Back Pain

Back Pain

Nealy 80% of Americans suffer from some type of back pain during their lives. Back pain comes in many forms and can be attributed to a myriad of symptoms. Some may be due to muscular, nerve, degenerative, arthritic, or skeletal problems. With back pain being such a general term there are also a great number of treatment methods to help alleviate back pain.

Back Pain can even be associated with maladies of the foot. Pain in the lower back is usually caused by overpronation of the foot or improper posture. Moving about awkwardly during the day and the shock to the foot of walking or standing improperly can contribute to excruciating back pain.

Most back pain caused resulting from foot conditions will be experienced in the lumbar region of the spine. This occurs when the heel strikes the ground and shock waves travel up the legs into the lumbar region. Under normal circumstances this is usually not an issue but if the foot and ankle are for some reason out of alignment this can be a real problem.

For minor back pain due to over exertion over the counter medications might do a good job reducing inflammation and relieving pain. For chronic issues it is a good idea to seek medical advice. A podiatrist may prescribe custom foot orthotics or recommend certain arch supports or insoles.

The idea behind using orthoses to correct back pain is a simple one. Orthotics bring the entire foot in line with the ankle, lower leg, knee, hip and back. Foot orthotics specially designed to reduce shock and absorb impact will cushion each step and keep the shock from traveling up through the legs.

It is not necessary to visit a foot doctor to obtain orthotic devices but be sure to purchase something made from a 3-D mold of your own feet. Drugstore devices cannot provide all the benefits of a true custom fit orthotic and may cause further pain and discomfort.

Ankle Arthritis

Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis means pain within a joint and therefore it is a very broad term which can refer to a myriad of conditions. To date there is no cure for arthritis but there are several viable treatments available and people suffering with the condition can effectively manage their pain to live normally.

With regard to the foot and ankle, there are three types of Arthritis that can effect the area. They are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post-Traumatic Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis and usually occurs in middle age. The smooth and gliding surface that cover the ends of bones become worn down and frayed. Inflammation, swelling and joint point can occur. Osteoarthritis is progressive and worsens over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is different than Osteoarthritis because it does not follow a predictable pattern within joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is when a persons own immune system destroys the cartilage or smooth surfaces that cover the ends of the bone.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis develops following an injury. This type of arthritis is more similar to Osteoarthritis because it can progress slowly after an injury and may even take years to develop.

Each type of arthritis effecting the ankle and foot has different causes. Osteoarthritis develops because the cartilage loses the ability to heal itself over time. This is why it tends to appear as we age. However, genetics and obesity have been shown to be related to the development of osteoarthritis.

There is no known cause for Rheumatoid Arthritis but genetic risk factors show that certain people are more susceptible to the disease. It is suspected that something triggers the immune system to produce the chemical substances that appear in the joints and lead to the condition.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis is is a bit more obvious. It can be caused as a result of fractures and dislocations. These traumas make it more likely for arthritic conditions to occur.

Ankle Arthritis is commonly found in the tibiotalar joint where the shin bone connects with the talus bone in the foot. Also in the three joints in the rear of the foot called the subtalar joint, the talonavicular joint, and the calcaneocuboid joint.

Sufferers of Ankle Arthritis may feel pain or tenderness, stiffness, lack of motion and swelling.  There are several treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms. Among them are pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medications, custom foot orthotics and or arch supports, custom made shoes, ankle orthoses, physical therapy and exercise.

Surgical Options are also available and careful decisions should be made with a physician. Recovery time may be arduous and lengthy but in most cases today’s procedures will can dramatically improve the condition.