Gel Insoles

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.

Athletes Foot

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a skin condition resulting from the presence of fungus. Specifically the tinea fungus. It thrives on the feet because of the favorable environment surrounding the foot. Sweaty socks and the dark shaded area inside shoes provide the perfect breeding ground for tinea fungus.

Most people come in contact with the fungus near pools, locker room floors, and damp shower stalls. The fungus is easily transferred to the skin and under the right conditions will thrive and attack the foot.

Symptoms of Athletes Foot

Individuals who suspect they may be suffering from Athlete’s Foot might experience dry skin, scaling, itching, burning, swelling or blisters.  As the infection spreads the symptoms get worse, especially the itching and burning. Not every fungal infection of the foot is athlete’s foot. There are several other possibilities but Athlete’s Foot is easily the most common.

Athlete’s Foot spreads quickly and if not treated can spread to the bottom of the foot, in between toe and in some cases underneath the toenails. The tinea fungus can also attack other parts of the body if the sufferer touches the infected area and proceeds to touch other body parts.

Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Preventing Athlete’s Foot can be a daunting task for active people who are exposed to the damp dark areas near pools, in gyms, and dressing rooms. But, just using some common sense can help the cause. Washing the feet properly every day and drying completely drying them is the first line of the defense. Making sure hosiery and shoes are clean and dry is also a very important preventive measure. Also, make sure any orthotics, inserts or arch supports are thoroughly cleaned and dried often.  To further restrict the presence of moisture, foot powder is an extremely effective product. Any combination of these three methods can dramatically reduce the tinea’s ability to survive.

Treating Athlete’s Foot

Preventing Athlete’s Foot is not fool proof and if you find yourself battling the tinea fungus in the future, or are currently suffering from Athlete’s Foot, effective treatment options are available. Fungicidal sprays and lotions are found in every drugstore or pharmacy, but serious cases may require a visit to a podiatrist. They can determine the exact cause of the foot problem and prescribe treatment. Self diagnosing Athlete’s Foot may lead to prolonged suffering and serious infection. Podiatrists treat the entire foot regardless if the problem is on the surface or structural. A quick visit to the doctor and good hygiene will defeat this menacing fungus.