twisted too far, a strong impact like jumping from a great height, or repeated stresses like running.

Diagnosis

If you suffer an ankle injury, it is essential that you receive a correct diagnosis. One of the first signs that the ankle is broken is an inability to put any weight on it. There will often be severe bruising and swelling at the sight of the injury. Your doctor may also order an x-ray be taken to determine the exact location and extent of the injury.

Treatment

Without proper care, a broken ankle may not heal properly and could cause arthritis and instability later in life. Therefore, seeking proper treatment is essential to making a full recovery.

For more information about Broken Ankles, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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nerve-disorderA study shows that dark chocolate polyphenols can aid symptoms of peripheral artery disorder (PAD). Sapienza University scientists involved 20 participants in this study, providing one half with dark chocolate and the other with milk chocolate.

After eating the chocolate the subjects were instructed to walk on treadmills for a set time. As the scientists monitored the patients, they found that patients who ate dark chocolate experienced better circulation and were able to walk 10% farther than those who had eaten the milk chocolate.

Poor circulation is difficult to live with. If you have poor circulation in your feet or ankles, consider calling podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your podiatric needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.

It can also cause:

-muscle pain   
-numbness in legs
-cramps                       
-skin discoloration
-weakness       
-slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness        
-erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.

If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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wrapped-footThis summer, celebrities are showing off their summer feet in “flatforms,” a new shoe that combines elements of flats and platforms. While this hot-button fashion icon gives some height to its wearer, it does not come without its share of physical risks.

The reason this shoe is particularly risky is due to flatforms causing the ankles to move in ways they aren’t biomechanically designed to. This can lead to painful ligament damage if they are worn extensively, as one journalist for Vogue magazine reports. It remains to be seen if the potential foot risks that come with wearing flatforms will be enough to derail their current popularity.

Shoes should have proper foot support. For foot and ankle pain or injuries, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your foot and ankle needs.

The Importance of Proper Foot Support

Walking is an everyday function for both men and women, and in order to keep your body’s balance in order, you are going to need shoes that provide the proper kinds of support.

Poor foot support can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck and shoulder. It also can lead to emotional stress, and physiological changes in the body. In order to avoid these problems, you must have proper foot support.

The arch is the most important part of the foot, which is where most of the support and balance of your feet lies. The arch of your foot varies in height, and as you age, this height can change. Proper foot support will help musculoskeletal issues, which causes inactivity or disability.

When looking for shoes that give proper support to your feet, you should refrain from wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Shoes to Consider:

-Good heel and arch support
-Have proper length and width for your feet
-Avoid tight/cramped shoes

For more information about Proper Foot Support, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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gloves-on-footSoutheastern Wound Healing Center physicians have reported that at every hour, at least seven diabetics undergo a foot or leg amputation. Diabetes often causes the loss of sensation, also known as neuropathy. Neuropathy can cause victims to become unaware of any conditions or injuries to their lower extremities.

According to Scott Covington, MD, “The disease is responsible for being the leading cause of lower-limb amputations not caused by accidents, according to Southeastern Health. “Unfortunately, affected patients are confronted with multiple challenges during the healing process”. Physicians at the Southeastern Wound Healing Center advise diabetics to manually inspect their feet constantly.

If you are diabetic, consult with podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot Care for Diabetics

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people annually. The condition affects blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. When damage from diabetes occurs to nerves in the feet, they may be unable to send proper signaling to the peripheral nervous system, resulting in neuropathy. If a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is important to provide good care for the feet to avoid the risk of amputation.

Caring for Diabetic Feet

- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Be sure to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet. For diabetic patients, the risk of amputation and sepsis increases if medical treatment is not sought right away, especially when it comes to the feet. Early treatment and routine foot inspection are keys to maintaining good health.

To learn more about diabetic foot health, please follow link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read the full article on Diabetic Foot Care

achilles-tendonThe Atlanta Falcons took a huge hit to their roster after their linebacker Sean Weatherspoon suffered a rupture to his Achilles tendon during a team practice. Weatherspoon will miss the 2014 season to fully recover from the injury. Generally speaking, recovery from an Achilles injury can take up to a year.

“We sent Sean to the doctor for some additional testing and evaluation and unfortunately the results showed that he ruptured his Achilles tendon,” coach Mike Smith said in a team statement. “Sean had been working extremely hard to get back on the field, but regrettably he will miss the entire 2014 season. He will have a procedure done in the near future and we expect him to make a full recovery.”

Achilles tendon injuries can be extremely painful. If you injured your Achilles, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your foot and ankle injuries.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body, and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation. Often the doctor will order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment will involve rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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Monday, 30 June 2014 18:48

Flip Flops Can Cause Hammertoe

footAccording to an article from Siouxland Matters, writer Allison Warren reported on the various conditions caused by an excessive wearing of flip-flops. Dr. Valerie Tallericoa stated that, “People will come in with heel pain, or even ankle injuries from slipping in their flip-flop shoes. Another concern is tendonitis or capsulitis of their digits, even in the future, hammertoe deformities.”

With this in mind, be sure to consider all options when purchasing flip-flops that best support your feet. Mike Pape of Rudolph’s Shoe Mart said, “There are different types of what they call orthotics or foot beds that are in the various shoes and sandals . . . Now there’s all the different components that go into making the different arches.”

Hammertoe can be an incredibly painful condition. To learn more about the effects of flip-flops on your feet, speak to Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.

It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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Monday, 23 June 2014 00:00

Woman Limited by Nerve Disorder

 iStock 000000723538XSmallLittle under two years ago, Serena Clarkson was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder nearly eighteen months ago. As a result, the Hartsford resident had to receive six surgeries within a single day. In order to maintain her condition now and provide some mobility, Clarkson wears an ankle-foot orthotic.

 “Even with the AFO I’m up to 2,249 feet a day and that’s it,” Clarkson said, “that’s all I can walk. I have an ankle stabilizer I wear on the left leg, and I’m pending surgery on that one.” According to statistics, 2.5 million Americans suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder.

Nerve disorders affects more than mobility. If you are struggling with foot or ankle pain, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your podiatric needs.

Nerve Disorders of the Foot and Ankle

There are two nerve disorders of the foot and ankle called Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. These conditions affect the hands as well, and are caused by stress and genetics. People who suffer from Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are prone to serious pain and inflammation in the area.

Pain that is associated with Interdigital Neuroma is often from local inflammation in the nerves in the front of the foot. Symptoms include pain, burning, and/or tingling sensations of the toes.

There are several steps a doctor will take to determine if one has Neuroma such as: radiographs, MRIs, and bone scans. Surgery is not required in many instances, and should only be considered when the patient is suffering from persistent pain.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that is less common than Interdigital Neuroma. It only seems to affect patients who have severe ankle pain which begins in the bottom of the foot extending all the way to the calf.  In other instances one may encounter partial numbness and atrophy if the cases are extreme.

EMG tests are often provided to diagnose Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. If a patient shows signs of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrom, an MRI will be used to see the compression of the nerve. As always, if symptoms do persist, surgery may be required.   

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read the Full Article on Nerve Disorders of the Foot and Ankle 

ice-on-footAccording to TIME magazine, the condition of your feet can reveal a lot about your overall health. For example, hairless toes and feet can be strong indicator of potential circulation problems. Baldness in the feet can indicate that there is not enough blood flow to sustain hair growth. Another example would be sores or wounds that do not heal. Sores and wounds that do not heal are often red flags for diabetes or skin cancer and need to be addressed immediately.

An enlarged big toe may be an indicator of gout while skin that is flaky, peeling or itchy could be a sign of a fungal infection. All symptoms of the feet and ankles need to be addressed immediately, as they can always be a sign of a more serious infection or condition. Without treatment, more serious conditions could lead to deterioration and even amputation of the lower legs and limbs.

All feet deserve everyday foot care, not just celebrity feet. If you require a professional opinion, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can address your foot concerns.

Every Day Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.

For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.

Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat. Also make sure that the socks fit properly and are not uncomfortably tight.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

Tuesday, 10 June 2014 19:23

Soccer Star Claims Minor Foot Injury

Footballer Neymar, a winger for Team Barcelona, made a troubling statement so close to the coming World Cup. After his first season in Spain with the Barcelona team, Neymar revealed that he suffered a foot injury. However, Neymar insists that his injury is minor and will not affect his performance.

"It's swollen because it's not returned to what it was, but the foot is fine. Physically I'm 100%. It was a year of learning. It was not the year I thought it would be, I imagined winning titles and making millions of goals, but that's not how things work. Do not say it was a bad year." Neymar told Globo TV reporters.

A sports related foot or ankle injury can happen unexpectedly. If your foot or ankle was injured, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your podiatric injuries.  

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries 

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

•           Plantar Fasciitis

•           Plantar Fasciosis

•           Achilles Tendinitis

•           Achilles Tendon Rupture

•           Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries.

bunion-skeletonWRIC Newsroom says that most people opt for fashion over size or comfort when it comes to footwear. "I adore shoes," 17 year old Alaini Snoot says while shopping at Saxon Shoes. Snoot claims that she owns more shoes than she is able to count on her two hands. "Every shoe I go for is going to be fun and cute." Snoot adds.

Gary Weiner, president of Saxon Shoes, says that "When they like something, they really want it. Sometimes size goes out the window."  Unfortunately, foot conditions such as bunions can occur when someone wears the wrong size shoe.

Bunions are both uncomfortable and unsightly. If you suffer from bunions, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can provide treatment for your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth enlargement, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big to become inflamed and often painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

  • Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians
  • Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form
  • Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease
  • Radiological Exam- X-rays can show whether there are any joint enlargements near the toe’s base, which can indicate a bunion

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists knowledgeable in anatomy and foot structure can be able to diagnose bunions through the following two methods:

To learn more about treatment procedures on bunions, please follow link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read the full article on Bunions

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