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Friday, 20 February 2015 00:00

Foot and Ankle Injuries Common in Obese Kids

obesity and feetA study conducted in Denmark found that children who are overweight or obese are more susceptible to develop foot, ankle, and leg injuries during engagement in physical activity as opposed to children at lower weights.

Researchers studied 632 overweight children who went to physical education classes for an hour and a half each week for two and a half years.

The group of children experienced 673 lower-limb injuries during this time. The children who were heavier had an average of 5.3 injuries for every 1000 “athletic exposures,” as compared to only 4.4 per 1000 for lighter children. "In the bigger picture the need to get all kids more active, and particularly overweight children, is imperative," sports medicine researcher Malachy McHugh said. McHugh was not involved in the study.

As an epidemic, obesity negatively affects all life stages. Seek the help of  Dr. Paula F. Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry. Our doctor will examine your child’s feet and provide the right care and treatment for them.

How Obesity Affects Your Feet

Extra weight can sneak up on anyone unprepared. It’s not until your feet begin to hurt at the end of the day when you realize they have been carrying your entire body weight. There are many side effects that occur in the feet as a result of having a few extra pounds.

  • Leaning forward (uneven posture)

  • Extra weight placed in the wrong parts of your feet

  • Development of Type-2 diabetes

  • Loss of sensation in the legs and feet

  • Small sores

  • Plantar Fasciitis


Treating your feet can be helped by paying special attention to your footwear and your own body. Investing in yourself can help to lead you on a better road to health as well as serve to relieve some of the issues related to your feet.

  • Invest in shoes that allow for good circulation and support

  • Losing weight can help prevent and treat diabetes in addition to other diseases

  • Activities such as yoga and water aerobics can help keep you active and mobile without placing stress on  your feet

  • Foot stretches can help alleviate some pain associated with foot conditions.


If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more on Obesity and Feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
proper fitting shoesIn 2002, Roger Gallup was one of the 1 in 3 Americans with pre-diabetes, a condition where you have diabetes-like symptoms, but you do not have all of the ailments that go with condition. Pre-diabetes is reversible with exercise and a proper diet, but Gallup was overweight and found that most shoes were hurting his feet; the pain was keeping him from changing his lifestyle. Gallup decided to have his feet measured by a professional and then used a machine to find where his feet place most of their pressure in order to find the perfect fitting shoe. Since his diagnosis and proper shoe fitting, Gallup has lost 125 pounds and reversed his pre-diabetes. “I think the proper footwear is very important in the exercises you do,” stated Gallup.

Proper fitting shoes are essential to one’s overall health. Speak to podiatrists Dr. Paula F. Raugellis and Dr. Michael C. Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc to learn more about the detrimental effects of shoes that fit incorrectly. Our doctors can assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:


    • Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away





    • Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes





    • Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have





    • Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity



For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Frederickstown, PA. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.

Read more about Proper Shoe Fitting 
Playing sports with Foot injuriesUnfortunately for Colin Kaepernick, a foot injury has landed him a place on the 49ers’ injury report. Although he has been injured since last year, Kaepernick would continue to play. Kaepernick said his injury was just a hangnail and nothing serious. Now Kaepernick says and knows otherwise—a chipped bone on his forefoot and a ruptured capsule in the ball of his foot confirmed.

The injuries, sustained during a Week Two game against the Seahawks, slowed him down for most of the rest of the season. “It was something that was always there,” Kaepernick said. “Never spoke about it, never said anything about it because you’re a football player; you play through pain … If it’s something you can play through, that’s what you do.”

Playing sports with foot or ankle injuries can sometimes be safe, but it shouldn’t be done without a doctor’s approval. If you are injured, see one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.

Playing Sports With Foot Injuries

Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it’s important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:

  • Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion

  • Stress Fractures

  • Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait

  • Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base

  • Strains


There are many types of treatments that are necessary to keep the injury from becoming more serious. Ice is often used to reduce swelling and inflammation while applying a compression bandage can help reduce pain and stress on the foot. For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Playing Sports with Foot or Ankle Injuries
Monday, 26 January 2015 00:00

Alternative Methods for Bunion Pain Relief



bunionIn response to a concern over increasing bunion pain and shoes that hurt, Mayo Clinic reports that while surgery is an option to consider for bunion pain, it is not the only treatment available for the condition. One of the first steps one should take to relieve bunion pain is to change footwear and wear shoes with a wide toe box and soft leather uppers, which will relieve pressure on bunions.  Stretching out shoes can also aid in decreasing irritation and make them feel more comfortable. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are pain-relieving medications one can take that may help control bunion pain, as well as cortisone injections.

To avoid extended pain, consider bunion treatment as soon as possible. For more information about bunion treatments, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality care.

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


How are Bunions Diagnosed?

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

  • 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


For more information about Bunions, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Bunions

 

 

 
CornsMany individuals believe that nature is sufficient in curing nearly anything. According to writers at the Outdoor Life, those suffering from corns on the feet can treat the thickened skin in natural ways. On one instance, those with corns can submerge their feet in a will tree bark and water solution for thirty minutes to soften the skin in the area.

Acorns can be especially helpful in removing ingrown toenails. Grind the acorns up, soak them in water, and then dunk your feet in for a surprisingly effective treatment. For blisters or lesions, apply crushed plantains or yarrow to the afflicted area and cover the wound with a bandage.

Although nature has many surprising aids and tips, it cannot resolve everything. If you have a corn or any other podiatric concern, contact Dr. Paula F. Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Dr. Raugellis will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?

Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treating corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.

For more information about Corns on the Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs

Read more about Corns on the Feet

Everyday foot care is a practice that should be maintained year-round, regardless of the season. There is no denying, however, that the unpredictable wet weather of fall and winter makes it a season where extra care should be taken. Prolonged exposure to moisture and water can create bacterial growth on the feet. Washing and scrubbing cracked feet can help remove dead cells, and the space between toes should be cleaned regularly. Toenails should be kept trimmed to prevent dirt from accumulating and makes cleaning the nails much easier. The feet should always be kept dry and clean, and it is important to wear waterproof shoes if possible when out in the rain or snow.


Everyday foot care is necessary all year round, regardless of weather. To learn more about daily foot care practices and how to maintain optimal foot health, consult with podiatrists Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

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.


If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

University of Calgary scientists want to build the perfect running shoe through studying the effects of comfort and its effect on the rates of injury. Even though the idea of the perfect running shoe has circulated for years, modern schools of thought claim that shoe design has no effect on the rate in which running injuries occur.

Advocates of the ‘comfort theory’ suggest that people should just go with the pair of running footwear that feels best for them. The scientific team still wants willing participants for their study, hoping to learn more through research.

For help with selecting an appropriate shoe size, consult with podiatrists Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Getting the Right Shoe Size
Sometimes it may be difficult finding the right shoe size especially because shoe sizes tend to vary depending on the brand and company you are looking for. A size 6 for one brand may be a size 7 in another. Although many people know their exact shoe size, it can range within 2 sizes depending on where they shop.

So it is important not to always go for a size 7 just because you think you might be a size 7 universally. It is best to try on the shoe and walk around for a bit to see how it fits and how it feels. Comfort is essential and the fitting has to be well otherwise it can lead to blisters, bruises at the back of the ankle and it can also hurt your toes if the shoe is too tight for example.
People walk a lot, so it is important for you to find what is comfortable when it is possible.
For more information about Getting the Right Shoe Size, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoes

University of Queensland scientists conducted research indicating the plantar fascia is not the only muscle in the foot that can provide arch support. The first experiment involved weights being tied to the knees of two test subjects. The scientists monitored the responses of the muscles in their feet.

The second experiment involved electrical stimulation was performed soon after, showing that when activated, these tissues caused the arch to rise. Dr. Glen Lichtwark believes this could play an important role in fields focusing on the feet.

The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrists Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.   

A History of Biomechanics

- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Biomechanics of Podiatry.  

According to Baylor College of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Jason Ahuero, women should be sensible this holiday season about how often they wear high heels. Wearing high heels regularly can lead to many foot problems such as foot pain and ankle sprains. Ahuero states that women should not wear heels for long periods of time and they should alternate heel height if they are unable to just wear flats. High heel wearers should also roughen up the bottoms of their heels to avoid slipping during inclement weather. When buying new high heels, Ahuero suggests that women have their foot measured each time, purchase shoes with thicker heels for stability, and to avoid high heels that are uncomfortable to wear. At the end of a day of wearing high heels, elevating the feet as well as icing them may reduce any pain or swelling.

High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity.  Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about the Effects of High Heels

 New York Giants’ veteran linebacker Jon Beason broke his foot during the preseason and has been using custom orthotics and special shoes to rehabilitate the problem. Officials are well aware that Beason is not fully healed yet are planning on sending him back to doctors for treatment before the team plays against the Indianapolis Colts. Many are even taking into consideration that the linebacker should take the rest of the season off to heal and not hurt the injury even more. Taking the rest of the season off will help the entire team as well as allow Beason to prepare and come back stronger than ever for the 2015 season.


Foot orthotics serve a wide range of usefulness when it comes to foot and ankle conditions. If you are feeling discomfort in your feet, contact one of our podiatrists, Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. Michael Irvin, of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

 

What are Ankle Foot Orthotics?


Orthotics are physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics are known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.

 

Why might you need orthotics?


Orthotics are often prescribed when someone is suffering from diseases that affect the musculature, like polio and multiple sclerosis. However, more common conditions like arthritis and stroke, or those that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.
Modern orthotics have improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics are made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support. Often the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored.

For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, please follow the link below.

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

Read more about Foot Ankle Orthotics

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