Foot Pain Heal

At times when foot pain stops you from being mobile, there seems to be nothing better to do than to take a rest. Seemingly never-ending trips to the doctor, work losses, inactivity, and even putting on pounds can all be side effects of chronic pain in your feet. Nevertheless, there are some viable options. Chinese acupuncture, special massage therapies, high heel insoles, and foot creams and oils can aid your feet be renewed and free of discomfort.

Your feet will have not only fewer bone and joint issues such as metatarsalgia, but the fluid accumulation will subside so that sensitive nerve endings can heal and be calmed. Muscles of the feet are another major problem area for many people.. All three of these healing, all natural fixes will have you free from foot agony right away.

Trying Needle Therapy Can Pay Off Big Time with Morton’s Neuroma

Chinese acupuncture is the practice of gently pushing thin needles into “chi”, which are areas in the body to return the energy and blood flow that has been cut off because of swelling or tissue damage. The feet can be affected in this way with neglecting the feet, which can lead to ailments such as ball of foot pain and Mortons Neuroma. Treatment for Mortons Neuroma can start with various acupuncture methods and massages to relieve painful areas and help to start the healing process.

Acupuncturists practice a necessary art in that they are usually able to successfully take away chronic pain in the feet in their patients. In a late 90’s study reported in the journal “Acupuncture in Medicine”, researchers have found that electrical stimulation of the needles increased blood flow to the affected regions and facilitated recovery.

Trying Massage Therapy Can Speed Healing Time for Morton’s Neuroma

Blood flow can be essential when trying to cure ailments that affect our lower body. Massage therapies can help with metatarsalgia and aid in Mortons Neuroma. These therapies are becoming very popular among doctors, sports medicine professionals, reflexologists, and physical therapists. By massaging the bottoms of the feet with a gentle sweeping touch, blood flow is brought to the feet instantly.

Reported by the American Massage Therapy Association, two great therapies involve specifically using the thumbs. Several therapies seem to work best, including the sweeping massage and crawling methods. With the first technique, the thumbs are held on the top of the feet and then rub in a sweeping motion up and down. The second technique involves the thumbs being held on the bottom of the feet and are walked in an upward motion while pressing with steady pressure.

Nature’s Little Miracles Help Ball Of Foot Pain

Nature has her own special foot cures to share. Some of the most effective foot products have natural oils infused to relieve, refresh, and improve blood flow. One such essential oil is menthol. Extracted from the leaves of the mint plant, once put on to the skin, menthol provides a cooling relief.

Mother Nature also made camphor and eucalyptus to soothe and cool our aching feet. These natural oils have similar results to menthol because they give a feeling of cooling to the feet while raising blood flow. Aloe also helps moisturize and cleanses feet while providing lubrication during massage therapy. For those who need a good soak in a warm foot bath, Epsom salts help draw toxins out of the feet while decreasing swollen tissues.

One of the key ways to decrease foot pain caused by wearing shoes with high heels are orthotics for high heels. These devices provide support for our arches and metatarsal areas, thus decreasing the pressure on our metatarsals.

Whether you have metatarsalgia, are already using high heel insoles, or need Mortons Neuroma; seeing an acupuncturist, getting a massage, and using essential oils can aid your foot pain. Feel your best and get back on your feet today by trying out these three effective techniques.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch support, ball of foot pain, foot acupuncture, foot massage, foot pain, high heel insoles, high heel orthotics, morton's neuroma, orthotic insoles, orthotics | No Comments »

When you feel that your feet are fatigued, achy, and overworked, the soreness frequently can turn insufferable. High-impact activities can put enormous stress on our feet, and cause problems with our lower body. Burning blisters, heelspurs, and shin splint pain can make any slight movement a chore. However, there are some choice options that can help manage the pain and heal the injuries when carried out on a regular basis. Here are 3 ways to help your feet feel better so you can resume normal activities.

Treating Blisters Properly Can Prevent Infection

Blisters are caused by the friction of tight shoes. These sores are likely to appear on any area of the feet, but the bony nub on the heel is the most usual site. Given that the skin is our barrier to the outside, and accountable for being our first defense against germs, a blister shouldn’t be purposely popped. Podiatrists recommend using moleskin as a great alternative for guarding a blister to prevent it from breaking open. For a blister that has already popped, it is recommended to scrub the region and apply an antiseptic ointment. Then, keep the area wrapped with a bandage.
How to Deal with Shin Pain Challenges

Another more serious foot problem that can occur is shin pain. This uncomfortable condition is caused by excessive use of the lower leg by strenuous physical activities. The exact nature of the injury is still being researched, but they seem to affect a tendon located in the shin known as the posterior peroneal tendon. Given that this condition also seems to afflict people who suffer from overpronation their feet (this is the tendency of the foot to roll inward), special support devices in the shoes, known as sports insoles are especially effective.

Treatment for shin pain may include icing the area, giving it a break until it is healed, and participating in activities that are low impact such as using a stationary bicycle or swimming. To stop the injury from returning, wear sports insoles whenever engaging in impact activities.

Treating Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the conditions that can develop in the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is overstretched and becomes inflamed, torn, and irritated. The best way to treat these conditions right away is with proper arch support and cushioning, which can be provided by using sports insoles. Ice, massage, and physical therapy are also helpful.

When your feet and legs experience pain, your body is telling you something important: it needs help. Sometimes, the mere act of resting from high-impact exercises for a short period and using sports insoles is enough. Nonetheless, when more serious problems develop such as shin pain, a podiatrist should enter the picture in order to adequately figure out the problem and provide proper treatment.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch support, foot pain, orthotic insoles, orthotics, plantar fasciitis, running, shin splints | No Comments »

Chronic foot pain is in many cases a sign of a need for a surgical procedure. Even though it is sometimes a necessary path, there are non-surgical treatments that can be used to avoid a surgical procedure if undertaken soon enough. Early intervention is key when it comes to treating painful problems of the lower legs like plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and shin splints. Though some of these methods may seem eccentric, or even simplistic, they are quite useful when dealing with the beginning stages of painful issues that occur in the feet, ankles and shins.

Massage Can Help Treat Painful Feet

One useful treatment option is massage . When snug footwear is worn, feet can suffer from skin and bone problems like calluses and blisters. The best solution is to stop using shoes that hurt after the first day of wear. If you must keep wearing them, massaging the feet will help bring circulation to the muscles of the foot and will help them feel better. Aches and pains can be caused by compressed nerves, lacking blood supply, and inflammation. Massaging the affected area with gentle, rhythmic massage is the best way to soothe sore feet. Soaking in a solution of warm Epsom salts is also a great way to soothe tightened muscles and inflammation. The use of a foot cream that contains cooling action is an appropriate way to provide the foot with a refreshing boost.

Meeting the Challenges of Excess Pronation

Foot pronation is the tendency of the foot to rotate either outward or inward during walking or running motions. When the severity of inward or outward roll is severe, it can cause arch support issues, and also shin pain and pain in the heels. Acupuncture is a valid treatment for foot issues and lower leg injuries. The idea behind the needle and the certain areas they stimulate is to focus the flow of electricity and blood to the affected parts. As a result, the body is able to cure by itself, and the pain is relieved. Medical research conducted in 1996 showed that electrical stimulation of the acupuncture points in the feet was successful in returning blood flow to the areas that were stimulated.

How Arch Support Insoles Can Help Heal Feet

Wearing orthotic arch supports is a good option to provide the feet with preventive care, and also to treat lesser foot aches due to insufficient arch support. When the arch does not support itself during everyday activities, the arch becomes flat and can no longer provide proper impact support for the lower body. The full energy of the impact can cause the foot to become inflamed, have pinched nerves, and for bones to malform, just to name a few. By using arch support inserts, the arch is properly supported, and the whole foot operates properly with respect to absorption of impact. This simple supplement to your shoes can make physical activity better as well as banish foot pain.

For those who are afflicted with major foot problems and conditions, the mere act of walking can be almost impossible. Nevertheless, with adequate preventive care and gentle treatment performed in advance, the feet can be healed before the situation worsens and re-injury can be prevented.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch support, foot orthotics, foot pain, foot pronation, orthodics, orthotic insoles, orthotics, over-pronation, overpronation, pronation, shoe inserts | No Comments »

Avoiding foot pain before it begins is the best way to avoid costly and painful surgical procedures down the road. Even though many people disregard foot pain for long periods, pretending that the pain doesn’t exist or wishing it would resolve itself are inappropriate reactions to the foot pain dilemma. There are plenty of ways to help your feet stay strong, healthy, and pain-free with only a few changes to your daily routine. Here are a few reasons why metatarsalgia occurs, how to treat foot problems such as Achilles heel pain, and how minor changes, like using insoles for high heels, can help.

Foot Mechanics: The Evils of High-Heeled Shoes and Ball-of-foot Pain

High heels can cause an array of problems for feet. From the narrowing of the toe box (the region around the front of the foot) to the angle of incline, this type of footwear can do quite a bit of internal damage to feet. First, when feet are squeezed into tight shoes, as it does in a high heeled shoe, the mid-foot and toe portions of the foot are forced into an extremely narrow space. The ligaments, tendons and muscles are strained into a tight area for what the foot needs. Over time, nerves become packed together, blood flow is decreased to areas of the foot (particularly in the toes) and problems with the feet occur.

How a Foot Massage Can Ease Achilles Tendonitis

An ideal way of relieving tired and achy feet is to massage them. The gentle movement of the muscle fibers increases blood flow to the area. Massage also carries healing, oxygen-rich blood into the whole foot. Once muscles are relaxed, aggravated nerves can begin to stop firing so that pain can be relieved. If nerve endings and muscles are extremely irritated by a certain pair of shoes or an activity, swollen feet will occur. In that case, it is recommended to apply ice for 15 minutes at a time to relieve the swelling. Raising the feet above heart level during this time is also very effective in allowing the excess fluids to be drained from the foot.

Achilles Tendonitis Can Be Eased with This Stretch

Achilles tendonitis can really put a sour note in anyone’s day. The constricton of this vital tendon can cause cramping in the lower leg. It can also be a major contributor to a tear or rip during activity. The way to help the tendon relax and elongate in order to lessen pain is to direct gentle stretching to the affected part. Sit on the floor with both legs extended in a seated position. Then, slowly lean the upper body forward and the hamstring will begin to stretch out. Now that your leg muscles have increased blood flow, softly coax the feet towards the head to focus the stretch onto your Achilles tendon. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, rest for about 60-90 seconds, and repeat 5 times.

Ball-of-foot Pain Doesn’t Have to Be a Part of Your Life Anymore

In today’s world where shoes must look good (not feel good), lack of willingness to give up these types of shoes is regrettable. However, with the use of insoles for high heel shoes, metatarsalgia can be effectively relieved. It is advisable to choose shoes that have a heel with a less than 2″ heel and with a wider-profile heel such as a wedge to avoid future ball of foot pain. If feet are sore at day’s end, consider changing to flat dress shoes for a few days per week to allow the feet some time for increased blood flow which will help feet heal in between wearing higher heels. Be sure to massage and stretch to encourage utmost blood flow to the feet.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: Achilles heel, high heel insoles, high heel shoes, high heels, insoles, orthotics | No Comments »

Foot arch pain and overpronation can cause difficulties for persons of any age and can even distress an athlete’s performance on the court, field, or track. Three causes of this type of pain may be surprising to some who aren’t aware of them. Most of the causes are easily averted, however many can be hereditary. According to the Cleveland Clinic, three of the easily averted causes for arch pain include poor selection of shoe style, improper fit, and insufficient arch support . These poor decisions can all bring on painful foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic reports that 2 of the inherited foot problems that can bring on overpronation and foot arch pain include fallen arches or arches that are markedly high. Here we explain some foot procedures that remedy these conditions and how each of them can be helped.

Serious Foot Issues Can Occur Without Proper arch support

Some of the hereditary foot conditions include either flat arches or excessively high arches. Both arch problems can affect anyone, including athletes. The result of a flat arch can be foot arch pain and overpronation because this flattened part of the foot is not performing as it should. When this foot area fails to support the body’s weight, overpronation occurs which can bring on a heelspur, a bony outgrowth in the heel. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the bonespur and relieve the dicomfort. The surgeon will use a bone saw to cut away the bony protrusion to relieve the discomfort and ripped muscle tissue it had been causing. The best solution for treating both types of arch disorders so heel spurs can be avertws is by providing the foot with normal arch support through athletic insoles.

When Bunion Removal Procedures are Necessary

Bunion removal, or a bunionectomy, is the process whereby the bony bump just above the arch is detached to attain a more conventional foot shape and width. In critical cases where the big toe has turned under the other toes, the podiatrist cuts a triangle-shaped wedge out of the straight bone in the big toe to reset it to its original state. A tiny screw is used to fasten the two bone portions together. After about half a year, the screw is usually removed. Despite the fact that this condition can happen because of pointed shoes, sometimes people are born with the tendency to form bunions. Podiatrists agree that tight shoes that force the toes into a crowded position can cause bunions.

Without Proper Shoes, Painful Hammertoes Can Occur

Shoes that crowd the foot, including pointed-toe shoes, can result in development of hammertoes. This condition can affect active people that wear snug shoes during training as well. Hammertoes are, unfortunately, difficult to treat without surgical intervention. First, a podiatrist can try to splint the affected toe to try to move it into a more natural placement. However, the patient must use shoes with a wider toe box in order for this method to succeed. Hammertoes can recur if ill-fitting shoes are worn again. If forcing the toe straight with a splint fails, surgery is the lone alternative. The afflicted toe must have a section of the bone taken out to lessen its twist. The recovery period is very important, as patients who do not remain off the affected foot as suggested will fail to mend properly. The prevention for this condition is to wear well-fitted shoes.

No matter what types of activities, age, or inherited traits, foot ailments can occur in a large percentage of people. Though foot procedures can surgically repair these disorders, most of the time they are never an issue if people wear well fitting shoes and proper arch support .

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch pain, arch support, arch supports, fallen arches, flat feet, flat foot, foot arch pain, foot pain, insoles, orthotic insoles, orthotics, over-pronation, overpronation | No Comments »

It’s obvious that of all our body parts, our feet get the most use. We use them to move from place to place, and they take the force of every movement made. Every day, they consistently provide us with steady performance. That is, until a painful foot issue occurs. This can include heel spurs, hammertoes, bunions and the like. Feet need to be pampered more than any part of the body. Take good care of feet and they will give many trouble-free years. Here are three ways that feet can be pampered this summer, even in the warm weather.

How a Pedicure and Massage Can Make Foot Discomfort Disappear

The first way to spoil feet is to get a pedicure. This is a great way to remove excess dead skin from the feet and toes as well as to rehydrate the entire foot. Rehydration is one benefit of a pedicure because feet are soaked in water and then moisturized with lotion. If the salon offers the option of a warm foot bath with a moisturizerizing additive, that is an even better way to rehydrate. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, pedicure instruments that have been sterilized should always be used by the salon to prevent the spread of foot fungus from one customer to another. Pedicures not only beautify the feet, but they provide them with better circulation through massage. Since the entire lower leg and foot is usually massaged during a pedicure, the foot is relaxed and oxygen-rich blood can be circulated throughout the feet to refresh them! Even heel spurs and flat feet don’t bother feet as much after being spoiled like this!

The Mechanics of Flat Shoes

Summertime is here and thongs are worn more often at this time of the year. Foot conditions such as flat feet and heel spurs can become painful for people who use flat footwear or go bare-footed. As prescribed by most podiatrists, not having any structure in the arch can cause this region of the foot to become stretched out and irritated. Though both of these foot conditions can be treated with special orthotics, thongs simply cannot give proper arch support…until now. Special thongs for warm weather have been made just for this purpose. Look for flip-flops like these because they have built-in arch support insoles for unparalleled arch support. You can take them to the beach, go walking at the mall or even wear them to an amusement park; these sandals will give you hours of comfort. Indulge feet with flip-flops like these in lieu of wearing common, flat flip-flops.

Don’t Skip This Final Indulgence

The third way to pamper your feet during summer is to hydrate with extra water intake, stay active, and keep them raised for twenty minutes every day. Increased temperatures can cause bloating in the feet and ankles which can worsen problems such as heel spurs and flat feet. These factors can all contribute to misery after a long day. One suggested activity that really helps beat the heat as well as boost circulation is going for a swim. If activity, excellent fluid intake, and 20 minutes of foot elevation are consistent throughout the summer, feet will hurt less and swelling will be kept to a minimum.

This summer, try a pedicure, supportive shoes, and raising the feet. You’ll immediately rehydrate your skin, decrease bloating, and lessen pain. Don’t miss out on giving your feet the relaxing indulgence they deserve!

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch supports, fallen arches, flat feet, flat feet treatment, flat foot, foot pain, heel pain, heel spurs, insoles, orthotic insoles, orthotics, overpronation, pronation | No Comments »

Beginning an exercise routine can be hard to commit to, which is why many individuals to fail to stick to it. Medical experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend seeing a physician before beginning any exercise or weight loss routine because every person is different and should be assessed for medical conditions beforehand. They go on to explain that some cardiac conditions as well as orthopedic issues may pose risks to individuals performing anaerobic exercise. This includes any type of weight bearing activities. Assuming that an individual has been seen by their doctor and can move forward with activity, it is recommended to start slowly if activity has not been a regular part of their routine. Beginning slowly with a moderate speed slow jog for 20 -60 minutes, depending upon the person’s condition, is a perfect place to start.

The First Weeks of Training

Walking not only raises your heart rate, but it also augments the flow of blood to each muscle and provides the catalyst for a faster metabolism. When getting ready for a sports or team sporting game, start with one full hour of vigorous walking (at a rate of about 4 to 4.5 MPH) for week 1 with 2-minute runs every 5 minutes. Weight loss is also a result of this type of interval training, as recommended by personal trainers. If an individual has a significant amount of weight loss to pull off and is experiencing pain in their feet, the problem is usually due to flat feet. Get a doctor’s opinion right away before continuing an exercise plan. Treatment for flat feet that is sought right away in one’s exercise routine can prevent more severe foot conditions from happening later.

Moving Past the Beginner’s Stage

The second and third weeks of the exercise routine should be focused on increasing the body’s endurance. Getting muscles the essential oxygen they require during activity can be attributed to an increased ability to participate in activity for longer spans of time. Whether strolling or sprinting, the heart will learn to pump more efficiently as it starts to match the body’s need for oxygen-rich blood and sends it to the muscles. The next step is to increase running intervals for weeks 4 and 5 by jogging for 5 minutes and walking for 2 minutes. For beginners, maintain the activity for 30 minutes; advanced-level runners should continue for up to 60 minutes. If foot discomfort starts in this period of training, make an appointment with a physician about possible plantar fasciitis, a frequent ailment among people with high levels of activity. These types of conditions cause swelling and ripping in the foot tendons supporting our weight. Ask the foot doctor about plantar fascitis exercises that remedy the problem. The best treatment is continuous therapy including plantar fasciitis exercises .

Staying the Course Through Weeks 5 and 6

If you decide to get serious about it, in the final period of getting ready for an athletic event, or for those who are concerned with fitness is to run for 10 minutes and walk for 1 minute. Beginners can now be considered as intermediate runners and should continue for 30-40 minutes whereas advanced-level athletes should do this for sixty minutes. Whether trying to lose weight or increase staying power, a jogging routine like this will improve cardiovascular health from the very beginning. If painful feet proceed to be a problem at this stage and treatment has already been received, try running shoes orthotics. These devices not only give support and cushion for optimal comfort, they can prevent injuries by correcting the effects of overpronation.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch supports, fallen arches, flat feet, flat feet treatment, flat foot, foot pain, insoles, orthotic insoles, orthotics, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis treatment, pronation | No Comments »

Injuries incurred during sports activities are incidents that athletes and coaches are accustomed to. These injuries can temporarily disable the athlete, but in many cases can hurt the entire team. An injured team member can hurt the outcome of games and can have lasting influence on the season as well. Just as one missing athlete affects a team, a hurt body part has a negative impact on the entire body. Injuries such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by improper form, lack of flexibility, and overuse of the lower body. As reported by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, almost every athlete develop shin splints sometime during their career. Here are ways to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other common sports injuries.

Shin Splints: How They Originate

There are many symptoms caused by shin splints such as frontal pain in the shin area. This pain can be constant and debilitating, especially when adding pressure on the affected leg. Swelling in the area can make the leg feel tight as well as make tissues appear swollen in the muscles. Regardless of what type of activities, from running to football any athlete can be afflicted by these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be sought immediately so that proper physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can be started. Treatment for shin splints guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the injured area for one to two days. Continuing physical therapy and preventive exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the muscles in the front of the shin.

Ankle and Knee Injuries Can Make the Season Come to a Halt

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either a forceful injury, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the ankle, lower leg, and knee. Strengthening weak muscles can be accomplished through weight lifting or movements recommended by a sports therapist that target the lower leg. Damaged muscles lead to weakened support structures in the entire lower leg so that simple movements or motions can cause twisting injuries. Another effective measure for stopping these types of injuries are to provide the feet with the ideal amount of arch support. This can be accomplished through sports orthotics that support the foot during impact. The physicians at the Cleveland Clinic also advise taping the arch for extra arch support during games.

How Tearing Injuries Happen

Rupturing of the connective tissues are also common types of sports injuries. This is most commonly found in the tendon in the back of the heel and the knee ligament. An Achilles injury is generally caused by a lack of flexibility in the heel tendon due to improper stretching form. This is a crucial stage in the stretching routine that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without force are suggested for all sports participants. Experts in kinesiology advise a half-minute stretch followed by a short rest and then a repeat stretch. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments) are found in the knee and help hold the knee structure together. Injuries to this region can be avoided by strengthening the knee , calf and quadriceps through leg curls and leg extensions. Orthotics can help prevent both of these type of injuries by giving proper arch support, foot alignment, and cushioning.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch support, arch supports, fallen arches, flat feet, flat foot, foot pain, insoles, orthotic insoles, orthotics, pronation, shin pain, shin splints, sports injuries | No Comments »

Why Your Shoes Need to Have Strong Arch Support

An attractive pair of top designer shoes is one of the most desired items for a woman’s wardrobe. As a result, heels have become a unique statement of fashion. But when these types of shoes are worn regularly, an array of issues to our precious feet. Popular ones are metatarsalgia, hammertoes, bunions, and arch support issues. Not surprisingly, the University of Maryland found that uncomfortable shoes, especially those with a raised heel, can both irritate and be the cause of foot and toe issues. Men can also experience the evils of uncomfortable shoes. Ill-fitting boots for woking or shoes worn to the office can be of particular concern For both sexes, athletic activities can be a major contributor to foot pain.

Why Poorly-Fitting Shoes Can Cause Metatarsalgia

Shoes with high heels force the weight of the body towards the front of the foot. This forces more pressure onto the front of the foot rather than normally spreading weight over the full foot. Poor cushioning can also add to major foot pain. Muscles and fat in the pads of the feet, including the heels and ball of the foot, also help cushion the foot. However, the foot is unable to carry out this by itself. Cushioning and foot arch support in the shoes help to rebalance weight and absorb the energy of activities such as walking, running, jumping, and heavy lifting. Be sure to wear proper shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support.

Rigid shoes are another key source of foot pain in both men and women. In ladies, shoes that are too small or narrow, are the cuplrits for most foot pain experienced. High-heeled shoes also cause issues because they fail to give feet the right amount of arch support which can cause the arch to fall and be a main contributor of foot pain. For men, rigid shoes used during work hours can bring a unique set of difficulties. Simply put, arch support is missing in these kinds of shoes, so they are not good choices for daily-use footwear. The Mayo Clinic cites that poor choice in shoes can cause flat feet to develop, especially during athletic activities or when lifting heavy objects.

The Right Orthotics Can Provide Arch Support and Cushioning

An effective fix to relieving ball of foot pain and poor arch support is through the use of orthotic shoe inserts. These are not regular shoe inserts found at the local drug store. There are even some made especially for high heels. They provide crucial alignment and cushion for feet so they can perform optimally and stay free of discomfort.

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: foot arch support, metatarsalgia, orthotic shoe inserts | No Comments »

Reasons Why Feet Sometimes Hurt

Our bodies are astounding; they consist of the perfect arrangement of hormones, fluids, bones and muscles. Unique protection is provided in our joints and at crucial areas in the body where weight-bearing pressure points occur. But when this delicate harmony is stopped in its tracks by an injury or physical issue, severe pain can occur. Heel bone spurs and plantar fasciitis are two conditions of the feet that can cause a complete lack of mobility.

Why Heel Bone Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis Can Hurt So Much

A heel spur is a pointed protrusion of bone that has grown out of the calcaneus, or heel bone. They can be located either underneath or on the back side of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause swelling and tearing of the softer foot tissues, which is worsened with activity, or even from simply standing on the affected foot. When the location of the body growth is on the back side of the heel, it can bother the Achilles tendon and cause tenderness and swelling in that area. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this particular condition worse. Conversely, when the bony growth is in the area of the bottom of the heel, it aggravates the plantar fascia ligament, thus bringing on a condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this injury as being made worse when applying pressure on the heel.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Bone Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Nevertheless, the majority of cases are because of motion that is repeated and overextension of the plantar fascia tissue due to athletic activity, and can also be caused by heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org has found that these conditions can be made worse if a person has diabetes or arthritis. They also mention that ill-fitting footwear can also be to blame.

How to Treat Heel Bone Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

The objectives in treatment of these ailments are to diminish the inflammation of muscles and ligaments as well as prevent reinjury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be done in several ways:

• Use of NSAID pills
• Using donut-shaped shoe inserts for the heel
• Applying ice on the affected regions
• Last resort is an operation to remove the heel spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
• Use of the best arch supports available to properly align the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
• Sufficiently-cushioned shoes

Filed under: plantar fasciitis | Tagged: arch supports, fallen arches, flat feet, flat foot, foot pain, insoles, orthotic insoles, orthotics, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis treatment, pronation, sports insoles | No Comments »