HEALTH AND FITNESS TIPS FOR ALL

By Heather Clay

Arthritis is a disease which causes pain and damage to the body's joints. Any joint can be affected, and all will cause different quality of life issues. One of the problems that affects many sufferers is arthritis knee pain. There are different causes for this pain depending on the type of arthritis that you have.
The knee is made up of three bones. It is located where the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia meet. It is protected in the front by a bone known as the patella, or kneecap. There are a number of tendons and ligaments which hold the bones in the proper alignment and allow the bones to hinge properly. There is also cartilage which is located on the bones and under the kneecap that cushions the joint and prevents damage to the leg bones. A tissue pad called the meniscus also helps cushion the joint.
In osteoarthritis, knee pain is a result of the break down in cartilage. The ends of the bones become rough and jagged in later stages of the disease, and knee damage and pain can result. Osteoarthritis is normally a disease which affects older people but younger people who have injured their joints may also experience the symptoms of osteoarthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the joints and can destroy cartilage. There is inflammation, heat and swelling in addition to joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age, which makes it different than osteoarthritis.
There are a few different ways that you can treat knee pain that comes from arthritis. There are anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin that are designed to support and repair cartilage. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, there are oral medications which are designed to modify the way the disease is affecting you. They include methotrexate. Gold therapy is also used although this is much less common now that safer drug alternatives have been discovered.
If you are suffering from pain in your knees, you should check with your doctor to make sure that there are no untreated injuries. This can include torn cartilage, damaged ligaments, or even a dislocated kneecap. Surgery can correct these. If your joints are severely damaged by arthritis, you may need to have the joint surgically replaced.
Other non medical means of treatment can include heat wraps and arthritis creams. These can soothe sore joints and provide some relief. Remember that you should never heat a joint that has been affected by rheumatoid arthritis. You want to calm the heat that is in the joint, not add to it. You also want to make sure you are continuing to use the joint since letting it become immobile will not help and you will end up with more severe problems down the road. Arthritis websites or a rheumatologist can help you establish a safe and effective exercise routine.
Knee pain can be one of the most difficult aspects of arthritis to deal with. You use your knees for so much in your life that having pain can cause problems in your every day routines. Knowing what your treatment options are can help you get on with your life and stay as normal as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Clay

By Rochelle Gravance

Most knee injuries occur because of damage to the knee from stretching, twisting or stressing it from a particular direction. How to relieve knee pain with exercise depends on the severity of the knee injury and where it is located. The type of treatments typically involved with knee injuries consist of compression wraps, rest, ice, elevation, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and exercise. Surgery is only suggested as a last resort after the swelling and inflammation is down.
Strengthening muscles around the injured knee helps it regain stability and flexibility, with the focus of the exercises depending on where the injury is located. Exercise training could be in applied to several areas - the hamstrings (back of the thigh); calf; hip; ankle; or quadriceps (muscles in back of the thigh). Exercises to relieve knee pain can be done at home, at physical therapy offices, athletic clubs, fitness centers, clinics or hospitals.
Rehabilitation stages
The purpose of the early stages of knee rehabilitation is to achieve a full range-of-motion of the knee joint. But the knee is not the only part of the body affected, as rehabilitation involves a progressive state of exercises ranging from the knee to the hip, to ankle strengthening. This involves adequate exercises that will improve the person's balance and stability along with improving knee pain. Strengthening the knee area from a work-related or sport-related injury, affected by the individual's personal activities, needs to be done in order to prevent further injury to the same area.
Generally, relieving knee pain with exercise takes about two to four weeks before returning to normal activities. However, it may take longer to maintain maximum knee stability with further exercises or physical therapy. Obviously, all knee injuries can never be treated the same way. Some may be successful with exercises, depending on several factors:
• What type of injury has happened to the knee
• What is the amount of damage to the knee
• What will be the lifestyle after the knee is fixed - sports or daily activities?
• Is the patient willing to change or modify his lifestyle if needed because of the knee injury?
• A strong motivation is needed through the knee rehabilitation in order for the knee to be strengthened.
Taking a break from high knee activity when doing knee exercises
Relieving physical activity when living with knee pain will help the knee get better with less pain. Things like running and playing sports should be avoided as they will place more emphasis on the injured knee and legs. Exercises with knee pain should be combined with low-impact activities - swimming, nonimpact elliptical training, use of proper shoes, or arch support inserts.
Knee joint exercise may require icing the knees for up to 20 minutes after the exercise period. Used to decrease knee pain, ice is also used to speed healing of the muscles and tissues in the area. Elastic wraps can be used to hold the ice. Footwear is also important for someone with a knee injury. Running shoes or walking shoes are made different than normal everyday shoes. Some individuals use arch support placed in the shoe, while others may need to use temporary braces or supports until the knee is healed.
Exercises to relieve knee pain should be done for a couple of minutes at a time. It is also good to do them twice a day. Exercises come from a doctor or physical therapist, with directions regarding their usage and how long. Most will involve quad exercises, as they make the person's front thigh muscles much stronger. This is important as it controls the front of the kneecap and its movements.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rochelle_Gravance

By Kim Christensen 

Though our knee is a large joint which has a lot of weight as well but its motions are not as much as other joints in our body. It can bend to almost 120 degrees and supports the leg. It cannot move in just any direction. The strength of the knee comes from its limited motion but it is not made so that I can take a lot of stress.
The knee stretches to a straight leg and hence it needs to be stable. In case it cannot stretch fully, the muscles need to support the body all the time and that puts a lot of continuous strain. We can relax usually when out knee locks in the straight position. The horses can sleep standing upright because they rest on their knees. If you wobble knee side to side a lot, that causes a lot of stress on the side ligaments and it might lead to a lot of problems.
There are two compartments of cartilage in our knee. One is the inner cartilage and the other is the outer cartilage. In case the cartilage is even, the leg can bow in or out but in case you are overweight, then you are bound to have a lot of knee troubles. You should not do things that will increase your pain. You should use a can as it is helpful and also an elastic bandage in case of any injury. You should avoid using a pillow near the knee as it might cause the knee to stiffen and not straighten out in the night.
You can start with exercises and can repeat them many times a day. Swimming does not involve any weight lifting, so that can be done as well. When you start, focus on straightening the leg and flexing it. If you have a help to move your leg and help in movements, then it will be better rather than doing it alone yourself. The bottom line is to work at getting your leg straightened. You can then go for isometric exercises. You need to tense the muscles in your upper leg, front and back so that your leg does not have to move but there is exertion of force. Do this for two seconds and then stop for two seconds. Do this ten times continuously three times a day. Then slowly begin active exercises. Working on a bicycle with a low gear is a good starting option. Stationary bicycles are a good option. You can start walking as well as this is a good exercise. You can increase the distance gradually. Do not do exercises that put a lot of stress on the knee.

By Rochelle Gravance

Knee pain is the most common ailment of the body. Ironically the knee is the most complicated joint; it bears virtually all the body weight while performing straightening, bending, twisting and rotating functions. All these functions increase the risk of knee injury. Whereas the more acute knee injuries like torn ligament and cartilages are more prevalent in sports involving jumping, running and turning.

However these injuries are caused when the knees are overworked. These pains gradually develop over days or weeks and gradually worsen over time. When muscles and tendons are overstretched microscopic tears occur (the prevalent pain is usually as a result of inflammation). Avoid chronic problems by giving the tear time to heal. Knee pain is usually caused by the following:

1. When the knees are overworked over a short period of time- this usually occurs when one indulges in very strenuous exercises after a very long exemption.

Usually, the risk of knee injury is higher with age- it can lead to knee osteoarthritis, which is a gradual disintegration of the cartilage.

2. Runner's knee-It is usually found in young people and it is a diffuse pain behind the knee cap. The pains usually get worse after activities such as running and climbing.

There are various solutions or ways of preventing knee pain through exercise but they all center on developing the muscles and supporting the knee.

Knee injuries require time to heal; exercises should be done gradually by increasing the count, and should be stopped once you experience any pain. During these exercises the muscle will tear and after the process of healing the muscle becomes bigger and stronger. These exercises help to correct the problems in the knee joint. Here are some of the exercises required to solve and prevent knee injuries and pain:
Knee exercise for runners - by indulging in this form of exercise you will get to muscle groups in the body like the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Leg raises - this is a simple exercise and it can be done at home.
Standing leg raises - this kind of exercise needs support and it is very similar to the leg raises.
Single leg dip - this exercise strengthens the knee and squads. It also requires support on both sides.
Wall squat - this is a simple compound quad exercise for runners. However, the quadriceps strengthening contraction is possibly the safest, easiest and most recommended exercise you can perform to avoid knee pain and injury. You can always do most of these exercise even while watching television especially if you find difficult to fix exercise in to your program. For optimum result, adhere to the recommendations of the experts like the fitness trainers, gym instructors as well as your physical therapist.

It is important to note that the most feasible way of protecting your knee from injury is by developing and strengthening the muscles around the knee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rochelle_Gravance

By Yoli Morris

Beauty is pain - just ask the woman strolling down the Park Avenue with 4 inch heels on. Sure, she's been walking in those toe smugglers for almost thirty minutes, but switching them out for a more comfortable pair of walking shoes would be a crime against fashion humanity! You would be hard pressed to try to separate a woman from her heels - and you may not have to. There are steps that women can take to ensure that their feet are well taken care of in the midst of wearing beloved high heels.
Wearing shoes with a high heel is not necessarily a bad thing as long as they are worn infrequently and for short periods of time. It is when high heels are worn continuously that they can definitely become harmful. A common cry of calf pain when switching from high to low heels is often heard. This is due to the shortening of the calf muscle when you wear nothing but high heeled shoes.
To insure that you avoid total foot discomfort after a long day in heels, wash your feet daily. You are not required to spend an inordinate amount of time soaking your feet as long as you pay extra attention to your feet while in the bathtub or when showering. After washing your feet, dry them thoroughly and gently making sure not to spread your toes too far as they may crack or fissure between the toe webs. At this point, sprinkle a good foot powder between your toes.
Because your feet are in a cramped state throughout the day, your muscles weaken and the bones of your foot do not stay in place. Following this simple exercise for your feet can help alleviate and prevent major discomfort:
Sit on a chair with your legs extended out in front of you. Insure that your knees are stiff and that your heels are on the floor. Next, grip the floor hard with your toes. This helps to flex your toes. Follow this motion by raising your toes toward the ceiling. Continue the gripping and extending toes motion to loosen muscles.
Following these simple steps will make all the difference between having happy feet or a cracked and broken monstrosity hiding underneath 4-inch black patent leather Jimmy Choo's.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yoli_Morris

By Ingrid Palmer

Are you suffering from damaged skin? Learn how to heal damaged skin safely and effectively the natural way. If your skin has been damaged due to much sun exposure, smoking, environmental factors such as wind, heat, cold climatic conditions or just general neglect. There is hope of having smooth skin if you do the right things.
Your skin needs nourishment in order to be healthy. If you want healing from the inside, which is really what is needed then you have to provide your skin with lots of vitamins and minerals.
Your diets should be rich in antioxidant foods such as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidant will help to fight free radicals which are one of the major culprits of damaged skin. You should also ensure you are getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. Eating a serving of fish twice weekly will help to obtain this. Fish such as tuna, trout, mackerel, salmon and hoki are high in Omega 3s. If you do not enjoy eating fish, try taking a high quality Omega 3 fish oil supplement. This will go a long way in boosting your skin's appearance.
A very important step towards healing damaged skin is to avoid chemical laden products. Most of the products advertised on the market today contain artificial synthetic substances such as alcohol, parabens, dioxane, fragrances and toulene. Most of these will dry your skin causing irritation and wrinkles to form. Look for natural ingredients in any skin care product you purchase.
It cannot be stressed enough that way to true healing and rejuvenation is to always find and use all natural organic products. Natural substances works well with the natural oils and proteins of your skin therefore you will not have to worry about any harmful side effects. Your skin will be looking beautiful, smooth and vibrant.
Some ingredients that have worked wonderfully in skin care products are Active Manuka Honey, Natural Vitamin E, Babassu, Avocado oil, jojoba and grapeseed oil. Cynergy TK and Phytessence Wakame. These have been proven to work effectively in restoring your skin glow and tone making it smooth and supple.
Don't opt for cheap filler ingredients that claim to be natural look for a high percentage of the natural ingredient before you make any purchase. Carefully read the label of any product to ensure it does not contain those harmful ingredients I mentioned above.
The only way to learn how to heal damaged skin is to stick to a healthy lifestyle and use natural products that will moisturize, build collagen and repair your skin from the inside out.
If you would like to learn more visit my website and sign up for my 5-part mini anti aging course. It will show you how to achieve beautiful skin.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ingrid_Palmer

By Mark Bromson, M.D.

A patient named Richard recently came to me for what he described as pain in his heel. His story is not unlike others I've heard and I believe it's worth repeating in his own words:

"I'm a construction worker and have to be on my feet most of the time. My feet never gave me any trouble until a few weeks ago when I had to carry lumber up and down stairs several times a day. After about a week on the job I noticed pain in my heel to the extent that I could barely walk. I had a vacation coming up so I thought I'd give it a rest to see if it got better. But it's just as bad and even worse first thing in the morning. What can possibly be causing it?"

Heel pain happens to be the most common foot problem and affects two million Americans every year. When you consider the amount of stress you put on your feet on a daily basis by just standing and walking, it's amazing there aren't more feet problems. Injuries to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the legs produce painful conditions that can also plague your feet.

Richard's case is not unusual. As a guy in his upper 50's who has worked in a physical job most of his life, he depended on his feet to keep him going. After years of pounding his feet finally said, enough! Most people take their feet for granted. Let's face it; unless you have pain in every step, you happily go about your daily activities without consideration for the harm you might be doing to your poor feet.

Why is your heel the most likely to be affected? As the largest bone in the foot and the part that absorbs the greatest amount of pressure, the heel often hits the ground at increased velocity especially during high impact aerobic activities. The pain can occur in the front, back, or bottom of your heal. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Morning Heel Pain - Although staying off your feet will relieve the pain temporarily it returns promptly when weight is placed on your feet for the first time in the morning pain.
• Tenderness and Swelling - This can be the first sign that something is wrong. Many people don't realize that they have an injury until they feel tenderness and swelling in their heel.
• Localized Pain - Indicating where the pain is felt helps to determine what the problem might be.
• Numbness and Tingling - This could indicate a pinched nerve or a heel spur interfering with nerves functioning properly in the heel.

What Can Possibly Be Causing The Pain?
When patients like Richard complain of heel pain it is important to gather as much information about lifestyle and overall health issues. There are several risk factors that may contribute to foot pain such as obesity, diabetes, standing on your feet most of the day, suddenly becoming very active, or having flat-feet or a high arch.

Aging also plays a role in developing heel pain. As you get older, the fat pad on your heel becomes thinner and can't absorb as much stress from walking or running. Additional shock can damage the plantar fascia and cause it to swell, tear or bruise. Other factors include:
• Shoes - How your shoes fit and support your feet is extremely important. Ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on your heel, add strain during movement and cause misalignment throughout the foot.
• Exercise - Athletes often overdo it and find themselves adding strain to the heel of the foot. Taking the proper precautions before and after workout, wearing supportive athletic shoes, and gradually warming up to a more rigorous work-out can prevent possible injuries.
Some common medical conditions affecting heels and feet include:
• Plantar Fasciitis - This is the most common cause and occurs when the ligament that runs the length of the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia ligament) becomes inflamed due to a tear. Pain is usually felt in the front underside of the heel as an indication of plantar fasciitis.
• Heel Spurs - These are pointed, bony fragments that extend from the heel and point forward toward the toes. When the spur tears through tissue and nerves of the foot pain can be excruciating.
• Achilles Tendonitis - in this condition, the tendon along the back of the heel and ankle (Achilles tendon) tears and becomes inflamed causing pain in the back of the heel.
• Severs Disease - Common in children ages 9-15 this condition sometimes develops from strenuous physical activity. It causes pain in their feet, particularly their heels. Pain in the lower back portion of the underside of the heel can signal the development of Severs Disease.
• Metatarsalgia - A condition affecting the ball-of-foot area which becomes inflamed often caused as a result of wearing high heeled shoes.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - This condition is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist but in this case it is the tibial nerve that becomes pinched causing inflammation and pain.
What Can You Do About Heel Pain?
There are some very simple things you can do for heel pain. If you are a runner or do high impact aerobics, cut back on your workouts, at least temporarily. Ask your doctor about using inserts for your shoes called orthotics that help support your feet. If you are overweight, try losing a few pounds to relieve some of the pressure on your feet. If you have to stand for long periods of time, place some type of padding on the floor where you are standing. This helps to provide a cushion to lesson your heel pain.
Stretching exercises are also beneficial and should be done at least twice a day. Stretching should be done with slow, gradual movements...no bouncing. Stand with your hands against a wall and your painful leg slightly behind your other leg. Keep both heels on the floor and slowly bend both knees, holding the stretch for 10-15 seconds. Repeat 6-8 times a day.
Over the counter pain medications may be helpful such as Tylenol, Aleve, or ibuprofen to help with the inflammation and to ease your pain. Consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Treatments for heel pain are effective in 90% of patients who seek medical help and take the necessary steps to relieve their discomfort. Remember to see your doctor when you feel the first sign of pain to effectively treat the condition and keep it from returning. As for Richard, he is back on his feet with new orthotics fitted to relieve the pressure on his heel. Don't wait if heel pain is your problem. You too can be up and running again in no time!
Mark Bromson, M.D.

By Larry Huppin, DPM and Doug Hale, DPM 

Many people experience back of heel pain where there is swelling and a sore heel in one or both feet. When this happens, the back of the fott hurts when walking, running, or standing. A person may notice a bump at the back of the calcaneus, swelling and enlargement of the heel bone, and an area that is tender to the touch. Pain is most likely due a common cause, which include Haglund's deformity (a "pump bump" or bump on the heel bone), Achilles tendonitis (swelling in this tendon), Achilles Calcific Insertional Tendonitis (increased bone formation where the Achilles attaches into the heel bone) and Retrocalcaneal bursitis (a fluid filled sac). In each of these foot conditions there may be swelling and inflammation with posterior heel pain. Some people walk with a limp due to severe heel pain or find it hard to take longer strides.

Steps to Eliminate Back of Heel Pain
If you suffer from this problem, it's important to make every effort to treat it conservatively. In most cases, it's possible to avoid surgery, which has long recovery times and risks of complications. Here are some suggestions to try:

Wear the right shoes: Tight shoes or high heels can contribute to severe heel pain, so avoid these types of shoes. The shoe pressure often makes the pain worse and can even make it harder to stand or move. Instead, a roomy shoe with a slight to moderate heel lift is a better choice. These shoes help reduce the stress on the tendon. Also, avoid walking in bare feet and wearing flat-soled shoes.

Use custom orthotics: Several studies have shown that custom orthotics helps people who have back of heel pain. Custom orthotics are fitted to the foot and inserted into the shoe for a better fit and alignment of the heel. These devices can decrease tension or a "twist" on the Achilles tendon.

Stretching and strengthening exercises: The calf muscle and Achilles tendon area should both be stretched on a regular basis. There are also specific types of strength exercises to try. A podiatrist can help determine whether strengthening the Achilles tendon might be beneficial.

Wearing a walking boot: This device is for severe morning pain to help calm the area. It keeps the foot immobilized for a short period of time.

Anti-inflammatory medications: If posterior foot pain is a problem, anti-inflammatory medications can temporarily reduce the swelling. While this treatment doesn't cure the underlying problem and should be used short-term, it will make the pain more tolerable. After that, a treatment plan can be developed with a podiatrist.

Lose weight: Losing weight can be the most effective treatment. This is because carrying extra weight causes the Achilles tendon to experience forces equivalent to many times body weight during regular, daily activities. If weight loss is a likely cause of posterior foot pain, make a concerted effort to work with a nutritionist, trainer or doctor to take off the pounds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Huppin,_DPM

By Vincent Rogers

How is Heel Pain Treated?
Treatment for heel pain should always begin with calf stretching exercises. You should be seen by a physiotherapist who will show you precisely do calf stretching exercises properly and effectively. Simple orthotics can be beneficial. Simple heel cushions alleviate pressure from the sore part of your heel. It is advised that you try first line treatment for two to three months before seeking further treatment. For eight to nine out of ten patients with heel pain, stretching exercises and in some cases orthotics, are sufficient to ease the pain.
For those who are still in significant pain despite trying conservative treatment, it is recommended that you ask your GP to refer you to a foot and ankle specialist. They will assess you and may consider the following treatments:

• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
• Non-steroid injections
• Surgical calf stretching

How is Heel Pain Assessed?
A consultant orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon undertakes a full examination of your foot. You should also have an ultrasound scan. Specialist services can assess for a process known medically as neovascularity. This means that the scan shows there are too many small veins feeding the tendon, perpetuating the swelling and pain. Small nerves follow the vessels. If this is the case, injections are helpful.
About Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain
Each session takes about 15 minutes. Patients lie on their front while the shockwave is applied with a machine which is a little like a small pneumatic press. Patients experience some discomfort during the procedure and there may be slight redness on the skin after treatment. More rarely, the heel pain becomes slightly worse after treatment before getting better. A total of three sessions are required, with intervals of no more than one to two weeks between each session.
How Does Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain Work?
It is understood that shockwave therapy works in two ways:

• Shockwaves cause micro damage to tissue in the affected area and in so doing, stimulate healing
• The treatment has a direct effect on the nerve endings which make them less sensitive and therefore less likely to transmit pain

The benefit of shockwave therapy for heel pain is often not felt until after the third session. The treatment works well for 80 per cent of patients. The effect of the treatment is usually permanent and there is no need to return for further sessions at a later date.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recently evaluated shockwave therapy for heel pain in August 2009. The recommendation was that the treatment is effective and should be offered, providing centres audit their results and inform patients of possible side-effects.
Surgical Calf Stretching
Known medically as Gastrocnemius Release, surgical calf stretching is an established procedure, for the treatment of heel pain. It is carried out as a day procedure and is minimally invasive, using a very small incision behind the knee. Surgical calf stretching is a way of stretching the tight calf muscle in a very controlled way and allows release of strain from the affected heel area.
Non-steroid Injections
Only non-steroid injections should be used for heel pain. This is because repeated steroid injections may lead to an increase risk of Achilles rupture.
Non-steroid injections are particularly helpful for people with neovascularity, when the Doppler scan shows there is a large number of small veins feeding a swollen tendon and perpetuating the pain. A course of three injections is normally given, with several weeks between each injection. Injections are carried out under ultrasound guidance to ensure the injection reaches the target area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Rogers

By LL Brown

Most long distance runners and joggers often experience pain at the bottom of their heel. Such heel pain can be quite uncomfortable as it can hamper daily activity. One of the main reasons why people suffer from such heel pain is due to the plantar fascia tissue that runs across the bottom on the sole. It is this tissue that connects the five toes of the toe to the base of the heel. When people run, they often land on their heel and in order to propel themselves for the next jump, they need to raise themselves onto their toes, thus causing all pressure to be transferred directly onto the plantar fascia tissue. Such a repetitive action can cause immense pain to the tissue, resulting in its tearing.
Apart from running, there are also many other causes for increased pressure on this tissue such as wearing the wrong types of shoes. If a woman were to wear shoes that had a very stiff sole or were very wide on the ball of the foot, she would suffer from aggravated pressure on this tissue. In fact, even running too fast can affect this tissue. If you suffer from heel pain and it has been diagnosed as plantar fascia, the best thing you can do is to limit the amount of exercise you do. This means you have to avoid running and limit the distance you walk daily. The less the amount of pressure you apply on the foot, the better are the chances of your foot healing. It is also advisable that you wear shoes that offer you the right type of arch support.
If the heel pain is still unbearable, your last option would be to visit a podiatrist as such doctors offer various non-surgical solutions to cure such tissue tears. It is better to ensure that the podiatric doctor is able to provide you with the right medication to treat your foot. Many people all across the world often dismiss heel pain as something negligible and as such continue to work through the pain.
It is only when the pain becomes unbearable that they start thinking about visiting a podiatrist for treatment. Hence, it is best that one always takes proper care of their foot so as to protect it in the long run. Make sure that you purchase shoes that offer you proper heel support, preferably with padded cushioning. At the same time, ensure that the sole of your shoe is not hard as this could cause hardening of the skin around the heel, adding to the pain.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LL_Brown

By Raymond Geok Seng Lee

The average person walks about 100,000 miles which is equivalent of four times around the Earth over the course of a lifetime. And every single step along the way exerts hundreds of pounds of pressure on the feet. Actually, for all wear and tear they endure, your feet hold up surprisingly well. Their complex construction makes them quite sturdy and flexible. Unfortunately, man people wrongly believe that foot pain is normal and part of the price that humans have to pay for walking upright. Foot pain is not necessary caused by something serious. But like any other pain, it is your body's way of telling you that something is not right and needs attention. Here are some tips that you can consider helping your feet to feel better.
1. Take A Break From Shoes
You know how much better you will feel when you slip out of your shoes at the end of the day. Your feet appreciate it too. The human foot was designed to be bare. Therefore, kick off your shoes whenever you can.
2. Try Sole Support
If your feet is constantly ache, consider wearing insoles. They are especially useful and helpful in shoes with thin soles, like deck shoes. They make your feet feel much better. You can purchase insoles in drugstores and may sporting goods stores.
3. Put Them On Ice
To reduce any swelling, apply ice to your feet for 15 to 30 minutes, three or four times a day. Use a disposable ice bag or a reusable ice unit that you freeze, like the ones for picnic coolers. Whichever you choose, be sure to wrap it in a towel to protect your skin from damage.
4. Don't Lose Your Marbles
You can try this exercise to soothe tired, aching feet. Lay 20 marbles on the floor, then pick up each one with your toes and drop it into a small plastic bowl. It is recommended to use plastic because it muffles the sound of the marbles dropping into the bowl. That way, you can do the exercise in your office, seated at your desk. Aim for at least one session a day.
5. Soak In Scented Water
When your feet ache, soaking them in water can be very refreshing. It is recommended adding 10 drops each of juniper and lavender essential oils to 2 quarts of cold water, then soaking your feet for 10 minutes. Essential oils are available in health food stores.
6. Give Them A Lift
Elevating your feet can help reduce any swelling. It is recommended raising them 6 to 8 inches above your heart, especially when you sleep. Use pillows for more comfort.
7. Try Massage
Massaging your feet stretches the tissues and increase circulation. It is recommended to adopt this simple self-massage technique. Sit in a comfortable chair and cross your left foot over your right leg. Oil your fingers, if needed, with vegetable oil or massage oil. Glide the tip of your thumb up the middle of your sole, from the back of your heel to the base of your toes. Repeat on the right side of your sole, then on the left side. Then switch feet. You should spend about 2 minutes on each foot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Geok_Seng_Lee

By Christy S Smith

Get your foot pain cured through the latest extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), particularly beneficial for patient suffering from problems in heel. Heel pain or heel spur is caused due to plantar fasciitis, a condition that recorded more than 2.5 million cases in U.S. each year.
This sort of heel pain is found to affect mostly players, athletes, runners or overweight person. Often person with habit of standing long time on feet can also develop these problems. ESWT is an effective foot pain treatment, where patient can recover fast as compared to traditional surgeries which take at least six to eight weeks to heal. Previously, surgery was the only alternative for foot pain treatment, but it was associated with lot of complications, and the success was rate was up to fifty percent. ESWT is the latest treatment that offers eighty percent success rate in patients.
The latest technology is also effective in removing stones in urinary tract. The process in much simple and can be easily performed on patient without any anesthesia. With respect to the heel and foot pain, the method passes shock waves through the heels which help the blood vessels to regenerate thereby initiating the healing treatment. More importantly, ESWT treatment significantly helps patients to return back to their normal life or get back to work within few days. Previously, it used to take weeks or months to return to normal life. The treatment has been approved by FDA and is found to have positive results in most of the patients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christy_S_Smith

By Fred Salomon

In the U.S., almost 75% of people are afflicted by foot pain at some point of time in their lives. Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear are held to be one of the main reasons for foot pain. High-heeled or pointed shoes can force your feet to develop unnatural shapes over a period of time. To understand foot care in greater detail, we need to understand the most common conditions that cause pain and discomfort in our lower extremities.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by small tears accompanied by inflammation along the ligaments and tendons stretching from the heel towards the ball of the foot. This region resembles a bow string and forms the arch of the foot, and it serves as one of our bodies' shock absorbers. Pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps as you start the day, is often associated with this type of foot pain. The kind of footwear being worn often plays an important role in providing relief from foot pain. Orthotic Insoles with proper arch support have been found to be helpful in relieving this condition in many people.
Ball of foot pain
Pain in the ball of the feet is also known as "Metatarsalgia" in medical terms, and represents an inflammation in the nerves attached to some of the foot bones. When the toe nerves get displaced and constantly rub or get pressed against the bones, it results in pain in the ball of your foot. Proper arch support provided by the right kind of orthotic insoles can provide significant relief.
Achilles Tendonitis
The tendon joining the calf muscle and the bone is called the Achilles Tendon, and is the largest tendon in our bodies. This tendon also supports most of the weight of our entire body. Intense or excessive sports activities involving the feet, and in certain cases, arthritis may cause this type of foot pain. Adequate rest and exercises to strengthen the calf muscles are often helpful in the healing process.
Calluses and corns
Calluses and corns are caused by the hardening of skin due to continuous or frequent pressure on certain areas of our feet. The cosmetic discomfort is often greater than the physical issues attached to Calluses and Corns. In certain acute cases, they may begin to crack or it may lead to inflammation. The primary cause of this type of foot condition is the poor selection of footwear. High-heeled shoes tend to exert more pressure on the toes, while loose-fitting shoes create friction as your feet easily slide in. In most cases, this is a manageable type of foot condition that does not present excessive pain, though calluses and corns may be uncomfortable in some cases.
Bunions
Bunions belong largely to the family of calluses and corns, but are more painful and cause more discomfort. At the outset, they are inflammation in the joint leading to swelling, hard and red and sore skin formation. If left untreated, it can progress into a permanent deformity. While improper footwear is the main cause, bunions can also be a hereditary issue. Appropriate footwear and professional advice is often enough to address the problem.
Shin Pain or Shin Splints
Runners often encounter pain in the shin, which involves inflammation that in the front of the shin bone. In most cases, shin splints are the result of intense physical activity such as running or jumping, and is a condition that can often take a log time to heal. When there is a sudden spurt in high impact exercises, it can lead to shin pain. Another cause of shin pain is tight leg muscles. Muscle imbalances caused by improper running posture can also lead to shin pain.
Morton's Neuroma
Morton's Neuroma presents symptoms of pain and numbness in the toes, and it occurs when the nerve between the third and fourth metatarsal bones are continuously or repeatedly compressed. Occupational hazards and your foot structure can be contributing causes. Once again, footwear is often the culprit. This is a very painful condition, and walking with the pain can aggravate the situation. Removing the shoes and rubbing the affected area may provide temporary relief, but this is not a permanent solution. In most cases, orthotic devices can provide relief. However, in more severe cases, the professional care of a podiatrist is recommended to overcome this problem.
Knee Pain
Knee pain comes in as many types of conditions as the foot pain that we have thus far discussed. The causes of knee pain are also vastly different. Arthritis is one of those causes, but there are several others, such as bursitis, gout, or ligament injuries. In some cases, knee pain can be the result of improperly aligned feet. When this is the case, inadequate arch support provided by footwear can be a contributor. High-heeled footwear can also lead to knee pain because this type of footwear does not provide adequate balance of your body weight, thus contributing to an improper posture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Salomon

By Emily Greene

1. Bunions - Bunions are a very common cause of foot pain. This condition is caused when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes enlarged. This enlargement causes pressure on the area, and can make walking painful or difficult at times. There are pads you can buy to protect this area and minimize pain, and make sure your shoes do not press or squeeze on this area.
2. Sprains - Sprains occur when you damage any of the ligaments in your foot, and this can cause discomfort and swelling. You may also have difficulty moving your foot or putting pressure on it to walk. Usually with sprains you should apply an ice pack, and you can wrap an ace bandage around the area for additional support if needed. Rest the foot as much as possible so the ligament can recover and heal. This injury can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the damage done.
3. Neuropathy - This is a group of disorders which affect the nerves in your extremities, or other parts of your body. One of the symptoms can be pain in the hands and feet. If you have neuropathy you may feel the pain as a burning sensation, or it may feel tingling like when your foot falls asleep and then wake up. Neuropathy is common in people with diabetes, as well as others.
4. Swelling - Swelling in your feet can be caused by a number of reasons, and this swelling can cause foot pain. If you stand on your feet for long hours, walk a distance, wear tight-fitting shoes, or otherwise abuse your feet then it is possible they may start to swell. This is a common condition for women in late pregnancy. If your feet swell elevate them and let them rest for a while. This will usually relieve any aches or pains you feel. A hot soak also works wonders on sore feet.
5. Ingrown Toenails - Ingrown toenails can be very painful, as well as unattractive and frustrating. With this condition you will have a toenail sliver which grows into your tissue, and is very difficult to clip or remove. Because the nail fragment is attached it is very painful to pull on, and bleeding, pain, and even infection are possible. An ingrown toenail can leave your entire toe and foot throbbing.
6. Strains - Strains happen when you damage muscles or tendons in your foot. If the damage is severe the pain can be quite intense. Applying ice will minimize any swelling, and help to numb any pain you may have. An ace bandage can be wrapped around the affected foot, and it should stay elevated for a few hours after the injury. This will also help keep the swelling down, which minimizes the pain.
7. Plantar Fasciitis - This is a condition that is a type of tendonitis, and it can cause severe foot pain. The pain is usually felt in the heel area, and walking may become difficult or even impossible because of the discomfort.
8. Heel Spur - A heel spur is a growth of bone that occurs on your muscle or tendon. These growths can cause pain whenever the tendon or muscle moves. Often these spurs must be surgically removed to eliminate the pain completely.
9. Arthritis - Arthritis affects every joint in your body, including those in your feet. With this disease comes swelling, pain, and even a heat sensation. You may have difficulty moving your toes and other affected joints, and they may crack and pop when you do move them.
10. No Arch - If you have no arch then you will usually experience some foot pain. A flat foot places stress and pressure on areas of the foot that are not natural, and can lead to pain.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Greene

By Bruce Lashley

Pain can interfere with normal daily activity and can prevent us from enjoying life fully. However, pain is the body's alarm system to alert us when something is wrong, and it is a normal response produced by the body.
How does pain work?
There are four major stages with which pain will begin in our body. The first is the actual stimulus, which starts the pain information pathway to the brain. The stimulus is usually negative and results in tissue damage. The damage can be a cut of the skin, a broken bone or a tear or crush of soft tissue.
During the transmission stage, this negative stimulus is converted by the nerves to an electrical signal. This information is then carried by nerves toward the brain.
Before the electrical information finally enters the brain, the body has a third step in the pain route, called modulation. The modulation step works like a gate, where the brain sorts out the various stimuli that the body receives and determines whether or not the signal is strong enough to be recognized.
Once the brain accepts the electrical signal and final process begins, which is the awareness of pain in the body.
What are the goals of treating pain?
The two main goals that a podiatrist wants to achieve in treating pain are to eliminate the source of the problem and also to treat the symptoms caused by the problem. In order to do so, the podiatrist will need to investigate the cause of the pain by first asking the patient a series of questions regarding the problem. Below is a series of questions that podiatrists commonly ask in order to find the source of the pain and how to better treat it. Patients should think about some of the answers to the following questions before and during the appointment in order to better assist the podiatrist in finding the source of the problem.
1. Where is the pain located?
2. How would you describe the pain?
There are different types of pain in the body. If the pain is tingling or burning, the problem is most probably associated with the nerve. Most likely, achy, dull, throbbing, or sharp pain, more often indicates more of a muscle or bone problem.
3. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most painful, what is your pain level?
Knowing the level intensity of the pain can help determine what type of medication to alleviate the pain. Stronger pain intensity may mean that a stronger strength of pain medication may be needed.
4. How long has the pain been occurring?
The duration of the pain can help the podiatrist determine whether the pain is acute, lasting for a few days to weeks, or chronic, which lasts for a period longer than 3 months. If the pain is acute, it may signify that there was trauma that occurred to the area. Chronic pain may indicate arthritic changes or overuse injuries of the foot.
5. Did you injure your foot or was there anything different that occurred before the pain?
Knowing the incidences before the occurrence of pain can help determine what structures in the foot are injured.
6. What makes the pain worse or better?
7. What treatments have you done to alleviate the pain?
Knowing what type of treatment a patient has tried helps the podiatrist know how to better treat the patient, especially in avoiding treatments that have already been tried. Additionally, if there may be two causes to the pain, it can help a podiatrist eliminate one of the two sources of the pain.
What are the common treatments for pain?
Aside from treating the source of the problem, the podiatrist may offer treatment that can alleviate pain.
1. Icing and compression. Increased swelling and inflammation to the foot caused by trauma can make the pain worse. Accordingly, icing and compression of the foot may be recommended.
2. Topical Anti-inflamatories: Botanical anti-inflammatories can also be used to reduce swelling and therefore reduce pain. Arnica is one of these topical plant products that can help. It comes from the Arnica Montana plant. It was discovered and used my native Americans before the arrival of Columbus and is still used successfully today
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("NSAIDS"). NSAIDS are commonly prescribed to control inflammation and swelling. They are often recommended for mild or moderate pain level intensities. Caution must be taken when using "NSAIDS". If the patient has a history of stomach ulcers this class of drugs can increase the chance of a gastric bleed. It is important for everyone taking this class of medicine to take the pill with food. If stomach discomfort occurs, it is best to change the medication.
4. Opioids. Opioids do not decrease inflammation. However, they do decrease the amounts of chemicals that need to be released to start the electrical signal for pain. This prevents pain signals from entering into the brain. Opioids are often recommended at higher pain level intensities. When using, opioids caution must be taken to avoid drug abuse.
5. Capsaicin. This is a topical cream or solution that is applied to the skin and recommended more for chronic pain. Capsaicin has chemicals that are made from chili peppers. It decreases the chemicals that are needed for the nerves to transmit pain signals to the brain. Caution must be taken to avoid eyes, mouth, and genital areas when using this medication because it causes a severe burning sensation.
6. Local anesthetics injections. This type of treatment directly affects the nerves and prevents the nerves from sending signals to the brain. Local injections, however, only produce temporary relief.
7. Steroid injections. This type of injection is given in combination with local anesthetics and is another form of treatment to decrease inflammation. Depending on the problem, this type of injection can alleviate pain anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Lashley

As wondrous as the feet are, there are times when they hurt and we need foot pain relief. Luckily, there are some easy things we can do to put a halt to the foot pain and stop or prevent it become anything more serious. Conditions like diabetes or any issues with blood circulation require extra care, so you should check with your medical doctor before trying any of these solutions.
A simple foot pain remedy is to take a load off your feet. If you are constantly standing, try to incorporate some regular breaks and take the weight off your feet. When possible try to elevate the feet 45 degrees to the body and relax them in that position for about 15 minutes. In the elevated position blood will be moved away and it will reduce any swelling.
Pamper yourself and your feet with a little soak. Place 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts into a tub of warm water and put your feet in it. Let the feet soak for about 15 minutes. The Epsom salts are great for foot pain relief and will ease sore and tired muscles.
A very easy remedy for foot pain relief is hot and cold therapy. This can be done by sitting on the edge of the bath, so you can run water onto your feet. Alternate hot and cold water on the feet for 1 minute at a time. Make sure you use a comfortable temperature. End with using cold water.
Foot pain relief and pleasure cannot be beaten with a foot massage. Have your partner massage your feet with a nice massage oil, baby oil or moisturizing lotion. Be sure to put socks on before standing up to stop yourself slipping. You could even massage your own feet. With some oil and using medium pressure use the thumb and fingers to work from the base of your foot to your toes. Make small circles from the ball of the foot down to the base. Then make long, deep strokes along the arch area of the foot up to the toes. Gently squeeze, rotate and pull the toes.
A great help with foot pain relief is ice. Be sure to prevent ice burn by always having something between the ice and your skin, use a towel or cloth. Use the ice for ten minutes then have a ten minute break. Repeat these ten minutes on, ten minutes off cycles for two more times. This is great for helping swelling and rejuvenating the feet.
The feet muscles are like any other muscles in the body and are at their healthiest when they are strong and flexible. This can be accomplished with regular exercise. Using shoes that provide good support is a good start for the feet. Some other great foot exercises include: rolling the foot over a golf ball, do not stand on it, but just use the weight of your foot to determine the pressure of the golf ball to massage your foot. Use your feet like hands and try and pick up things with your toes. Scattering dried bean, marbles or tissue paper on the floor and trying to pick them up with your toes can help strengthen muscles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Alexis