Archive for January, 2009
Posted on January 9, 2009. Filed under: flat foot, foot heel pain, Foot Stretching Exercises, high heel orthotics | Tags: achilles pain, achilles tendinitis, achilles tendon, achilles tendonitis, arch supports, insoles, jogging shoes, orthotic insoles, orthotics, running, running shoes, shoe inserts, sports shoes |
Foot ailments involving Achilles tendonitis are fairly widespread, especially among athletes practicing sports such as track, gymnastics, basketball and soccer. The Achilles Tendon is the strip of tissue that connects the heel and the calf muscle. The function of the tendon allows actions like walking on tip toes or pushing off while running. Consequently, people who repeatedly put excessive pressure on these tissues suffer from inflammation of the Achilles Tendon, also known as Achilles Tendonitis.
Causes of Achilles Pain
Common causes of this type of foot pain work in combination. and include excessive training, poor footwear selection, bad running surface, or worn-out shoes. Poor gait due to over-pronation while running can also be the cause for this condition.
Common Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Tell-tale signs of an onset of Achilles tendonitis are swollen tendons along with tenderness and warmth. Inability to adopt a tiptoe posture, and worsening of the pain in the ankle, especially when raising your body upwards.
Treating Achilles Tendonitis
Applying an ice compress and resting the ankle at an elevated position will help to ease inflammation. Depending on the condition, crutches may also be used for a short period to allow the tendon to work back to normalcy. Avoid bearing any weight on the injured feet to prevent a worsening of the situation. Though some OTC pain relievers may help alleviate the situation, ample rest is the best solution when it comes to allowing the tendons to return to a healthy state. Refraining from participating in sports and other activities is critical for the recovery process. Proper foot health care is critical for foot conditions involving Achilles tendon pain. The use of orthotic arch supports is recommended to enable lower-body biomechanics. In some cases, it is recommended that you visit a foot specialist (podiatrist), who may be able to help you identify the best foot care accessories that will bring relief for you.
Dealing with Achilles Pain
Despite the fact that Achilles tendon pain is not classified as a major foot condition, it can be disabling in severe cases. However, after the condition is diagnosed, you need to be cautious, even after undergoing treatment. This is particularly true for individuals who are constantly involved in sports or other physical activities. It is important to you warm up before you engage in physical activities, as it will help prepare the calf muscles and tendons. Appropriate arch support and adequate foot care will help you back to your normal activities in a short time.
Read Full Post |
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Posted on January 7, 2009. Filed under: Foot Stretching Exercises, high heel orthotics, metatarsal foot pain, plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis exercises | Tags: arch supports, foot pain, insoles, jogging, leg pain, orthotic insoles, orthotics, running, running shoes, shin pain, shin splints, shoe inserts, sports shoes |
Shin Splints refers to a painful condition in the front leg area below the knee caused by damage to the posterior peroneal tendon. The resulting soreness arises in the front or inside section of the tibia. In many cases, shin pain in athletes is a product of intense physical activity like jumping, running or playing active sports; shin pain in athletes is a condition that can often take a long time to heal.
Common Symptoms of Shin Splints
Common shin splint symptoms include inflammation and/or soreness around the shin area, particularly after running, walking, or participating in sports activities. The pain typically presents itself at the beginning of the workout, then lessens slightly, and reappears when settling into rest. It is common for shin pain to occur in people who have just started to get involved in running, walking, or sports activities.
What Causes Shin Splints?
The main cause of shin pain in athletes is undue stretching of the muscles and tendons that run along the shin bones (tibia and fibula). Excessive use of these muscles by runners and other athletes is the most common reason for this condition. Other causes for shin pain in athletes can also be due to overuse of the anterior tibialis muscle in the front of the leg, along the outside front of the shin bones.
Excessive pronation of the feet is often a significant contributor to shin pain in athletes. Excessive pronation causes internal tibial rotation and intensifies the tractional forces on the ligaments and muscles in the lower leg.
Treating Shin Pain
For the short term, rest is required to help alleviate shin pain in athletes. Running and other strenuous activities should be minimized until the condition is controlled. Shin splints can frequently be prevented by going through a warm-up period before strong physical activity. It is important for athletes and runners to gradually increase their level of activity, and always go through a proper warm-up before abrupt or excessive exercise. Changing your running style to reduce stride length and softening your heel strike can also reduce shin splints in the long term.
Using suitable footwear is also an effective way to prevent and reduce the effect of shin splints, particularly for runners who strike heavily with the heel. It is important that running shoes with proper rear foot stability be used whenever possible. Additionally, insoles for sports are useful by helping to correct excessive pronation and cushioning the heels, thus reducing the impact while assisting with heel stability.
In general, athletes and runners need to continuously practice proper foot health care in order to stay in top performance shape.
Read Full Post |
Make a Comment ( None so far )
Footminders Foot Care Archive 