Category: Health

Our feet and ankles work hard and it is easy to take them for granted until a condition or injury arises. Surgery may be needed to repair severe injuries, improve function and reduce pain.

Podiatrist in Caloundra offer a range of surgical solutions that repair tissue and bone, and relieve pain. If you are considering surgery, it is important to understand the process.

Metatarsal Surgery

The surgery aims to reduce pain and deformity, distribute pressure more evenly throughout the ball of your foot, reduce callus/corn formation and improve toe alignment where possible. Lesser metatarsal surgery is commonly performed to treat hammer, claw and adductovarus (a condition where your toes curl under the ball of your foot). These conditions can develop due to muscle imbalance, ill-fitting shoes and arthritic changes.

During this procedure, your doctor will insert a pin, screw or plate to keep the bone in place while the injury heals. This is often recommended for zone 2 Jones fractures as well as chronic injuries where conservative treatment has failed.

Dr. Peter Shelton BSc Hons utilizes a minimally invasive ambulatory surgical technique that involves an extremely small incision on the top of your foot. This allows for an optimal cosmetic result and also reduces swelling, pain and recovery time.

After your doctor, has closed the incision, you will be able to begin walking on the injured foot with a special post-op shoe or boot. You may need to use crutches for a short while as you heal. As you continue to heal, your doctor will gradually increase your activity level. This will ensure that your bones heal correctly, without re-injuring the area. When your injury has fully healed, you will be able to wear regular shoes again.

Morton’s Neuroma Surgery

Morton’s neuroma is pain and numbness caused by compression of a nerve between two metatarsal bones at the ball of your foot. The cause is not fully understood, but tight shoes and repetitive squeezing can cause the nerve to become thickened and produce a nodule (neuroma). Non-surgical treatment of this condition is often effective with shoe modification, insoles, calf stretchers, pain killers and occasionally cortisone injection.

If non-surgical treatment fails then a surgical procedure called neurectomy can be performed. Your surgeon can either remove the swollen part of the nerve or release pressure on the affected area. Depending on the surgeon’s preference this is done via an incision on the top or bottom of your foot. 85% of patients treated with neurectomy report good or excellent results, although multiple neuromas in one foot tend to have worse outcomes.

After this surgery your foot will be swollen, which is a normal response to any operation. Keeping your foot elevated as much as possible, and not walking on it for the first week will help reduce this swelling. The wounds usually heal well, but occasionally infections occur, which can be treated with a course of antibiotics. A small number of people may develop permanent numbness as a result of this surgery. This is a very rare occurrence. Usually the numbness is reduced over time, but this can take up to 6-9 months to disappear completely.

Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces some or all of a joint. Your healthcare provider removes the damaged part of the joint and replaces it with an artificial part, called a prosthesis. The artificial part is usually made of metal, a type of plastic or ceramic.

Your doctor may recommend this surgery if nonsurgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and activity modification don’t help. The benefits of arthroplasty include less pain and stiffness, more mobility, and a better quality of life.

Before arthroplasty, your doctor will ask about your health history and perform tests to check for conditions that may affect your recovery. These may include blood work, an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray. You may also need a CT scan or an MRI to plan your surgery.

On the day of your surgery, you will receive general or local anesthesia to numb your body. Then, your surgeon will make an incision over the knee area. They will remove the diseased or damaged bone and cartilage. They will implant the replacement parts into your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap.

Then, they will close the incision with stitches or surgical staples and apply a dressing. After the surgery, you will rest in the recovery area until your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable. You may stay in the hospital for several days.

Osteotomy

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves breaking or adding bone to change the alignment of a joint. This can help relieve pain and stiffness caused by conditions like arthritis. It can also improve alignment and function. It is sometimes combined with other procedures to help repair damaged tissue.

For this type of surgery, you’ll be under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision over the area of your bone that needs to be changed. Then, using a surgical saw, he or she will remove a section of your bone. Your doctor may use other tools to help remodel the shape of your bone, such as hammers or chisels. Your doctor will then fill the new space with graft material or put in a metal plate to hold your bones together until they heal.

A calcaneal osteotomy is usually done to treat a condition called Morton’s neuroma, which is caused by impingement of nerve branches in the heel bone (heelbone). It can also correct problems such as flatfoot deformity and arthritis.

For this surgery, Coastal Podiatry at ( https://www.coastalpodiatry.com.au/ ) will make an incision on the outside of your knee. Then he or she will cut your tibia (shin bone) or, in some cases, your femur (thigh bone). The location of the cuts and the way they are made will determine the type of osteotomy you have. Tiny screws and a metal plate are used to hold the bones in place while they heal.

Understanding the nuances between various disability accommodation options can be complex, particularly amidst a landscape filled with acronyms. Among these, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) stands out as a pivotal choice.

Funded through an NDIS participant’s core support budget, SDA encompasses the provision of housing solutions such as houses or apartments, along with the management of tenancy and daily assistance within the home.

While seeming similar superficially, Supported Independent Living (SIL) differs significantly from SDA. It’s imperative for individuals with disabilities to grasp these disparities to make informed decisions tailored to their needs.

Similarities

While they may seem similar on the surface, SIL and SDA are very different. It’s important for people with disabilities to understand these distinctions in order to choose the best option for them.

SDA accommodation in Sydney refers to specially designed disability accommodation that’s customised for the needs of individual participants. These accommodations include homes, apartments and group homes. It’s often used for individuals who have a severe functional impairment or high support needs. This type of accommodation is customised with specialised features like wheelchair accessibility, wider doorways and higher benches.

SIL is different from SDA in that it provides daily living assistance in addition to housing. This type of assistance includes help with cooking, cleaning, shopping and managing finances. In addition, it can help with accessing health and social services as well as building friendships and relationships. Individuals who need SIL can access funding for this through their NDIS plan.

It’s important to note that it is possible to move between SIL and SDA based on a person’s changing needs. For example, if a person’s needs increase and they need more specialised housing with 24/7 support, then they can transition from SIL to SDA. This is because SDA funding is kept separate from a person’s core support budget, which means they can change their support services without moving to new accommodation.

Disadvantages

SIL funding can take many forms, including group homes and independent living units, but the fundamental aim is to empower people with disability to live their best lives. It gives participants independence, enables them to pursue their goals and interests, and offers a better quality of life.

Regardless of what type of accommodation you choose, you’ll need to work closely with your SIL provider. They’re responsible for the home you live in and manage the support staff that provides daily assistance with things like personal grooming, cooking, and cleaning. They may also provide 24-hour emergency response services.

In a shared SIL house, you’ll often work together with other people with disabilities. You’ll be paired with others based on compatibility assessments and may share a roster of support workers with them each week. This will usually be discussed with your NDIS Support Coordinator and local Area Coordination Team.

Creating a Service Agreement with your SIL provider is important. It’s a legally binding contract that covers the responsibilities and rights of both parties and includes a clear description of what supports are available to you and how they’re provided. It also includes the cost of your SIL supports, so it’s an important tool to have in place before you sign on the dotted line.

Getting Started

Navigating the world of disability services can be daunting at first. The acronyms and specialised vocabulary can be overwhelming, but it’s important to focus on your or your loved one’s long-term goals when making decisions about housing and support. Knowing the key distinctions between SDA and SIL will allow you to make the best decision for your specific needs and circumstances.

To qualify for funding for SIL accommodation through the DSOA program or NDIS, you must demonstrate that you cannot live independently without 24/7 support. This is determined by an allied health professional completing a Functional Assessment Report, often referred to as a FAR.

The FAR will recognise your level of independence and detail how much support you require for daily activities like eating, dressing, bathing and toileting, moving around the house, cooking, learning new skills and managing medications. The informal support of family members, carers, networks and community individuals is also taken into account when determining SIL eligibility. Once your ROC is approved, you can begin looking at SIL providers in Sydney to find a suitable home for you.

Finding SDA

As a member of the SDA, you are protected by the Union and have access to benefits including discounted travel and accommodation. You can also use your membership to get discounts at restaurants, theme parks and other attractions around Australia. In addition, the SDA acts as a worker’s representative at work and helps with workplace issues.

Specialist disability accommodation is a service offered by the NDIS and provides well-designed housing for people with extreme functional impairment or high needs. Its purpose is to make it easier for participants to access supports. While it usually involves living in a shared home with other people, it can also cater to solitary arrangements.

There are four design categories for SDA and each has different features and costs. For example, Fully Accessible SDA has no steps and wide doorways for wheelchairs to fit through. It also has an intercom that connects to your support worker and emergency backup power. A Robust SDA home is built for safety and includes a ceiling hoist and a safe exit.

Choosing the right home for you is an important decision, which is why it’s worth seeking advice from a disability agency in Sydney.

Navigating the complexities of disability accommodation options in Sydney demands a thorough understanding of the distinctions between SIL and SDA. While SDA focuses on tailored housing solutions to address specific disability needs, SIL extends support beyond accommodation, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life through daily living assistance. With careful consideration and guidance from disability agencies, individuals can make informed decisions aligned with their long-term goals and aspirations, ensuring a fulfilling living experience tailored to their unique circumstances.

Chiropractic care isn’t just about relieving back pain — it’s also about optimizing your nervous system. This boosts your immune system, which can improve your ability to fend off illnesses and promote overall health.

It’s important to start receiving chiropractic care at an early age. In fact, many young children begin receiving adjustments at the onset of adolescence.

Your Nervous System

Using a broad range of gentle techniques, chiropractors examine the spine and other joints to assess for proper alignment. They use these findings to help reduce interference with the nervous system, allowing the body to communicate better with itself and maximizing its innate ability to maintain health.

Chiropractors can also provide nutritional advice, exercise recommendations and even fitness coaching to nurture your family’s wellness. In fact, a strong relationship between good nutrition and spinal health is critical. The food you eat can contribute to bone and joint health, manage pain and support tissue healing – all of which are essential components of your chiropractic care plan.

When the spine is properly aligned, it helps to regulate signals from the brain to the digestive tract, influencing how the body digests and absorbs nutrients. This connection can be enhanced through chiropractic adjustments, which can stimulate the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters that promote a healthier mental state and emotional well-being.

Frequently, chronic issues such as neck pain or migraines can originate from a misalignment of the lumbar (lower back) spine. Chiropractic care, available at Police Road Chiro (policeroadchiro.com.au), is adept at addressing these and other spine-related problems, including sciatica, a condition resulting from pinched nerves in the lower spine and legs. The technique employed to treat these conditions, known as HVLA, involves gently manipulating the facet joints of the lumbar spine, often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound.

Your Immune System

The immune system is your body’s defense against dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could make you sick. A strong immune system can also prevent infections and illnesses like colds, flu, and even cancer.

Chiropractic care helps ensure that your immune system has all the support it needs to keep you healthy and resilient. This is because spinal misalignment, or subluxation, can interfere with nerve communication by putting pressure on spinal cord nerves. During chiropractic sessions, chiropractors check your spine for signs of subluxation, and if found, they correct them through gentle spinal adjustments. This allows the nervous system to send clear, unimpeded signals to the immune system and other systems throughout your body.

Chiropractors also use their holistic approach to address factors that can suppress your immune system. This includes stress management, which can reduce cortisol levels and increase your ability to fight infections and diseases. In addition, the digestive tract plays an important role in immune function, so chiropractic can also help you eat healthily and get adequate sleep, both of which are essential to healthy immunity.

A great example of the power of chiropractic care to boost your immune system is a study conducted by Life Chiropractic University. The study followed 107 HIV positive patients over the course of six months. The results showed that those under chiropractic care had a 200% higher immune aptitude than those who did not receive regular chiropractic adjustments.

Your Musculoskeletal System

Chiropractic adjustments promote proper spinal alignment, which in turn enhances nerve function. This allows your body’s immune system to communicate with all your cells properly, and it helps your body fight off bacterial and viral infections. Because of this, people who regularly visit a chiropractor may experience decreased illness-related visits to the doctor and lower use of prescription medications.

Proper spinal alignment also contributes to better sleep quality, which can reduce stress levels and foster mental health. In fact, some research suggests that chiropractic adjustments can encourage the natural release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins, which are known to positively affect mood.

Chiropractors are true believers that addressing pain issues early on can prevent long-term musculoskeletal problems. This means that they not only treat back and neck injuries, but they also educate patients on how to avoid them in the future. This includes teaching patients good posture, ergonomics, and exercise strategies that prevent injury-causing strain on the spine.

Wellness is a tapestry that incorporates all aspects of well-being, including spinal alignment and musculoskeletal health, as well as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and mental resilience. With a focus on holistic health, Dr. Nick Toumazos and his team of practitioners provide care that evolves with you, creating a wellness plan that is as unique as your family’s needs.

Your Mental Health

Having poor mental health can have many physical effects including fatigue, insomnia, muscle tightness/pain, headaches and migraines, as well as a general sense of unwellness. These symptoms can make it difficult to focus, work and care for your family. Chiropractic treatments help improve these problems. They balance the nervous system, reduce pain and discomfort and promote relaxation and improved mental clarity.

Chiropractic techniques also include methods that help manage stress and anxiety. This can have a profound impact on your overall wellness as it helps you to better handle life’s challenges.

As chiropractors, we have a unique role to play in suicide prevention. We need to raise awareness and educate our patients about the connection between spine health, mental health and suicide. We also need to encourage a holistic approach to health care that incorporates spinal adjustments, nutritional guidance and other health-boosting practices.

The hidden connection between the spinal column, your immune system, and your body’s overall health is a beautiful tapestry of vitality. When the spine is properly aligned, your entire system functions better, and you can thrive. It’s time to level up your wellness and see how chiropractic can change your life. Schedule your appointment today. Your body will thank you. 1

Web design is more than just visuals. It should also work seamlessly to create an excellent user experience. This is especially important for healthcare websites.

Patients expect their medical information to be easily searchable and understandable. They need a website that eliminates confusion and healthcare jargon, while also being easy to navigate on mobile devices.

Level-one web design

If your healthcare practice is looking for a better way to attract patients online, consider opting for a level-one healthcare website design. This type of design optimizes a website for user experience and ensures that it appears in search engine result pages (SERPs), enhancing visibility and attracting potential patients searching for healthcare services

In addition to a mobile-friendly layout, a level-one web design should also include high-quality photos and humanizing content. This can help build trust and set you apart from your competition. Including pictures of your team and office can help potential patients decide whether or not to make an appointment with you. You can also use video slideshows to add an element of intrigue to your site and create a memorable experience for your audience.

Level-one web designs also incorporate branded elements, such as colors and fonts. This helps establish a consistent identity for your brand and ensures that your website is easy to navigate. It should also be easy for your customers to contact you through social media or email.

Another important feature of a level-one web design is the ability to provide secure, password-protected patient resources. These tools allow patients to access medical records, pay bills online, and communicate with their doctors without giving out personal information. A good example of a website that utilizes these features is SafeNetRx, which provides vulnerable populations with donated medicines.

Level-two web design

As a healthcare organization, your website is the front door to your clinic, waiting room and staff. You can’t afford to have a clunky site that leaves users confused and frustrated. If your site isn’t up to par, they will leave quickly and find another practice that can offer them what they need.

A great healthcare website design hould be relevant to your audience and showcase the incredible work your healthcare organization is doing. For example, Boston Children’s Hospital has a page that introduces visitors to inspiring testimonials from patients who have overcome life-threatening medical issues. This kind of personal touch makes patients feel comfortable and builds trust in your organization

Another important feature of a healthcare website is its responsiveness to mobile devices. The majority of users access websites from their mobile phones, so your site must be compatible with all devices. This means that your content should be optimized for mobile viewing, and navigation should be easy and intuitive.

It’s also crucial to choose a web design company that has experience in the healthcare sector, particularly in areas like Seattle website design. This will help ensure that your website is compliant with industry regulations and reflects the compassion of your healthcare organization. It will also be familiar with patient privacy concerns and the unique requirements of this field. A good web design company will have a team of experts that can provide the best solution for your business

Level-three web design

Depending on the specific needs of your healthcare practice, you should design your website with the audience in mind. For instance, a pediatrician’s office may feature brightly colored walls and a built-in play area for toddlers while a doctor who specializes in cardiac health might display framed heart images. The same is true of online tools that allow patients to communicate with their healthcare practitioners or request prescription refills. A clunky, unintuitive interface will frustrate visitors and likely drive them away from your site.

Having clear, readable text is another important element of intuitive medical web design. Avoid using technical jargon or abbreviations, and make sure you use periods (HIPAA, for example) instead of underscores to differentiate hyperlinked text from regular text on the page. You should also ensure that your medical website includes a robust keyword search function to give users easy access to relevant information.

Feature original photos and videos to connect with your audience. Stock images are a turnoff for most healthcare patients, so use them sparingly. Then, strategically place them so they convey the essence of your brand. For example, Rainbow Hospice Care uses beautiful, impactful imagery to communicate their mission of helping terminally ill patients find peace and dignity. They also provide detailed descriptions of their services and helpful information for families and caregivers.

Level-four web design

Having a functional healthcare website is vital to reaching patients and growing your business. It should be easy to navigate and designed with specific goals in mind. A well-designed website will attract ideal patients and achieve measurable results.

When creating a healthcare website, it is important to include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance and accessibility features that promote inclusivity. This includes using alt tags for images, avoiding abbreviations that don’t have periods, and highlighting hyperlinked text so people with visual impairment can easily find them.

Medical information is complex and can be difficult to understand. Use infographics, diagrams, and charts to help users visualize key insights. Ninety percent of the information transmitted to the brain is visual, so these tools can make complex data easier to digest.

Incorporating telehealth on your website is another great way to improve user experience. This feature allows patients to schedule appointments with healthcare providers remotely. This can be especially useful for people with limited mobility or those who cannot travel long distances.

A well-designed healthcare website should be mobile-friendly to ensure a consistent user experience across devices. It should also be optimized for speed and performance to reduce bounce rates and increase user engagement. This can be accomplished by optimizing images, reducing page loads, and using caching. It is also a good idea to avoid using too many Javascripts or CSS, as these can slow down the site and cause it to crash or run slowly.

Whether you are troubled by a misshapen nose, disproportionate breasts or excess skin after weight loss, cosmetic plastic surgery can help boost your confidence and self-esteem. In turn, this can allow you to develop better relationships and achieve a higher level of success personally and professionally.

However, it is important to note that there are some people who will not see a positive impact from their surgery. Often, this is due to the psychological condition known as body dysmorphia.

Addresses Physical Imperfections

People who are unhappy with certain features in their appearance can develop low self-esteem that affects the quality of their life. They may become depressed, isolate themselves from friends and family members, and engage in self-destructive behaviors. Whether they are frustrated by stubborn fat, a crooked nose or other cosmetic flaws, with the help of Dr Dean White and his expertise in plastic surgery, he can make them feel much better about themselves and boost their confidence and sense of self-worth.

Cosmetic surgery is a way to transform the appearance of the face and body, aligning it with how the individual envisions themselves. For example, if a person has always been self-conscious about the size of their nose, rhinoplasty can help them see that they are actually beautiful.

Likewise, women who have sagging breasts can benefit from a reduction in excess skin using techniques like lifts or implants. They can then focus on what they have to offer, rather than being worried about their appearance.

However, plastic surgery can also be used to address psychological disorders such as body dysmorphia. This is where a person becomes obsessed with one aspect of their appearance, such as their nose or chin, and it can lead to serious health and psychological problems. In these cases, surgeons should assess the nature of the person’s concern and ensure they are doing it for themselves and not to please others or meet society’s beauty standards.

Addresses Specific Concerns

Cosmetic surgery can target specific physical features that might have been a source of distress. Whether it’s a misshapen nose, breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of the body or excess skin after weight loss, correcting these imperfections can make individuals feel more confident and comfortable with their bodies.

This confidence may spill over into other aspects of a person’s life. They might be more willing to take on new social challenges, participate in activities they’d previously avoided or even try out different types of clothes. This can be especially beneficial for people who are overweight, as their self-esteem might have been lowered by the fact that they were not able to fit into certain clothing styles.

Of course, there are some instances where people will not be happy with their results, even though they’ve had a successful plastic surgery procedure. These are usually people who have a condition called body dysmorphic disorder, where they believe their appearance is unattractive and irrational. They would benefit from cognitive therapy instead of having their body physically altered.

The good news is that most patients who have a positive experience with their cosmetic procedures will report higher self-esteem afterward. It is important to remember that it’s not about changing your appearance to please someone else. Choosing plastic surgery to please your spouse or catch the eye of a potential love interest is not a smart decision, as it can lead to disappointment and even more negative effects on your self-esteem.

Addresses Unrealistic Expectations

Sometimes, people choose cosmetic surgery to address an area of their appearance that causes them distress. These areas can include a facial feature, such as an uneven nose or sagging breasts, or a body area affected by pregnancy or aging, like loose skin and excess fat. The goal is to eliminate the features that cause distress so that they can look and feel their best.

However, some people are never satisfied with their cosmetic enhancements, even when the surgical results meet or exceed their expectations. These patients may have a psychiatric condition called body dysmorphic disorder, which causes them to obsess over a particular feature and believe that it is ugly. Fortunately, body dysmorphic disorder can be treated with therapy and medications.

The other reason why some patients are dissatisfied with their results is that they had unrealistic expectations to begin with. They may have been motivated by a desire to impress a romantic partner or to match society’s standards of beauty. These types of motives can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem, regardless of whether the cosmetic procedure is successful or not. For this reason, it is important to be honest with a plastic surgeon during the initial consultation and ask questions about your motivations for undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure. This can help to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Addresses Mental Health Issues

Studies have shown that when women and men are happy with their appearance, they feel better about themselves as a whole. They carry themselves more confidently, are more successful, and have more fulfilling relationships. This is why it’s no surprise that those who are dissatisfied with their body can benefit from cosmetic surgery. Having a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or rhinoplasty can give them a fresh perspective on their body image.

However, it’s important to note that plastic surgery cannot address all issues that negatively impact a person’s self-esteem. For instance, some people may have body dysmorphia, a mental illness characterized by an obsessive focus on flaws in one’s appearance. People with this condition are often not satisfied after having a nose job because they continue to see the imperfection even after it has been corrected. In addition, they can often become fixated on other facial features that have a small flaw, such as the shape of their chin or ears.

This is why it’s essential to have realistic expectations when considering a cosmetic procedure. It’s also important to remember that your self-esteem is not defined by the way you look or the size of your thighs, but rather how you think about yourself. So, if you are going to have plastic surgery, it’s crucial to change your thoughts and focus on the things that make you a wonderful, beautiful person.

If you are an NDIS participant looking to improve your health and well-being, collaborating with an accredited exercise physiologist may be a great option. Check with your NDIS planner or local coordinator to see if this is an eligible support under your Capacity Building supports budget.

An exercise physiologist will develop an individualised program designed to suit your goals, whether they are related to moving independently, building strength or participating in community sports. Here are some benefits you can expect to experience:

Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence

Exercise physiology is a service that can be included in your NDIS plan under both the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living and Capacity Building – Health and Wellbeing funding categories. If you have a disability and are interested in working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, speak to Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairn  or local area coordinator (LAC) to determine if this is an appropriate support for you.

 

In addition to helping individuals enhance their movement abilities, NDIS exercise physiologist Cairns help to build strength, flexibility and balance, which all contribute to an increased sense of independence and confidence in everyday activities. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity promotes a positive mental health and emotional state by releasing endorphins that help to reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.

Individualised and targeted exercises are designed by a qualified exercise physiologist to assist participants in achieving their specific goals. Whether it be improving balance for walking on uneven surfaces, increasing range of motion to reach items in the cupboard or having enough endurance to attend community sporting events, your goal-based program is tailored specifically to you and your disability.

Better Health and Wellbeing

Any person with a physical disability can benefit from working with an AEP as part of their NDIS plan. AEPs create tailored exercise programs aimed at improving physical movement abilities and strength. They also provide nutritional and lifestyle advice, which can help to improve overall health and wellbeing.

NDIS participants can experience a variety of mental health benefits as a result of regular physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators, and reduces stress levels and symptoms of depression. It can also improve self-esteem as individuals witness their progress towards physical goals and achievements. Moreover, group exercise programs and community activities can provide opportunities for social interaction, combating feelings of loneliness or isolation.

AEPs are qualified Allied Health Professionals with four years of university training. They work in partnership with medical professionals to enhance functional movement abilities, improve quality of life and increase social participation for people living with a disability. They are experts in providing a wide range of services including exercise physiology, clinical musculoskeletal assessment and treatment and health behaviour change counselling.

Increased Independence

Exercise physiology is all about improving health, function and quality of life through safe and effective exercise programs. AEPs are university qualified allied health professionals who specialise in clinical exercise interventions for people with complex, chronic and/or complex injuries or conditions (ESSA).

EP’s can support participants to reach their goals through personalised exercise programs. These include building strength, increasing fitness, reducing pain, participating in community sports and improving mobility and quality of life. Their expertise in kinesiology, the study of human movement, can also help to improve physical independence and assist with recovery from injury.

Working with an exercise physiologist is a great way to stay motivated, and achieve your goals over time. Regular exercise can improve mood and energy levels, boost self-esteem and release ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins. Exercise also promotes social interaction, which can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation that may be caused by disability or illness.

An NDIS participant who has a disability and is interested in working with an EP can contact their planner or LAC to discuss incorporating this support into their plan. They will need to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for this service as it is funded under the Improved Health and Wellbeing and Capacity Building categories of their NDIS plan. Our client Kay, who is a woman living with multiple health issues, has found that working with an exercise physiologist has had a positive impact on her overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Working with an exercise physiologist as part of their NDIS plan can provide many benefits to those individuals who are seeking to improve their health and well-being. Exercise physiologists design safe and effective fitness programs that are tailored to a person’s specific capabilities, age and fitness levels. These programs can help individuals to achieve developmental milestones, build their strength and enhance overall physical abilities.

Additionally, the regular physical activity that a person engages in can help to improve their mental health and wellbeing as well. Exercise is known to release feel-good hormones called endorphins that are natural mood elevators and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem, especially as the individual begins to observe their own physical progress over time.

For those who have a mental disability, working with an exercise physiologist can be highly beneficial in helping to manage their symptoms and increase overall quality of life. For example, for people with autism, regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and social interactions, as well as reducing anxiety and distress.

AEPs have extensive knowledge of the body and how it works, enabling them to identify and assist with specific disabilities and conditions. They are qualified to deliver personalised programs that include behavioural coaching, health education and exercise counselling. They can also help to offset weight-related side effects of medications and improve general movement and mobility in the body.

A routine visit with a primary care physician is a crucial part of your health, wellness and longevity routine. Regular checkups allow doctors to spot early warning signs of diseases and illnesses, such as heart disease or cancer.

You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your lifestyle habits with your provider. These can include your diet, exercise habits and smoking and drinking habits.

Preventive Care

Preventive care includes health care services, such as physical exams, screenings and tests, that are designed to prevent or detect disease. It also includes counseling for health promotion, such as recommending that someone with high blood pressure take an aspirin daily or that a woman who is considering pregnancy speak to her healthcare professional about folic acid supplements.

Regular checkups with your doctor are considered preventive care and as such, they may not be subject to copayments or deductibles, depending on your insurance plan. The Affordable Care Act requires that health plans and Medicare cover preventive services without charge to their members.

Your physician will review your family history and your age, as well as any specific risk factors you may have to determine the interval for routine screenings, checksups and tests that is best suited for you. For most adults, an annual visit is appropriate but can be adjusted based on your unique situation.

An old adage says that prevention is better than cure and this couldn’t be more true for healthcare. Taking the time to attend regular appointments to Diamond Creek doctor , will ensure that any potential health issues are picked up early and can be dealt with accordingly, preventing them from becoming more serious. With the right support and the help of a trusted practitioner, achieving good health is easier than ever.

Screenings

During your medical checkup, your doctor will perform routine screening tests that can help detect diseases like cancer and heart disease before they show any symptoms. A typical test includes bloodwork, a physical exam, checking your body mass index (BMI), skin tests, cholesterol and blood pressure, eye exams and immunizations. Your doctor may also conduct a pelvic exam to screen for sexually transmitted diseases or a pap smear for cervical cancer.

As you get older, your health needs will change, so you’ll want to talk with your doctor about how often you need to come in for a medical checkup. Based on your age and risk factors, they’ll suggest an appropriate interval of time between appointments.

Another important reason for regular doctor visits is that they allow your physician to monitor your overall health and compare it to past test results. This is one of the best ways to catch diseases that are brewing, like high blood pressure or diabetes, and prevent them from worsening. Additionally, it’s a chance for your doctor to review the medications you take and ensure they aren’t interacting with each other negatively or causing any unwanted side effects. They can also recommend lifestyle or diet changes to help prevent any future problems. They’ll even provide counseling for things like smoking cessation or pre-pregnancy advice on folic acid supplements.

Prevention

We’ve all heard the age-old saying, “prevention is better than cure.” That couldn’t be more true in regards to healthcare. Regular doctor visits can help you prevent diseases and illnesses by identifying them at their early stages. This allows you to treat them more effectively and reduces your risk of developing more serious diseases in the future.

In addition to evaluating your risk factors, your NYC medical clinic doctor can also provide valuable advice on how to improve your lifestyle habits. By implementing healthy habits such as exercising, not smoking and staying a reasonable weight, you can greatly lower your risk of disease and illness.

Your routine exam can include general health screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol and hearing testing, as well as immunizations. Immunizations are important because they protect you from life-threatening diseases such as tetanus, measles and chicken pox.

During your physical, your doctor will review your medical history and check for new or existing symptoms. They will also recommend any necessary screening tests, such as an X-ray or mammogram, and discuss any specific concerns you may have.

Some people may need to visit their doctor more often than others, but determining the appropriate frequency of visits is an ongoing process that can be determined through discussion with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide the right schedule based on your age, health history and lifestyle.

Early Detection

In addition to physical examinations, doctors can perform routine diagnostic tests during a checkup. These include:

These tests can help detect diseases or health conditions that may not show any obvious symptoms, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. This gives you and your doctor a better chance of addressing these issues before they cause more severe or serious problems.

Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and lower healthcare costs. It can also help prevent the development of more serious illnesses, such as heart disease or stroke. In many cases, these diseases can be prevented with regular screenings and proper lifestyle changes.

Some people choose to avoid regular medical checkups because they think that these tests are unnecessary. However, there is a clear need for people to visit their doctor at regular intervals to ensure that they are in peak health. A number of studies indicate that people who regularly see their doctor have a significantly lower risk for certain illnesses than those who do not.

The reassurance value of early detection has been exploited by marketers who promote imaging tests that can highlight an aneurysm about to burst, blocked arteries or enlarging tumors. These tests are not only invasive, but they can also be misleading and even inaccurate. It is essential that you and your doctor work together to determine the best frequency for your medical checkups based on your family history, current state of health and lifestyle.

Your feet carry your body’s weight, and any imbalances can impact the rest of the body. Orthotics help support your feet and improve gait and posture by correcting minor issues before they become major problems.

Many people are held back by foot pain, limiting their physical activities and impacting their health. Learn how orthotics can transform your daily comfort and give you the freedom to move again!

1. Reduces Pain and Discomfort

When it comes to sports, physical activities and daily living, foot pain can greatly affect your ability to perform at the level you want. When structural abnormalities in your feet or legs cause you to move differently, they can also lead to imbalances and instability, which will only increase the discomfort you experience when exercising.

In order to correct these issues, you will need to visit a certified chiropodist/podiatrist. They will be able to conduct physical examinations, imaging tests and other diagnostics to zero in on the source of your pain and discomfort. A proper diagnosis allows the orthotics Essendon to prescribe custom orthotics that can help you to recover and reduce future problems like bunions, hammertoes, bursitis, heel spurs, shin splints and lower back pain.

The primary way that orthotics can help to reduce pain and discomfort is by redistributing the weight of your body evenly across your feet and ankles. This even distribution of weight can dramatically improve the way that your ankles, knees, hips and back function. Especially for people who are overweight, this is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the impact of achy joints. Rigid orthotics, also known as functional orthotics, are hard devices that are customized for your feet and shoes. Soft orthotics, on the other hand, are softer and offer more cushioning.

2. Improves Balance and Mobility

The feet play a critical role in the overall function of your body. If your feet aren’t aligned properly, it can lead to issues throughout the entire body. A pair of custom orthotics can correct foot imbalances, helping to improve balance and mobility. For people who spend a lot of time standing at work like teachers and police officers, this is particularly important. It’s easy for improper alignment at the feet to lead to knee or back problems due to excessive strain. Orthotics can help to reduce imbalances and relieve pain from these areas, reducing discomfort and preventing future problems.

These shoe inserts also help to distribute weight evenly, easing the burden on the feet and ankles. They can help to improve posture and alleviate conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet. They can also reduce back pain by distributing pressure to the appropriate parts of the foot, reducing the load on other joints.

In addition, a pair of custom orthotics can reduce fatigue and enhance athletic performance by allowing the muscles to move more efficiently. Athletes can push themselves harder without the nagging worry of foot injury. This can boost performance and allow athletes to achieve feats that they may have thought impossible. Orthotics can also help to increase stability and prevent falls, which is especially beneficial for older adults.

3. Reduces Stress on the Knees and Hips

Foot pain from structural issues like flat feet, hammertoes, bunions and rheumatoid arthritis can quickly extend up the leg to cause shin and knee pain. But orthotics can help reduce the physical stress on your knees and hips by distributing weight more evenly across the surface of the foot.

Unlike the pre-molded and prefabricated inserts available at drug stores, custom-mold orthotics are designed to match your specific foot structure and address biomechanical issues that can affect your overall movement pattern and stability. They lift and support the arches, realign the feet, redistribute weight to relieve pressure on sensitive areas of the foot, and improve balance and posture by changing the way the body responds to the ground’s forces.

For athletes and people who spend most of their day on the feet, these changes are significant: In addition to eliminating the need for your muscles to compensate for imbalances that aren’t harmful or even visible under regular circumstances, orthotics also help your body move with correct archthrokinematics which decreases fatigue, enhances performance and reduces your risk for injury.

A recent study comparing runners who used orthotics Essendon to those who ran without them found that participants using the orthotics Essendon reported higher comfort scores and running speeds, as well as lower rate of repetitive leg injuries (RRI) than those in the control group who did not use orthotics Essendon orthotics.

4. Improves Posture

When a person is suffering from poor posture, they can suffer from many problems including heartburn, slowed digestion, back pain, and even depression. However, if they address their posture issues and wear orthotics, these symptoms can be relieved. Moreover, if they incorporate physical therapy exercises along with the use of the orthotics, they can build strength in their legs and feet to improve their posture.

During a chiropractic exam, the chiropractor will check the patient’s hip, knee and ankle positioning and alignment, as well as their walking pattern. This is because the feet are the foundation for the entire musculoskeletal system, and any imbalances in the foot can have a domino effect throughout the rest of the body.

For example, uncorrected over- or underpronation of the feet can cause the legs to rotate inward or outward, which shifts the weight of the body and causes knee pain and lower back pain. By correcting the pronation of the feet with custom orthotics, the pressure on the knees and back can be reduced.

Furthermore, the use of orthotics can help reduce hammertoes and bunions and prevent common foot pathologies such as plantar fasciitis from developing. This is because the orthotics will allow the feet to stay in a more natural position, and they will also take pressure off the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and ankles. This can enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. Many health problems show their first signs in the feet. Inspect them daily for cuts, bruises, swelling or areas of skin breakdown from moisture. make sure your loved one is seeing good podiatrist.

Make sure your loved one is seeing Perth podiatrist, they have completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in medical school and hospital-based residency.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Everyone knows that the best way to keep your feet healthy is to wear comfortable shoes. For the elderly, this is especially important. They have already walked the equivalent of walking around the earth three times over their lifetimes which has put substantial wear on their feet. In addition, age can lead to foot problems such as arthritis (osteoarthritis), hammer toes and bunions numbness and loss of sensation in the feet.

Ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate many of these conditions. It is recommended that your loved ones have their feet professionally measured before buying a shoe. A good rule is to buy a shoe that is a little bit bigger than their largest foot. This allows for the tendons and ligaments to stretch without causing discomfort.

It is also important that your loved one wear shoes with a wide toe box. Narrow shoes compress the toes and can cause rubbing and friction which in turn can lead to painful conditions such as corns calluses or even a hammertoe. Avoid shoes with a hard upper such as leather which can rub against the skin and create abrasions. Instead, look for shoes with a breathable mesh upper. Also, avoid sandals thongs and flip flops as these have very minimal support for the foot and are a fall risk for seniors.

Moisturize Your Feet

The skin of the feet loses its natural oils and becomes dry. This drier skin makes it easier for fungal infections and bacterial infections to thrive on aging feet. These issues also interfere with your elderly loved one’s ability to walk and increase the risk of tripping and falling which could lead to serious medical conditions.

Aside from proper footwear, the best way to treat dry feet is to apply a quality moisturizer to them each day. A foot cream or lotion is a great option, but you can also try moisturizing socks and soaking your feet in warm water each morning to soften the skin on the bottoms of your feet before applying a good moisturizer.

Another tip for keeping aging feet healthy is to examine them for cuts blisters or sores on a regular basis. If your elderly loved ones are unable to do this on their own, consider hiring someone to help with their home foot care or visiting a nail care clinic that specializes in caring for senior feet.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also important as it prevents excess pressure on the feet. A podiatrist can help your elderly loved ones develop a health plan that will support a balanced diet and lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of foot problems. This includes helping them choose shoes that fit properly and avoid high-heeled shoes that cause friction, which exacerbates many common foot problems like bunions, calluses, and corns.

Trim Your Toenails

As people age, their feet often become dry and brittle. This can cause the nails to break down and the skin to crack. Keeping toenails cut properly and moisturizing the feet will help prevent this. Additionally, it is important to check the feet regularly for cuts, sores, corns, fungus and other problems.

Many seniors have trouble cutting their own toenails due to aches and pains, weakened eyesight or difficulties reaching the feet. This is why it’s a good idea for seniors to find a podiatrist, nail care clinic or home care service that specializes in senior foot care.

Thick toenails can be painful, can interfere with walking and can develop into ingrown toenails. This can lead to infections that can be difficult to treat with over-the-counter treatments. To avoid this, keep toenails trimmed straight across and not too short. It is also a good idea to use a file to round out the corners of the toenails so that they don’t get caught on anything.

It is recommended that a person should soak their feet in warm water and then dry them thoroughly before trimming their toenails. Using nail nippers that are lightweight and easy to hold can help make it easier to trim toenails. Be sure to thoroughly wash the nippers after each use and to disinfect them between uses.

See Your Podiatrist

As people age, foot problems are common, but they don’t have to limit a person’s mobility or quality of life. Visiting your podiatrist for regular checkups can help you catch foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas before they worsen. Additionally, regular foot massages can help improve blood flow to the feet and reduce pain and discomfort.

It’s also important to remember that as we age, our feet change shape. Over time, our arches may fall and our feet may get wider. In addition, we may develop calluses and hammertoes. A podiatrist will be able to evaluate these changes and recommend the right footwear for daily activities. Shoes with a firm sole and soft upper that can be laced, buckled, or strapped to the foot are best. It’s also important to keep the feet clean and dry and inspect them regularly for redness, cracks, blisters, sores, or areas of irritation.

If you or a loved one is having trouble with their feet, talk to Subiaco podiatrist often provide good care services that include foot care for seniors. They can help your loved ones manage their foot care and prevent serious injury or pain. Contac us today for more information on our services and schedule a consultation for your elderly loved ones.

Fungal nails (onychomycosis) are usually caused by microscopic fungi that enter through cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin. These infections are most common in the toenails but can also affect fingernails.

Fungi often cause severe nail infections that are hard to cure. Treatment options include antifungal tablets and medication that you apply to the nail or skin.

Prevention

Despite their unsightly appearance, fungal nail infections are typically painless. But they can cause discomfort in some cases and are often contagious. Board-certified dermatologists offer preventive measures that can help keep your nails healthy and free of infection.

Fungi are naturally found in the world around us. They enter the nail through small cracks and grow in a person’s nails, causing an infection. Usually, the infection spreads from one person to another in damp areas like public showers, locker rooms, spas and pools. It can also be passed along when people wear the same footwear or socks. To avoid picking up an infection, it’s best to not share shoes, nail clippers, or other personal items. Wash your feet every day, making sure to wash and dry them carefully. Wear shoes that fit well and allow room for your toes. If possible, wear flip flops when walking in warm, moist areas.

A nail fungus is more common in older adults, due to slower-growing nails and reduced blood circulation in the feet and toes. Diabetes and other conditions that impair the body’s natural function of regulating temperature and blood circulation can also increase the risk for a fungal nail infection. In addition, repetitive trauma to the nail plate (such as stubbing your toe) can damage the surface and let fungus in.

Medications

Many people with fungal nail infections have tried over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments, but these treatments are often not strong enough to cure the infection. These treatments also don’t prevent a fungal nail infection from returning, so it is important to use them for as long as your doctor recommends.

If over-the-counter antifungal treatments don’t work, your doctor might try another medication that you take orally, such as terbinafine (Lamisil(r)), itraconazole (Sporanox(r)), or fluconazole (Diflucan(r)). These medications aren’t safe for everyone and can affect the liver, so you may need blood tests every month to check how well they are working.

In some cases, a dermatologist can prescribe medicine that you apply directly to your nails. These medications typically have a higher cure rate than oral medicines, but they can be more difficult to use. You will need to apply the nail medicine regularly and correctly, usually twice a day, for six to 12 months.

One option is tavaborole 5% solution, which was shown to be effective in two phase III randomized controlled trials that each lasted 48 weeks. This topical treatment works by penetrating the nail plate and blocking the formation of new fungus cells, according to research published in 2015. Other prescription options include Penlac (ciclopirox), which is available as a brush-on lacquer. This medication has a complete cure rate of about 8.5% in patients with mild to moderate onychomycosis.

Surgery

If your fungal nail infection is not responding to over-the-counter or prescription medication, Perth fungal nail treatment  can help you. This can include using a topical medication to kill the infection or even having surgery to remove the infected nail.

In many cases, the fungus that causes a fungal nail infection is not visible to the naked eye. But the fungus is still present, and it can be spread to other nails and to other people. To be effective, antifungal treatments need to penetrate the fungal biofilm under the nail and reach the spores that are hiding in the grooves of your nails and under the cuticle folds.

We often file the nails down to help these medications get in to the fungus and attack it. We also recommend keeping the nails trimmed short to reduce pressure on them and to make them easier for medication to reach. If you see dark spots or streaks on the nails that are not caused by injury and do not respond to antifungal medication, you should call a dermatologist immediately. This could be a serious condition called melanoma.

Fungi love warm and moist environments, such as public showers and pools, so it is easy to catch a nail infection by walking barefoot in these places or bringing the fungus from home in your footwear. It is important to always wear shoes that cover your feet, especially in public areas, and to change your socks and shoes often. You should also try to avoid walking barefoot in public locker rooms, bathrooms, and spas. You should also avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and nail clippers, with other people.

Other Treatments

Your doctor can prescribe oral (taken by mouth) antifungal medications such as terbinafine (Lamisil(r)), itraconazole (Sporanox(r)), or fluconazole (Diflucan(r)). You’ll need to take these tablets daily for several months or longer. Oral antifungals are usually more effective than topical medications. However, the drugs can affect your liver and interact with other medications. Oral treatment isn’t suitable for everyone, including those with diabetes.

You can also get a prescription for a medicated nail polish that contains an antifungal agent, such as ciclopirox (Penlac(r)). This type of nail polish is applied daily and soaked for seven days to allow the medication to penetrate the nails. Your doctor may advise you to thin your nails by filing them before applying the product, since thick nails can interfere with its penetration. You must continue this regimen daily for up to a year to cure the infection.

Fungus is usually a mild condition that doesn’t cause pain, but it can become more severe and lead to discolored and thickened nails. It is more common in toenails than fingernails and can occur in anyone. Avoid infections by keeping your feet clean and dry. Wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials. Wear shoe covers in locker rooms and public showers and change your socks frequently. Keep your nails trimmed and file off any white markings that appear.

If shooting heel pain is keeping you from leading the active life you desire, it’s time to take action. Start by following these 5 effective treatment options:

Rest, ice and elevation — familiar advice that’s often overlooked. Also, try switching from high impact exercise to low-impact activities that put less strain on the feet and heels.

1. Rest

Taking it easy is an essential first step to healing heel pain. This includes avoiding running and standing for long periods, wearing supportive shoes and placing an ice pack on your heel several times a day.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help ease your discomfort. You can also use a splint that helps stretch and strengthen the calf muscles and Achilles tendon to decrease heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot and connects the base of your toes to your heel bone, becomes inflamed. Resting, icing and using heel cups or felt pads can help treat this condition.

2. Ice

Heel pain is often caused by overuse, so resting and icing the area can greatly improve recovery. The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is a great way to treat heel pain at home.

You can use a simple ice pack by wrapping a towel around a plastic bag filled with cubes or crushed ice, and then putting it on your heel for 20 minutes several times per day. There are also special ice therapy slippers available that make this process much easier and more convenient.

Icing is a very effective treatment option, and it doesn’t have any downsides. Your podiatrist in Albany, WA can recommend additional at-home treatments for healing and prevention of heel pain, including stretches to help loosen tight calf muscles.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

The feet carry us from place to place each day. But when they hurt, it can be hard to get around and do the things you enjoy.

Chronic plantar fasciitis can cause a heel spur — a calcium deposit that develops where the fascia tissue band connects to the heel bone. Runners and basketball players are more prone to Achilles tendinitis, an overuse injury that inflames the long, strong tendon.

NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen) block prostaglandins that trigger pain and swelling. But be cautious and experiment with the best dose for you. Too much NSAID can increase your risk of stomach ulcers and other side effects.

4. Physical Therapy

Often, heel pain is caused by small tears in the plantar fascia that connects the heel to the arch of the foot. Excessive strain on the foot can cause this to happen, such as long periods of standing at work or walking barefoot or wearing shoes with poor support.

Heel pain treatment Albany can effectively treat this issue by easing the inflammation of the heel and improving foot and ankle flexibility can also help ease pain by providing exercises and taping the foot to improve foot posture. These are all great preventative measures that can help reduce the need for more drastic treatments, like surgery or reliance on medication.

5. Orthotics

Studies have shown that orthotics, along with a few simple exercises, can significantly reduce heel pain. Orthotics support the arches and help distribute pressure more evenly, reducing stress on the heel and ankle.

A doctor can prescribe soft or rigid supports that fit inside your shoes. Soft supports are made from foam and gel, while rigid supports are stiffer and can better control abnormal foot biomechanics.

A doctor may also recommend a night splint, which is comfortable to sleep in and keeps the foot in one position, providing a constant stretch for the plantar fascia ligament while you’re sleeping.

6. Cross-Training

If you have mild heel pain that does not get worse during or after activity, cross-training is a great way to maintain a healthy fitness level while protecting your feet. This can include things like swimming, using the elliptical machine, yoga, and cycling.

Heel pain is a common problem that occurs in people who regularly run or spend a lot of time on their feet. It often starts as a sharp, stabbing pain under the heel that gradually improves as you move around.

It is important to take a break from running if you have heel pain, as pushing through it can aggravate your injury and lead to further problems.

7. Taking Breaks

Taking breaks from activities that strain your feet is an effective way to treat heel pain. This allows your arch and heel to heal. Be sure to follow the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method for best results.

Heel pain often comes from overuse and can be caused by a variety of conditions. Most commonly, it results from faulty biomechanics and walking gait abnormalities that put excessive stress on the heel bone and surrounding soft tissues. Other causes include being overweight; running or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear, especially flip-flops; and injury.

Overuse can also cause bursitis, which occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and lubricate joints swell up. This often causes a tender, bruise-like feeling in the back of your heel.

8. Medications

Heel pain usually develops when the heel bone bruises or the surrounding tissues are irritated. This may occur due to repeated stress on the heels, such as in high-impact sports or while standing for long periods of time, or from carrying excess weight.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling. Changing activities that put excessive pressure on the feet, such as running and jumping, or having tight calf muscles, can decrease heel pain.

Using night splints to keep the feet in good position can also reduce heel pain caused by structural issues or poor foot biomechanics. Physical therapy exercises and stretches that improve strength and flexibility can also relieve heel pain.

9. Surgery

Heel pain can affect your ability to exercise and perform your job duties. Over time, this can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain.

Surgery can be a good option if your heel pain doesn’t improve with home treatment and medication. Your doctor will examine your foot and take X-rays to check for bone fractures, bone alignment, ligament damage and soft tissue problems.

Surgical treatment can help with plantar fasciitis (a condition that causes heel pain) and bursitis. This involves cutting or detaching the plantar fascia, which can remove stress on the area and reduce inflammation.

Osteopathic physicians are able to identify and treat musculoskeletal problems that cause chronic pain. They can also work with the patient to address their psychological, emotional and social factors contributing to their pain and suffering.

Osteo Ivanhoe is often used to help treat musculoskeletal conditions like back and neck pain, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. But it can also help with breathing problems like asthma and bowel issues like irritable bowel syndrome.

Identifying the Cause

Osteopathy is an approach to healing based on the belief that most diseases, injuries and pain stem from problems in the musculoskeletal system – the bones, muscles, tendons and tissues that make up your body’s structure. DOs study the musculoskeletal system extensively during their education and have special training in how the parts of your body work together, including the nerves that connect to them.

Your osteopathic physician will use manual techniques to gently manipulate your bones, soft tissue and joints. This includes osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves using gentle pressure to help relieve tight muscles. When you hear a ‘popping’ sound during an OMT session, this is caused by gas bubbles popping as the muscles release their tension.

While osteopathic therapy is often associated with treating back and neck pain, it can address many other health concerns. For instance, osteopathic techniques can improve respiratory and bowel conditions like asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. They can also ease breathing difficulties that occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema and bronchitis.

Osteopathy can also help with chronic gynecological issues, such as menstrual pain and ovarian cysts. In addition, it is used to treat cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure. In fact, osteopathic manipulation can lower blood pressure by improving the flow of blood to the kidneys and balancing the way your body uses hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Relieving Pain

Osteopaths use their hands to stretch, massage and improve the movement of your joints, muscles and bones. This is called osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT). It’s the part of osteopathy that most people associate with the cracking sound you might hear during a session – this is caused by a sudden change in pressure that releases gases from fluid around your joints.

Your osteopath will also pay close attention to how your body works as a whole. This is because osteopathic medicine considers that your musculoskeletal system affects and influences every other part of your body. For example, if you suffer from knee pain, an osteopath will work to address imbalances in your hips or back that might be causing the knee joint problems.

Managing neck pain is another common condition that responds well to osteopathic treatment. Osteopaths work to release muscle tension in your neck and shoulders that might be causing the pain. They may also prescribe strength and rehabilitative exercises to help manage the pain long term.

Sciatica is a painful condition that results from an injured disc in the lower spine pressing against spinal nerves. Osteopathy can relieve sciatic pain by releasing the pressure on the nerves and helping your body heal the structure that’s causing it. They might also work with you to reduce stress, which can contribute to the condition.

Reducing Inflammation

Osteopathy can reduce inflammation by reducing the strain on affected tissues. This will ease pain and stiffness by promoting the flow of blood around the affected areas and helping to release natural hormones that help to reduce inflammation.

The osteopath will also be able to guide you with lifestyle management such as diet and exercise. This will help with the condition, and also prevent it from coming back or getting worse. For example if you suffer from Gout, an osteopath will be able to help by advising what foods to avoid and recommending treatments such as massage to support the joints.

Counterstrain is a treatment technique used by osteopaths to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. The osteopathic physician finds the tender point of a muscle and then applies a position that is mildly uncomfortable and in the opposite direction of the originating strain. This inhibits the strain reflex and allows the muscles to lengthen.

Research shows that osteopathic manipulations can have a positive impact on the Central Nervous System, helping the body to shift from the Sympathetic “Fight or Flight” Response into the Parasympathetic (“Relax and Digest”) Mode. This has a healing effect on the body and is an alternative to pharmaceuticals that can have adverse side effects including addiction, liver toxicity, kidney dysfunction and heart problems.

Managing Stress

Stress can lead to a series of physical symptoms like muscle tension, stiffness and headaches. Osteopathy can help manage these symptoms by supporting the nervous system to relax.

Osteopaths use hands-on manipulation techniques to detect imbalances in the body’s fascia, joints and nerves. They then use gentle pressure and movement to support the body to release tension and balance the ligamentous tension around a joint, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

The osteopathic philosophy focuses on the whole body, which means that osteopaths take your full medical history and examine every part of your body. They do this to make sure that they have ruled out any tissue damage and pathological changes, which could explain your symptoms.

They also keep a watchful eye for any interrelationships between your body parts, for instance, if you have sciatica, the structure causing the pain might be compressing your ribcage. Osteopaths may be able to alleviate this tension, which will ease your sciatic pain.

They can do this by doing rib-stretching exercises to reduce the tightness and improve breathing. This will also promote relaxation, which can relieve the physical stress that is contributing to your sciatic pain.