Foot Pain in the Bottom of Foot

A common foot pain is one that appears in the bottom of the foot. This is the first area that touches the ground and, basically, helps to keep our balance. There are many scientifically identified foot pains, primarily caused by not taking care of the foot. Some of these common foot pain problems such as bunions, corns and calluses, gout and plantar warts usually occur in the bottom of foot. Other painful disorders are flat foot and fungal toenail infection.

Flat foot means the entire bottom of the foot has contact with the ground. The problem can be inherited, caused by an injury, or by a medical condition. Flat foot treatment may include foot-strengthening exercises, and provision of good arch support shoes, known as orthotic. A bunion is a progressive disorder of a bony bump or bone enlargement at the base of the big toe that causes the adjacent toe to deviate toward the others. Misalignment of the foot bones that produces the characteristic bump at the toe's joint base can be very painful due to arthritis, and may also often lead to corns, painful toenail and foot pain. Pain relievers, pads and custom-made cushioned shoe inserts, or surgery, may help bunion pain, and wearing roomy shoes and avoiding high heels can also be effective in easing bunion pain.

\"Pain Foot\"

Friction or repeated rubbing causes corns and calluses - thick, hardened dead skin - on the feet and toes. Painful calluses can form at the bottom of foot that typically bears most of the pressure and friction from walking and standing. To relieve corns, a moleskin pad is very helpful; while trimming and surgery for serious cases is preferred to correct foot calluses and foot pain in the bottom of foot.

Foot Pain in the Bottom of Foot

The foot, ankle, or knee can also suffer from gout, which is usually caused by a high amount of uric acid (UA) in the body, and which results in hard crystals being formed outside the joints, leading to foot pain in the bottom of foot. Patients can suffer from attacks that last for days or even weeks, and normal treatment is with anti-inflammatory or UA-lowering medication. For gout prevention, it is best to eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet; avoid high-purine foods and fructose; slowly lose weight; restrict intake of alcohol; and stay hydrated.

Plantar warts are tough, horny growths, usually self-limiting, and mostly develop on the bottom of the foot. They are known to be contagious and cause viruses to enter through broken skin, usually on the sole of the foot. In many cases, plantar warts cause severe foot pain in bottom of foot to the patient, even though they seem to be harmless. Typical over-the-counter salicylic acid may help in removing plantar warts. In more severe cases, aggressive options like burning, freezing, laser therapy and surgical removal are more effective. To reduce the chances of getting plantar warts, one should wear footwear in public areas to reduce potential contact with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Fungal toenail infection can make your toenails thick, discolored, brittle and cause painful toenail or foot pain when microscopic fungi enter the nail plate. Nail infection doesn't naturally treat itself and the possibility of it getting worse is likely in the future if left untreated. Topical creams and lotions may prove helpful, but antifungal pills are the best chance of curing a severe infection.

These are only some of the most common disorders that can cause foot pain in the bottom of the foot. Generally, it is easy to prevent all of these complaints with proper footwear and foot care. It's never too late to keep the "balance keeper" into well balanced.

Foot Pain in the Bottom of Foot

Foot Pain on Side of Foot

If you are a sufferer of side of foot pain it can impact significantly on the quality of your life. We tend to take our feet for granted but when getting from A to B becomes restrictive or even painful then it is time to seek a remedy. The causes of Side of Foot Pain can be due to many reasons but most significantly it is due to wearing incorrect footwear. Many shoes are badly designed and give little support and high heels are one of the leading causes of side of foot pain. It is believed that tendonitis results predominantly from the overuse of high heels and the pain can vary from mild to extreme. Where possible try to restrict the use of high heels to nights out and stick to flat shoes during the day.

There are also many running and sports shoes on the market and quite often people choose the wrong style for their foot type. It is always a good idea to get your shoes fitted correctly and most professional sports stores are able to do this for you. A more serious cause of side of foot pain can be arthritis or even diabetes. There are also infections that can cause side of food pain such as Septic arthritis, osteomyelitis or cellulitis. This is why you should seek medical attention if your pain gets significantly worse doesn't go away.

\"Pain Foot\"

Sport activities contribute significantly to side of foot pain with athletics and gymnastics being top of the list. There are two distinctive fractures than can cause intense side of foot pain and these are March fractures and Stress fractures. March fractures result from undertaking vigorous physical activity without the correct warm up procedures or when a person undertakes extreme exercise outside of their normal everyday activities. Stress fractures normally result from repetitive and excessive strain over a given period of time.

Foot Pain on Side of Foot

From the onset of any side of foot pain, first treatment is to simply remember RICE. This stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. If necessary also take anti-inflammatory medications to help combat the pain.

Rest allows the strained tissues to heal and prevents any further stress to foot.

Ice should initially be applied but for no longer than 20 minutes. If you use a commercial type ice pack always place it in a towel or a plastic bag as they tend to be too cold to place directly on your foot. If you find that the ice is causing an increase in pain then stop using immediately.

Compression and elevation will help prevent any swelling of the affected tissues. There are many compression bandages available from the local chemist though do ensure the bandages while firm are not too tight. Try to keep the foot elevated as much as possible and when going to bed place a pillow under your foot.

Normally side of foot pain can be treated at home but as you can see there are many causes, some much more serious than others, so don't take risks. If you find the pain is consistent and hasn't improved within 7 days then do see your doctor for further investigation.

Foot Pain on Side of Foot

For more information on foot pain visit http://www.footpainarch.com

Hot and Sexy Foot Tattoo Designs For Women - The Best in Feminine Tattoo Designs For Girls

Your foot is a very popular place to get a tattoo.  Have you been considering or looking for a suitable foot tattoo design?  Maybe you want one that is feminine and sexy and maybe a cute girly tattoo design?  Well the possibilities are limitless and you can find a lot of designs to easily come up with something unique and special to you.  This article will help show you how.

Foot Tattoo Designs

Foot

When you start looking for a foot tattoo design you are really not limited in any way other then size.  Since the foot area is not a really big canvas you do need to keep your design on the smaller side.  Often tattoos can be sized pretty well to fit a certain area.  However the adjustments to the size should not be big changes.  In other words you do not want to go from a really big intricate tattoo to a small one as it could easily become a blob of ink.  So as you are looking for tattoo designs try to find things that are smaller by nature.  Even if you find a big tattoo design that you are really drawn to you can often take a piece of the design and make it into a small foot tattoo.  Here are some ideas for foot tattoo designs that often work very well for the cute feminine look.

Hot and Sexy Foot Tattoo Designs For Women - The Best in Feminine Tattoo Designs For Girls

Flower Tattoo Designs

Flowers always work well for female tattoo designs.  Of course most flowers have some kind of meaning and significance behind them so you will want to research and know the meaning and symbolism behind the flower that you get before it is tattooed to your foot.  However, if you have a favorite flower then that might be the exact design that you want so go for it.  Since the shape of the top of a foot is pretty square a flower in bloom looking down from the top often works well.  Then a subtle background with some leaves or water can be done behind the flower.

Angel Tattoo Designs

Angels always work well as feminine tattoo designs also.  Since the space on the top of the foot is limited this is not the area for a huge group of angles but maybe one or two angels can work really well here.  Angels often symbolize protection and show the spiritual side of a person.  You might want to consider the type of angel you want as there are many different styles.  You could go with a realistic looking angel, a cartoon angel, a guardian angel or even a cherub.

Fairies Tattoo Designs

Fairies are another very popular option for a sexy foot tattoo that women often seem drawn to.  Of course the fairy could be posed and done in a lot of different ways.  So you will want to consider what you want your tattoo to express about yourself.  For example if you are the type of person who loves to be outdoors and in nature then you might want a nature fairy with a green dress and flowers in her hair.  If you are more the type of person who wants to show off your sexy side then you might want to find a fairy that is drawn in a sexy way.  Really a fairy can be drawn in hundreds of different ways they could be shy, bashful, conceited, sexy, beautiful or whatever emotions you want to express.

Hot and Sexy Foot Tattoo Designs For Women - The Best in Feminine Tattoo Designs For Girls

These are just three of the possible foot tattoo designs [http://www.mycustomtattoo.com/tattoo2/] that you might want to consider. Remember to first gather all of your ideas and really nail down what type of foot tattoo you desire. Then work with a professional tattoo artist to draw up the design or find a suitable design online. Either way if you spend the time and consider what you want the tattoo to express about yourself you are sure to fall in love with your sexy foot tattoo design [http://www.mycustomtattoo.com/tattoo2/].

Plantar Fasciitis Secrets to Immediate Relief - Part 1

Plantar Fasciitis Secrets of Getting Immediate Relief - Footwear 1

The secrets to getting immediate relief of your plantar fasciitis pain is that making sure your foot is well supported when you are weight bearing and walking and doing your activities. Support for your feet is important as it requires you to make sure that your foot is supported in a fashion that is going to enable you to walk with freedom and ease yet at the same time help to take the pressure off the plantar fascia... a soft tissue structure that is important to holding the foot in it's correct alignment.

\"Foot Specialist\"

Most problems that affect the feet, legs, knees and hips tend to relate to either, alignment issues or a direct traumatic injury to the area of concern. With plantar fascia injuries direct trauma's tend to be either during sports, running, jumping or high impact activities such as boxing, aerobics. Though occupational injuries can cause problems as well. Jumping off the side of a truck and landing on uneven ground, drum players in bands, retail workers who work on their feet all day. Construction workers, landscapers and concrete cutters all can sustain this type of injury from direct trauma. Even the home gardener can sustain injuries such as using the humble old shovel/ spade when using soft shoes that don't support the bottom of your feet. Support for your feet and plantar fascia can come in many different forms. The first and easiest form is footwear.

Plantar Fasciitis Secrets to Immediate Relief - Part 1

Footwear runners... joggers, athletic shoes are ideal as they provide total enclosed support for the feet. Supportive runners should include...a stiff heel counter (heel of the shoe) with soft padding. Flexible through the ball of the shoe (that is the toe section of the shoe should bend where the toes bend) and firm through the midsole of the shoe. They should have laces ideally. Why laces you ask...the important thing is that laces can be adjusted to the size of one's foot. Foot size and fluid volume of the foot vary from day to day and having laces will enable you to accommodate those changes in volume. Then insole, shoe liner or foot bed should be able to be removed. So that if any other style of foot bed needs to be placed inside this can be done very easily.

Footwear Sandals...Many people wear sandals particularly in the warmer climates. There are sandals that are ideal for supporting the foot with plantar fasciitis and there are sandals that are not. I would highly recommend investing in sandals that have a contoured sole and that the sole of the sandal is made from a cork or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) base. If you go to many of your specialty shoe stores, outdoor, camping or hiking shoe shops there will be numerous style of sandals you can try on that will help support your plantar fascia. Some of the brand include..Naot, Teva, Keen, Homy Ped, are just some brands that will help support your feet.

One of the important plantar fasciitis secrets is using the correct footwear to help support your feet when you have pain and discomfort. If you find you don't get the success from shoes alone you may need to visit a Podiatrist (foot specialist) or MD to help you.

Written by Ben Sibley
http://www.plantarfasciitissecrets.com

Plantar Fasciitis Secrets to Immediate Relief - Part 1

Ben Sibley is a qualified Podiatrist in Australia. He has treated in excess of 3567 cases of plantar fasciitis and has developed a unique system of care that gives clients a greater than 87% chance of pain relief and resolution of this problem. http://www.plantarfasciitissecrets.com

Pain - Foot Heel Pain Treatment for Foot Pain Relief

Does your heel hurt every time you walk or stand on it? When you play sports, do you have to continuously call time-outs because of heel pain? When you wake up in the morning, do you experience excruciating pain in your heel? If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a foot spur and need treatment. Foot heel pain treatments vary as to their effectiveness.

Causes of Foot Heel Pain

\"Pain Foot\"

Many different things can lead to heel pain. The first step in foot heel pain treatment is to see your doctor or a podiatrist. Your doctor can determine why you are experiencing heel pain and work with you to determine which foot heel pain treatment plan is right for you.

Pain - Foot Heel Pain Treatment for Foot Pain Relief

· Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the fascia (the band of tissues that connects your heel to your toes) becomes inflamed. This can happen from too much jumping or running, arthritis, or wearing poor-fitted shoes. Foot heel pain treatment for plantar fasciitis includes: specific exercises, rest, and/or heel inserts. If the pain is unbearable, your doctor may recommend medication to reduce the swelling.

· Stone Bruise. Something as simple as a stone or rock may be the cause of your heel pain. Sometimes when we step too hard on a solid object, we can bruise the pads of our heels. The foot heel pain treatment for a stone bruise is rest, walk on the ball of your foot, and ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. The pain will gradually go away.

· Tendonitis. Wear and tear can negatively affect the tendons in the foot, especially the Achilles tendon. When this happens, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, and pain behind the heel occurs. The foot heel pain treatment for this condition includes stretching exercises, heel inserts, pain medication, (Advil or Tylenol) or wearing open-backed shoes.

· Heel Spur. Your doctor or podiatrist will be able to point out if you have a spur by an x-ray. Causes of your heel pain could include inadequate flexibility in your calf muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing physical activity, and spending too much time on your feet. Treatment can involve any of or all of the following remedies as in rest, ice application, stretching, taping the heel for support, and orthonics for you shoes.

Foot Heel Pain Treatment: According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), 72% of people who used stretching exercises to lesson heel pain, had the pain subside. Do not ignore heel pain. It could be an early sign of a variety of serious conditions. That is why early treatment of your heel pain is so valuable. And the good news is, most foot heel pain treatment plans are easy and can be conducted at home. Surgery is hardly ever necessary unless you let it get out of hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Don't let heel pain interrupt your life a minute more. Find the best foot heel pain treatment available by talking to your podiatrist and agreeing on a course of action.

Pain - Foot Heel Pain Treatment for Foot Pain Relief

Click here:

Foot Pain Relief Information, and Products for foot pain.

The Centre for Pain Relief

Foot Pain Relief Treatment

Ray Attebery is President for The Centre for Pain Relief in New York City.

Foot Pain and Diabetes

Foot pain can certainly be caused by any number of reasons. However, foot pain resulting from diabetes is both painful and very common for those living with diabetes.

Diabetes and foot pain is generally defined by four different types.

Foot

A nerve problem (where the nerves themselves are affected by the disease) called peripheral neuropathy is the most common source of foot pain tied to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy comes in the form of sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy.

Foot Pain and Diabetes

Sensory neuropathy is the most common and is defined by symptoms where the amount of pain is much greater than the source that is causing the pain. As an example, just touching, or lightly pulling on your socks triggers a painful reaction. Also, with sensory neuropathy you may experience some numbness along with tingling, burning, or even stabbing type pain symptoms.

Because blood sugar can be a player in this type of pain, check your blood sugar levels for the past several weeks to see if perhaps there is an upward trend toward high levels.

Relief is of the utmost importance in these cases and can come from various applications. Massaging your feet or using a foot roller can sometimes drop the level of pain. Anything you can do from a shoe perspective such as cushioned supports and inserts can assist as well. Anything to help mitigate the pressure and pounding of daily activities on the foot and/or any rubbing or chaffing is beneficial. There are also prescription drugs that your doctor can recommend that will often times work.

When the nerves to the muscles become affected by diabetes (motor neuropathy), your muscles will begin to feel weak and achy. Although the smaller muscles of the feet aren't usually the first to be affected, your balance can eventually become affected which may cause alignment problems and/or rubbing on the feet which ultimately results in pain. Support, exercise, stretching, and massage are your best weapon against motor neuropathy. Keeping your muscles healthy and flexible is a key element in relieving this type of foot pain.

Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that we don't consciously control, hence the 'auto' of autonomic. With this condition existing your sweating triggers are altered and as such you may suffer from dry or cracked skin. For your feet this may result in a build up of foot calluses, thickened nails and such that lead to foot pain. The daily use of conditioning agents formulated specifically for diabetes can aid or prevent this problem.

With diabetic people proper circulation is a primary concern. Circulation problems in the feet can cause severe pain. Addressing circulation problems should always be done in conjunction with your medical doctor. Various approaches may include an exercise program, physical therapy, medication, or even surgical procedures, but again, consult with your physician before considering any strategy that involves addressing a circulation issue.

With diabetic people muscle and joint pain is not uncommon. If tendons and joints begin to stiffen coupled with imbalances associated with peripheral neuropathy and walking alignment occurs, the foot and the joints become painful. In fact, if the walking misalignments continue, this can lead to other foot disorders such as corns, bunions, and hammertoe.

People living with diabetes are more susceptible to infections within their body because of the changes that have taken place in their body. If a bacterial infection attacks the foot, the foot can become red, experience swelling, feel warm, and be painful. Keeping the immune system as healthy as possible by controlling your blood sugar, proper nutrition, and exercise, should be a top priority in your defense against infections.

If you are afflicted with diabetes, in addition to being mindful of the above information, work closely with your primary care physician to ensure that you receive proper information and care for your personal situation.

Foot Pain and Diabetes

For more important information on sore feet visit sore-foot-remedies.com where you will find advice on foot pain causes such as plantar fasciitis, foot corns, and other articles.

Treatment For Severe Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet (also known as "prenated foot" or "fallen arches") is a condition where one or both feet do not display a normal arch when standing, walking or running. In infancy, all children appear to be flat footed because of a soft fat pad on the foot. Over time, however, that fat pad dissipates and you will be able to discern a clear arch when the child stands. With flat-footed children the foot may appear normal when sitting, but once weight is applied to the foot, it will roll forward at the ankle creating the appearance of a flat or fallen arch.

Flat feet are usually painless and nonthreatening. Unfortunately, in severe cases, a prenated foot condition may lead to pain or aching in the ankle and foot. If your child complains that they are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it is important that they see a foot specialist to discern the root cause. The doctor can determine if fallen arches are the culprit, rather than more serious hip or knee issues. In some rare cases, flat feet may actually be the result of fused foot bones. A simple X-ray can help determine if that is the case. In some cases, the child may benefit from the use of a custom orthotic insole or heel cup that will resituate the foot and alleviate discomfort. Surgery is not a common treatment for children with flat feet, nor is activity avoidance. Most flat-footed children live very normal lives, playing sports and running just as children with normal arches. Treatment is really focused on alleviating pain, and not permanently correcting the arch itself.

\"Foot Specialist\"

When looking for orthotic inserts to treat your child's foot pain, look for quality which will deliver longer-lasting comfort. Custom orthotic insoles are generally the best choice. You want an insole that will cushion the foot, absorb shock, and transfer to many of the child's shoes for a consistently comfortable fit. There are a number of different insole styles available depending on your child's needs. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of support the child requires.

Treatment For Severe Flat Feet in Children
Treatment For Severe Flat Feet in Children

Chris Dillon is the V.P. of MMAR Medical Group Inc., a leading orthotic device supplier specializing in diabetic footwear including shoes and socks for diabetics as well as a full line of orthotic insoles.

Three Secrets to Cure Sweaty Feet

Looking for a sweating cure for sweaty feet? Looking for a solution to stop your feet sweating that causes feet odor? You want a fast and easy solution? There are many ways to do it but these are the three proven methods to get it done instantly.

It's embarrassing every time you take off your shoes and it stinks! But it's all right. You're not alone. Those horrible experiences are also shared by many people. Remember, having sweaty feet is very common and most people complain about it. There are a lot of people who deal with this every day. If you have this condition, it can be very depressing. What do you do every time you take off your shoes in front of someone? You can only pray that it won't stink this time but it's really a nerve racking experience. Is it getting too personal? Let's get started with these three easy methods to cure sweaty feet.

\"dry Foot\"

First feet sweating cure method: Use vinegar as foot baths. Scoop half a cup of vinegar and a quart of warm water. Mix them in a basin. Soak your feet for about twenty five minutes to 30 minutes. Let the vinegar dry in your skin and saturate the skin pores. Vinegar acts like astringent. It helps to exfoliate to top layer of the skin to keep it dry after soaking for hours. You don't have to rinse your feet but just let the vinegar solution dry out. Let your feet dry very well. Vinegar has acid that could kill bacteria that builds up in your foot skin when you sweat. It neutralizes the bacteria to prevent foul odors. For others, they use apple cider with this method. But white vinegar is stronger to stop feet sweating. Its effects are fast especially when you are in a hurry.

Three Secrets to Cure Sweaty Feet

Another benefit of soaking your feet in vinegar is it also prevents the growth of fungus so you will have protection on your toenails. You will also solve your athletes' foot problems. We all know that fungus and athletes' foot are usually caused by sweaty feet.

Second feet sweating cure method: Use water with salt. Sounds so simple? Yes, this is very effective in keeping your sweaty feet dry. This is an underrated method. Salt water soak for sweating cure has been proven even in ancient times. Salt in water will dry your feet especially if you are using Epsom Salt. You will get a soft, supple dry foot skin. Before soaking your sweaty feet in salt water, exfoliate if first with a loofah. It makes the effects faster and lasts for hours. Make sure you use warm water so that it will open your foot skin's pores. It will expose your skin to salt efficiently.

However, make sure you don't have open wounds and cuts on your feet when you do this. If you have sore wounds, the warm water and salt will burn them.

Third feet sweating cure method: Use sage tea for sweating cure for your feet. The tea contains high levels of natural tannic acid that also acts as an astringent. Put five sage tea bags into a wide big basin with hot water. Let the water sip the juices from the tea bag until it's fully dissolved. By the time the water temperature drops down to warm level, soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes. Sage tea enters the pores and neutralizes the bacteria that causes odor. After soaking, dry your feet and don't forget the area between your toes. Sage tea is not only a drink to be enjoyed but also acts as a natural way to sweat cure. While soaking your feet, enjoy the relaxing aroma of the tea as well.

If you noticed that after soaking your feet, it got tanned, no worries. Don't freak out. The color will wash away after you rinse it with soap and water. Try any of these methods tonight and say goodbye to stinky, sweaty feet.

Three Secrets to Cure Sweaty Feet

A past long term sufferer from excessive sweating, I help people to prevent and control their excessive sweating [http://www.fastsweatingcure.com] by providing free information and advice on products and natural medication to take control of their life. Get your free sweating cure [http://www.fastsweatingcure.com] advice now.

Treating Athlete's Foot With Vinegar and Listerine

Not only can athlete's foot be itchy, it can also be embarrassing. You don't need to spend a lot of money on finding a remedy. Two items that you probably have at home that can be used to treat athlete's foot include Listerine mouthwash and vinegar.

1. Use vinegar in your foot bath. One low-priced and easy solution to cure athlete's foot is using vinegar. An oversized bowl or tub basin will work just fine (of sufficient size to submerge your whole foot). Put your problem foot in the foot bath and then add vinegar. Make sure the whole foot is covered with vinegar and let your foot stay in for 15 minutes twice daily. Do this every day for a minimum of a week, depending on how bad the affliction is. Then, when it is time to take your foot out of the footbath, make sure you have a towel close by to dry it with.

\"dry Foot\"

2. A good treatment for athlete's foot is to pour Listerine on it. There are many ways to get rid of the troublesome foot fungus such as an application of Listerine on a cotton pad and applying it to your feet twice a day. (An alternative is to use the vinegar method and soak your feet two times daily in Listerine, but this might be a little costly!) Once you have rubbed the Listerine on your foot, you do not need to rinse it off. Afterward, be sure to dry foot off completely. Applying Listerine in this manner as a remedy for athlete's foot is harmless for youngsters and adults alike.

Treating Athlete's Foot With Vinegar and Listerine

3. Be sure to always take good care of your feet when Athlete's foot is gone. A great number of people contract athlete's foot while in public places, however it is also possible you may have gotten it from not taking care of your feet. A good way to prevent athlete's food is to keep your feet clean and dry. Be dressed in loose shoes or beach sandals to air get around your foot, and cotton socks are the best choice for foot health.

Further home remedies for treating athlete's foot include hydrogen peroxide, Tilex mould remover and rubbing alcohol. Preventing athlete's foot is the best thing, but if you do get it, look to products in your kitchen and bathroom cupboards to ease the itch and discomfort.

Treating Athlete's Foot With Vinegar and Listerine

Tiffany Provost writes about Skin [http://www.howtodothings.com/health-and-fitness/c1095-illness--treatment.html] and other Health tips for HowToDoThings.com.

Flat Feet in Children - Diagnostic and Treatment Using Orthotic Insoles

Flat feet in children is usually a difficult condition to recognize when they're very young, since baby fat often hides the true shape of the foot. As months go by and as the toddler enters walking stage, the situation becomes more obvious. As the child ages, it is normal for an arch to appear between 4 and 6 years of age, commonly being developed by walking barefoot on bumpy terrain. This develops ligaments, muscles, and tendons. If a normal arch does not appear during this stage of development, then it could become necessary to look into the use of orthotic shoe inserts to prevent lower body or back problems from occurring later in life.

A good way to test if a foot arch is developing is by using a wet blotter. With this technique, you make a footprint of your child's damp foot on colored paper. Then you check if the foot arch leaves a noticeable gap. It is also possible to do this on a beach, or in a sandbox by looking at the foot impression, however the blotter test is much more telling. Another symptom of flat feet is if the child complains about aches to his or her calf muscles or ankles after walking for a period of time, as flat feet during childhood can cause additional strain on ankles and calves to counteract the deficiency of arches in the feet. In some cases, a child may walk on the outer edges of his feet, and this is often mistaken for bowleggedness, when in reality it is a consequence of over-pronation caused by flat feet.

\"Foot Specialist\"

The excessive rolling inwards of the ankles and feet, also known as pronation, and resulting breakdown of the arches is found in up to 70% of the population. Over a period of time, over-pronation, in addition to foot pain will also cause back problems, and also leg problems. Many people fail to realize how appropriate foot, leg and back alignment are related, and it is important to correct any foot problems such as childhood flat feet to prevent further lower body health complications.

Flat Feet in Children - Diagnostic and Treatment Using Orthotic Insoles

It is recommended to identify flat feet in early life as soon as possible to prevent ensuing complications later in life. It is possible for adults of any age to develop flat fee, though in many cases it is considered as a normal part of aging,. Flat feet may be caused for reasons such as illness, injury, or pregnancy, and can be permanent or temporary, depending on the reason. Being overweight can also cause flat feet in adults or children.

Foot conditions such as flat feet in early life can be corrected to prevent serious complications like plantar fasciitis and avoid damage to ankles, calves, or lower back. A good measure of prevention is through the use of orthotic shoe inserts. A foot specialist (podiatrist) should be able to examine the symptoms and advise proper treatment, which could include orthotic shoe inserts or foot exercises, depending on the severity of the problem. In many cases, standard orthotic shoe inserts products available on the Internet or at retail stores, can provide the needed arch support, without the need for expensive custom-made orthotics or other aids available via prescription.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to flat feet in early life is that early detection can preclude many serious complications to other body parts such as the knees and lower back over time. It is easy to treat flat feet in early life through readily available and affordable orthotic shoe inserts.

Flat Feet in Children - Diagnostic and Treatment Using Orthotic Insoles

Fred Salomon is a foot health care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatric industry, including foot care products and foot health treatment options. You can find in-depth foot care information and orthotics treatment options at his http://www.footminders.com website.

Cracked Heels Cure - Have You Been Searching on the Best Cure For Cracked Heels?

How do you find the best cure for cracked heels? You could try and treat them yourself, or you could use foot care products, or you could consult a podiatrist. This is a very common condition, also known as heel fissures. The cracks are often caused by dry skin and can be very severe if the rim of the heel is covered with a thick callus.

Cracked heels are a problem mainly because they look unsightly. But, if the fissures or cracks are deep, bleeding may occur and you will find it very painful to stand or walk. In this case, the fissures could be prone to infection.

\"dry Foot\"

Cracked heels can be caused by a number of things. These include wearing open-backed shoes, being overweight, prolonged periods of standing, certain medical conditions, a susceptibility to dry skin, or skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. Cracked heels should be treated early so they don't get worse.

Cracked Heels Cure - Have You Been Searching on the Best Cure For Cracked Heels?

You can try the following: Rub a thick moisturizing cream into the cracks twice a day. Make sure you use a cream that's oil-based to ensure it sinks in well. You can also gently rub the hard skin surrounding the cracks with a pumice stone. If you can get rid of the calluses, the cream can penetrate the cracks and promote healing. This is often the best cure for cracked heels.

After you have applied the cream, don't stand or walk for a while. You need to let the cracks absorb it properly. Never use a razor blade or scissors to cut away the callus. The risk of infection will increase. Furthermore, you could cut too much and worsen the condition.

There are a variety of good foot care products available. You can read up about these online. Carefully study the product information and read some consumer reviews before making your purchase. It is very safe to pay online. Encrypted technology is used on the internet which prevents hackers obtaining personal information.

If foot care products or a self-help method do not help, you will need to see a podiatrist. With a special instrument, he or she can do a 'debridement' of the skin. This is the name for removing thick skin gradually. Cracks cannot heal while surrounded by thick skin.

If the cracks are really bad, the podiatrist may strap up your heels so that the cracks stay closed. You will probably need a couple of consultations before the problem goes. Once the problem has cleared up, keep your feet well moisturized and wear appropriate shoes. You could say that the best cure for cracked heels is prevention.

Cracked Heels Cure - Have You Been Searching on the Best Cure For Cracked Heels?

Do you want to heal those cracked heels fast? You need the best dry foot cream to solve that problem right now. Visit this link to learn more on how to cure it fast: Dry Skin Foot Cream

7 Tips For Improving Poor Foot Circulation

Poor foot circulation is a problem faced by a growing number of people especially the elderly. The initial signs of circulation problems such as cold feet may seem like a minor inconvenience however they are a precursor to much more dangerous and life threatening complications if the poor circulation is not improved.

There are a number of simple methods that can help to improve blood circulation such as:

Foot

1. Get Active

7 Tips For Improving Poor Foot Circulation

One simple way to improve your poor foot circulation is to become more active. Physical activities such as walking, swimming, running etc will all help to improve blood circulation if performed regularly. Start off with a steady walk and increasing the pace and length of the walks over time will get the blood pumping and start to open up the smaller blood vessels.

2. Improve Diet

Eating a healthier diet and reducing your fat intake will improve your circulation because there will be less fat in the blood stream which will make the blood less viscous and allow it to flow through the small blood vessels more easily. Increasing fiber in the diet will also help remove fat from your system and improve the circulation even more.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking is well known for increasing cholesterol buildup within the circulatory system but it also hardens arteries and makes other blood vessels constrict. To have any hope of improving poor circulation it is essential to quit smoking.

4. Reduce Stress

When under stress the body reduces the blood supply to the extremities of the body to provide adequate blood to the major organs. This means that circulation to areas such as the feet and hands will be affected. Some ways to combat stress are meditation, deep breathing exercises or maybe even watching a funny movie.

5. Raise Feet

If the poor circulation to your feet is making your feet swell then try altering the position of your feet at regular intervals. Lying on the floor and place your feet on the sofa for a short time will help the fluid drain from the feet and when you return to a seated position with your feet on the floor some freshly oxygenated blood can flow into each foot.

6. Warm Water Soak

Soaking your feet in a bucket of warm water or taking a warm bath will also helps the flow of blood into each foot. Adding some Juniper oil is also good. Doing this regularly will help circulation through the feet in the short term however it is certainly not a cure for the underlying circulation problems.

7. Supplements

There are several natural herbal supplements that help to improve blood circulation. Incorporating some of these into your diet along with some of the other measures above is the best approach to overcome poor foot circulation and prevent any further health risks that may arise should your circulation deteriorate.

Poor foot circulation should not be ignored as it is a sign of underlying problems with the circulatory system as a whole. Such problems can lead to heart attack, stroke, cancer and many other health risks so if you suffer from poor circulation then the time to take action is now before its too late.

Copyright © 2007 Colin L Wolfenden

7 Tips For Improving Poor Foot Circulation

What herbal supplements help poor foot circulation?
The Blood Circulation Super-Chargers e-book has the answer.

5 Home Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a medical condition which affects the feet. It will cause extreme pain and this pain is more pronounced during the morning when the ligaments and tendons in the feet are not yet warmed up. Many patients describe the pain they experience in the morning as being stabbed repeatedly in the feet. The onset of pain is largely due to long periods of immobility of the feet such as a long day of using the computer. As the activities around the leg increases, the pain will decrease. The most common treatment method is the use of anti-inflammatory medication as well as pain killers to provide pain relief. However, some home remedies can actually work wonders.

Ice

\"Pain Foot\"

Ice is probably the cheapest and one of the most effective home remedies. If you have an ice pack, use it. If not, you can even use frozen peas. Massage the painful area for around 15 minutes, 5 times a day. Ice can help to bring down swelling and reduce inflammation.

5 Home Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis

Protective arch support insoles

You should purchase insoles that provide arch support and place them in your shoes. It can help to reduce pain and divert away some of the impact to bring relief of pain when you move around. If possible, you should even wear them at home when you move around.

Stretching

Whenever possible during the day, you should perform stretching exercises targeted at your legs. Exercises that stretch the Achilles tendon and Plantar Fascia will help to increase flexibility and warm the area up, reducing pain.

Massages using creams or oils

If able, you should massage the painful area with pain relief creams or even medicated oils multiple times during the day. Massages with medicated oils will help increase the blood circulation level at the legs and bring pain relief and promote healing.

Foot splints

When you turn in for the day, you should use foot splints to brace the foot, ankle and lower leg. The main purpose of the splint is to provide gradual stretches of the plantar fascia throughout the night, reducing stress levels and reducing pain and inflammation. Since the stretching continues through the night, you will experience lesser pain when you first wake up in the morning.

Plantar Fasciitis is a troublesome and painful leg condition that will cause a lot of discomfort throughout the day and night. It is not good to depend on pain relief medication always and whenever possible, you should substitute the pain relief medication with some home remedies.

5 Home Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis

We introduce you Singapore Sports and Orthopaedics Clinic where professional help will be offered in the areas of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for all spine injuries and sports injuries.

What is Vesicular Athlete's Foot?

The fungus which causes athlete's foot can often aggravate to a condition known as an acute vesicular athlete's foot infection. However, this is the least common type of athlete's foot infection.

Symptoms: This is characterized by the almost sudden eruption of blisters and sores on the instep of the foot. The person is usually unaware of the existence of Athlete's foot until these symptoms develop. If the infection is left untreated, secondary bacterial infection can accompany the fungal infection.

Foot

Cause: These blisters are caused due to an allergic reaction to the fungus on the foot and are known as an id reaction. Fungus is usually present on the surface of the skin. However, due to certain factors these fungi get converted to pathogens. When the antibodies try to counter these pathogens, blisters develop as a side effect. The blisters can also appear on other parts of the body such as hands, chest etc. It often originates in people who have a chronic inter-digital toe web infection.

What is Vesicular Athlete's Foot?

Treatment: The symptoms of vesicular infection can be treated at home using the over the counter medications like anti-fungal creams, ointments or sprays. These medications are usually topically applied over the affected part. If the infection is grave the doctor might recommend a dose of pills.

However; the risk of acute vesicular athlete's foot is the secondary bacterial infection. If a secondary infection occurs, the doctors usually recommend a strong dose of antibiotics.

Prevention: Since fungi thrive in hot, moist conditions. It is imperative to keep the feet clean and dry.

What is Vesicular Athlete's Foot?

Pauline Go is an online leading expert in medical industry. She also offers top quality articles like :

Cure for Ringworm, Treatment for Athlete's foot

Foot, Wrist and Ankle Tattoos - Small and Cute Tattoos For Girls

Small tattoos are often placed on girls who are being inked for the first time. These types of tattoos can be simple or intricate, and lend themselves well to placement on smaller parts of the body like the foot, wrist and ankle. . Small does not have to mean boring, these mini works of art can be quite colorful and unique if careful planning for designs are involved.

What makes foot tattoo a favorite tat theme among girls despite the fact that they are painful and may require touch ups in the future? Well, if they come out well, they're amazing accent and can be a joy forever. There is just something sexy and interesting about a tattoo peeking out of one's stiletto or flip flops.

Foot

The popularity of wrist tattoos among girls has led to many interesting ideas being executed in ink . There is the bracelet style of wrist tats with such images as flowers, Celtic knot bands and charm bracelet. A tattoo on the top of the wrist is usually the most visible, and can often extend onto the arm or hand and sizes can range in size from small to very large. Tattoos on the inner wrist are extremely popular since they are less visible than other tats and can easily be hidden when desired..

Foot, Wrist and Ankle Tattoos - Small and Cute Tattoos For Girls

Ankle tattoos are another great option for small tattoos for girls since it can come out trendy and stylish. Its located at the shapely part of the female body, the ankle can be a great place for a little tattoo. It can be highlighted by wearing high heels or sandals and can really draw attention to a girl's legs.

Foot, Wrist and Ankle Tattoos - Small and Cute Tattoos For Girls

View more photos and designs for Small tattoos, check out the Quality Tattoo Gallery online.

Top Five Foot Heel Pain Remedies

Years of walking and running can wear down our feet, and can be hard on our heels. Likewise, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, disease and tight fitting shoes all contribute to pain in the heel.

1. Massage with water

\"Pain Foot\"

This treatment is ideal for any type of foot or heel pain and only needs a container of hot and cold water. Here's what you do:

Top Five Foot Heel Pain Remedies

a. Soak your foot for 5 minutes in cold water

b. Move the foot to a container of hot water of a tolerable temperature. The temperature of the water should not be cool or even lukewarm

c. Soak the foot in the hot water for 5 minutes

d. Return to the cold water

Repeat the procedure until the pain is gone. This process has a massaging effect that revitalizes feet by opening and closing blood vessels.

It is also a great idea to rub moisturizing lotion into your feet before getting into bed. The lotion makes feet easier to massage and therefore bring relief faster.

2. Put some heat on your feet

Using ointments enriched with capsaicin, an active natural ingredient in hot peppers also helps in relieving foot pain.

These products are excellent in cooling the pain caused by burning feet particularly for diabetes patients. Initial application of the ointment may cause some burning sensation for many people, but when used regularly, the burning effect is likely to lessen.

Moreover, people who been using the capsaicin in treating their burning feet have experienced great improvement and were able to walk more easily compared to those using other types of creams. Best of all, since these are topical medicine, patients tend to avoid a lot of side effects that usually happen when taking pills.

Most ointments are available over the counter, however it is important to talk with your doctor before you begin, as this type of therapy is not right for everyone.

3. Avoid high-heeled shoes

For recreational walkers and runners it is important to temporarily lower how much you're walking or running when you're about to use brand new shoes. This will help you to eliminate many of the break-in pains. Advances in shoe development have made modern athletic footwear much less likely to cause a problem than ever before.

4. Stretch out your calf

Stretching the heel cord at the back of the foot can relieve heel pain.

Start by:

a. Standing three feet away from a wall, place your hand on the wall.

b. Lean in to the wall, bringing one leg forward and bending at the elbows.

c. Keep your back leg straight with the heel on the floor and then gently stretch the calf muscle.

d. Repeat for the other foot.

e. Buy shoes that fit the shape of your feet.

Shoe size is considered to be the most important aspect in buying shoes -- but the shoe shape is equally important. You read it right; the shape of the shoe is also an important factor to consider.

There three basic foot shapes -- curved, slightly curved and straight. Although, there may be some variations, generally those individuals with high arches need a curved shoe; those with flat feet need a straight shoe and those who have neither flat or high arches need a slight curve.

When buying running or walking shoes it is best to select shapes that fit the curve of the arch on the inner side of the foot.
Before you try any of the remedies discussed here, consult your own doctor for the treatments that will be best for your unique situation.

Top Five Foot Heel Pain Remedies

By Dave Wilson. For more information and to sign up for a Free Foot Pain Relief Newsletter please visit Foot Pain Relief or for more articles click here Foot Pain Relief Articles.

Hand and Foot Card Game Rules

Do you know the Hand and Foot Card Game Rules? You will when you read this article to the fun and fast-paced four (or more) person game that's been very popular in the past and is experiencing a recent revival.

If you enjoy card playing and would like to learn a new, exciting and fast moving game, this is the one. Take a few minutes to learn Hand and Foot card game rules and you're guaranteed a great many hours of fun for years to come.

Foot

Hand and Foot is a type of Canasta, a card game that became popular starting back in the 1940s. It was originally played in South America where the word Canasta means 'basket'. Pronunciation originally had the accent on the first syllable, as in the word 'canister', but when the game came to America in 1949, this changed to the more common Ca-NAS-ta.

Hand and Foot Card Game Rules

There have come to be many variations of Canasta and learning the different Canasta card game rules can be confusing since they change from one version to another. Hand and Foot, also known as classic Canasta, is the most popular version played in the U.S. During the 1950s, the game became wildly popular and was played by millions. It even became more popular than Bridge for a few years and was actually the number one card game.

According to accepted Hand and Foot card game rules, it's best played with four people in two teams, however, five and six person games are also possible. Regular decks of playing cards are used, including both jokers from each deck. The number of decks you'll need is equal to the number of players, plus one. For a four-person game five decks are used, making a total of 270 cards (including the 10 jokers). As an option, you can also buy specially made card decks that will also include Hand and Foot card game rules.

Players sit across the table from their teammate and the object is to get rid of all your cards before the other team does. Points are awarded for different combinations of cards melded, much like in 500 Rummy. Jokers and twos are wild in this game, which is fast paced, challenging and, really, tons of fun.

You can click on the links below to download a FREE copy of the complete Hand And Foot Rules If you want to learn some other fun games to play, you can also easily find Hearts card game rules and Spite and Malice card game rules online. Spite and Malice, also called Cat and Mouse, is a competitive form of Solitaire, suitable for two (or more) players.

Hand and Foot card game rules may need to be studied several times, as this is a game that's rated as 'moderate' in difficulty. Once learned, though, it can give you hours of entertainment and is a great family game.

Hand and Foot Card Game Rules

To learn more about this wonderful game and download a FREE copy of the full set of rules visit the hand and foot website at Hand And Foot Game Rules.

Another great site where you can find additional resources to enhance your enjoyment and find great gift ideas is http://HandAndFootCardGame.org.

Lower Back Pain Hip Pain Gluteus Medius

A person with lower back pain or hip pain often will limp with a lurch over to the side of the weight supporting limb every time he/she takes a step. This sign called the Trendelenburg sign is due either to pain and or weakness of the gluteus medius muscle. This duck waddle type of gait is characteristic of this muscle's inability to function well.

Gluteus medius arises from the outer surface of the pelvic bone called the iliac bone and attaches to the outer part of the hip. Its function is to spread the thigh outward away from the midline (abduction). This muscle receives very strong nerve supply from the L5 nerve root via the superior gluteal nerve. Since L5 nerve root is the most commonly injured nerve root, weakness and/or pain in the gluteus medius is common.

\"Pain Foot\"

Usually, muscles that become weak and are prone to injury are those subjected to constant lengthening contractions rather than shortening contractions. Gluteus medius however does shortening contractions but is one of the muscles that easily become weak. Nerve related weakness of this muscle is common and is due to L5 spinal nerve root involvement from irritation related to presence of degenerative arthritis of the spine, slipped disc, bulging disc, etc.
A person with tightness of this muscle may sometimes hear a click as he/she walks and there can be significant hip pain. Treatment of nerve related muscle pain of the gluteus medius cannot be isolated to treating this muscle alone. The adjacent tensor fascia lata muscle supplied by the L5 nerve root whose function is exactly similar to that of the gluteus medius must be treated.
Pain and/or weakness of gluteus medius and the adjacent tensor fascia lata muscle is made more difficult to treat from the overpowering action of the hip muscles that bring the thigh inward such as the adductor magnus muscle in the inner thigh and the buttock muscle (gluteus maximus). Therefore at a minimum these two huge muscles as well as the lower back muscles must be included in the treatment.
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Lower Back Pain Hip Pain Gluteus Medius

© 2007 copyright http://www.stopmusclepain.com Lower back pain|hip pain|gluteus medius

Lower Back Pain Hip Pain Gluteus Medius

Jennifer Chu, M.D. emeritus professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, pioneered eToims Twitch Relief Method that utilizes surface electrical stimulation to locate motor points (trigger points). The motor points are then stimulated to induce strong local muscle contractions, termed twitches. This results in reduced muscle pain and discomfort in the areas that were stimulated. The involved pain/discomfort-relieving mechanism is thought to include local muscle exercise and stretch effects. eToims Soft Tissue Comfort Center® specializes in diagnosis and treatment which ends muscle discomfort and pain.

Toe Nail Pain - Causes and Ways to Treat This Common Problem

Toe nail pain is very common, and it can have numerous causes. Ranging from simple issues to situations needing immediate medical care, toe nail pain is often ignored until it can no longer be tolerated. Prompt treatment for the underlying cause may be the key to quick healing and reduction of the pain.

Most toe nail pain is caused by ingrown nails. Ingrown nails may be inherited genetically, and may also be seen later in life due to gradual damage to the cells under the skin that grow the nail (nail matrix). Repetitive injuries to the toe, such as heavy objects falling on it, pressure from poorly fitting shoes, nail fungus, or toe bruising (common in athletes) may cause irreversible changes to the nail matrix. In time, the nail may abnormally grow inward due to these changes. Less commonly, poor nail trimming technique may leave a spike of nail that may protrude into the skin as the nail grows outward. The skin against the nail is perfectly suited to tolerate the presence of the nail growing into it. However, once the skin becomes inflamed and swollen due to infection of bacteria trapped between the skin and nail, or due to the inflammation caused by the minor injury of nicking the skin when the nail is cut, pain will develop. Regardless of its cause, an ingrown nail will involve pain and inflammation, and will cause chronic symptoms that come and go frequently. If untreated, the infection may potentially spread at any point and may eventually involve the toe bone underneath. Temporary treatment of acute flare-ups may consist of regular soaking in warm, soapy water, application of antibiotic ointment, and the use of antibiotic medication to control the infection. The offending nail border must be removed to fully resolve the condition. This is accomplished through a short office procedure where the nail border is removed under local anesthesia and a mild acid is used to prevent the nail matrix from ever growing the nail back into the skin. Recovery is generally quick, only requiring home soaking once per day and keeping the toe covered with antibiotic ointment and a band-aid. Activities are not restricted as pain after the procedure is rare. Home based "bathroom surgery" is not recommended as this may significantly worsen the condition.

\"Foot Specialist\"

Other causes of nail pain can include nail fungus infection, which may cause the nails to become thickened, loosened, discolored, and crumbly. The nail thickness causes pain when it strikes the shoe during activity. Fungus is a small organism that also causes athlete's foot. When present on the skin, it can potentially spread under the toenail to infect the skin under the nail. Treatment requires prescription medication to eliminate the infection, and usually needs oral medication to get the medication to the hard to reach area under the nail. Over-the-counter topical medications are virtually ineffective against nail fungus, despite their advertising claims, and will generally do nothing for the fungus infection itself. Other potential treatment for nail fungus pain can simply include smoothing out the nails to reduce the prominence in one's shoes, or even removing very painful nails via a simple and relatively painless office procedure.

Toe Nail Pain - Causes and Ways to Treat This Common Problem

Not all thickened nails have fungus in them. Sometimes, nails simply become thickened and painful due to long term pressure and damage to the nail root from shoe pressure or injury, much like how ingrown nails can develop. The nails can be sore in shoes and with activity. Treatment can include smoothing the nails out or using medication to soften the nails. Nail removal can be performed in severe cases.

Another common nail problem seen in runners, walkers, and treadmill users is bruising and loosening of the toenails. When shoes are a little too long, the foot will piston in and out of the shoe, resulting in low level injury to the toe tips. This can also occur in shoes that are too tight. The nails will subsequently bruise and loosen. This can be prevented by wearing properly sized shoes. Many times, bruised nails can also be the result of injury, such as stubbing the toe or dropping an object on it. If the bruise is small, then one can simply wait and allow the nail to grow out as long as any pain goes away after a few days. If the bruise covers more than a third to one-half of the nail itself, then one will need to have that nail evaluated as there may be a cut in the skin under the nail and the pressure may need to be released in order for the toe to heal properly. In some cases, a fracture may have formed in the bone under the nail, and a piece of the bone may have cut the skin from below. This situation requires immediate attention to avoid infection to the bone.

Nail pain can be seen in other less common conditions, such as various skin diseases like psoriasis, as well as other more serious conditions like melanoma around the nail. If one has developed a dark pigmented area on the nail and surrounding skin, this needs to be evaluated immediately. Melanoma to the nail region is rare, but does occur. Other conditions like benign or malignant skin and soft tissue tumors, cysts, and nerve disturbances can cause nail pain. Each of these, while uncommon, has their own treatment available in the hands of a good foot specialist.

As one can see, nail pain has numerous causes, all of which are treatable. Having one's foot evaluated in a timely manner can prevent having to endure pain unnecessarily, and allow a quick return to full activity.

Toe Nail Pain - Causes and Ways to Treat This Common Problem

Dr. Kilberg provides compassionate and complete foot and ankle care to adults and children in the Indianapolis area. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He enjoys providing comprehensive foot health information to the online community to help the public better understand their feet.

http://www.inpodiatrygroup.com

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Sesamoiditis

Pain under the big toe joint can have many causes, although one common cause is unique to the anatomy of the big toe joint itself. Inflammation of two small, unique bones called sesamoids can cause significant pain under this joint. This article will discuss the condition known as sesamoiditis, and the treatment options available.

Sesamoiditis is generally unique to the big toe joint, as this is the only part of the foot where these bones consistently appear. The word sesamoid is used to describe a round or oval shaped bone found outside the usual connected skeleton. Several extra foot bones that appear in some humans are sometimes called 'sesamoid' bones. However, true anatomic sesamoid bones found in all humans are the consistently appearing bones found under the big toe joint. These two small, egg-shaped bones about the size of a peanut M&M candy sit under the big toe joint, and fit within two shallow grooves formed on the bottom of the first metatarsal head, the long bone that forms the first part of that joint. Sesamoids can appear as complete bones, or can form after birth in two or three separate pieces. Serving in an assisting role in bearing weight across the big toe joint during foot push-off, as well as a stabilizer for the various structures that cross over and around the big toe joint, the sesamoids bear a great deal of weight and stress during walking and running. Injury to these bones can happen on an acute and chronic basis.

\"Foot Specialist\"

Acute injury to the sesamoids can happen due to a variety of reasons. These include falling from a height onto the ball of the foot, crushing injuries to the big toe joint, directly kicking an object that forces the big toe upwards, or a direct blow to the bottom of the foot. Chronic injuries to the sesamoids can take place during repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot from activities such as dancing or stair climber use. This can also be seen in repetitive work-related activities, such as pedal use in machinery or platform standing. Indirect force from abnormal pulling of the tissue that attaches near or on the sesamoids can also lead to injury. In general, only one of the two sesamoids usually becomes injured, as injury to both is possible but uncommon.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Sesamoiditis

Symptoms of sesamoiditis can include a sharp pain or dull ache on the bottom of the big toe joint. This pain becomes worsened when the toe is flexed in an upwards direction. Any activity that stresses this joint, including walking, running, and jumping, can cause pain. This is especially true while one is barefoot. Using flat and supportive shoes helps to decrease the the pain of this condition, while high heels makes it worse. The tissue under the big toe joint may feel swollen or full, and may even be warm to the touch in less common cases.

This condition is typically diagnosed during a simple physical exam by a foot specialist, although x-rays may be needed to rule out a stress fracture of true fracture. Stress fractures of the sesamoids can mimic the symptoms of sesamoiditis, and may be difficult to diagnose properly as they may not show up early on the x-ray. Special imaging like an MRI or nuclear bone scan is often needed to confirm a stress fracture. True fractures are typically easy to find on an x-ray, however the presence of a sesamoid in several pieces may not always be distinguishable from a naturally occurring multi-piece sesamoid that is simply inflamed. A physician must evaluate the nature of the line between the pieces to determine if it is a fracture or simply a natural separation.

Treatment of sesamoiditis can be difficult at times, as healing may be slow. The basic treatment course involves removing the inflammation, and reducing the stress that caused it in the first place. Inflammation can be reduced by using anti-inflammatory medications. Icing is also an important part of this treatment course. More direct intervention can be considered in stubborn cases: if no fracture or stress fracture is suspected, a steroid injection can be given to reduce the inflammatory reaction of the bone and its surrounding region. These measures address the inflammation causing the pain, but the underlying stress also needs to be reduced for proper healing. This is made possible by using offloading padding or specialized shoe inserts to reduce pressure under the ball of the foot, or by modifying the activity that caused it in the first place. The use of stiffer-soled shoes is usually necessary, and impact activities must be curtailed during the healing process.

More serious cases may require immobilization in a walking boot or in a cast for up to several months. Cases that simply won't heal with any of these measures may require surgical intervention. Surgical removal of one of the sesamoids is typically effective at eliminating the pain, and is sometimes also necessary when stress fractures or true fractures won't heal. However, it should be noted that most people recover uneventfully and don't need surgery or prolonged immobilization. Dancers and athletes can return to activity once the condition resolves, but with the knowledge the condition may return if stress to the big toe joint continues. The same applies for those with repetitive foot tasks at work.

Sesamoiditis can potentially be a long-term condition if not treated properly and promptly, and is often mistaken for other general big toe arthritic conditions with inadequate treatment the result. This common foot problem is easily treated, although the time to full healing may be somewhat lengthy. By seeing a foot specialist when the symptoms begin, a speedier recover can be potentially achieved, avoiding months of pain and disability.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Sesamoiditis

Dr. Kilberg provides compassionate and complete foot and ankle care to adults and children in the Indianapolis area. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Visit the practice website of this Indianapolis foot doctor for more information.

WalkFit Platinum Orthotic Shoe Inserts Review: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying

Orthotic shoe inserts have been around for years. Orthotic inserts are medically-designed to fit into shoes and provide long-lasting foot, knee and back relief. Usually, these physician-approved inserts cost 100s of dollars though.

Several years ago WalkFit Orthotics hit the infomercial market & since then over 5 million have been sold. Millions of people have tried WalkFit for a fraction of the price and never looked back. The new WalkFit Platinum has taken the good & made it better with new & improved technology.

\"Foot Specialist\"

There are 5 things you should consider, though, before purchasing the WalkFit Platinum Orthotic Shoe Inserts:

WalkFit Platinum Orthotic Shoe Inserts Review: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying

Who Needs WalkFit Orthotics? Most people thinking about purchasing the WalkFit Orthotics Inserts are already suffering from some sort of foot ailment such as shin splints, bunions, heel spurs, hammer toe or just foot pain in general. The answer is that, in terms of long-term health, everyone would benefit from wearing WalkFit Orthotics. There are, however, obvious benefits for active adults, seniors & anyone who spends a great deal of time on their feet at work such as mechanics, hospitality professionals and construction workers.

Are The Claims Made on TV True? The short answer is, YES. The Walk Fit Platinum Orthotics do live up to the claims made on TV. What they do not explain on TV is that, depending on the condition of your feet, it may take a week or two (maybe longer) for you to be able to wear the WalkFit for extended periods of time.

Once the feet become accustomed to the insoles, however, approximately 95% of our customers surveyed reported that WalkFits are essential to their daily life. A small percentage of those that try the WalkFit Platinum have such extreme discomfort that only a surgical procedure will repair the problem.

How Do WalkFits Compare to Other Orthotics? There is the option of having an orthotic foot specialist custom-design a pair of inserts for your feet. This option requires the investment of the physician visits plus the cost of the orthotics insoles, which usually are no less than 0. WalkFit Orthotics, on the other hand, are customized to within inch of the size of your feet and include three additional customizable inserts for varying comfort levels. So, while WalkFit Platinums aren't designed to the specific mold of your foot, they do offer the added benefit of varying comfort levels for varying levels of pain & foot problems. Many of our customers who have had custom orthotics report that these gel inserts make the WalkFit much more helpful.

How Do WalkFit Orthotics Work? WalkFit Orthotics gradually re-align your feet over time to give you the best arch support possible for overall health. By re-aligning your feet properly, the entire body is put in a much more stabilized position. Very much like an anchor keeps a ship stabilized. This stabilization not only benefits the feet, but helps to gradually re-align and support other areas of the body such as the shins, the knees, your thighs & hips, as well as lower back and neck. It's like the domino effect, but in reverse.

Bottom-Line: If you're suffering from foot pain, this is not a natural way to live. Each pair of WalkFit Platinum Orthotic Inserts comes with a full 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you don't begin to feel relief within 30 days, ShopAtAsSeenOnTV.com will gladly refund the full purchase price.

WalkFit Platinum Orthotic Shoe Inserts Review: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying

Sherman Walters is President of ShopAtAsSeenOnTV.com, the Inernet's most trusted source for As Seen on TV infomercial products. He and his staff routinely test infomercial products for their customers and publish the results of those tests online.

Foot Pain - Ball of Feet, Cause and How To Fix

Often, runners or others who put a lot of pressure on their feet throughout the day experience foot pain on the ball of their feet. If you are one of the unfortunate individuals who suffer from this type foot pain, you may be in luck. I will try to explain what may cause this and how you can receive relief from such pain. Please, read on.

Cause:

\"Foot Specialist\"

There are various reasons why a person might experience foot pain on the ball of the foot, however; one of the more common reasons would be a condition known as Morton's neuroma. This condition is generally caused by ill fitting footwear and continual trauma or injury to the area known as the metatarsal heads.

Foot Pain - Ball of Feet, Cause and How To Fix

The metatarsal heads are located at the ball of the foot. There are nerves that run along this region that can become irritated from the constant abuse. This can cause a thickening of the nerves and therefore cause burning pain in the ball of the foot and sometimes pain and numbness in the toes.

Possible Solution:

Metatarsal pad and/or other special foot support products may help relieve foot pain around the ball of the foot, heel, arch, or other areas where pain may occur. See your podiatrist or foot specialist for any special needs. Purchasing correct fitting shoes is very important. Shoes that don't fit well can cause many problems, including this issue.

When purchasing any shoes, be sure your toes fit comfortably. Remember, your feet tend to swell later in the day, so you might want to try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening. Also, make sure you select the right kind of shoes for whatever sport or event you intend to participate in.

If you are planning on running a marathon, make sure you have a good pair of running shoes. If you are planning on standing in one spot for a period of time, be sure to get comfortable shoes. The same goes for walking. If you go to a theme park all day, get shoes that fit well and have correct padding to absorb the shock.

Often, there is nothing like a good old foot massage to relieve aching feet. A wonderful device that has helped my feet is called the Foot Log. The Foot Log is a scientifically designed foot massager that is soft and durable. It is shaped like a log, about 12" long by about 2" diameter. It has several little rubber nubs that, as you roll your feet on top of it, massages all of the pressure points on the bottom of your feet. This stimulates circulation and helps the muscles relax. This is a very good tool for targeting the pain in the ball of your feet.

If you treat your feet well, they will treat you well. We often ignore our feet and as a result, we suffer the consequences. It is important to remember that if your feet hurt, you hurt all over.

Foot Pain - Ball of Feet, Cause and How To Fix

Wait, before you go:

To find out how to get your hands on the Ultimate Foot Massager, called the Foot Log, click here: http://www.footlog.com