In the Spirit of Heart Month.....Important Information Regarding PAD

Do you get pain in either leg when you walk?

Does the pain go away when your stop walking (within 10 minutes)?

According to the World Health Organization if you answered yes to both of these questions your likelihood of PAD is >95%

What is PAD you ask?

Commonly referred to as “poor circulation,” Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg. When arteries become narrowed by plaque (the accumulation of cholesterol and other materials on the walls of the arteries), the oxygen-rich blood flowing through the arteries cannot reach the legs and feet.

The presence of P.A.D. may be an indication of more widespread arterial disease in the body that can affect the brain, causing stroke or the heart, causing a heart attack. According to The Journal of Vascular Surgery, 60-80% of patients with PAD have blockage in one coronary vessel and 21% of these patients will have a MI, stroke, cardiovascular death or hospitalization within 1 year.
Based upon the guidelines of the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, the following individuals would benefit from an ABI test:

- Exertional leg symptoms
- Non-healing wounds
- Asymptomatic patients at high risk:
o Adults > 70 years old
o Adults >50 years of age with diabetes or tobacco use

Testing for this condition is non-invasive: It utilizes blood pressure cuffs and is painless. If interested in being tested, please call our office to schedule an appointment.

Want to Help the Effort Relief In Haiti, We Have a Way for You to Help

Looking to help the effort in Haiti? Live in Northeastern Ohio? Have gently worn shoes collecting dust in the bottom of your closet? If you answered yes to all of these questions our practice, Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. in Mentor, Ohio has a way for you to assist in the relief effort. Through Soles 4 Soles we have joined the effort to donate more than 1 million pairs of shoes to the affected areas hit by the devastating earthquake through a collection drive in the Shoe Store of our practice for gently worn shoes. We have currently received more than 200 pairs and have a goal of 500 pairs. Please help us in providing a basic necessity for those in need.

High Heeled Boots Dangerous on Ice and Snow

As a female, I too like to wear fashionable shoes or boots, however with the constant snow and ice we get in Northeastern Ohio it can be very dangerous. The treacherous snowy and icy conditions can lead to falls, which are not only embarrassing but can result in a number of injuries. If your ankle rolls inward or outward, a bone can be broken or if your ankle twists, ligaments can be stretched or torn causing an ankle sprain. If this does happen to you collect your belongings, brush off your designer duds and get to somewhere where you can immediately begin use of “R.I.C.E.” therapy– rest, ice, compression and elevation – to help reduce swelling, pain and further injury. Then pick up your phone and call my practice in Mentor to be seen. If treatment is delayed long-term complications, such as chronic ankle instability and pain, arthritis, or deformity can develop. And please do not believe if you can walk on it, nothing is broken. This is a misomer: If you develop pain, swelling, or bruising this is an indication of a serious injury.