Plantar Fasciitis Archives

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

7 Benefits of A Reflexology Foot Massage

September 12, 2018 By Heather

The most used, abused, and neglected part of the body is our feet. They are always in motion and over time can make us miserable with annoying pain and discomfort.

Reflexology foot massages relieve stress and built up tension. Adding this to your personal health and wellness plan will advance your efforts to live a healthier and less stressed lifestyle.

Below, yourfootpalace.com massage experts share their knowledge and experience of how reflexology foot massages can benefit your overall well-being, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Is Reflexology Good For?

When applied by professionals, this ancient form of massage is able to aid in several aspects of relaxation, improved wellness, and pain relief. Below are seven reflexology benefits and reasons to book your foot reflexology appointment.

#1 – Encourages Relaxation – Reflexology can flood the neural pathways with relaxation, inducing a state of peace and tranquility within the body and mind. This physiological change results in the reduction of stress.

Stress reduction through reflexology therapy is frequently associated with relieving sleep disorders. This is accomplished by helping your body return to a more relaxed and balanced state, simultaneously working to restore a healthy Circadian rhythm, which is needed for sufficient sleep.

#2 – Promotes Nervous System Stimulation – Open neural pathways benefit our central nervous system in a variety of ways. The brain is able to handle inputs more effectively, essentially speeding up cognitive strengths; thus, increasing the speed of physical reactions, which boosts your memory. Overall, the entire brain is able to work faster and more efficiently.

#3 – Relieves Migraines and Headaches – Reflexology is often sought after by people in pain, because reflexology can reduce the severity of migraines and headaches by increasing blood flow and relieving muscle tension. Since stress and psychological factors often manifest themselves as migraine symptoms, stress-induced headaches can also be eliminated.

#4 – Revitalizes Nerve Function – Nerve endings lose sensitivity in parts of our body as we age (more so in the extremities). Reflexology has been associated with the stimulation of more than 7,000 different nerve endings during a 1-hour session, naturally increasing nerve functioning and reactivity.

The opening and cleansing of neural pathways helps improve overall functionality and reduces toxicity within the body.

#5 – Improves Circulation – Probably the most well known and verified results of reflexology is an improvement in circulation throughout the entire body, which means blood and oxygen are being cycled throughout the body more effectively.

Due to this benefit, oxygen reaches vital organ systems, optimizing their function and increasing the metabolism.

#6 – Increases Energy Levels – By aligning functions of organ and muscle systems, reflexology has the potential to increase the metabolism and energy creation. In other words, reflexology sessions can help to re-energize your body and mind.

#7 – Relieves Plantar Fasciitis Pain – Reflexology can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology is beneficial as it uses pressure point techniques to release tension, relieving the heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. A natural cure for plantar fasciitis is a professional foot massage. To learn more, read yourfootpalace.com/how-foot-massage-can-relieve-your-plantar-fasciitis-pain/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does foot reflexology work?
A: A reflexologist’s application of pressure to the feet, hands, or ears sends a calming message from peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, which then signals the body to adjust the level of tension.

Q: Is Foot Reflexology painful?
A: In Western reflexology, when a client experiences higher levels of pain, the reflexologist eases the pressure. In Chinese Reflexology, when painful points are found, the reflexologist focuses on that pain.

Q: Is reflexology good for arthritis feet?
A: Massage is beneficial for the body overall. Increasing blood flow helps relieve pain and reflexology is a gentle process that can also help reduce the pain, along with the swelling and discomfort associated with arthritis.

Q: How often should you get reflexology?
A: For those new to reflexology, weekly sessions for four to six weeks is a good start, after which biweekly or monthly visits should be sufficient for overall improved well-being.

Q: How long is a reflexology session?
A: A complete session means attending to all areas of both feet. This varies from 30, 60, and 90-minute sessions depending on the style of Reflexology and the health of the client.

Q: Can reflexology help with plantar fasciitis?
A: Reflexology can indeed help relieve some of the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology is beneficial because it uses pressure point techniques to release the tension in the feet, thus relieving the heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

To learn more about why reflexology may be right for you, watch this video.

Reflexology Benefits Your Health and Wellness

As you have learned, the addition of reflexology foot massages to your health and wellness plan can significantly influence your daily life and well-being.

Pain relief, nerve stimulation, blood flow, migraine relief, and so much more can be achieved through reflexology. And in the absence of abnormalities, reflexology may be as effective for promoting better health and preventing illness, as it may be for relieving the symptoms of stress, injury and improving your mood.

The prolonged neglect of our feet only adds to the list of aches, pains, and potential medical issues as we age. Adding frequent reflexology foot massages to your health and wellness strategy can result in tremendous short and long-term benefits.

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Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

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

How a Foot Massage Can Relieve Your Plantar Fasciitis Pain

April 25, 2016 By Heather

plantar fascia foot ligaments and bones
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, and one we hear often at Foot Palace of Athens. Those that suffer from plantar fasciitis usually experience stabbing heel pain and stiffness with their first step out of bed in the morning. This pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and affects nearly 2 million Americans each year. The pain is caused from inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue, which is a thin web-like ligament that runs across the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes. This thin ligament is the foot’s arch support that helps you walk. The pain from plantar fasciitis normally decreases as your foot limbers up throughout the day, but can return if you spend a majority of your day standing. We don’t often think about our feet but our daily lives put a lot of stress on our plantar fascia ligament.

This common orthopedic condition is frequently found in runners. The ligament normally acts as a shock absorber, and putting too much pressure on this ligament can wreak havoc on your feet. However, planter fasciitis doesn’t just affect the fleet of foot. You may also be at risk for this condition if you are overweight, late in a pregnancy, menopausal, or wear shoes with inadequate arch support. Maintaining a healthy weight, stretching before physical activity, and wearing shoes with proper arch and heel support may reduce your risk of getting plantar fasciitis.

Reflexology can help relieve some of the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. Reflexology is beneficial because it uses pressure point techniques to release tension in the feet and relieves heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. A natural cure for Plantar Fasciitis is to massage the feet. Plantar Fasciitis surgery is too invasive for most people and costs a lot of money! Reflexology is a healthier and better Plantar Fasciitis remedy! During a reflexology session you fist soak your feet in hot Epson mineral salt water to help draw inflammation out of the sore muscles. Once your muscles have loosened up a little form the warm salt soak, a therapist begins working on breaking up the “crystals” in your feet, loosing up the tight bands of the fascia, and then stretches the ligaments and Achilles tendon. Doing this helps to further relax the muscles in the feet and calves, to increase circulation and flexibility. Increasing the circulation and flexibility in your lower legs and feet reduces the inflammation causing pain in the plantar fascia. Like most injuries, there’s no instant cure, but receiving regular reflexology sessions can help you achieve pain relief in minutes, help gradually experience less pain daily on a daily basis, and maintain full flexibility in your feet, heels, and lower legs.

Set your massage appointment now and relieve your pain and foot discomfort today!