Category: Health

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.