Massage Athens Ga Archives

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

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, 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

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, 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/

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

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

Athlete’s Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

May 22, 2019 By Heather

Do your smelly or unsightly feet make you uncomfortable taking your shoes off. That pungent foot odor or flaky skin may be athlete’s foot, and the longer you wait to address it, the harder it is to deal with.

This infection is easily treated when caught in its beginning stages but can develop into an extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing condition when allowed to develop freely.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on the cause, symptoms, treatment, and better yet, prevention of Athlete’s foot.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Also known as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection primarily affecting the feet and is easily transmitted from person to person. The infection usually appears first between the toes and can spread as a rash to other parts of the feet, including infecting and discoloring toenails.

The fungal species genera responsible for athlete’s foot are:

• Trichophyton
• Epidermophyton
• Microsporum

This type of fungal infection is opportunistic and requires a specifically warm and moist environment to grow on the feet.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused when a person’s feet are continuously exposed to excessive moisture (including sweat) while wearing tight-fitting shoes or shoes that do not breathe. This environment allows any of the infection causing fungi present on the feet to flourish.

How Does Athlete’s Foot Spread?

This fungal infection is easily spread from person to person in locations such as:

• Community Water Parks
• Gym Showers
• Dressing Rooms
• Hotel Rooms
• Bathtub/Shower

The following are means of infection:

• Sharing contaminated socks, or shoes
• Using unsterilized foot care tools
• Touching a contaminated surface (desk, door handle, sheets, and blankets)
• A handshake or other skin to skin contact
• Coming in contact with the condition causing fungi

Basically, once someone is infected, everything their feet come in contact with (including their hands) becomes a source of contamination.

What Are The Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?

Depending on the fungi and the length of time the infection has had to develop, the following symptoms may vary in intensity:

• Itching, burning, stinging, raw skin, peeling skin, or open wounds between the toes
• Inflammation or swelling
• Rash or blisters that itch
• 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
• Thickening toenails that separate from the nail bed

If you are experiencing any, or a combination of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your primary care physician. They may refer you to a podiatrist (foot doctor) or dermatologist (skin doctor), but in most cases, your primary care physician will be able to treat your infection successfully.

How is Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?

Athlete’s foot is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on visible symptoms. In cases where a different cause is suspected, a skin test may be used to make an accurate diagnosis.

One standard skin test for athlete’s foot is a Skin Lesion KOH Exam. This simple skin test checks if an infection in the skin is caused by fungus. KOH (potassium hydroxide) consists of potassium (K), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). When KOH is applied to a skin sample, it dissolves the skin and leaves fungal cells unharmed, making it easier to identify them under a microscope.

How Do You Treat Athlete’s Foot?

Treating athlete’s foot requires medication and potential changes in your hygiene habits. The following are used to treat athlete’s foot:

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

Prescription Topical Medication – In more severe cases of athlete’s foot, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication such as:

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

Prescription Oral Medication – Often the first choice for doctors, a prescription oral medication, typically clears up infections much faster than topical applications, (especially when the infection has spread to the toenails). When necessary, the following oral medication may be prescribed:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

While taking oral antifungal drugs, your doctor may occasionally run blood tests to evaluate the effects on your liver.

These types of oral medications are usually NOT prescribed to individuals with liver conditions, heart conditions, or those taking prescription medication for other ailments.

Household Items – Many items in the home can help you control an athlete’s foot infection. Some of those items are:

• Hydrogen peroxide with iodine
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Consult your primary care physician before using any form of home remedy. They may interfere with or reduce the effectiveness of prescribed or OTC medications.

Personal Hygiene – While treating athlete’s foot with medication, the following adjustments should be made to your personal hygiene routine to avoid perpetuating or further spreading your infection:

• Trim or have your toenails trimmed as far back as possible.
• Thoroughly wash and dry your feet in the morning and again in the evening (paying particular attention to the area between the toes).
• Never reuse a pair of socks before they’ve been washed and dried.
• Alternate the shoes you wear each day, allowing them to dry out completely.
• Sanitize your shower/bathtub after each use (hot water and cleaning products with fungicides work well together).
• Launder your clothes and bedding at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (lower temperatures are ineffective at killing the fungi that cause athlete’s foot).
• Use laundry detergents with anti-fungal properties.
• Dry your clothes, then dry them again (fungi are more easily eliminated in dry conditions with high temperatures).

By robbing fungi of the moisture they require to propagate, and persistently fighting them with medication and good hygiene, positive results should begin to appear quickly. Discolored or deformed toenails may take 6 months to a year to completely grow out.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention

Before you get an infection or once you have recovered from one, the following practices will help prevent future infections:

• Keep your toenails trimmed and clean.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public or community areas where others do.
• Use shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when walking around pools, locker rooms, hotel rooms, and other areas where people may walk barefoot.
• Keep your feet clean, dry, and powdered with an OTC anti-fungal powder.
• Never share socks, shoes, towels, or foot grooming equipment.
• Wear shoes and socks made from a synthetic material that breathes and wicks moisture away from the feet.
• Be extra cautious when taking antibiotics. These medications can kill beneficial bacteria that help control the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.
• Take your shoes off whenever possible and appropriate, this allows your feet and shoes to dry out.
• When your feet get wet, make it a priority to get your socks and shoes off.
• Wash your shoes frequently and allow them the time under a fan or in the sun to completely dry out before using them again. Using extremely hot water in the washer or drying shoes in a high-heat dryer may cause the glue used in them to deteriorate, ruining the shoes altogether.
• Wash and dry your bedding weekly using hot water to wash, and multiple cycles in the dryer.
• If you know someone who has athlete’s foot, educate them on treatment and prevention measures. Be aware that whatever they come in contact with will likely be unintentionally contaminated.
• Inform yourself. Ask questions about sanitation and decontamination procedures at your gym, public pool, water park, school locker room, or any other public location where you may be exposed to the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.

Remain aware of the conditions you expose your feet to and keep them clean and dry at all times. One of the best ways to control, kill, and prevent fungal infections is to deprive the fungi of what they need to flourish.

From time to time, give your feet a rest and restorative foot reflexology treatment. Not only will you feel better, but if anything is developing, your reflexologist can bring it to your attention. For more about foot reflexology, visit yourfootpalace.com/reflexologist-massage-in-athens-ga/

Eliminating the Embarrassment of Athlete’s Foot

Avoid the embarrassment of stinky or unsightly feet by treating and preventing athlete’s foot fungi.

In this article, you discovered what athlete’s foot is, its cause, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent it from making your feet its host.

Your failure to address athlete’s foot in its beginning stages may lead to discomfort, pain, discolored and deformed toenails, and a persistent pungent odor coming from your feet, socks, and shoes.

Sources:
https://www.cardiosmart.org/healthwise/hw28/611/hw28611
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353300
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003761.htm
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/athlete-s-foot-how-to-prevent
https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=978
https://www.uwhealth.org/health/topic/major/athlete-s-foot/hw28392.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/athletes-foot.html
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/athlete-s-foot

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

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

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages and Treatment

April 23, 2019 By Heather

You can’t speak coherently, the left side of your body is involuntarily shaking, and sudden random painful muscle spasms keep happening – all at once. This is how stages 3 and 4 of Parkinson’s disease can debilitate you.

Parkinson’s disease may begin as an innocuous tremor that over time leaves a person completely debilitated. As of yet, there is no known cure. However, early recognition of the symptoms and proactive treatments can slow it down.

In this yourfootpalace.com article, we define and explain what Parkinson’s disease is, how to identify its symptoms, how a diagnosis is made, and the stages a person passes through during the progression of the disease.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system associated with tremors, muscular rigidity, slow and imprecise movement. The disease principally affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. It is also related to degeneration of the basal ganglia (a group of structures found deep within the brain) and dopamine deficiency.

This disease primarily affects those over 50 but has been known to occur earlier. Parkinson’s does not discriminate by race, color, gender, or social status, and in recent decades, awareness of the disease has been heightened by Alan Alda, George H.W. Bush, Robin Williams, Muhammad Ali, and Michael J. Fox all having been diagnosed.

What Are Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are typically slow to manifest themselves and may go unnoticed or disregarded until multiple symptoms appear or frequent mishaps begin to occur.

Some of the more common symptoms are:

Involuntary Tremors – these tremors (shaking) may occur while at rest, in the hands, arms, legs, or even through the back affecting posture.

Muscular Affliction – The onset of Parkinson’s may cause minor to severe:

• Muscle Stiffness
• Muscle Rigidity
• Muscle Contractions
• Difficulty Standing
• Difficulty Walking
• Problems with Coordinated Body Movement
• Involuntary Bodily Movements
• Slow Bodily Movements (bradykinesia)
• Slow Uncertain Walk (Gait)

Significant Changes in Sleep – Daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, early awakening, sleep disturbance, or nightmares can all be associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Cognitive Warning Signs – Evening time confusion, difficulty thinking and understanding, dementia, and amnesia.

The following symptoms may also indicate or be a result of Parkinson’s disease:

• Reduced Facial Expression
• Difficulty Speaking
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Loss of Balance
• Loss of Sense of Smell
• Loss of Contrast Sensibility
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Drooling
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Dribbling or Leaking Urine
• Unintentional Weight Loss

While many of the symptoms above may appear from other afflictions or illnesses, any one or a combination of them should be checked out by your primary care physician.

Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

No blood test can diagnose Parkinson’s disease. To further complicate things, it is challenging to diagnose in its early phases.

A concrete diagnosis may take years to be made, and it probably won’t be your primary care physician that makes it. Early on, you will likely be referred to a movement disorder specialist who is a neurologist with training to detect conditions like Parkinson’s.

A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis is made through the following steps:

• The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms based on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and input information throughout the exam. You can see this questionnaire here alz.washington.edu/NONMEMBER/UDS/DOCS/VER2/IVPforms/B3.pdf

• To make a diagnosis, at least 2 of the following 4 symptoms must be present:

Tremor or shaking in the hands or arms when resting or extended
Bradykinesia or a slowing down of movements
Difficulty maintaining your balance
Stiffness in the arms or legs

• The doctor may examine your face to see how you express emotion, you may also be asked to sit in and stand up from a chair, and walk around the room.

• Because reduced production of dopamine in the brain is one of the causes of Parkinson’s, you may be asked to take a dopamine replacement drug like levodopa used in conjunction with carbidopa. If your symptoms improve, it is more likely that you have Parkinson’s.

• Two scans are also used to take detailed images of the brain, and these tests may help your doctor make a diagnosis. They are:

PET scan – This scan details how your brain functions and how it uses sugar. This test helps to distinguish between Parkinson’s and dementia.

DaTscan – This scan displays problems with dopamine-producing cells. Cells that are healthy and functioning well will light up during the test. Cells lacking dopamine will remain dark. This test helps to distinguish between Parkinson’s and essential tremor (a brain disease with many similar characteristics as Parkinson’s). For more on the DaTscan, read parkinson.org/blog/whats-hot/update-DAT-scanning

Using imaging studies is a relatively new way to diagnose Parkinson’s and requires a highly specialized doctor to interpret the scans correctly. Likewise, due to the costs of the scans, contact your insurance company to verify your coverage for these scans and what percentage may be out-of-pocket.

When diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, doctors also factor in the following:

• The disease is more common in people over the age of 50.
• Diagnosis involves ruling other diseases out that may mimic Parkinson’s symptoms.
• Making a Parkinson’s diagnosis is often difficult and may require time.

Doctors and scientists are continually seeking to improve methods of diagnosis for earlier detection.

5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

There are 5 different stages of Parkinson’s disease, beginning with the mildest and running up to the most severe. While there are similarities in each stage, it is the severity of the symptoms that differentiate one stage from another.

Stage 1 – This stage may include mild tremors along one side of the body, and slight changes in facial expressions, posture, and walking. At this stage, symptoms typically won’t interfere with daily activities and are usually only noticeable by people around them.

Stage 2 – In this stage, tremors may affect both sides of the body, commonly accompanied by rigidity. Everyday activities can still be accomplished but are harder to accomplish. Also in this stage, difficulty with posture and walking are now obvious.

Stage 3 – This stage sees a significant loss of motor control, as sense of balance is disrupted and falls become more frequent. While many can still live independently, basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing become increasingly difficult as body movements can become very slow.

Stage 4 – In this later stage of the disease, standing is still possible without assistance, but bodily movement is now significantly impaired as the symptoms have become limiting. Patients in stage 4 Parkinson’s disease require assistance with everyday activities and are no longer able to live independently.

Stage 5 – As this is the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s, patients will likely require assistance standing and walking and may require the use of a wheelchair. In this stage, patients will require assistance with all activities as their motor skills are severely impaired. Hallucinations are also commonplace with those suffering in advanced stages.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can also be referred to as mild (stages 1 & 2), medium (stage 3), and severe (stages 4 & 5).

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

A treatment plan will typically depend on the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms. The following treatments may be recommended:

Medicine – As Parkinson’s disease involves the reduction of dopamine production in the brain, most treatment plans will include the use of levodopa administered with carbidopa. Levodopa converts to dopamine while carbidopa only allows the conversion to happen once levodopa has reached the brain.

Read more on orally administered medication at mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-and-levodopa-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20095211

Massage – Massages have been found to help with rigidity and stiffness. Besides relieving stress, massages can help boost walking abilities, the performance of everyday living activities, and leaves patients feeling better. Visit Foot Palace to schedule your next massage treatment.

Acupuncture – Reduced pain, anxiety, and depression are some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s that can be relieved or reduced by acupuncture therapy.

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Without being proactive in seeking medical attention and treatment, later stages of Parkinson’s disease can be a living nightmare full of uncertainty, confusion, and hallucinations.

In this article, you discovered the definition of Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms that accompany it, how a diagnosis is made, its 5 stages, and its treatment options.

Don’t allow minor symptoms to develop into major health issues. Ignoring little aches and pains and self-diagnosing could lead to life-long regrets. When there are signs of trouble, seek help from your primary care physician.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org
https://parkinson.org
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Parkinsons-Disease

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

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(678) 963-5958

Why Do Both of My Legs Hurt?

March 21, 2019 By Heather

Don’t ignore the pain in your legs, it could be a ticking time-bomb! Leg pain is often an indication that a grave health issue is developing.

When you have pain in your legs while resting or lying down for no apparent reason, this may be an indication that something is wrong in the nervous or vascular system. Sudden, severe, or persistent pain such as this should be evaluated by your physician before it evolves into a full-blown emergency or worse.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information about leg pain, its causes, threats, and treatments, then answers several frequently asked questions.

My Legs Hurt

Unless it’s the morning after leg day at the gym, stiffness and pain in your legs is not a good sign. When the following happen frequently, it’s an indication that should lead to a conversation with your doctor:

• Regularly waking up in the middle of the night with leg or foot cramps.
• Numbness or muscle pain in your legs in the morning.
• Discomfort or pain in your legs after sitting for a while.
• Rapid loss of leg muscle definition accompanied by pain and/or discomfort.
• Spontaneous bruising on the legs and/or feet.
• Frequent or lasting numbness of any portion of the legs or feet, and especially the toes.

Any of these symptoms appearing spontaneously and for no apparent reason are cause for great concern.

Leg Pain Causes

Leg pain may occur from:

• Dehydration.
• Natural wear and tear.
• Injuries to bones or joints.
• Injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles, or soft tissue.
• Overuse (prolonged strenuous activities).
• Stress.
• Vitamin deficiency.
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Problems in the lower spine.
• Use of tight or heavy belts.
• Sciatica.

Sciatica is shooting pain that runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the back of the leg. Pressure on the sciatic nerve is one probable cause and is commonly seen in men who carry large wallets in their back pocket. The pain will often subside by relieving the pressure on the nerve.

The following causes are generally associated with poor circulation:

• Varicose Veins
• DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots forming in veins deep within the body and not always accompanied by symptoms).
• PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease (the narrowing of peripheral arteries that serve the head, stomach, arms, and legs)
• CAD or Coronary Artery Disease (the hardening or narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle)

Both PAD and CAD can be caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is an accumulation of cholesterol plaque along the walls of arteries. This accumulation causes the obstruction of normal blood flow, and when these plaques rupture, they can cause an acute blockage of the artery.

When pain and discomfort in either or both legs are caused by varicose veins, DVT, PAD, CAD, or a combination of them, immediate medical treatment should be sought.

What Can Leg Pain Lead to?

Sudden, severe, or persistent leg pain should never, ever be ignored. If left untreated, leg pain may lead to:

• Blood clots traveling to the lungs.
• Stress on the heart.
• Fatigue.
• Amputation.
• Stroke.
• Potential heart failure.
• Death.

While the majority of leg pain experiences are passing in nature, they should never be ignored.

Leg Pain Treatment

In cases of leg pain due to exercise, overuse, injuries, or neuropathy, the following may offer some relief:

• Avoid wearing constrictive clothing.
• Keep yourself well-hydrated.
• Get a massage.
• Apply cold compresses.
• Get some rest.

When the pain is sudden, severe, or persistent, seek immediate medical attention. Ignoring this type of leg pain may lead to serious health consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is leg pain a sign of cancer?
Answer: Possibly. If bone cancer is the cause, the pain may cause a dull or deep ache in a bone region like the pelvis, ribs, arms, and legs. In this scenario, weight loss and fatigue will often accompany the pain.

Question: Can a person die from peripheral artery disease?
Answer: Yes. PAD can cause kidney failure, lead to foot or leg amputation, and because of atherosclerosis, many people suffering from PAD will die from a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, or stroke.

As PAD often shows no symptoms, mature adults should be tested during regular medical checkups.

Question: Can a vitamin deficiency cause leg pain?
Answer: Yes. Some symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency may include fatigue and muscle aches or weakness.

Question: Does magnesium help aching legs?
Answer: Potentially. Another common cause of leg cramps and pain is magnesium deficiency. A primary symptom of a magnesium deficiency in the body is cramps, spasms, pain, and aches in the legs and feet.

Seek medical advice before adding or removing dietary supplements from your diet.

Question: What is restless leg syndrome (RLS)?
Answer: Restless leg syndrome or RLS is a condition which causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs when resting. RLS can be treated by medication prescribed by your primary care physician.

Pay Attention to Your Aching Legs

Frequent or severe leg pain when resting may be an indication of a severe internal medical condition and should not be neglected.

In this article, you discovered what causes leg pain, the threats it may represent, some treatments for it, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Ignoring the sudden, sharp, or persistent pain you feel in your legs may lead to serious medical issues including chronic fatigue, amputation, stroke, or death. This type of pain should be addressed immediately, as part of successful treatment depends on early detection.

Sources:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#3
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/when-walking-makes-your-legs-hurt
https://www.seniorliving.org/health/causes-leg-pain/
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ischemic-heart-disease
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/coronary-artery-disease
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm

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Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 106, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

https://plus.google.com/+FootPalaceMassageSpaBraselton

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

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