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Lou Gehrig’s Disease – ALS Definition, Symptoms, And Therapy

January 22, 2020 By Heather

Is Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) causing the loss of your mobility and quality of life? While a cure has not been found for ALS, there are treatments to slow it down and ease the pain associated with it.

yourfootpalace.com gathered the following information to give you a breakdown of what Lou Gehrig’s disease is, its symptoms, and effective therapies for those afflicted by it.

What Is Lou Gehrig’s Disease?

Lou Gehrig’s disease, known medically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, is the more commonly occurring of four types of a progressive nervous system disorder called motor neuron disease (MND). The four types of MND’s include:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)
• Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)
• Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)

ALS and the other types of MND’s affect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. According to the ALS Association, ALS occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 70, and that a minimum of 16,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.

The disease garnered its popular name after the six-time World Series champion and Hall of Fame baseball player – Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with it in 1939.

ALS returned to the public’s attention during the summer of 2014 when the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on virtually all social media platforms.

What Are The Symptoms of ALS?

The signs and symptoms signaling the onset of ALS can be overlooked easily due to their subtlety in the early stages of the disease. Gradually, these symptoms will develop into more pronounced weakness or atrophy, causing a physician to suspect ALS.

Limb Onset ALS refers to symptoms that originate in the arms or legs such as:

• Muscle twitches (fasciculations) in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue
• Difficulty writing, turning a doorknob, and other simple tasks
• Difficulty walking or keeping balance
• Frequent tripping and/or falling
• Hand weakness
• Weakness in a leg, foot or ankle
• Muscle cramps
• Tightening and/or stiffening of muscles (spasticity)
• Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, neck or diaphragm

Bulbar Onset ALS refers to symptoms affecting speech and swallowing, such as:

• Slurred speech (dysarthria)
• Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing (dysphagia)
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

Along with the physical symptoms listed above, inappropriate and/or spontaneous yawning, laughing, or crying and behavioral changes may accompany any stage of the disease.

Note: Regardless of where the symptoms of ALS begin, muscle weakness and atrophy will affect other parts of the body as the disease progresses.

ALS Treatment And Therapy

As of the writing of this article, there are no measures to prevent or cure Lou Gehrig’s disease. However, some medical treatments and therapies can help control the disease’s symptoms and avoid unnecessary complications.

Medication – Currently, there are two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that may be prescribed to treat and slow the progression of ALS.

• Riluzole (Rilutek) was the first treatment for ALS approved by the FDA and is believed to decrease glutamate levels, reducing motor neuron damage. Glutamate conveys signals between nerve cells and motor neurons. Rilutek has shown to be most effective in treating the bulbar form of the disease but has not demonstrated the ability to reverse damages done to motor neurons.

• Edaravone (Radicava) is a neuroprotective agent that has shown the capability to slow the decline of physical functioning in ALS patients.

Other medications may be prescribed to help suppress or manage the following:

• Muscle cramps
• Stiffness
• Excess saliva
• Phlegm
• Pain
• Depression
• Constipation

Consult your physician and/or pharmacist before administering medication (prescription or over the counter) to anyone undergoing treatment by medication. The proper use and dosages of a person’s prescriptions will help prevent the risk of drug interactions.

Nutrition – ALS victims have a tendency to become weaker when they lose weight. A nutritionist can educate caregivers and family members on planning and preparing smaller meals throughout the day, delivering enough fluid, fiber, and calories while steering away from foods that may present a choking hazard.

As the disease progresses and the ability to eat is severely impaired or lost, doctors may resort to the use of a feeding tube. This measure reduces the risk of choking and pneumonia caused by inadvertently inhaling liquids into the lungs.

Physical Therapy – Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling all work to strengthen non-impacted muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and fight fatigue and depression. Range of motion exercises combined with stretching routines help prevent painful spasticity and shortening of impacted muscles.

Occupational therapists may recommend devices intended to help patients remain mobile, conserve energy, and minimize the risk of falling, such as braces, walkers, motorized wheelchairs, and ramps.

Massage Therapy – massage therapy can help the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of those with ALS by:

• Increasing mobility
• Reducing muscle pain and cramping
• Preventing stiff joints
• Increasing circulation
• Reducing anxiety

Those with debilitating diseases like ALS do not receive enough touch as family and friends may see them as fragile and fear hurting them. A trained massage therapist can offer caring and needed touch.

ALS patients may lose muscle strength and mobility, but they remain fully conscious and retain their sense of touch.

Speech Therapy – A speech therapist can help an ALS patient quickly adapt to the progression of the disease and maintain their ability to communicate. Some of the methods may include:

• Simple responses with their eyes or other nonverbal means
• Computer-based speech synthesizers with eye-tracking technology
• Voice banking to store their own voice for future use with speech synthesizers

Beginning speech therapy early can result in an extended capacity to communicate fully with rich content.

Breathing Assistance – One of the eventualities of ALS progression is the weakening of the muscles responsible for breathing. As one begins to experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, the following treatments may be recommended progressively:

• Noninvasive Ventilation (NIV) is breathing support delivered through a mask.

• Mechanical Ventilation (respirator) is breathing support in which a machine inflates and deflates the lungs. For this breathing assistance, a breathing tube is inserted through the mouth or surgically inserted through a hole in the front of the neck.

Breathing assistance may ease difficulties with breathing and prolong one’s life, but it does not impact the progression of ALS.

The Impact of ALS

As a loved one becomes further physically restricted, family members can become overwhelmed. Clear and direct communication becomes hindered as the disease affects breathing, muscles used for speech, and arm movement. The following are ways for family members to better understand and cope with the progression of ALS:

• An ALS victim may require more time to respond to you, be patient. Remember that your loved one can still think clearly.
• Sense of touch remains throughout the progression of the disease. It is normal for people to refrain from physical contact for fear of hurting the person. A lack of physical contact can deepen one’s depression and feelings of loneliness.
• Counseling and support from family and friends can ease the stress and challenges caused by the progressive nature of the disease.
• Call the ALS Association hotline for information about support groups, referral services, and your local ALS Association chapter at (800) 782-4747

Those afflicted with ALS should be treated with dignity and respect as they consciously experience the gradual loss of their mobility and freedom.

One example of how quality treatment and care for ALS patients can have an enduring impact is the life of Stephen Hawking. The English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was serving as director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge in March 2018, when he passed away after having lived with the disease for more than 50 years.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Is Lou Gehrig’s Disease

In this article, you discovered what ALS is, its associated symptoms, and the therapies used to slow its progression while providing comfort for this afflicted by it.

By seeking treatment, therapy, and education from the initial stages of ALS, you can significantly extend your life while increasing the quality of the time you have.

Your avoiding treatment and therapy for ALS symptoms can result in a drastic reduction in your quality of life. This decision may exponentially increase the difficulty for your loved ones to cope with the progression of the disease.

Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022
amtamassage.org/articles/1/news/detail/3001/the-power-of-touchR-for-als
alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html
mndnsw.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44:mndforms&catid=34:what-is-mnd
cdc.gov/als/WhatisAmyotrophiclateralsclerosis.html
alsworldwide.org/care-and-support/article/massage-therapy-for-caregivers
pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/12/06/massage-lou-gehrigs-disease

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

How To Alleviate Upper Back Pain

December 20, 2019 By Heather

Did you know that you can alleviate upper back pain and prevent it from disrupting your work, sleep, and happiness? With a few simple adjustments in your habits and daily routine, you can regain your movement and capabilities.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on what you can do to alleviate upper back pain and what causes it.

Fast Back Pain Relief

When you are suffering from upper back pain, the following may offer fast relief and get you back to your normal activities:

• Stop all strenuous activities.
• Cease any alcohol or non-prescription drug consumption
• Apply a cold pack or ice (for 2-3 days)
• Use an over the counter anti-inflammatory (for 2-3 days strictly following the package directions)
• Once you can move without sharp pain (after a day or so), start stretching the affected muscle groups to loosen them and accelerate the healing process.
• Schedule a massage. Since the area may be extremely sensitive to touch, a reflexology massage is highly recommended.
• Sit and walk upright. Your posture has a significant influence on how your back muscles function.

Consult your primary care physician:

• For any and all muscle pain that persists longer than seven days with no signs of relief.
• If you are on any type of diet or other medication before introducing another kind of medicine or supplement to your body.

Why Does My Back Hurt?

Upper back pain usually occurs suddenly and without warning. This type of pain can take time to heal and can be caused by any or a combination of the following:

Poor Lifting Practices – Regardless of how much you work out or how strong you are, your back becomes extremely vulnerable to injury when incorrectly lifting any amount of weight.

Solution: Never bend over to lift an object.

• Keeping your back straight, bend your knees until you reach the object
• Get a firm grip on the object and bring it close to your body
• Raise up using your leg muscles
• If the object is too large or too heavy causing you to lean forward, get help

The use of a back brace does not prevent injuries from improper lifting, instead, helps you maintain your back in an upright position.

Being Overweight or Obese – Your weight plays a significant role in your back health. Carrying just a few extra pounds can put constant stress on your back muscles resulting in poor posture, discomfort, injury, and pain.

Solution: Lose weight in a responsible and structured manner by:

• Consulting your primary care physician to determine the ideal weight for your height and body type.
• With the help of a certified nutritionist, alter your diet and eating habits.
• Increase your physical activities.
• Hire a certified personal trainer to guide you through more efficient exercises and set realistic weight loss goals.

Losing weight and keeping it off requires a change in lifestyle. Fad diets and intense workout programs may produce results, but if you go back to your default diet and activities, the weight will return.

Accident or Impact Injury – Back pain can also be caused by a slip, being hit by a falling object, a vehicle/equipment accident, or a sports injury. Whenever an impact is involved, this back pain may be a result of muscle damage, ligament tears, spinal damage, and/or bone fractures.

Solution: Immediately consult your primary care physician to determine the severity of the injury and recommend treatment to alleviate the pain.

Poor Posture – Good posture is fundamental in keeping your back free of muscle strain, headaches, and chronic back pain. Poor posture results from specific muscle groups tightening or strengthening, while others lengthen or weaken.

Solution: Change your posture habits. A neutral spine position will relieve pressure from the spine, promote better breathing, and reduce abdominal pressure. To achieve this position while sitting:

• Bring your shoulders down and back
• Move your head to an upright (slightly back) position
• Tighten your core muscles
• Pull in your gut as if you were tying the drawstring on a pair of sweats

Learn more about how to fix poor posture by reading yourfootpalace.com/how-to-make-good-posture-habit/

Smoking – While smoking may not be a direct cause of back pain, it can exacerbate the symptoms and overall discomfort.

Smoking at any level or quantity causes vascular constriction and reduced blood flow throughout the body, among several other staggering effects.

Solution: Cease the use/consumption of all tobacco products. For those who experience difficulty in breaking the habit, your primary care physician may prescribe:

• Nicotine patches
• Prescription medication
• Therapy

There are no safe levels of tobacco consumption. No matter how you smoke it, acetone, tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide (all associated with smoking) do not contribute to your good health.

Technology – As we become more reliant on cell phones, televisions, and computers, we spend an increased amount of time looking down to read messages, slouching at our desks, and slumping on the sofa watching hours of television.

In doing these things, we are asking our muscles to remain in awkward positions for extended amounts of time, while creating the conditions for muscle strains, poor posture, and back pain.

Solution: Be mindful of the amount of time spent on devices and in front of your television or computer. The following may also help:

• Set a timer to remind you to get up from your desk periodically
• Put your phone (and other devices) away while engaging in other activities
• Set a time limit on the amount of television you watch
• While you are bettering your posture, leave yourself post-it notes, set alarms, and enroll friends and coworkers to remind you to “straighten up”

A change of mindset and habit needs to occur so that the gadgets and equipment meant to facilitate our lives don’t leave us with crippling pain.

Lack of Sleep – Muscles that have been strained or are under pressure from poor posture may “explode” in pain if you are not getting enough sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, tissue growth and repair (triggered by the release of growth hormones) occurs in N3 (formerly known as stages 3 and 4) and are the deepest, most restorative sleep.

Solution: Maintain a regular sleep schedule that allows a minimum of six to eight hours to promote the stages of sleep and REM.

Note: If back pain is keeping you from sleeping, the healing process will likely take much longer and be more painful than if you were getting regular sleep. If this is the case, seek assistance from your primary care physician.

Cold Muscles – The majority of muscle strains in sports, the gym, yard work, etc. are due to a lack of preparation before using the muscles.

Solution: Before any type of workout or physical exertion, stretching, and “warming up” your muscles will help you avoid strains, tears, and cramps.

Herniated Disc – While herniated discs are far more common in the lower back, they sometimes occur in the upper back.

The discs are the soft, flexible cushions between the vertebra. A herniated disc occurs when a piece of this cushion pokes through and puts pressure on the spine.

Solution: Most herniated discs heal with rest and anti-inflammatory medication (as prescribed by your physician).

Myofascial Pain – Sometimes, back pain can result from problems in the connective tissues of the back, called the fascia. This pain typically results from muscle overuse or after an injury.

Solution: Treatment for myofascial pain usually consists of physical therapy and myofascial release therapy.

Osteoarthritis – This condition occurs when the cartilage that protects and cushions the bones wears away, causing back pain. Osteoarthritis is commonly mistaken for muscle pain, when, in fact, it is a problem in the joints. As the condition worsens, it can result in numbness and/or tingling in the arms and legs.

Solution: If you suspect that your back pain is related to osteoarthritis, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your back pain is accompanied by any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Back pain resulting from a fall or injury
• Back pain accompanied by a fever without flu symptoms
• Back pain that interrupts or prevents your sleep after three nights
• Weakness or numbness in your legs and/or arms
• Pain extending down one leg below the knee

The above symptoms indicate that your back pain may be a result of something other than muscle strain.

Upper Back Pain Relief

In this article, you discovered how to get immediate relief from upper back pain, the many factors that can contribute to that pain, and what to do about them.

By taking action to relieve your upper back pain and eliminate its contributing factors, you are increasing your quality of life and overall health.

By allowing back pain to persist unchecked, you are inviting the potential for several health and wellness problems to go undiagnosed and untreated.

Sources:
orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/arthritis/back-pain.html
healthcenter.vt.edu/content/dam/healthcenter_vt_edu/assets/docs/MCOrthoRehab-UpperBack.pdf
health.harvard.edu/pain/4-ways-to-turn-good-posture-into-less-back-pain
sleepfoundation.org/articles/what-happens-when-you-sleep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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