A 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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This 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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Southeastern 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.

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The 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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