Most people do not really pay attention to their heels even if they are hurting. Many just shrug off the pain, thinking that it’s just temporary and is just caused by walking long miles or by standing up in line for hours. Although feeling a little discomfort in your heels can be quite common especially if you had a long day or after a strenuous activity, persistent or acute heel pains should not be overlooked. There are some serious conditions or diseases that may be causing your heel woes.

To know more about the common types of heel pains, read on and learn.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel and arch pain is common in people who are suffering from plantar fasciitis, or an inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia, the tissue on the base of your foot that joins your heels to your toes. Usually, people with this problem feel a burning and stabbing sensation in their feet or heels, particularly in the morning, because the tissue concerned contracts or tightens during the night. Pain is also imminent after a strenuous activity, such as jogging or a tennis match.

Plantar Fasciitis is not really a serious problem particularly if you just encounter it every once in a while. However, for people who have circulation problems or diabetes, it is advised that you seek medical attention for recurring heel pains.

Stretching, applying ice on the problem area, or putting your feet up for a few minutes are some of the ways to help ease pain caused by this condition. It is also wise to find shoes that give your arch some support.

Heel Spur

Often confused with plantar fasciitis, heel spur is actually an entirely different condition. Basically, a heel spur is just a bony growth on the heel. Almost 70% of patients diagnosed with heel spur also suffer from plantar fasciitis. In fact, experts believe that inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia tissue is a major cause of the development of heel spur.

Basically, the treatment for heel spur is quite similar to plantar fasciitis: resting, stretching, applying ice packs, and using shoe inserts.

Gout

More common in men than in women, gout is an extremely painful condition that is characterized by unusually high levels of uric acid in the body and recurring joint aches. In case of gout, crystallized uric acids form in joints, such as the heels, and cause tremendous pain. You can usually get rid of this problem, albeit slowly, by eating a diet that is low in uric acid, minimizing alcohol intake, losing weight and drinking plenty of water.

Arthritis

Basically, arthritis is a joint problem characterized by inflammation. Gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are just some of the common types of this condition. Since the heels are considered as joints, it is not surprising that you can also suffer from arthritis in that area. Aside from pain, other symptoms of arthritis include swelling, stiffening of the joints, and feeling warm temperature on the area.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to arthritis. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining your normal weight, and drinking plenty of water are all helpful in minimizing your risk of developing this problem. However, if you already have one, the best think to do is take natural supplements that contain glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which are known to help alleviate stiffness of the joints and ease pain.

Also, you need Methylsulfonylmethane (more commonly known as MSM) for preventing further wear and tear of muscles and joints, Omega 3 to lubricate the joints, and trypsin, bromelain and rutin to ease pain and improve joint function. One product that contains the above ingredients and much more is Flexcerin. For additional information about how Flexcerin can help ease your joint and bone pains, just visit http://www.flexcerin.com/.

Share on Facebook

www.castlebaths.com

Share on Facebook

Yes, believe it or not, stubbing your toe can result in a serious fracture.  In fact, broken toes (also known as fractured metatarsals) are a fairly common injury.  Many people believe that since there is nothing a doctor can do about a broken toe (in the majority of cases, fractured toes are not put in casts or operated on), a toe injury is not worth a trip to a doctor.  After all, if you can still walk on it, then the toe must not be broken.  
Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Fractured toes that are left untreated can lead to serious foot problems in the future, such as deformities or arthritis.

Fractured metatarsal bones can be divided into two categories: traumatic fractures and stress fractures.  With traumatic fractures, the need for a doctor’s visit will be obvious.  Often you will hear the bone break.  The traumatic fracture can be displaced, meaning that the toe bone is dislocated and will require a doctor to “pop” the bone back into its proper position.  Displaced traumatic fractures of the toes sometimes require surgery.  Swelling and bruising often accompany both displaced and nondisplaced traumatic toe fractures.  

Stress fractures are less easy to identify.  It can be difficult to know whether your toe is simply bruised or broken.  These small, hairline breaks are common among athletes and can result from repeated stress on the foot.  They can be identified by pain in the area of the fracture.  Often the pain comes and goes depending on the activity of the injured person (i.e., a stress fracture may flare up on a run only for the pain to disappear a few hours later once the foot has rested).  Stress fractures are usually accompanied by swelling but NOT bruising, which is a sign of a traumatic fracture.  

Toe fractures should not be confused with toe sprains, and both conditions should be treated seriously.  The easiest way to distinguish fractures from sprains is to identify the location of the pain.  If the pain can be pinpointed to a particular spot (a “pinpoint” pain), then the injury is most likely a fracture.  Sprains usually result in more general pain that affects the entire injured area.  

Even if you can still walk on your injured foot, localized pain in your toes should not be ignored.  A podiatrist can provide a diagnosis and course of treatment appropriate for your injury.

Share on Facebook

What is Podiatry and what do Podiatrists do?

Podiatry or podiatric medicine is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and the knee, leg and hip (collectively known as the lower extremity). The range of disorders podiatry can address largely depends on the scope of practice laid down in national, state, and/or provincial jurisdiction.

Some podiatrists limit their practices to the non-(hospital) surgical treatment of patients. Because much work in podiatric medicine and surgery involves cutting of some kind, many procedures are considered surgical by insurance companies including tasks such as the cutting of nails, removing of corns or callus, which the generic public would not commonly consider to be surgery. These podiatrists use their skills in handling arthritic, diabetic, and other medical problems associated with the feet and lower extremities. Some use devices fitted in shoes (orthotics) or modify the shoe itself to make walking better or easier. Some practices focus on sports medicine and treat a few runners, dancers, sports players, and other athletes.

Within the scope of practice, podiatrists are the experts at foot, ankle & related leg structures surgery. Some podiatrists have primarily surgical practices. Some specialists complete additional fellowship training in reconstruction of the foot, ankle and leg. A number podiatric surgeons specialize in minimally invasive percutaneous surgery. Most podiatrists utilize medical, orthopedic, biomechanical and surgical practices. Most assuredly, surgical podiatric principles rest on a base of orthopedic and kinesthetic expertise.

Some of the typical reason to visit a local podiatrists are: Cracked heels, Heel pain, Ingrown toe nail, Neuroma , Heel pain in children, Tarsal tunnel syndrome, Foot Corns & callus, Burning foot, Arch pain, Diabetes foot care, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankle sprains, Dry skin, Sweaty feet, Flat foot , High arch foot, Foot orthotics, Hammer toe , Sever’s Disease, Calcaneal apophysitis, Calf muscle stretch, Bunion, Runners knee, Shin splints, Children’s foot problems, Fungal infection, Children’s footwear, Running shoes, Fitting footwear , Ingrown toenail, Heel spurs, Plantar fasciitis , Smelly feet, Cold feet, Pronated foot , Arch support, Poor circulation, Do I need orthotics? , Clubfoot, Charcot’s foot, Ski boot problems , Chilblains, Metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma , Foot pain, Sprained ankle, Flat feet , Bunion surgery, Footcare products, Growing pains , Gout, Peripheral neuropathy and more.

What about Orthotics?

Sophisticated custom orthotics to more rigidly support compromised joints, weak muscles, and other medical conditions are in many instances provided by orthotists. Plastic vs. metal and leather fitting, complex mechanical hinges, and fasteners to keep the orthosis affixed well to the portion of the body that the orthosis supports are a part of the process in delivering orthotic support.

In addition to providing relief for painful foot problems or an injury, those who may benefit from orthotics include people who must walk or stand excessively on the job. For those who are active in sports, orthotics will commonly improve endurance, performance and strength. For overweight individuals, orthotics can help to counteract the extra stress on the feet, as minor problems are ordinarily magnified due to the increased weight.

Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving foot fatigue and discomfort experienced by older adults, who may have developed arthritis in their feet. Orthotics may also be prescribed for children who have a foot deformity.

In athletic individuals, sports activities result in a lovely deal of movement and pressure on the foot. Slight imbalances in the foot that are not harmful or even detectable under usual circumstances may make one more vulnerable to injury with the extra stress of sports activity. By releasing the need for one’s muscles to compensate for imperceptible imbalances, orthotics can reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function to enhance performance. With enough functional correction, the foot structure can be aligned to give more propulsion, making walking, running and cycling more mechanically efficient.

Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control foot function, and may be made from a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber. These types of orthotics are mainly designed to control motion in two major foot joints, which lie directly below the ankle joint. This type of orthotic is in many instances used to improve or eliminate pain in the legs, thighs and lower back due to abnormal function of the foot.

Soft orthotic devices help to attenuate shock, increase balance and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are as a rule made of soft, compressible materials. This type of orthotic is effective for arthritis or deformities where there is a loss of protective fatty tissue on the side of the foot. They are also helpful for people with diabetes.

Semirigid orthotic devices are often used to treat athletes. It allows for dynamic balance of the foot while running or participating in sports. By guiding the foot through proper functions, it allows the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. It is constructed of layers of soft materials, reinforced with more rigid materials.

Calibrated orthotic devices are those based on the correction model and manufacturing technique advocated by Glaser (MASS position). It factors in the individual’s weight, foot flexibility and activity equal to deliver a custom calibrated without distinction of support that delivers firm but comfortable functional control while maintaining the properties of an accommodative device.

What Should I do if I belive I need to see a Podiatrist?

Make an appointment! Yes, this is somehow the most difficult thing for people to do. They suffer from symptoms like foot pain, heel pain, corns, bunions and more but they won’t effortlessly choose up the phone to get help. The costs are often covered by health insurance companies – check with your doctor for more mental capacity. Take some time today to get started and your feet will make the rest of your month that much better for you. The longer you wait, the worse it could get.

Share on Facebook

Foot arch pain in runners can be excruciating. If you have an active lifestyle, it’s difficult to adjust your routine to limit your physical activity once you encounter heel or arch pain. It is important for runners to be aware of the symptoms and treatments for some of the more common types of heel or foot arch injuries. Understanding the different types of sports injuries is the key to effective treatment of heel pain in runners.

Plantar Fasciitis Explained

When the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue in the sole of the foot that supports the arch of the foot is inflamed, it causes plantar fascitis pain. The plantar fascia runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. This band of tissue supports your full body weight when the feet are on the ground. Inflammation occurs when this tissue is stretched too far and tears. The effects of the stress can build up gradually or be the result of a sudden movement.

Plantar Fasciitis is Often the Cause of Foot Pain In Runners

Plantar fasciitisis a common type of foot arch pain in runners for a number of reasons. Runners often have exercise routines that are simply too long, and too stressful on the feet and plantar fascia, especially those individuals who suffer from flat feet. Repetitive stress on the plantar fascia can be caused by wearing shoes that lack support and running routines that are too long. This causes tears in the fibers and results in inflammation and severe pain.

The following are some of the more common causes of Plantar Fasciitis:

abrupt increase in physical activity such as playing sports or running excessive pronation of the feet shoes that do not fit properly and insufficient arch support gaining weight

Where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel is commonly where the pain is felt. As you sleep, the plantar fascia shortens, and when you wake up and stretch, there is often a great deal of pain. When you get up, the sudden stretch and load of your body weight pulls on the attachment to the heel bone. Symptoms of heel pain in runners vary from mild to severe. The pattern of pain can be very unpredictable over months at a time. Often, the pain goes away for several weeks, but can easily come back after a single workout or change in activity.
The pain may even temporarily fade as you walk. Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition that runners experience, and along with the triggers shown above, may occur by sudden increase in your training schedule, or by changing running surfaces. This is noticeable, mostly when going from a soft surface to a harder one.

Avoiding Plantar Fasciitis

While plantar fascitis can be treated, it does not heal quickly. heel pain in runners can be avoided in a number of ways. Most sports physiotherapists recommend the following approach to prevent Plantar Fasciitis:

Stretch – before, during, and after physicalactivity. Tight hamstring and/or calf muscles (in back of thigh) limit range of motion and put extra strain on the plantar fascia. Stretching as a warm up and as a cool down will help you move easily, keep muscles flexible and relaxed, joints mobile and relieve tension and strain. It is highly recommended that you stretch the plantar fasciitis before exercise.

Adequate Shoes and Orthotic Shoe Inserts – Ensure that you have good footwear. An effective way to improve foot biomechanics is to wear orthotic shoe inserts inside the shoes. Going barefoot is a bad idea, even at home. Avoid shoes without arch support, and get used to running on a soft surface.

Change Your Activity – Consider swimming or cycling, as they may be a better exercise option for you. When you begin running, begin at a much lower level of intensity and a shorter distance, then you can build up gradually. Lessen the time you spend on your feet and reduce the intensity of your training.

Ice – Applying ice to the heel can help to reduce the inflammation and pain. Place your foot on a frozen bottle of water or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel three or four times a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time. Never ice more than once an hour to prevent risk of ice burn to desensitized tissue.

If the problem persists, talk to a podiatrist or physiotherapist.

Share on Facebook