Herbal Remedies and Alternative Medicine Information

Foot pain causes a lot of discomfort. One, at times, sprains or injures one’s foot and has to seek relief for it. But sometimes the pain persists due to the severity of the injury and becomes a chronic case.

Pain that is persistent for 3 months or longer is considered chronic. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. It is normal for your body to send pain signals when you are injured or ill, but pain that lingers after an illness or injury is not normal. With chronic pain, the pain continues for weeks, months, or years after you recover. Some people develop chronic pain out of the blue, with no injury or illness to trigger pain signals.

Chronic pain can occur anywhere in the body and can range from mild and annoying pain to pain so severe that it interferes with your mood and ability to function.

Chronic foot pain interferes with daily activities and immobilizes a person. One needs to move around comfortably, and obviously, the last thing he or she would like to cope up with is chronic foot pain. He or she cannot walk, play games or even wear his shoes comfortably. It can be a hindrance for carrying out his daily chores. This is so if the pain remains unbearable.

Symptoms of Chronic Foot Pain

• Persistent pain- The pain continues. It does not subside. If it remains for a long period of time, it requires medical attention.
• Gets worse if untreated
• Inability to return to previous activities

Treatment of Chronic Foot Pain
One must not let the pain go neglected. Persistent pain means something is wrong. One must check up with the doctor and if surgery is required one must get it done. Many treatment options are available and one must choose one that is appropriate. In some situations one could have taken precautions to prevent a foot problem, but in certain cases it is not possible. Bunions, hammertoes and ingrown toenails are problems that a specialist can handle. Correct diagnosis is important.

Chronic foot pain is a problem to reckon with. It should not be ignored, as it could be a result of other complications. Getting it treated is the right thing to do.

Heel pain is caused by plantar fascitis, which is commonly referred to as a heel spur. Plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue, which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Plantar fascitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia is inflamed. This can be a painful condition.

Long standing inflammation causes the deposition of calcium at the point where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel. This results in the appearance of a sharp thorn like heel spur on x-ray. The heel spur is a - symptomatic (not painful), the pain arises from the inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Symptoms of Heel Spur Pain
Symptoms include a dull ache which is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the center of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel. Often the pain is worse when you get up in the morning and after rest and is aggravated by prolonged weight bearing & thin soled shoes.

Causes of Heel Spur Pain

• Excessive load on the foot due to obesity is a major cause of plantar fascitis. This condition is common among middle aged and over weight adults.
• A sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy can also lead to plantar fascitis.
• A sudden increase in walking or a sporting activity can also be a contributing factor
• Tight calf muscles
• Excessive flattening of the arch on weight bearing
• Bio mechanical problems (walking abnormalities) is a major cause of plantar fascitis
• Different types of arthritis can also lead to this condition such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of Heel Spur Pain

• Orthotics- One of the most effective treatment options
• Silicone Heel Cups- Treats morning heel pain and provides excellent support and pain relief
• Plantar Fascia Night splints- Immobilize and stretch fascia, can be effective if used for several weeks
• Reusable Hot and Cold Gel Packs- Proven therapy for plantar fasciitis by alternating application of heat and cold coupled with massage works wonders to relieve pain, reduce swelling and promote healing Use ice pack in morning and heat pack in the evening
• Stretching exercises for plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
• Stretching aids- stretches the foot in the proper position to relieve heel pain
• Ultrasound and Lasers- Found to have little or no benefit
• Extra corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)- There are differing views about the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.
• NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
• Steroid/local anesthetic injection- Not a preferred treatment option
• Surgery- ‘Open’ or endoscopic plantar fascia release. No good evidence of effectiveness, and complications include increased pain, nerve injury, facial rupture and infection.

Heel spur pain can be treated effectively by various treatment measures. It is a problem, no doubt, but can be taken care of. It is common among patients who have a history of foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

Many pregnant women have asked me if it’s safe to work your abdominals.  With healthy pregnancies it is typically safe to do traditional ab work (i.e. lying on your back) up till week 12.  After week 12 it is no longer recommend to lay on your back.  However, you can still work your abdominals without laying on your back. 

Try this simple exercise to strengthen your abdominals:

On all your knees on all fours, head in line with the spine bring one knee in towards your chest.  Hold for 2-3 counts.  Release and repeat 10-15 times.  Then repeat on the other side.  Work up to 2 sets of 10-15 reps.

Many new moms want to lose the baby weight, but just don’t have the motivation to do it.  One thing I often remind my clients is to think about how good they feel after they work out.  After each workout I talk about how much stronger and toned their muscles are becoming, and how much better they feel about themselves in body and mind.  The more you equate working out to feeling and looking good the more motivated you’ll be to exercise.

For personal or group coaching info visit: http://fitbysara.com/coaching.php

There is so much emphasis on weight gain when you’re pregnant, it can be quite consuming.  My suggestion is to listen to your body and “fuel” yourself and your baby with nutritous foods when you feel hungry.  It’s normal to have cravings.  Listen to them, just chose wisely!  Cravings for sweet foods can be satisfied by eating fruit, a glass of juice (orange juice is a great choice since it’s high in folate, which is good for baby’s development), or a fruit smoothy.  Salty cravings can be satisfied with nuts, whole grain crackers with cheese, or a bagel with peanut butter.