Basic Steps to Take Care Of Your Body

Image via WikipediaIf you're aiming to keep yourself in good physical shape, especially with advancing age, it is never really too late. When it comes to healthy living, there is no age limit and starting off with a well-balanced diet comprising of fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables, fish, and a right serving of meat is the initial step.

Next is proper exercise to promote muscle tone and increase blood circulation which is actually great for your heart and lungs. Always remember to take your daily doses of vitamins and minerals. It is also important to eat foods rich in antioxidants, this will help reduce free radicals and could prevent cancer. These are beans (red, red kidney), berries (wild berries, blue berries), vegetables (spinach, kale), and even coffee, rich in antioxidants.

Another important aspect of keeping your body healthy is of course is to prevent any kind of injury as much as possible. If you have sustained an injury or in any kind of chronic pain, seek medical attention immediately.

One of the most ignored injures of the body is probably anything involving the foot. At times, we can manage or treat any kind of heel or foot pain with pain relievers, a simple massage or placing ice packs on the affected area. But when the pain persists in spite of all these simple treatments, we tend to take more pain relievers than usual. When the injury is not managed properly, this can lead to chronic foot pain. All sorts of foot pain conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunion or Achilles tendinitis can occur and with these kinds of conditions, it is best to consult a podiatrist.

Family Foot and Leg Center is a medical center specializing in healing health issues with lower leg and ankle. Come to us to get treatment for all your foot and lower leg disorders.

Do Not Ignore Your Heel Pain

Image via WikipediaHeel pain affects hundreds of people each year. Sad to say, this health condition is mostly ignored in America. Statistics show that foot injuries in America are very common compared to other parts of the body. Surprisingly, the feet rank lowest on the list of body parts and functions that Americans consider important to their health according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

The condition of the foot is directly proportional to a person's quality of life and health. When our feet are functioning normally and in good condition, we can do about anything and have a normal, pain-free life, without any kind of limitations.

However, when the foot is under some sort of pathologic condition and is experiencing even the slightest pain, this could mean all sorts of health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, obesity, circulatory problems and a lot more.

Most often, Americans don't seek a podiatrist even when experiencing foot pain and usually self medicate by taking pain relievers. This practice provides only temporary relieve and in fact, this can cause more injury to the foot.

We experience foot pain when there is something wrong with its biomechanics. This could be an inflamed fascia, a torn ligament, a slight fracture or even just a minor irritation. This pain tells the brain not put too much pressure to the affected foot, that's why we sometimes limp when we walk. Sometimes, when pain is severe, we are forced to rest and lay immobilized even if we don't want to. This has an important purpose, as resting the foot allows it to heal itself. Now, if we take pain medications this healing process is skipped and can lead to further injury or worse: chronic heel or foot pain.

Family Foot and Leg Center is a medical center specializing in healing health issues with lower leg and ankle. Come to us to get treatment for all your foot and lower leg disorders.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Image by kharied via FlickrOne of the frequent causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue in the sole of the foot from the heel to the front of the foot.

There are certain things that can increase the risk of developing this type of foot pain.

People who regularly engage in sports activities involving running, jumping, dancing, and repetitive foot pounding are most likely to develop plantar fasciitis.

Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is very tight calf muscles. This can lead to overstretching of the plantar fascia which can cause much pain. Foot and sports therapists can give deep massages and prescribe a good stretching program to improve the condition.

Many people do not realize it but wearing shoes without proper support can make you susceptible to developing heel pain and foot pain. One of the most neglected areas of the body is the foot. It is important to wear comfortable shoes that provide good arch support. Shoes with slightly raised heels reduce stress on the plantar fascia. In some instances, orthotics can be prescribed by the podiatrist to alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.

People who are overweight have greater risk of having plantar fasciitis. As much as possible, keep your weight ideal. Doing this will not only decrease your risk for developing heel pain but will also make your whole body healthier.

Over-pronation or flat feet can cause heel pain. When the foot flattens during walking or running, the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone can stretch excessively and thus cause foot pain and even swelling. Orthotics can reduce the occurrence of plantar fasciitis and relieve heel pain.

Repetitive activities such as jobs that require prolonged standing combined with unsupportive footwear can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis. Again, wear shoes with adequate arch support to address this problem.

Recovery can be slow in patients with plantar fasciitis. It is best to consult a podiatrist to have your condition properly assessed and managed.

Posterior Heel Pain Due To Achilles Tendinitis

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Posterior heel pain can be due to many different factors but the most common cause of heel pain at the back of the heel is Achilles tendinitis.

The Achilles tendon is a fibrous tissue located behind the foot and attaches to the heel bone to the calf muscles. It is the strongest and thickest tendon in the body and provides various roles from balancing and providing elastic energy in running, walking and hopping.

With each step, the Achilles tendon may be subjected to 3 to 12 times the body weight. Although tendons are tough, they are not very flexible which makes them vulnerable to tears, ruptures, or inflammation.

Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This occurs when the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed causing severe pain behind the foot. Achilles tendinitis is often related with running or jumping injuries and other sports-related foot injuries. Sometimes, the strain associated with these activities is so severe that it can cause soreness and stiffness which later progresses if left untreated.

The pain in Achilles tendinitis is at the back of the leg and above the heel. There can be mild swelling on the area plus tenderness that usually improves with mild activity. If you feel tendon pain, discontinue rigorous activities involving the foot. Instead, gentle stretching can be done.

When pain is felt, an ice pack can be placed over the area. NSAIDs or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be taken. Always take into consideration that wearing the wrong shoes can induce more injury.

It is imperative that you consult a podiatrist  if the pain becomes severe or causes disability. Other instances that necessitate a visit to the physician include sudden, severe heel pain, inability to bend the foot downward, not being able to walk on your toes, failure to walk normally, or if you cannot put weight on your foot.

The Common Reason for Heel Pain

Image via WikipediaHeel pain is a common complaint of patients with many possible causes. Though it can be due to a systemic disease like gout or arthritis which affects any joint in the body, there are a lot more conditions that specifically affect the foot locally. For this reason, it is imperative to get the correct diagnosis based on the signs and symptoms, physical examinations and laboratory work because each condition is treated differently.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a strong connective tissue that attaches to the Calcaneus or the heel bone to the toes of the foot. It is responsible for and maintains the arch of the foot. When walking or running, the plantar fascia is under constant stress. Oftentimes this structure gets injured when overstretched or overloaded. This can cause minute tears on the fascia near the heel bone resulting in inflammation and severe pain.

Plantar fasciitis often affects individuals who are overweight, pregnant women, patients with diabetes and those who wear improper footwear. Athletes like runners, volleyball players, tennis players and soccer players are also often affected. This condition also occurs in step aerobics, stair climbing, when lifting heavy objects or can also occur in the elderly due to degenerative diseases.

Signs and symptoms:

1. Severe pain when palpating the bottom of the heel.

2. Pain due to prolonged standing or walking.

3. Pain while resting which continues the following day.

4. Unable to walk straight.

Diagnosis:

Getting a thorough medical history, physical examination, taking note of pertinent signs and symptoms are important in arriving to a correct diagnosis. Also, diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-ray, ultrasound and other imaging modalities, laboratory work like blood uric acid levels can be done to rule out arthritis.

Treatment:

1. Rest the affected foot

2. Limit activities

3. Stretching before walking or any activity

4. Ice packs

5. Buy special footwear for heel pain (z-coil)

Surgery:

Although most patients recover from non-surgical treatments, there is a very small percentage where surgery is required for plantar fasciitis.