Thunder God Vine Can Aid Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
A recent study published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases recently found that a Chinese herb known as thunder god vine may be an effective treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The study used 207 patients and observed their responses to the herb, the pharmaceutical drug methotrexate, and a combination of both.
After six months, the groups were assessed to see which achieved close to a fifty percent improvement in their pain and joint stiffness. Forty-six percent of the patients prescribed methotrexate noticed an improvement. This was lower than the fifty-five percent of participants given just the herb, and seventy-seven percent of those treated with both medications.
Characterized by stiffness and lack of mobility, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a painful condition that needs medical attention. For treatment options, see one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can take care of any foot conditions and determine a treatment plan that is right for you.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Moana-Veale’s Stress Fracture takes her out of the Larache Triathlon
This year’s Larache ATU Sprint Triathlon lost competitor Tamsyn Moana-Veale after the Australian athlete received some unfortunate news. Moana-Veale had received a message from her physician just before the start of the race revealing the results of her most recent MRI. It was discovered that the triathlete had sustained a stress fracture in her foot, and if she continued the race and ran on it, her condition would only exacerbate.
In spite of not being able to compete in the triathlon’s final running portion, Moana-Veale was given special permission from her doctor to participate in the cycling and swimming portions of the competition. Moana-Veale finished these sections to her utmost ability despite having to conclusively pull out of the competition.
Many athletes are susceptible to receiving stress fractures because of the intense training they may undergo. If you would like treatment for a stress fracture, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
-runners
-people affected with Osteoporosis
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-high impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.
For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Teaching Assistant Accuses Flip-Flops and Flat Shoes and Foot Pain Culprit, Not High Heels
Michele Crow, a 41-year-old teaching assistant has always preferred flip-flops and flat shoes over high heels, never taking into consideration that flat shoes can create just as many problems. Crow started to notice her foot problems when she went on vacation to Portugal and realized that her wooden-soled flip-flops were creating an ache in the arch of her foot. When the teaching assistant went for a run a few days later, the pain worsened to the point that she could not walk and had to see a doctor. Crow has since been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and is taking on a wide variety of treatments to try and fix her foot. She states, “You often hear about the twisted ankles, bunions, and backache that can be caused by wearing high heels, but I had no idea flat shoes could also damage your feet so badly.”
Flip-flops, while usually cited for their comfort, do not have the proper foot support. For more information, consult with Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr C. Michael Irvin of Green Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off, perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
- Ankle problems
- Hip problems
- Lower back problems
- Pain in the balls of the feet
- Problems with foot arches
- Changes in the way you walk
Are there injuries associated with flip-flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
- Sprained ankles
- Blisters
- Infections
- Cuts and Scrapes
I like wearing flip-flops, are there safe alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and are made of high quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more, but will also last longer as a result.
For more information about Flip Flops, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.
Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet
FPH Reports Wage Growth and Gout are related
Reports from the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) report that gout, along with other Victorian-age diseases; have returned due to a combination of poor wage growth and increased food prices. Poverty in Britain has been a topic of great debate since the global financial crisis began. Wages have been below the rate of inflation since 2008.
John Middleton of the FPH states, “It is a condition we believe should have died out. It’s getting worse because people can’t afford good quality food.” Gout considered a type of arthritis that can be caused by obesity as well as a diet rich in chemical compounds called purines that are found in sardines and liver.
Gout can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and careful eating habits. If you are suffering from the effects of gout, contact one of our podiatrists at Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Foods rich in purines like turkey, red meats, and liver can affect the body’s ability to excrete uric acid, which in turn leads to hyperuricema, the blood condition that causes gout to develop. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have as much as a one in five chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Gout
Westwood Designs Blister Virgin Atlantic Employees
Virgin Atlantic has recently signed on Vienne Westwood to be the new designer of their flight attendant and crew member uniforms. Westwood is following the lead of past designer-airline collaborations such as Pierre Balmain for Singapore Airlines and Christian Lacroix for Air France. The initial global wearer trial for the uniforms has been generally successful; unfortunately some of Atlantic’s 7,500 employees have been reporting blisters as a result of wearing Westwood’s shoes. The shoe is an adaptation of Westwood’s signature heel. In response to the reports, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated that the company is working to ensure its employees are “happy and comfortable in their working environment.”
If you work in an environment that requires extensive standing and walking, you may develop blisters on the feet. To learn more about blister treatment and prevention, speak to Dr. Paula Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Dr. Raugellis will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns and answer any of your related questions.
Blisters on the Feet
When tight or ill-fitting footwear is worn, many times a foot blister may develop. Blisters can even develop by constant rubbing from the shoe, often times leading to pain.
What is a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small pocket that is filled with fluid, forming on the upper most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid, and may lead to drainage of blood or pus if the area has become infected.
How do they Form?
Blisters of the feet are almost always the result of shoe rubbing and constant friction of the skin and material. Long periods of walking in shoes, sandals, or boots which don’t fit properly can result in a blister. Those who often have moisture or humidity in the feet, are prone to blister formation easily.
Prevention & Treatment
Proper care is vital to alleviate pain and prevent infection to the affected area of the foot. The best treatment is to leave them alone. New skin will develop under the blister and during the healing stages, your blister will pop.
For more information about Blisters on the Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices, located in Pennsylvania. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Blisters on the Feet
Study Shows Barefoot Running is not as Beneficial as it Seems
Barefoot running has been acclaimed as particularly beneficial and great for the feet; however, a recent study conducted by the University of Colorado contradicts those claims. Jason Franz, a doctoral student at the university, discovered that runners will actually perform better while wearing supportive and appropriate running shoes rather than running without anything at all.
Experiments exposing barefoot running were held in a locomotion lab where oxygen intake and carbon dioxide exhalation was observed while subjects ran on a treadmill. Volunteers ran once with a lightweight running shoe and then once again completely barefoot. The results of the study showed that the body exerts about three to four percent more energy while running without shoes. Franz suggest that the adjustments your feet make to cushion the impacts of running uses more metabolic energy from the body.
Barefoot running can be a difficult transition from traditional running. If you would like more guidance and more information, talk to Dr. Paula Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc.. Dr. Raugellis will treat your podiatric needs.
Barefoot Running
The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.
The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.
The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.
So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more on Barefoot Running
Annual Scientific Conference Correlates Women and Neuromas
Kris DiNucci, a surgeon who presented at the Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), stated that women may be at a greater risk for neuromas than men. The presentation stated that women that are flat footed or wear narrow shoes are the most susceptible to the condition that mostly occurs when a nerve becomes inflamed between the third and fourth toe.
The most common foot condition noted in women was the Morton’s Neuroma, which causes a burning or tingling feeling in the toes with the possibility of swelling or even worsening if not treated. Those that participated in the ACFAS conference believe that conditions such as the Morton’s Neuroma can be prevented and alleviated with the help of proper footwear.
Morton’s neuroma can be a difficult condition to cope with. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, talk to podiatrist Dr. Paula Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Dr. Raugellis can diagnose and treat your feet accordingly.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones. Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition.
What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredrickstown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
For more information on the treatment of diabetes, visit our link below.
Read more on Morton’s Neuroma
Olympic Triathlete Ends Season Early for Potential Shockwave Therapy
Due to complications with plantar fasciitis, triathlete Vicky Holland will be ending her season early. She currently has two games left in the World Series Final: Stockholm and Edmonton. The Common Wealth Games champion has been suffering with her foot condition and is now experiencing inflammation. The early retreat this season will allow Holland to address her foot problems so she can prepare for the next step in her career. The Olympian stated, “I’m not sure what the plan at the end of the season is, whether I will be in a boot or have shockwave therapy again or have injections … So it’s important for me now to finish the season early, address the issues I have and then go again.”
Plantar fasciitis can be treated in various ways, one method being shockwave therapy. For more information, speak to Dr. Paula Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates. Dr. Raugellis will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. This technique is used on patients that do not respond well to physiotherapy. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, attacking the source of the problem so treatment lasts for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
For more information regarding shockwave therapy, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office located in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Shockwave Therapy
How to Prevent Children from Getting Ingrown Toenails
Children can develop ingrown toenails in their feet from even the simplest of mistakes. For example, one of the most common ways a child develops an ingrown toenail is when his or her nails are cut too short. To prevent these ingrown toenails, cut their nails evenly and avoid trimming them down excessively. Keep in mind ingrown nails can also occur if a child wears socks and shoes that are too small for his or her feet.
Other cases of ingrown toenails can simply be caused by a genetic predisposition to curved nails. No matter the cause of the ingrown toenail, do not attempt to treat this condition at home. Removing an ingrown nail with a “bathroom surgery” can lead to a bacterial infection.
Ingrown toenails are terribly uncomfortable, and in the worst cases surgery might be required to get rid of them. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, consult podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis will confirm your diagnosis and do everything she can to treat your problem.
Ingrown Toenails Causes
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
There are a number of risk factors for ingrown toenails. Some include cutting your nails too short, participating in strenuous sports, diabetes, obesity, and fungal infection. Some are genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, although wearing ill-fitting or damp shoes can exacerbate the problem.
Treatment
There are a number of steps you can take to treat ingrown nails:
-Let your toenails grow out
-Soak the toes in hot water with antibiotic soap or Epsom salts
-Placing a piece of cotton under the affected nail may allow the toe to grow up instead of into the nail bed
-Rest with your feet up
If however, your pain is severe, or you see red streaks running up your leg, you should see a podiatrist. Your podiatrist may make a small incision and remove part of the toe nail to relieve the pressure. A local anesthetic may be used to lessen the discomfort of the operation. Topical medication may also be prescribed to prevent the regrowth of the problem nail.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Swimming Class Aids Local Senior Citizens
Sue Asher serves as an instructor for a local aerobics class that mainly pertain to senior citizens. Asher’s class meets at a local swimming pool two times on a weekly basis, where students exercise the feet, arms, and legs. Although the workout is relatively calm and simple workout serves to improve muscle strength and prevent the onset of joint problems like arthritis.
“Class starts at 10:45 but between 10:30 and 10:45 we catch up on things that are happening in the town, happening with the senior citizens and it is our social time,” Asher stated. “Then we do our exercises and work hard.”
Swimming is a great way for the elderly and people with arthritic feet to get exercise. If you have any questions about the benefits of swimming on the feet, consider contacting podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis will explain the unique health advantages this activity has and recommend some simple exercises for you to do.
Benefits of Swimming and Foot care
Our feet receive the most stress on a daily basis. Walking, running, and long standing contribute to pain and stress on the feet. Swimming helps promote circulation and keep the body feeling great and healthy.
Benefits of swimming:
Improve blood circulation
- Swimming is a good, safe way to get in extra physical activity and improve circulation, without causing further trauma to the feet
Relieve aches or pains
- It takes all the pressure off of them, allowing the feet to relax and recover, and improves blood flow to them.
Circulation overall for diabetics
- Swimming contributes to blood flow, and increase oxygen levels within the body.
Reduce foot inflammation
- Swimming in warm water can increase blood flow and make it easier to move and stretch the afflicted foot. The feet are also exposed in water, giving them much needed air.
Swimming the helpful alternative:
Many people like the elderly and diabetics suffer from weakened muscles and joints. A water sport like swimming will support the body, thus allowing him or her to move freely. Blood flow circulation is a main trigger to tired inflamed feet.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about the Benefits of Swimming and Foot Care
More...
Coach Says Running Injuries Are Preventable
Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner, a light jogger, or just getting started; runners of different commitments can all benefit from following the same set of training guidelines, says Coach Vic Gainer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Following these guidelines, Gainer suggests, can aid in the prevention of running injuries.
Cement surfaces, with their denseness, can be damaging to the feet and knees. Along with fast downhill runs and slanted terrains, these should all be avoided. Different distances should be run if you are a daily runner as opposed to running the same distance. Additionally, choose to stretch after running at least one mile instead of stretching before a run.
All runners are susceptible to injury. If you’re a runner and you’d like to learn how to protect yourself from getting hurt, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Football Player Sprains Ankle
New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner incurred a high ankle sprain recently that will keep him out of commission for the next month or so. The ankle has a lot of swelling, which could mean that the sprain is a Grade Two.
Since a formal diagnosis hasn’t been made public yet, Milliner doesn’t know how long he’ll be sidelined for. However, if it is a Grade 2 sprain, it’ll probably take about four to six weeks for him to heel. "We feel confident that it's healing nicely," said Rex Ryan, the Jets’ coach. Without Milliner, the team will have to rely on Antonio Allen and Ellis Lankster for cornerback.
Even the most minor ankle sprains can be very unpleasant. To get professional care for a sprained ankle, consult with podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis will provide you with an appropriate form of treatment based on the severity of your injury.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Happen?
This type of injury takes place when the ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured; however, even the simple act of walking may cause a sprain. If footing is lost or you are walking on uneven terrain, ankle damage may occur.
What are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin, depending on severity
Is there a Way to Care for my Ankle at Home?
Self-care for ankle sprains includes propping the ankle up and keeping it elevated, applying ice packs as needed, and remaining off your feet. Some may also find that wrapping the ankle with an ACE bandage and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are helpful. One of the most important things is to avoid further stress to the affected area.
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits can aid in prevention
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast, which will allow you to walk while stabilizing the ankle.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about Ankle Sprains
Acupuncture Can Aid with Heel Pain
Guangzhou Dongsheng Hospital and Guangzhou Social Welfare House scientists held a study that could prove acupuncture can treat heel pain effectively. Researcher Xu Xuemeng and his team experimented on 66 patients experiencing some form of heel pain. Some of the test subjects were given filiform acupuncture needle treatment, while others were administered conventional drugs.
After six months, the scientists found that the patients given acupuncture had an effectiveness rating of 97% as opposed to 76% in the control group. Acupuncture is said to be especially useful when it comes to conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Your life can greatly be affected by even simple heel pain. If your heel hurts, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your heel pain.
Causes of Heel Pain
● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about Heel Pain
Movie Star Has Weak Bones Due to Osteoarthritis
The Newsroom star Jane Fonda recently went out to eat while sporting a supportive foot brace. Fonda has osteoarthritis, which might have contributed to her injury. “Arthritis hurts,” she said. “I’ve broken one foot four times and the other foot once and I’ve broken a lot of other bones too.”
Fonda is also a professional fitness instructor, and she knows that the best way to keep her bones healthy and strong is to exercise regularly. “When you’re older exercise is the number one thing you need to do to age successfully,” the actress stated. The actress has also suffered from bulimia, depression, and breast cancer and has a hip and knee replaced.
Many Americans, including Fonda, suffer from arthritis in their feet. If you need assistance with arthritis of the lower extremities, consult with podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugelliswill analyze the severity of your condition and do everything she can to reduce your pain.
Arthritic Foot Care
In an average lifetime, we walk approximately 75,000 miles. This can put a great deal of stress on the 26 bones and 30 joints that we have in our feet. As we get older, our feet lose flexibility and elasticity. Our shock absorbers weaken, and if arthritis comes into play, the joints become inflamed and distorted. Arthritic foot care and treatment would become imperative at this point.
It is best to take care of your feet by wearing well-fitted shoes. Certain conditions may develop when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, for example hammertoes, neuroma, and bunions. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room in the shoe can help your feet be comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with arch support will help; it is also a good idea to buy shoes that contour to your foot.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
-Specific exercises may help; stretching the Achilles tendon can prevent further pain and injury. Stretching can also increase your mobility.
-Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, as well as topical medications with Capsaicin.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.
Read more about Arthritic Foot Care