Items filtered by date: July 2023

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, results from a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that restrict blood supply to the lower extremities. As the blood vessels narrow, the feet are unable to receive the normal amount of oxygenated blood that is needed to keep them healthy, and studies show that people over the age of 60 have a significantly increased chance of developing PAD. Men are also more at risk than women. The most common risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include loss of hair on extremities, weakness in the legs, brittle toenails, and shiny skin. Certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce the effects of PAD. If left untreated, PAD also can lead to serious or life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease or stroke. If you notice a loss of sensation in the feet or legs, a burning or prickling feeling, or a change of color in the feet or toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and options for treatment. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Ronald Pieroni, DPM from Bolingbrook Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bolingbrook, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It is crucial to purchase the right type of running shoes for the specific type of running that is desired. This is true of all types of runners, ranging from beginners to people who have run marathons. The most important factor to look for is a shoe that fits the foot perfectly. Each type of running shoe is designed with various features based on the activity level. Running shoes that have added motion control may benefit people who overpronate, which is when the foot rolls inward as it strikes the ground. These types of shoes tend to be stiff and can provide the necessary support as running is practiced. People who enjoy running marathons may benefit from wearing shoes that have extra cushioning, as the heel consistently hits the ground. There are many different types of running shoes, and it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you on the best pair to purchase for your needs.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Ronald Pieroni, DPM from Bolingbrook Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in Bolingbrook, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Studies show that falling is the No. 1 cause of injury-related deaths in people ages 65 and older. Experts believe that it may be possible to help prevent falling by addressing three concerns. They are weak stabilizer muscles, poor core strength, and balance problems. Strengthening stabilizer muscles in the hips and core muscles in the abdomen improves the ability to stand up and move. Balance, reflexes and coordination diminish over time, which makes it easier to trip and reduces the ability to catch yourself if you do. Staying active is a good way to prevent falling, as a sedentary lifestyle further weakens the muscles. Performing a series of exercises to rebuild the strength in weakened muscles can help. In addition, exercises to improve balance can help with stability. Falls also may be caused by other physical ailments, such as arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and vision problems. Any of these conditions can further increase the risk of falling. For guidance and information on suitable methods to help prevent falls, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Ronald Pieroni, DPM from Bolingbrook Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bolingbrook, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy running are all too familiar with the fear of incurring a running injury. The majority of running injuries can be prevented when simple strategies are implemented. These are the same techniques for all runners, ranging from weekend warriors to people who run several marathons. Research has shown that stretching is an important factor which may help to prevent running injuries. The hip flexor and quad stretch is done by kneeling on one knee on a mat while pulling the tailbone inward, and pushing the hips forward. This stretch will be felt in front of the hip. For people who prefer a deeper stretch, the ankle can be grabbed, and brought close to the glutes. A calf stretch is effective in exercising the heel and sole of the foot. This is performed by standing on a step while lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. There are additional stretching techniques that can be done which can protect the feet while running. If you would like more information about how to perform these, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Ronald Pieroni, DPM of Bolingbrook Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bolingbrook, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.