Your Health and Wellness Holistic Living Blog

How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately

November 21, 2019 By Heather

Stop your agonizing leg cramps from interrupting your sleep and ruining your night. You can stop the intense pain from leg and muscle cramps with a few minor changes in your daily habits.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about stopping the pain from leg cramps, what causes them, and how to prevent them.

How to Stop Muscle Cramps

Foot cramp, leg cramp, charley horse, or whatever you choose to call it, this mysterious sudden pain happens when a muscle involuntarily stiffens and cannot relax.

When nighttime leg cramps happen in the calf of your leg, the following will help you relax the affected muscles and stop the pain:

• Breathe and try to remain calm
• Sit up in bed
• Loop a blanket or sheet around your foot
• Gently pull your toes toward you
• Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat
• Repeat this stretch until your leg is completely relaxed

When the cramp occurs in the front of the leg, do the following:

• Carefully stand at the side of the bed
• Shift your weight to your toes
• Slowly raise your heels off the floor
• Use the bed for stability if the pain has you off balance
• Repeat until the cramped muscle fully relaxes

For a cramp in the back of the thigh (hamstring), do this:

• Sit on the floor with your back against the bed or wall
• Extend your legs in front of you
• Slide your hands down your legs, slowly bending forward
• When you feel a burning sensation in the cramped muscle, hold the position for 30 seconds
• Slowly return to a sitting position and repeat the stretch
• Repeat until the cramped muscle relaxes

You can relieve cramps in your back by assuming the “child’s position” yoga posture:

• On the floor (preferably on a yoga mat), get on your hands and knees
• Exhale
• Keep your hands in position flat on the floor and lower your hips backward
• Continue lowering your hips until your buttocks rest on your heels
• Lower your head to the floor without lifting your buttocks
• Extend your arms in front of you, keeping your hands flat on the floor
• Hold the position for five to ten seconds
• Inhale as you return to your hands and knees
• Repeat as necessary

Once the affected muscle or muscle group returns to a relaxed state, avoid tightening it, or exercising it. Use a heating pad or warm towel on the affected area; this increases blood flow and reduces the chances of the cramp recurring.

What Causes Muscle Cramps?

Muscle cramps are idiopathic and harmless in the majority of cases and can be triggered by any of the following:

• Exercising without warming up
• A buildup of lactic acid (lack of rest after an excessive workout)
• Not stretching enough
• Overexertion
• Dehydration
• Calcium, magnesium or potassium deficiency
• Diuretics (some medication, sodas, coffee, watermelon, among other foods and beverages)
• Cold temperatures (constricts blood vessels)
• Shoe support, size, and tightness

However, when there is an underlying physical or health problem, muscle cramps can be caused by:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal injury
• Recent surgery
• Compressed nerves
• Some medication side effects
• Neuropathy
• Foot injury
• Flat arches
• Plantar Fasciitis

Occasional leg cramps are common and are easily remedied without medical care. However, if you have frequent or nightly leg cramps, this may be signaling the necessity to seek medical attention.

Pay special attention to changes in your eating or drinking habits, consumption of OTC (over-the-counter) or prescription medication, and changes in your physical activities or workout intensity. Even the slightest of changes in these factors can impact the frequency and severity of muscle cramps.

If and when you do seek medical attention, be sure to relate such changes to your doctor. The more information you can provide, the more accurate the diagnosis and treatment will be.

How To Prevent Muscle Cramps

Leg cramps are bound to happen from time to time. That said, the following are things you can do that lessen their frequency and may prevent them:

• Drink water and keep your body hydrated
• Avoid diuretic foods and beverages
• Stretch regularly, especially before workouts or strenuous activities
• Exercise periodically without overexerting yourself
• Consume foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium (leafy greens, bananas, black beans, etc.)
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Stop smoking and/or vaping
• Get regular massage and spa treatments
• Seek medical attention and advice for contributing physical and/or neurological factors
• Keep your feet and legs warm at night

More importantly, make an effort to detect any poor health habits and change them. Even the slightest of changes can produce significant results while encouraging you to effect more change.

Immediate Relief for Leg Cramps

In this article, you discovered the means to alleviate excruciating pain from muscle cramps, why they occur, and how you can prevent them.

By making simple adjustments in your lifestyle and habits, you can stop waking up in agonizing pain from leg cramps.

By ignoring frequent muscle cramps, you may be allowing underlying contributors to go undiagnosed and end up with a far more severe health issue.

Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350825
health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-let-foot-cramps-charley-horses-slow/
health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/take-that-muscle-cramps

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Hip Replacement Surgery and Recovery

October 18, 2019 By Heather

Is your chronic hip pain disrupting your quality of life and mobility? Modern advancement in hip replacement surgery and recovery time may enable it to be the solution to your painful and inconvenient dilemma.

yourfootpalace.com gathered detailed information about hip replacement surgery, the post-operation recovery process, and some of the forms of arthritis that lead to the condition.

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Total hip arthroplasty or total hip replacement is a major surgery that involves damaged bone and cartilage being removed from the acetabulum (hip socket on the pelvis bone) and the femoral head (upper end or tip of the thighbone). After sedation, the replacement procedure typically goes as follows:

• An incision is made on the outer thigh to expose the hip joint
• Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the acetabulum
• A reamer is used to smooth and prepare the acetabulum
• The two-piece acetabular component is fitted (one outer metal part and one inner plastic part with a socket)
• The femoral head is removed, and the femur is prepared to receive the stem portion of the prosthetic
• The stem is attached to the femur, and a metal ball is attached to the end of the stem
• The metal ball is fitted into the plastic socket
• The surgeon confirms the range of motion for the prosthetic and closes the incision.

Since the surgery was first performed in 1960, hip replacement surgery has continuously been one of the most successful medical procedures in all of medicine. In the United States, more than 300,000 hip replacements are being performed annually, as reported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ.

Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

Even though total hip replacement is considered major surgery, you may find the following recovery schedule astonishingly fast-paced:

After Your Hip Replacement Surgery is Over – You are moved to a recovery room, monitored for several hours, then returned to your hospital room.

Hospital Release – In most cases, the typical hospital stay is one night. The length of your stay will depend on your age, health, and post-op evaluation. Some patients are released on the same day as the surgery.

Physical Therapy – You will be instructed to perform regular exercises designed to return strength and mobility to your hip. Before you are discharged from the hospital, you will be up and walking with a walker or crutches and performing simple exercises.

For the first two to three weeks, you will meet twice per week with a physical therapist. Over the following three to six weeks, you will gradually increase your walking distances and return to your normal physical activities.

Incision Healing – Bandages can be removed five days after surgery. For most people, it takes 10 to 15 days until any staples or sutures can be removed. Before your discharge from the hospital, you receive instructions on caring for the wound, and what to do if any signs of infection appear.

Swelling Reduction – Due to sluggish blood circulation after surgery, your calf and ankle will likely swell and slowly return to normal over 12 weeks. To help reduce this swelling:

• Rest with your legs elevated (knees above the level of your heart) multiple times per day for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Apply cold packs to swollen or tender areas for 10 to 20 minutes 4 or 5 times per day.
• The walking routine you were given will also help reduce the swelling.

Blood Clot Prevention – To reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), adhere to the following throughout your recovery:

• Walk even short distances every 2 to 3 hours; this promotes blood circulation.
• Perform the foot, ankle, and knee exercises prescribed to you by your physical therapist.
• Take your blood-thinning medication.

The idea is to continually engage in physical activity, promote blood circulation, and prevent deadly blood clots.

Massage therapy, such as reflexology, may be applied 10 to 15 days after surgery to encourage blood flow and stimulate the muscles and nerves of the affected leg (consult your physical therapist for guidance).

Surgeon’s Instructions – For a total recovery, all of your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions must be followed. Follow-up meetings should be scheduled throughout the first year after surgery to monitor your progress.

When is Hip Replacement Surgery Necessary?

Once you and your physician have explored non-surgical options such as oral medication, physical therapy, injections, etc., you may be asked to consider hip replacement surgery to relieve your pain and restore your mobility. Some of the medical conditions that lead to the necessity of total hip replacement are:

Post-Traumatic Arthritis – This is a condition that occurs following the dislocation of the hip or severe fracture of the pelvis and results in the joint surface cartilage suffering damage. Pain and stiffness occur from direct trauma, or the ball and socket lose their congruity.

Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head – When blood circulation to the femoral head or “ball” becomes impaired, the bone in the ball dies and collapses.

Once the femoral head flattens, losing its round shape, a poor fit occurs and causes a loss of the remaining joint surface cartilage (arthritis).

Hip Osteoarthritis – This condition is known as “wear and tear” or degenerative joint disease (DJD) and remains localized to the joint. Osteoarthritis conditions develop slowly and occur as the cartilage in the hip slowly wears away.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – This inflammatory arthritis condition falls in the same group as lupus and psoriatic arthritis. The condition occurs as the body’s cells attack joint surface cartilage, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and pain.

There are many medical therapies and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis which may attack any joint in the body. A rheumatologist should closely monitor this condition.

Don’t assume that an arthritis diagnosis means necessary surgery. Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, there are only a few of them that account for over 95 percent of all hip replacements performed.

Recovering from Total Hip Arthroplasty

In this article, you discovered the definition and procedure for hip replacement surgery, the recovery process, and some of the causes of the condition.

Regaining your quality of life and dignity may depend on your decision to have hip replacement surgery after your non-surgical options have been explored.

By not having total hip replacement surgery, you may be perpetuating pain, discomfort, and risks for other conditions that are all completely avoidable.

Sources:
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/recovering_from_hip_replacement_surgery/
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-hip-replacement/
thedacare.org/News-and-Events/Symptoms-and-Conditions/How-Long-Does-it-Take-to-Recover-from-Hip-Replacement-Surgery.aspx

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Massage for Anxiety and Depression Relief

September 18, 2019 By Heather

Is constant fear, anxiety, or depression robbing you of your happiness and joy. There are several ways to minimize the effects, recover from, and prevent an anxious or depressed state.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about anxiety, depression, how to recognize their presence, and how to effectively treat them.

What are Anxiety and Depression?

Both anxiety and depression are common afflictions that, if not treated, can lead to severe health problems, including high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and suicidal tendencies.

Anxiety is an intense, excessive, overwhelming, and persistent worry, accompanied by fear, over common everyday situations. Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Fast breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Exhaustion or feeling tired

Anxiety is a normal reaction in stressful situations such as before making a presentation, taking a test, public speaking, or asking someone on a date. It is when this feeling becomes excessive, persistent, consuming, and interferes with your daily life that it is an indicator of an underlying problem or disease.

Depression is a mental health disorder accompanied by a general loss of interest in any or all activities or a persistent depressed mood. A prolonged state of depression can cause significant interruptions and impairments in daily life. Symptoms of depression may include:

• Persistent sadness
• General loss of interest
• Changes in sleep routines
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in daily behaviors or habits
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy levels
• Thoughts of suicide

With millions of diagnosed cases per year, depressive disorder, generally referred to as depression, is more than feeling sad or going through difficult times. Depression is a mental health condition requiring understanding and medical care.

If left untreated, depression can devastate the lives of the victim and their families. Through early detection, diagnosis, and a structured treatment plan consisting of medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices, people can and do get better.

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Treatment for anxiety and depression have many similarities. The following are ways to minimize the effects of anxiety and depression and indicators of when you should seek medical care:

• Slow or cease the use of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• Include physical activities in your daily or weekly plans (consult your primary care physician to determine any limitations)
• Establish a well-balanced diet (consult a nutritionist or your primary care physician)
• Include nightly exercises and stretching that promote relaxation (consult a personal trainer for proper techniques and intervals)
• Join a support group (the Anxiety And Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides an online support group found at adaa.org/adaa-online-support-group)
• Massage can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. Massage therapy can work to manage the fight-or-flight response, or stress reaction, that is typically associated with anxiety disorders. Visit yourfootpalace.com/reflexologist-massage-in-athens-ga/ to learn more.

You should seek medical care if you:

• Have trouble maintaining relationships
• Can no longer function efficiently at work
• Feel perpetually sad, troubled, or slowed down
• Abuse alcohol or other substances

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Are consumed by thoughts of self-worthlessness
• Believe your life doesn’t matter
• Are considering inflicting harm on others
• Are considering or contemplating suicide
• Can no longer complete daily activities or work

What differs in the treatment of anxiety and depression is that depression treatments will frequently include both prescription medication and therapy.

When you feel that there is no-one to speak to or help, you can reach out to:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This call is free and confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year for treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders (in English and Spanish).

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Eastern time) or Text “NAMI” to 741741 24/7.

NOTE: Before initiating any treatment, medication, exercise routine, dietary alteration, physical or psychological therapy should be communicated to your primary care physician to ensure its safety in your circumstances.

How to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

When anxiety or depression are interfering with your relationships, job, or outside activities, there are actions you can take to avoid spiraling into a potentially harmful state of mind.

In this article, you discovered essential information about anxiety and depression, what signs are present, how to treat the condition, and contact information for organizations that can help.

If anxiety or depression is allowed to persist, it can prevent your happiness, result in a deepening feeling of worthlessness, inadequacy, and even lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Sources:
nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/depression
samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
mayoclinic.org

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

How Massage Can Relieve Your Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

August 23, 2019 By Heather

Does your peripheral neuropathy pain have you immobile and living a restricted quality of life? Through massage, you can ease the symptoms of this debilitating condition.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about peripheral neuropathy, its symptoms, causes, and how massage can alleviate your pain.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition resulting from damaged or diseased nerves that relay information to and from the brain and spinal cord, from and to the body’s skin, muscles, and internal organs.

In the United States, over 3 million new cases of peripheral neuropathy are identified annually. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, but some treatments can help.

Symptoms – Depending on the type of nerves affected, symptoms may vary. The following include symptoms from motor nerves (muscle movement), autonomic nerves (internal organs and processes), and sensory nerves (sensations like heat and touch);

• Numbness or tingling
• Sharp pain
• Extreme skin sensitivity
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Changes in blood pressure
• Heat intolerance
• Loss of coordination
• Bowel and bladder problems

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain, weakness, or unusual tingling sensations in your hands or feet that spread to your arms or legs.

Causes – There are many ways that nerves can be or become damaged, including external, internal, and hereditary influences. The following are potential causes for peripheral neuropathy:

• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy
• Kidney failure
• Alcoholism
• Hereditary disorders
• Tumors
• Autoimmune diseases
• Trauma or pressure
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Injuries
• Surgery

Sometimes, no cause can be found and is referred to as idiopathic neuropathy.

Massage Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy Pain Relief

There are many types of massage used to treat stress, anxiety, pain, neuropathy, and illness. Below are some of the techniques that can relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy:

• Connective Tissue Massage or Fascial Stretch – Connective tissue massage involves working with the body’s fascia, or soft tissue, to relieve pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Some benefits include pain reduction, tension relief, increased mobility, and stress reduction.

• Massotherapy – Massotherapy focuses primarily on the muscles. Massotherapy benefits include improved circulation and pain management.

• Reflexology – Reflexology is based on a map of pressure points on the hands, feet, and ears that correspond to specific areas of the body. Similar to acupressure, applying appropriate pressure to these points can stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body. Benefits include increased blood flow, pain relief, eased stress, and profound relaxation.

For more information about the application and benefits of reflexology, visit yourfootpalace.com/reflexologist-massage-in-athens-ga/

• Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) – This technique uses light, rhythmic strokes to promote the body’s lymph system health. Benefits include reduced inflammation or edemas and pain relief from neuropathy.

• Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) – NMT is a massage technique applied to specific muscles to increase blood flow, ease muscle tension, or release pain/pressure on nerves.

If massage therapy fails to alleviate the symptoms of your condition, your primary care physician may recommend medical treatment.

Peripheral Neuropathy Medical Treatment

Medical treatment for peripheral neuropathy involves managing or targeting the condition causing the neuropathy and relieving the symptoms.

Depending on the type and cause of your neuropathy, one or a combination of the following treatments may be suggested or prescribed you:

Topical Treatment – Medicated creams and patches may be used to offer some pain relief.

Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs that reduce pain, lower fever, prevent blood clots, and decrease inflammation.

In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe painkillers such as tramadol, or oxycodone. As these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence, they are generally prescribed only when other treatments fail.

Antidepressants – Some tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, can help relieve neuropathy pain. They do this by interfering with the chemical processes occurring in your brain and spinal cord, causing you to feel pain.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – This procedure involves electrodes placed on the skin (in the affected area) that deliver an electric current at varying frequencies.

Physical Therapy – For muscle weakness, physical therapy may improve your movements. In more severe cases, you may need physical therapy to learn how to use hand or foot braces, a walker, or even a wheelchair.

Surgery – If your neuropathy is caused by pressure on nerves by tumors or abnormal growths, surgery may be a viable option to reduce or relieve that pressure.

Massage therapy may be used in conjunction with medical treatments (when cleared by your physician) to target specific conditions or symptoms.

It is always recommended to consult your primary care physician before using any type of therapy or medication to relieve the symptoms of neuropathy. The misuse or consumption of inaccurate doses of medication can potentially worsen or compound the underlying cause.

Neuropathy Pain and Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy can cause severe pain and discomfort that may leave you with a sense of instability and lead to grave health consequences. You can find relief from pain and relieve the symptoms of this condition by understanding neuropathy and how to treat it.

In this article, you discovered what peripheral neuropathy is, what symptoms to watch for, the various causes of the condition, and treatment options that can aid in your recovery.

Your immediate action to seek medical assistance at the first sign of neuropathy symptoms can avert the worsening of the condition and its development into something far worse.

Sources:
foundationforpn.org/what-is-peripheral-neuropathy/causes/
piedmont.org/living-better/benefits-of-hand-and-foot-massage-for-neuropathy
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

July 21, 2019 By Heather

Has that pain in your outer thigh made you unsure of your balance and afraid to take a step? What you are experiencing may be a condition called meralgia paresthetica, and with a few adjustments, you can be firmly on your feet in no time.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about meralgia paresthetica, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and how to treat it.

What is Meralgia Paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from the compression of either the right or left lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), a sensory nerve to the skin on the outer thigh.

Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms

While the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica may vary from person to person, the following are common indicators of the condition:

• Pain or discomfort along the outer thigh, sometimes extending to the knee
• Stabbing, burning, aching, tingling, or numbness in the thigh
• Shakiness or instability when standing after long periods of sitting or lying down
• Worsening pain after walking or standing for long periods
• Worsening pain when the thigh is lightly touched
• Pain occasionally spreading to the groin and buttocks

While meralgia paresthetica can occur on both the right and left sides of the body, it occurs most commonly on only one side or the other.

Meralgia Paresthetica Causes

This condition is caused when the right or left LFCN has been compressed or squeezed. Compression of this nerve can occur due to:

• Obesity or weight gain
• Wearing a heavy utility or tool belt
• Scar tissue from injury or surgery near the inguinal ligament
• Wearing tight clothing like belts, corsets and tight pants
• Pregnancy
• Complications from diabetes
• Accidents or injuries involving the hip area
• Seatbelt injury from an automobile accident
• Exposure to lead paint
• Age (those between the ages of 30 and 60 are at higher risk)

This nerve usually passes from the spine, through the groin area, and to the upper thigh without trouble. But when the LFCN becomes trapped – often under the inguinal ligament, which runs along the groin from the abdomen to the upper thigh – meralgia paresthetica can occur.

For most, retracing steps and actions to pinpoint the cause of a physical ailment is a crucial step to prevent its reoccurrence. With meralgia paresthetica however, this may not be so easy. Compression of the LFCN may not be felt immediately, and symptoms may slowly increase in intensity.

Meralgia Paresthetica Diagnosis

In the majority of cases, your primary care physician can diagnose meralgia paresthetica by performing a physical exam and evaluating your medical history. You may be asked to describe the pain and identify the affected area of your thigh.

The following tests may be administered to rule out other causes of the symptoms:

• Reflex testing
• Strength testing
• Imaging studies
• CT scan or MRI (when a tumor is suspected)
• Electromyography (measures the electrical discharges produced in muscles)
• Nerve conduction study (electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate the nerve)
• Nerve blockade (involves an anesthetic injection into the thigh)

Once correctly diagnosed, a focused treatment plan can begin.

Meralgia Paresthetica Treatment

In most cases, meralgia paresthetica symptoms will ease after 6 to 8 weeks. During that time, treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression by:

• Losing excess weight
• Wearing loose clothing
• Using OTC pain relievers (as suggested by a pharmacist or primary care physician)
• Avoiding strenuous exercises
• Avoiding long periods of standing or walking

If symptoms persist longer than 8 weeks or the pain is severe, treatment may include:

• Corticosteroid injections that reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.
• Tricyclic antidepressants. This type of medication might relieve pain.
• Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin), phenytoin (Dilantin), or pregabalin (Lyrica). These are anti-seizure medications that might help lessen painful symptoms.

Surgery is rarely performed to decompress the nerve and is only considered for people with severe and long-lasting symptoms.

Leg Pain and Meralgia Paresthetica

Leg pain caused by meralgia paresthetica can make you second guess your upright stability and increase the chances of injury by falling.

In this article, you discovered what meralgia paresthetica is, how to identify its symptoms, understand its causes, how doctors reach a diagnosis, and how to treat it.

Your procrastination to see a doctor when you experience severe or debilitating leg pain puts you at risk of exacerbating not only meralgia paresthetica but any underlying and potentially grave illnesses or conditions.

Sources:
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9417/meralgia-paresthetica
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17959-meralgia-paresthetica
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355639

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Three Common Foot Problems – Symptoms and Treatment

June 24, 2019 By Heather

Do your feet hurt? That pain may represent a grave illness which can lead to severe debilitation or amputation if not addressed.

Our feet carry much more than our weight, they are responsible for our mobility and our physical stability. When something goes wrong with your feet, it should be addressed immediately before developing into something far more serious.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on three common foot problems, their symptoms, and best treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms and Treatment

Athlete’s foot, known as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot, is a fungal infection affecting the feet. The fungus’ bacteria is easily transmitted from person to person by skin contact or any other contaminated surface. The infection typically appears first between the toes, and may spread like a rash to other parts of the feet, including infecting, thickening, and discoloring toenails.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot – The following symptoms may vary from person to person and in intensity:

• Itching, burning, stinging, peeling skin, or wounds between the toes
• Itchy rashes or blisters
• Dry, flaky skin on the soles or sides of your feet
• Cracking and peeling skin on the soles and heels
• Raw, itchy skin on your feet
• Discolored or deformed toenails

If you are experiencing any, or a combination of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician. Treating athlete’s foot may require medication and possible changes in hygiene. You may be referred to a podiatrist (foot doctor) or dermatologist (skin doctor). However, in most cases, your primary care physician can treat your infection successfully.

The following are used to treat athlete’s foot:

Topical Over The Counter (OTC) – Cremes, sprays, and ointments containing clotrimazole or terbinafine hydrochloride are effective in reversing the effects of athlete’s foot in its early stages.

Prescription Topical Medication – More severe cases of athlete’s foot may require more aggressive treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a topical medication containing:

• Ketoconazole
• Oxiconazole
• Sertaconazole
• Sulconazole
• Naftifine
• Clotrimazole
• Econazole
• Butenafine
• Ciclopirox
• Clotrimazole-betamethasone

Prescription Oral Medication – Prescription oral medication typically clears up infections much faster than topical applications. When necessary, the following oral medication may be prescribed:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

While using oral anti-fungal drugs, there is a risk of developing hepatoxicity (chemical-driven liver damage) exacerbated by pre-existing liver disease, chemical components of the drug, drug to drug interactions, environmental factors, and patient demographics. Your doctor may occasionally request blood tests to evaluate and monitor the effects on your liver.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and Treatment

The plantar fascia is a band of deep tissue running from the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis injuries typically result from overuse, commonly occurring from repetitive actions involving running or jumping. It may also be related to bad or abnormal foot mechanics, improper, or poorly fitting footwear.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms – Plantar fasciitis is the deformation or a tear of this tissue. It may cause the following:

• Irritation
• Inflammation
• Pain

Some other factors that increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis may include:

Age – Plantar fasciitis occurs more commonly in people between the ages of 30 and 60.
Obesity – Extra weight can stress the plantar fascia.
Standing – Long term standing on hard surfaces can damage the tissue.

The following treatment and tips may provide relief:

Wear Appropriate Footwear – Use footwear with a good fit, avoiding flat soles with little to no support.

Rest and Stretch – Rest is one key to recovery in cases of overuse. Combining that with daily stretching exercises and frequent massages will aid in the recovery process.

Use a Splint – A splint used at night can help keep your foot and ankle in the proper position while you sleep.

Ice Treatment – Roll your foot on a frozen water bottle for several minutes two to four times per day, or apply an ice pack to the bottom of your foot for 15 minutes, two to three times a day.

If the pain continues, consult your primary care physician.

For more on plantar fasciitis read yourfootpalace.com/how-foot-massage-can-relieve-your-plantar-fasciitis-pain/ and to schedule a foot massage, visit yourfootpalace.com

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms and Treatment

Nerve damage from diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. Some form of nerve damage occurs in half of all those affected by diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy – The following symptoms may occur in those experiencing neuropathy:

• Lack of coordination, stumbling and falling
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness, prickling or tingling in the feet or hands
• Extreme sensitivity
• Pain during normal activities
• The sensation of wearing socks when you’re not
• Paralysis
• Heat intolerance

Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy – Early treatment for those who already have nerve damage will help prevent or delay further damage:

• Keep your blood glucose levels on target
• Meal Planning
• Physical Activity
• Medication

The two ways to keep track of your blood glucose levels are:

• Use a blood glucose meter to guide you in adjusting your day-to-day care.
• Get an A1C test at least twice a year to reveal your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months.

By checking your blood glucose levels regularly, you can detect whether your diabetes care plan is working or if changes may be needed. Make your feet a priority by:

• Paying attention to and taking care of your feet.
• Seeking immediate medical treatment if you experience heightening symptoms or problems.
• Using lotion on your skin for dry feet, and wear shoes and socks that fit well.
• Using warm water to wash your feet and drying them thoroughly.
• Checking your feet multiple times per day. A foot injury may go unnoticed if you are unable to feel pain. Injuries that become infected or left unattended may lead to severe health complications, including amputation.
• Special shoes may be required, and Medicare may pay for them. Ask your physician about this.
• Changes in your everyday routine may be required. Consult your physician on which exercises and activities should be avoided or altered to prevent foot injuries.

Use your eyes to inspect your feet, and use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet. Using your hands, feel for bumps, and dry skin. Look for corns, calluses, blisters, swelling, ingrown toenails, and toenail infections. If you cannot see or reach your feet, get help from a friend, family member, or from your foot doctor.

For more detailed information about diabetic neuropathy, visit mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

Foot Pain and Common Problems

When your feet are hurting, don’t second guess it. Address it! When something goes wrong with your feet, treatment is usually simple and can be accomplished by making minor adjustments in your daily routine.

In this article, you discovered three common foot problems, their symptoms, and easy ways to treat them.

Ignoring your foot problems can lead to serious health risks, and when your foot pain is caused by a health problem, not treating it can lead to grave consequences.

Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chronic-heel-pain-4-simple-fixes-for-your-plantar-fasciitis/
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/

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