Wellness Archives - Foot Palace

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
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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

How to Make Good Posture a Habit

January 18, 2019 By Heather

That pain in your back and neck could be from bad posture. Millions of people suffer from this, and many rely on pain medication to get through the day. What if you didn’t need any drugs to fix it?

Good posture, like poor posture, is habitual. By making good posture a habit, you can avoid eventual debilitating pain, medication, and chronic symptoms like headaches and heartburn.

yourfootpalace.com discusses the differences between good and poor posture, ways to correct and improve your posture, and how to make it a lasting habit.

What is Good Posture

Awareness of what good posture is will help you make it routine. Posture is the manner in which you hold your body while sitting, standing, or sleeping, known as static posture and walking, running, or lifting, known as dynamic posture.

Good posture refers to the three natural curves present in a healthy spine, one at the neck, one at the mid-back, and one at the lower back. Correct posture maintains these curves without increasing them.

Likewise, if you were to look directly at the front or back of the body, the 33 vertebrae that form the spinal column should appear completely vertical.

Furthermore, having good posture depends on the constant awareness of holding your body in a way that results in the least amount of strain on your back.

What is Bad Posture

Bad or poor posture results from certain muscle groups tightening or strengthening, while others lengthen or weaken. This causes a muscular imbalance which results from daily repetitive activities.

While you may not notice it in its beginning stages, poor posture may result in the following:

• Back Pain
• Headache
• Poor Balance
• Muscle Fatigue
• Difficulty Breathing
• Incontinence
• Acid Reflux
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Slouching
• Body Aches and Pains

If you suspect that poor posture is a contributing factor to any adverse condition you are experiencing, make an appointment with your primary care physician to rule out other potentially more serious causes.

How to Improve Your Posture

To change your posture habits, you need to identify the static and dynamic positions that created the problem.

The following will help you make good posture a habit, taking stress off of your back and reducing the ill effects of poor posture:

Neutral Spine Position – The neutral spine position relieves pressure from the spine, promotes better breathing, and even reduces abdominal pressure. To achieve this position while sitting:

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

When standing, shift your weight to the balls of your feet, keep your feet about shoulder width apart, and slightly bend your knees while repeating the 4 steps above.

At first, this may be slightly uncomfortable. Keep in mind that you are engaging specific muscles in a way that they are not accustomed to and telling others to relax. This slight discomfort will quickly fade away as you regain a balance between them.

Use this position as your example when adjusting your chair, standing, or walking posture. The more you practice, the more easily it will become habitual.

Core Exercises – Core muscles in the abdomen, back and pelvic floor all work to support the spine. The following easy exercises will help you strengthen your core muscles and further improve your posture:

• Seated Leg Lifts (Can be done practically anywhere)
• Sit-Ups (Crunches are very effective as well)
• Push-Ups (On the floor or inclined)
• Practice Yoga (Nearly everything in yoga engages the core muscles)
• Walk with Proper Posture (20 minutes to 1 hour per day)

Note: If you have lower back pain, consult your primary care physician, or a physical therapist before beginning any exercise routine.

Reminders – Old habits are hard to break, and when you are dealing with posture, your own muscles are working against you in the beginning. Until you have made good posture a habit, use the following to remind you to “straighten up:”

• Leave sticky notes in plain sight on your desk and in areas where you spend a lot of time.
• Get lumbar support pillows for the chairs at work and at home (these can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but are terrific reminders to straighten up).
• Enlist your coworkers, friends, and family to help you avoid poor posture.
• Adjust the seat and mirrors in your vehicle so that you are compelled to sit in a neutral spine position.

Over time, good posture will become habitual, just as poor posture did. Fortunately, this is one habit that serves a healthy purpose and costs nothing to feed.

Good Posture is a Habit Worth Keeping

Don’t let poor posture rob you of your quality of life. By making simple adjustments throughout your daily activities, you can improve your health and avoid developing some chronic conditions.

In this article, you discovered the differences between good and poor posture, what you can do to eliminate bad posture, and how you can make it a healthy habit.

While the effects of habitual bad posture are gradual, they can cause serious health problems as you mature and get older. Just by making a few simple changes, you can make good posture a permanent habit and help your body perform at its peak.

Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/3-surprising-risks-of-poor-posture
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4485-back-health–posture
https://acatoday.org/content/posture-power-how-to-correct-your-body-alignment
https://medlineplus.gov/guidetogoodposture.html

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Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

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

Heal Those Heels

January 15, 2018 By Heather

With temperatures dipping into the freezing range, your skin is likely to receive some damage. Below are a few effective tips to help you avoid dry skin this winter season.

6 Important Tips to Prevent and Treat Dry Winter Skin

Moisturization is key – An obvious solution to dry skin is using a moisturizer, but picking out the best moisturizer for your skin type can add additional benefits. During winter months choosing an ointment based lotion can be especially helpful as it helps retain moisture throughout the day. Water based lotions also work but can quickly fade. If you’re having trouble with dry heels and hands, Foot Palace offers a hand and foot hydration treatment that could surely be beneficial.

Avoid Hot Showers – During the cold months it’s often tempting to jump into a hot shower to escape the cold, however this can be detrimental to retaining the skins natural oils. When you take hot showers, the water is stripping the skin of its self-produced oils and leaving your skin dry and itchy. You can avoid this by taking room temperature (or even cold) showers. Despite the negative connotation associated with cold showers it can actually be incredibly beneficial to not only your skin but to your overall health.
Checkout the benefits of a cold shower here – yourfootpalace.com/5-surprising-health-beauty-benefits-cold-showers/

Keeping a Room Humidifier – Although its not the first solution that comes to mind, keeping a humidifier in your room can actually help keep your skin and lips moist throughout the night. This added moisture can also be beneficial in keeping your sinus cavities moist as well as keeping indoor plants healthy. All in all, a win-win.
Indoor Home Heating – Surprisingly enough overheating in your home can be a large contributor to dry skin. Setting your heat to a comfortably lower setting can not only help save some money but can also help keep your skin a little less dry. This paired with the humidifier (mentioned above) can show great results for keeping your skin during the cold months.

Over Washing the Hands – During this time of year its best to avoid over washing the hands as this can result in dry and even cracked hands. Popular remedies for countering this are using soft soaps that will help to reduce stripping of oils, applying your own oils such as vitamin E oil and different topical creams.

Drinking Water – Last and most important is staying hydrated from within! If you’re not drinking the proper amount of water your body is going to have trouble replenishing its natural oils. This rule goes for chapped lips, dry hands and feet and itchy skin. The body needs sufficient amounts of water to ensure your skin health is as healthy as can be. During the winter you might not feel as thirsty because you’re often less active than in the summer months. But your body needs the same amount of water to function correctly.

Hopefully these tips can help keep you a little less dry this winter!

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Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

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

Seasonal Affective Disorder

November 27, 2017 By Heather

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs in relation to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months. Customers of Foot Palace have expressed a draining of energy, and feeling moody or often frustrated. Although SAD might feel like a normal case of rainy day blues, it should be taken seriously and treated effectively.

Helpful treatments of Seasonal Affective Disorder are light therapy (phototherapy), regular exercise, vitamin supplementation and plenty of water.

Symptoms of SAD

The usual symptoms of SAD include depression throughout the day, frequent thoughts of suicide, low energy, having trouble with sleep, and loss of appetite. Winter specific depression (often referred to as Winter Depression) has similar symptoms and can be treated the same. Although absolute causes are unknown there are several factors that can play into your disorder. As mentioned in last month’s blog, the disruption of your circadian rhythm plays a major role in your sleep pattern. This disturbance in your sleep schedule can lead to a decrease in serotonin as well as melatonin, both of which can increase SAD. Family history can also play a role in SAD, the link being that those with a family history of depression are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder. As well as those with depression, people with bipolar are also at higher risk.

If you feel down for a prolonged period of time and can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially true if you begin to have suicidal thoughts, start to lose sleep or your appetite begins to decrease.

Alternative Therapy and Treatments Are an Option

Although treatments such as phototherapy and psychological help are shown to be beneficial, alternative therapies such as reflexology and acupressure can help lift you out of your winter funk. If exercise doesn’t seem to be a realistic option for you, a reflexology service can help to increase the bodies’ circulation and help with the production of melatonin. Helping your body fully relax is also great way to beat the winter blues.

For more wellness related articles, visit https://www.yourfootpalace.com/blog/

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Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

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

Preparing the Body for Winter Weather

October 23, 2017 By Heather

Colder weather is officially here and with Fall being the precursor to the sick season, the Foot Palace team compiled a few tips to help keep your physical and mental health on the up and up.

Sunlight Interacts with the Body’s Circadian Rhythm

During the winter months we lose about 5-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This lack of sunlight has a direct impact on how our circadian rhythm (internal clock) affects the body. With limited exposure to day light, the body becomes tired earlier in the day. To make matters worse, a majority of the sunlight is burned up throughout the work day when most people are inside. An effective way to counteract the loss of sunlight is by purchasing a dawn simulator. The simulator is placed in the bedroom and acts as a substitute for natural light sources (aka the Sun) in the morning.

Hydration During Winter Months

Hydration is more important than you think. Drinking water during the summer months seems much easier because of the constant heat and the amount of time we spend outside, but with the cold of winter keeping us inside more, it’s often easier to neglect proper hydration. The winter air means less humidity which means dry air, dry skin and dry mucus membranes. Proper hydration can help to keep your bodily functions running smoothly and decrease your chances of catching an illness. An added level of protection would be placing a humidifier in the home to keep your mucus membranes moist despite the dry air.

Taking Preventative Measures with Vitamin Supplements

Taking your vitamins throughout the winter months can be incredibly beneficial! Research has shown that despite Nordic countries receiving far fewer sunlight hours during winter, they still have incredibly low percentages of “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Studies show that this is in part due to the high amount of fish consumed in these countries. Fish contain high amounts of key vitamins and nutrients, notably vitamins D and A, which help to maintain a healthy body during times when fresh produce and limited exposure to light are certain. Alternatives to eating more fish are supplementing with fish oil. Standard fish oil capsules can be picked up at most grocery stores as well as super stores. Additionally, taking vitamin D3 and vitamin C capsules (or gummies) is also a great preventative measure.

Following these tips isn’t guaranteed to prevent sickness but it can definitely help, and a healthy winter is a holiday season filled with fun! For more health and wellness topics like this one, visit www.yourfootpalace.com/blog/

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Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

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