Health

Understanding the Causes and Remedies of Foot and Heel Pain

As humans, we can locomote from one place to another with the help of our feet, enabling us to carry out a lot of activities on a daily basis. But when the same foot and heel get affected due to more use or underlying infection, it poses a serious challenge to our daily lives. Understanding this effect earlier and finding solutions can help you in getting relief and maintaining healthy feet and heels.

Common causes of foot and heel pain

Plantar fasciitis:

This is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain. It is the inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It brings about unbearable pain with the first steps in the early morning.

Achilles tendinitis:

Here, there is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf tissues to the heel bone. This condition mostly pops up due to foot overuse, especially from sports activities such as athletics.

Stress fractures:

This issue results in tiny cracks in the bones of the feet as a result of overuse. It causes a lot of pain and requires immediate medical attention to address the issue before it escalates further.

Flat feet:

Fallen arches or flat feet exert extra pressure on the plantar fascia and other foot structures resulting in significant pain.

Arthritis:

Arthritis is a common foot issue and is known by many people. It mainly affects the joints in the feet resulting in great pain and discomfort.

Nerve issues:

When the nerves running in the foot are compressed beyond normalcy, it may result in great pain and discomfort to an individual.

Remedies and treatment options

Here are some tips on how to avoid the above issues, and some of the available treatments. If the pain and discomfort persists, you should consider seeking medical attention.

Rest and icing:

Once you start noticing some unusual pain or discomfort on your feet, it is important to take a break from your daily activities, have a good rest and apply ice to the affected place. Ice can help to greatly reduce inflammation and pain.

Proper footwear:

It is important to wear the right kinds of footwear that offers excellent arch support and cushion to the feet. You should avoid high heels shoes by all means because it has poor support for the feet.

Stretching exercises:

Regular stretching can relieve the strain on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.

Physical therapy:

A physical therapist can recommend a customised exercise plan for you that can help strengthen the foot muscles and improve flexibility. This can help in alleviating pain.

Medication:
There are some pain relievers that you can get over-the-counter from a pharmacy that can help reduce inflammation and relieve foot pain.

Weight management:

Many people with obesity suffer from foot and heel pain from time to time because of the high pressure exerted on the feet tissues and muscles. If you are in this category, it is high time you begin to maintain a healthy weight and achieve an optimal weight that cannot exert immense pressure on the feet.

It is important to understand the type of underlying foot and heel pain that you experience to know the best remedy or treatment to apply. The main remedies for foot and heel pain include managing your weight and taking a break from your daily activities to allow the foot to heel.

Get in touch with us for expert advice on foot and heel pain.

 

What signs prompt you to see an occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists are professionals who assist people to overcome several challenges including physical, cognitive and emotional. Thus, ensuring that a person is active and in the best mood to perform routine activities. Therefore, it is important to understand some of the signs and symptoms that may prompt one to seek the help of an occupational therapist. Let us discuss some of the most common signs and symptoms that tell you to visit a therapist and understand some of the problems that an occupational therapist can solve for you.

Six signs prompting you to seek occupational therapists help in Gold Coast

Difficulty with activities-of-daily living:

When you find yourself struggling to do basic day-to-day activities such as bathing, eating and even dressing, you should immediately visit an occupational therapist to get immediate assistance.

Limited range of motion:

When you experience pain in your joints and muscles while moving, then something must be wrong and you need assistance. An occupational therapist can help you to regain your muscle power and flexibility.

Coordination issues:

At times, you might find yourself unsteady and inability to balance yourself or stand for a long period. You may easily fall when trying to move due to uncoordinated muscle movements. When such a situation occurs to you, immediately seek the help of an occupational therapist.

Sensory issues:

In other cases, your senses may experience challenges in processing information. This may include the inability to hear properly, and loss of touch and taste. This may limit your daily functioning and require the therapist’s intervention to correct the underlying issues that you are experiencing.

Workplace disabilities:

Individuals who work in risky areas like construction sites may sometimes fall victim to accidents that can render them disabled. Unlike a naturally disabled person, this disability can be corrected by an occupational therapist and the person can regain their normal life within no time.

Stroke:

Individuals who survive stroke attacks are usually left with the inability to do most of their daily activities and may need the help of an occupational therapist to do regular exercises to help them regain their strength and composure while carrying out their daily activities.

What can an occupational therapist do for you?

We have already discussed some of the conditions that an occupational therapist solves for you, so let us now put them in different categories to help you understand better:

Education and training:

They provide you with appropriate education and training on handling treatment equipment, safety precautions and proper exercise techniques to help you regain your strength and carry out your daily activities with ease.

Transition support:

They are responsible for overseeing the transition of their clients’ life stages from one worse state to healing and normal states. During this time, they provide support and guidance until one fully regains their composure.

Monitoring:

An occupational therapist will closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment techniques as needed to ensure that you are on the path to recovery.

Conclusion

Some main reasons to see an occupational therapist include difficulty with activities of daily living, limited range of motion, coordination issues, sensory issues, workplace disabilities, and stroke. An occupational therapist can provide with education and training, transition support and monitoring. However, many other conditions require the assistance of an occupational therapist, so it is important to do a consultation if you experience anything out of the ordinary.

Visit this link: https://www.evexiatherapies.com.au/occupational-therapy/

What signs prompt you to see an occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists are professionals who assist people to overcome several challenges including physical, cognitive and emotional. Thus, ensuring that a person is active and in the best mood to perform routine activities. Therefore, it is important to understand some of the signs and symptoms that may prompt one to seek the help of an occupational therapist. Let us discuss some of the most common signs and symptoms that tell you to visit a therapist and understand some of the problems that an occupational therapist can solve for you.

Six signs prompting you to seek occupational therapists help in Gold Coast

Difficulty with activities-of-daily living:

When you find yourself struggling to do basic day-to-day activities such as bathing, eating and even dressing, you should immediately visit an occupational therapist to get immediate assistance.

Limited range of motion:

When you experience pain in your joints and muscles while moving, then something must be wrong and you need assistance. An occupational therapist can help you to regain your muscle power and flexibility.

Coordination issues:

At times, you might find yourself unsteady and inability to balance yourself or stand for a long period. You may easily fall when trying to move due to uncoordinated muscle movements. When such a situation occurs to you, immediately seek the help of an occupational therapist.

Sensory issues:

In other cases, your senses may experience challenges in processing information. This may include the inability to hear properly, and loss of touch and taste. This may limit your daily functioning and require the therapist’s intervention to correct the underlying issues that you are experiencing.

Workplace disabilities:

Individuals who work in risky areas like construction sites may sometimes fall victim to accidents that can render them disabled. Unlike a naturally disabled person, this disability can be corrected by an occupational therapist and the person can regain their normal life within no time.

Stroke:

Individuals who survive stroke attacks are usually left with the inability to do most of their daily activities and may need the help of an occupational therapist to do regular exercises to help them regain their strength and composure while carrying out their daily activities.

What can an occupational therapist do for you?

We have already discussed some of the conditions that an occupational therapist solves for you, so let us now put them in different categories to help you understand better:

Education and training:

They provide you with appropriate education and training on handling treatment equipment, safety precautions and proper exercise techniques to help you regain your strength and carry out your daily activities with ease.

Transition support:

They are responsible for overseeing the transition of their clients’ life stages from one worse state to healing and normal states. During this time, they provide support and guidance until one fully regains their composure.

Monitoring:

An occupational therapist will closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment techniques as needed to ensure that you are on the path to recovery.

Conclusion

Some main reasons to see an occupational therapist include difficulty with activities of daily living, limited range of motion, coordination issues, sensory issues, workplace disabilities, and stroke. An occupational therapist can provide with education and training, transition support and monitoring. However, many other conditions require the assistance of an occupational therapist, so it is important to do a consultation if you experience anything out of the ordinary.

Visit this link to learn about occupational therapists: https://www.evexiatherapies.com.au/occupational-therapy

How To Effectively Use A Breast Pump

Using a breast pump is always an option for a breastfeeding mother who plans to return to work away from home or simply needs a break. It is a simple and effective method of maintaining milk supply when a parent is unable to be with their child.

 

Many mothers are concerned about using a breast pump for a wide variety of reasons, which can range from affordability, efficiency, ease of cleaning, usage, and comfortability. However, it can be said that pumping can be a stress-free and empowering experience if done correctly. Speak with a professional, such as a lactation consultant, if you have any concerns or emotional tolls about using a breast pump.

 

Pumps come in a variety of styles, including manual, single or double electric, and hospital-grade. Your health insurance must cover a free electric breast pump under the Affordable Care Act. Take advantage of this benefit even if you only plan to pump occasionally.

 

Getting started

 

Pumping is a straightforward procedure. It takes a little more effort for a mother to use a hand pump than an electric pump, but the plan remains the same (though the timing varies slightly—10 to 20 minutes). It is not necessary to sit and pump until the last drop is forced out.

 

Even if the milk stops flowing, it is critical to continue pumping for 15 minutes.

 

  • Read the instructions carefully for using and cleaning your breast pump. Always ensure that your hands are clean before using the pump.

 

  • Place the nipple properly in the pump’s cone-like areas that fit onto the breast. Before turning the pump on, lean forward slightly.

 

  • Maintain a low suction and slow pump speed. Many women are perplexed by this advice because they believe that high speed and suction will extract the most milk in the shortest amount of time, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

  • Simulate what the baby does, or your milk supply may suffer. The baby sucks slowly and lowly, not quickly and loudly.

 

  • 7 minutes of pumping- it is normal to see nothing coming out at first. After a few minutes of pumping, you will experience a “let-down,” in which the milk begins to flow.

 

  • Stop the pump for 1 minute and massage the breast all around, from the armpit to the nipple. In a sense, this gives the breast a break and allows it to reset.

 

Advantages of using breast pumps

 

Today’s modern urban mothers have a better option: breast pumps. For mothers who need to be away from their babies, the breast pump is a godsend. Despite the fact that many new-age mothers have heard of the pump, it remains an alien object to many, with many reservations, particularly regarding its usage and effectiveness.

 

A breast pump enables a nursing mother to pump and store breast milk, allowing the baby to reap the benefits of breastfeeding even when the mother is not present. This enables working mothers to ensure that their babies receive an adequate amount of breastfeeding despite the distance. However, its benefits are not limited to working mothers; stay-at-home mothers can also use a pump to store milk. Using a breast pump continuously can also help to save new mums from heaviness and engorgement of breasts. So if you think a breast pump would be advantageous for you to use, why not explore your options.

Experience hospital-grade breast pumps for safe and easy expression when you choose the top brands trusted by most mothers.

 

Laser Hair Removal

Information and facts

Are you considering going for laser hair removal services in Sydney? You must be wondering what could work for you. Whether it’s actually something which is feasible for not? What’s involved in the procedure? All the information and facts about laser hair removal Sydney.

  • Laser hair removal is an option for people who are tired of threading, shaving and waxing. It is one of the most common procedures in Sydney.
  • Highly concentrated light is beamed onto areas on the skin. The skin absorbs the light and which in turn causes the hair to burn and fall off.
  • Lasers can be used to remove hair from the face, under arms and the bikini line. It can even remove hair from other parts of the body with equal ease.
  • One of the major benefits of laser hair removal in Sydney is precision. It can target hair which is dark and coarse and leave the surrounding area unharmed.
  • It is a fast and effective treatment, which can treat a number of hair at the same time. Each pulse of light is delivered for a fraction of a second only. Getting hair from the upper lip removed can take less than a minute. While larger areas on the body like the arms and the legs can take up to an hour or so.

Preparing for laser hair removal

Removing hair with a laser is a complete medical procedure. It requires a bit of preparation on your part as well. When you decide to go for laser hair removal make sure you check the technician’s credentials. You need to get it done from someone reliable and licensed.

When going for a procedure you would need to avoid plucking, waxing or any other hair removal procedures for at least six weeks. Since the laser removes the roots of the air, plucking or waxing can temporarily remove the roots of the hair.

Also it is advised to avoid exposure to the sun six weeks before and after the treatment. Sun exposure can render the treatment ineffective.

What happens during the hair removal treatment?

For the treatment the hair which is to be removed is trimmed to a size of 1mm. The laser equipment is then adjusted according to the type of hair you have or the colour of your skin. You and your technician both would be wearing protective eye gear. The outer layer of the skin would be protected by the help of a cooling gel or a special cooling device.

The area which is to be treated is given a pulse of light. The technician would keep caging the pulses in order to zap different areas of the hair. Hey would also be checking for any bad reactions. Once the procedure is completed you would be given ice packs or cooling creams to put on the area which has been treated.

The first two days your skin would look slightly sun burned but it would soon resolve.

Elena’s story: «I was walking badly, then the truth: mitochondrial disease with very rare genetic mutation»

Elena, 44, a mother of three boys aged 15, 12 and 9, suffers from a mitochondrial disease that she was diagnosed seven years ago. She misses her balance due to a neuropathy that has removed her sensitivity from the knee down. He says: «I had not had any problems until 2008 when my last child was born. Sometimes the walk was a bit ‘uncertain, but I had not given much weight. It was my brother-in-law, a neurologist, who noticed, after a few months since Simone was born, that I was walking badly.

 From there the investigations began: many examinations and hospitalizations in different cities, until in 2011 I was diagnosed with this rare disease, very difficult to identify because there are many genetic mutations. Mine is one of these, and I could also be the only one in the world to have it. Four years ago I wrote my story on Facebook in the hopes of being able to compare myself with other people with my own illness, but I could not find anyone.

” There are hundreds of different mitochondrial diseases: they have in common the genetic malfunction of the mitochondria, the organelles of the cells that provide the production of energy used by our body. It is estimated that in Europe one in five thousand people is affected by one of these rare diseases, which can arise in the first years of life or in adulthood. Each syndrome, taken individually, is rare or very rare, but together they constitute a group of frequent pathologies. There are hundreds of different mitochondrial diseases: they have in common the genetic malfunction of the mitochondria, the organelles of the cells that provide the production of energy used by our body. It is estimated that in Europe one in five thousand people is affected by one of these rare diseases, which can arise in the first years of life or in adulthood.

Each syndrome, taken individually, is rare or very rare, but together they constitute a group of frequent pathologies. There are hundreds of different mitochondrial diseases: they have in common the genetic malfunction of the mitochondria, the organelles of the cells that provide the production of energy used by our body. It is estimated that in Europe one in five thousand people is affected by one of these rare diseases, which can arise in the first years of life or in adulthood. Each syndrome, taken individually, is rare or very rare, but together they constitute a group of frequent pathologies. that can arise in the first years of life or in adulthood. Each syndrome, taken individually, is rare or very rare, but together they constitute a group of frequent pathologies. that can arise in the first years of life or in adulthood. Each syndrome, taken individually, is rare or very rare, but together they constitute a group of frequent pathologies.

Half of patients without a diagnosis

A characteristic of these diseases, which has made it very difficult to study over the years, is the great variability of clinical manifestations. The organs most frequently affected are those that require a greater energy requirement, that is the nervous system, the heart, the muscles, moreover they can be involved, in different combinations and entities, also the sight, the hearing and other organs. But the impact on the organs, the rate of progression and the age of onset varies from disease to disease and from patient to patient, even within the same family. Even today, almost half of the patients do not have a genetic diagnosis, that is, one in two cases do not know the genetic causes of these diseases, even if progress is being made thanks to research.

«I can not pick up my son»

“It’s frustrating not being able to do many things anymore, not being able to stand a long time standing, not being able to stand still with my legs – Elena continues -. My three children grew up with a mother who had something different than the others, I never managed to pick up the smallest, born when I began to feel bad. But they never made me weigh, indeed: they are very responsible and they also help me in the house, as well as my husband, who is my rock. I would like to do a lot more but I can not, because every day I see that something is taken away from me. And I do not know what to expect from a near future. The charge, as well as my loved ones, also comes from  Mitocon (association of reference of patients,  ed), which became my second family. I was at the recent conference in Rome: for me it is very important to be able to compare myself with other people who really understand what I say and what I feel, to be able to share similar problems, to know where the research is. ”

Research funds are lacking

The eighth national conference, organized by Mitocon at the end of May, was a moment of confrontation between patients and experts, clinicians, Italian and foreign researchers, on the progress of national and international research. The president of Mitocon says, Piero Santantonio: “Until recently, the genetic origins of the disease and its mutations were unknown, but in recent years giant steps have been taken in the diagnosis of some mitochondrial diseases and new scenarios are opening up. therapeutic. In fact, there are experimental therapies for various mitochondrial diseases, some being studied in vitroor on animal models, others already on human experimentation with promising results. In Italy – underlines Santantonio – we have among the best researchers in the world in mitochondrial diseases, but research funds are lacking. For this reason, as an association, we support researchers with the raising of funds thanks to the support of many volunteers and benefactors who are close to us ».

Do Plant Based Protein Powders Build Lean Muscle

Whey protein is the number one protein which can help build lean mass. However, most people assume that it’s a much superior protein than any plant based protein powder. When used properly and in conjunction with the right diet and exercise, vegan powders work just as well. Take for example rice protein which has all the essential amino acids. Though it doesn’t have as many proteins as whey powder but when taken in right quantities can deliver just as well as whey protein.

Recent studies have been carried out to show the difference between building muscle mass when two groups of individuals took whey and rice proteins respectively. After eight weeks it was observed that both groups gained the same amount of muscle mass. Thereby it obvious that plant based proteins are by no means any less than animal based proteins.

It is important to consume proteins throughout the day. Protein powders are no longer used by athletes only. In fact individuals who want to fulfil their nutritional needs can benefit from plant based protein powders as well. When taken in the morning, proteins can help improve the cardiac rhythm and also help lower cholesterol.

The major reason why most people prefer using plant proteins could either be due to the fact that they are lactose intolerant or could be sensitive to ingredients in dairy protein powders.

Keep in mind that when choosing vegan protein powders, you need to make sure they are completely organic. Watch out for ingredients which could cause problems with the digestive tract. Good vegan powders might be slightly expensive than the usual variety but they are worth it. Not only do these work for people with gluten or lactose allergies but is one way to improve the intake of proteins in vegetarians as well.

 

Avoid protein powders which might consist of the following ingredients

  • Sweeteners are often added to low quality vegan protein powders to improve its taste
  • Similarly artificial colours and flavours are added as well to disguise the after taste and make it more palatable
  • It might contain non organic ingredients. These are usually sprayed with pesticides and could be potentially harmful to the system.

The right protein powders are infused with added vitamins and ingredients which can help fortify its potency. However despite the good quality of a protein powder there are still some ingredients which could cause havoc with the digestive system. It’s better t know ay substances to which you could be allergic and avoid plant protein powders which might consist of any of those ingredients. The key to choosing the best protein powders is to be aware of what works and doesn’t work for you.

When choosing pant abed protein powders don’t just rely on powders which are made up of just one plant source. Taking pea powder alone or hemp protein only might not be sufficient. The best thing you could do is use these powders in a blended form or rather purchase a protein powder which is a blend of different plant proteins to get the maximum benefits.

Chiropractors

Perth is a city with approximately two million people in its metropolitan area and is the capital of Western Australia. Perth is a very isolated city with the Indian Ocean on one side and the outback on the other. With activities like snorkelling, hiking, festivals, and more offered each year Perth is an extremely active city. Statistically speaking, 60-80% of a given population will have back pain in their lifetime. In Perth that means 1,200,000 to 1,600,000 people. Whether chronic or by injury of some kind back and joint pain can be pervasive and even with surgery sometimes pain can become chronic. People often seek alternatives to traditional medicine in the hope some other form of treatment will help. With a population as large as that of Perth’s there are hundreds of chiropractors operating within city limits.

Chiropractors: The Job

Chiropractors are in a field distinct from traditional medicine. The first school of chiropractic medicine was developed in the late 19th century. Until the 1960s there were no formally recognised established credentials for chiropractors. They were commonly arrested and jailed for ‘practicing without a license.’ Such was the discord between traditional medical doctors and the field of chiropractic treatment. Today chiropractic medicine and traditional medicine work together much more fluidly, and interdisciplinary teams are becoming much more common in the treatment of patients complaining of chronic or sudden onset joint pain. They are considered a field of alternative medicine and focus on treating skeletal issues; mostly related to the spine. Chiropractors do not typically hold medical degrees but do get extensive training in their field. They primarily focus on physical manipulation to align the spine and other joints properly. The theory here being that if the spine is aligned properly as well as other skeletal structures, damaged tissues will be better prepared to heal themselves.

Chiropractors in Perth

Below is a curated list of chiropractors operating in Perth and registered with the Australian Chiropractors Association. This is by no means an exhaustive list but a starting point.

  • City Chiropractic
  • Up! Chiropractic
  • Hay St Chiropractic
  • Reflex Chiropractic
  • Capacity Health
  • Edwards Spine and Support
  • Nervana Chiropractic Yokine
  • Shenton Park Family Chiropractic
  • Chelsea Chiropractic and Wellness
  • Adams Family Chiropractic

Chiropractic Therapy: Last Things to Know

Chiropractic therapy today is an established and respected field of alternative medicine. Thousands of Australians seek chiropractic care at least once in their lifetime. Chiropractic therapy, while seen as a legitimate form of alternative medicine, is not typically covered by your insurance under regular primary care providers, some insurance agencies cover treatments under specialist fees but consulting your insurance agent is advisable.

Sciatica Treatment

There are notable changes in our bodily functions as we age. One cannot say no to the possibilities of dementia or mild to severe forgetfulness. Wrinkling of the skin reminds us that we are not getting any younger and the sudden change of appetite or eating patterns are indications that our metabolism has slowed down to a greater extent, making us choosy or meticulous about the food that we eat..

The above-mentioned scenarios may seem manageable but there is one thing that aged individuals fear the most, and that is the deterioration of the bone’s strength. When this happens, recurring pain can be present on any essential parts of the body like the muscles in the arms, legs, lower back and especially on the pelvic bones that connect the hips down to the knees and the toes.

Before going any further, another concrete example of a bone loss that can be associated with sciatica is osteoporosis. The said condition takes place when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both. Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone.” When it is viewed under a microscope, healthy bones appear like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in a healthy bone. With this description, we have reason to believe that ordinary pain in the lower back may well be associated with losing bone strength and the degeneration of the same could be referred to as sciatica.

Sciatica as distinguished from osteoporosis

Sciatica is a pain affecting the back, hip and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of the spinal nerve root in the lower back, often owing to the degeneration of intervertebral disk. Ensure you seek professional sciatica treatment to get full details on the cause.

Intervertebral disk defined and explained

The intervertebral disk is a significant part of the bone that acts or functions as shock absorbers between each vertebra in the spinal column. The annulus acts as a thick outer layer that surrounds the soft gel-like centre or nucleus that protects it from a sudden shock or impact.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is primarily caused by irritation of the roots of the lower lumbar and the lumbosacral spine. Additional factors include lumbar spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. It’s also called as degenerative disc disease or breakdown of disks due to shock or impact on cushions between the vertebrae.

Why does sciatica occur?

The main culprit of sciatica is a herniated disk. It happens or occurs when a disk is pushed out of place or misaligned due to shock or impact. When not treated right away, the condition could cause an infection that will probably aggravate the situation.

Treatment and medication

  • Physical therapy – in cases of mild to moderate conditions, sciatica can be treated with a soft or hard massage on the affected parts of the muscles. Pressing slightly on the vital points can give comfort to the patient.
  • Rehabilitation – the health and wellness program designed to restore someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after an accident or an illness.
  • Chiropractic – an alternative medical intervention without the need for oral medication. This is administered or managed by spine doctors who specialise in taking care of the spine down to the nervous system in order to prevent the onset of some degenerative illness or diseases.
  • Oral medication – this includes over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, ketoprofen, or naproxen. Secondary medicines include antidepressants for chronic lower back pain and prescription muscle relaxants to ease muscle spasms.