A sedentary lifestyle coupled with obesity has put extra weight on our hips as well as heels. Comprising of 33 joints 26 bones, and over 100 tendons, the heel is the largest bone in the foot. Overusing any part of the body can cause injury and the same holds for heels as well. With increasing weight, extra weight is put on the heels, thus affecting blood circulation in heels. Pain usually experienced on the underside of the heels can make it difficult to perform daily tasks with same vigor. In this article, the causes along with different heel pain remedies are discussed. A common foot problem, heel pain is usually felt in the arch of the foot, at the bottom of the heels and increases with body movements. Heel pain is usually worse in the morning and can be due to several reasons. For instance, wearing flat shoes or worn-out shoes can cause discomfort and trigger the pain. Causes of heel pain There are some of the common causes of heel pain, such as: Plantar fasciitis: When too much pressure is put on the heels, it causes stiffness and damages plantar fascia ligament. It is a web-like ligament, which connects the heel to the front of the foot. If this ligament is injured, it causes severe pain, and the person finds it difficult to move. Sprains and strains: Extreme physical exercises with proper guidance often cause sprains and internal injuries.Sprains usually occur at joints and can have a negative effect on ligaments connecting bones. Fracture: A case of medical emergency, fracture implies a broken bone. A fracture is a broken bone. It usually occurs when a person has experienced a fall, accident, or injured themselves while playing sports. Achilles tendonitis: In Achilles tendonitis, tendon attaching the calf muscles to the heels get swollen up and cause severe pain.

Leg cramps often tend to abruptly wake a person up in the middle of the night. It may also happen during physical activities such as running or cycling. These cramps cause a lot of pain and it can last up to 10 minutes. Some cramps may last only for a few seconds. What are the best remedies for leg cramps? Table salt This is one of the popular home remedies for leg cramps. This method eases cramp pain. A small portion of table salt must be taken into the palm of your hand and you need to lick it up. Salt gets engaged in the process of replenishing the reduced electrolytes available in the body. Since salt is easily available, this is one of the easy remedies for leg cramps. There are sports drinks available in the market containing electrolytes and you can drink them to get relief from cramps. Stretching your leg and walking a bit Nobody can predict when would leg cramps strike. The immediate step you can do is to stretch your legs out and the toes should be directed towards your chin. If you are lying down on the floor, you must get upright and walk some distance. These simple steps bring immediate relief from cramps. Massage the leg and apply a hot water bottle on the affected area When a leg cramp occurs, one of the simple things to do is to massage the tightened muscle in a gentle way. You can also apply a hot water bottle on the cramped area to make the contracted muscles relax. If you are worried about leg cramps in the night, take a hot a hot shower before going to bed for preventing the occurrence of the cramps at night. Chamomile tea If you are experiencing leg cramps frequently, you can drink five cups of chamomile tea during the daytime for two weeks.

Fundamentally speaking, coughing is a normal activity. It is an activity to clean your throat from phlegm and other types of irritants. Nevertheless, a prolonged cough needs to be treated properly because it can be a symptom of health problems such as viral infection, bacterial infection, allergy, or GERD. Although there are over-the-counter medications available, you can treat a cough with the help of natural remedies. Here are the five best natural options for the treatment for cough: Licorice root tea Licorice root is one of the best natural remedies available to treat a cough. It is a well-known expectorant, and excellent demulcent properties can also be associated with licorice. This tea creates a soothing effect on your airways, and it also gets engaged in the process of thinning and loosening mucus. Treatment for cough becomes effective when the congestion is addressed, and the best remedies also control the inflammation effectively to reduce the throat irritation. That is what exactly happens with this licorice root tea. Two tablespoons of dried licorice root must be placed in a jug, and 8 ounces of boiling water should be poured into the jug. The water needs to cover the root completely, and you must steep it for 10 to 15 seconds before taking a full cup two times a day. Tea thyme Thyme has always been an excellent natural remedy for a wide range of health problems. The anti-microbial properties of thyme are excellent, and it relaxes the bronchi and trachea muscles with utmost efficiency. Opening up the airways also becomes a less complicated process with this wonderful natural remedy. First of all, you need to bruise two tablespoons of dried thyme (you can also use fresh thyme), and it should be placed in a mug. Eight ounces of boiling water should be poured over the bruised thyme, and then, you need to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

Onychomycosis, which is usually known as toenail fungus is characterized by pain, inflammation, swelling, thickening, yellowing and crumbling of the nail. Most common reasons for toenail infection include abnormal skin pH level, synthetic socks, exposure to moisture, poor foot hygiene, sweat build-up in shoes, compromised immune system, and weak circulation due to diabetes. Modern medicine treats toenail fungus with oral anti-fungal medicines, topical treatments and surgical removal of the infected nail. However, there are several side effects associated with these treatments. Thus, it is always better to take the route of natural treatments. Here are some tried and test natural remedies to treat toenail fungus. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is considered as one of the best natural remedies for toenail fungus. It can be used topically and internally or both at the same time. Topical Application: Take one part of Epsom salt, one part of ACV and six parts of hot water. Mix them all properly. Let the water cool down a bit so that it is warm to the touch. Soak the affected foot for 30 minutes in the solution. Do this two times in a day till it is able to kill the fungus completely. Take a Drink: Mix two tablespoons of organic ACV, one teaspoon of organic honey and eight ounces of water. Drink this drink along with the topical application to get quick results. Olive Leaf Extract Olive leaf extract is another exceptional choice to confront toenail fungus. You can take supplements containing olive leaf extract daily. It would not only help to cure toenail fungus but help to lower cholesterol as well. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties which make it a good remedy to treat many other ailments. It is a powerful detoxifier as well. Thus, you may have some discomfort when you start to take the supplements.

Hemorrhoids, also colloquially referred to as piles is a problem affecting the rectum area. It leads to the swelling of nerves present in the rectum, which in turn causes difficulty in bowel movement. Though the condition mostly causes a problem in bowels, severe pain might be experienced while performing other day to day activities. There can be several factors leading to hemorrhoid, and the condition can be easily cured by taking proper remedies. Nowadays, many people are opting for surgical removal of piles for curing the painful condition. Yet, it is not the only option. You can also apply hemorrhoid treatment cream and other remedies for healing the pain. How is hemorrhoid treatment cream useful? Hemorrhoid typically takes a week or two to heal and to keep the condition in check, and it is always recommended to keep your rectum moistened using creams. The dry anal area can increase the difficulty during bowel movement and may also lead to profuse bleeding from the veins. However, if you apply creams or ointments in the area, it will help in passing the stool easily. Though you can apply any cream to keep the area moistened, you need to use medicated hemorrhoid treatment creams for healing the swelling. How to pick from the right hemorrhoid treatment creams? Hemorrhoid is a common problem experienced by a majority of people living in the United States. Therefore, it will not be very tough for you to find a cream that can heal the condition. You can check out your local pharmacies to get an over-the-counter cream for the treatment. There are extensive varieties of creams, and you can easily select the one that suits you best. Yet, to be on the safer side, it will always be ideal for you to get a can of cream from a reputed company.

The large community of microorganisms called microbiota that inhabit the human body are mostly beneficial. They help in various functions like—digestion, immunity and so on. The microbiota that is composed of bacteria, fungus, virus etc. has to be in the correct proportion. If for some reason, one organism begins to proliferate, it can cause infection, allergies, rashes etc. Yeast Infection The yeast is a fungus referred to as candida in science. These are present in various parts of the body, as part of the microbiota. In any case, if the yeast colony multiplies beyond proportion, they can cause various problems. The most common form of yeast infection is the one that affects the vaginal region in women. Thrush is a yeast infection, that can affect the corners of the mouth and the throat. The thrush that affects the throat is called Candida Esophagus. It can cause pain and difficulty in swallowing food. Skin yeast infections can result in rashes and itching. The bloodstream is vulnerable to yeast infection. In this case, the condition is serious and can be fatal. Common Yeast Infections Yeast infection in the genital region, especially in women, occurs more often than other areas. Certain antibiotics, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormone therapy sometimes affect the balance of microorganisms. The bacteria present in this region produce acids, that keep the fungal colony in control. If the bacteria are depleted by antibiotics or other factors, the yeast colony can grow out of control and can cause rashes, itching, and pain. The most common culprit is the yeast known as Candida Albicans. The Best Yeast Infection Remedies You can consult a doctor or get over the counter (OTC) yeast infection remedies. However, women have been suffering from this malady for a long time, and this is not a condition that women discuss freely with others.

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects adults and is known to act as a ‘silent killer.’ This reference is because it causes vague symptoms until it has done significant damage to the heart. High blood pressure does not have any visible symptoms therefore many are left unaware of this issue. Blood pressure can be developed because of age or a family history. The high amount of salt in the food can also lead to increased blood pressure. Being overweight or obese coupled with the lack of exercise can also lead to the risk of developing high blood pressure. Regular smoking and consumption of alcohol is another factor. Long-term sleep deprivation is also a trigger that causes high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also be a result of an underlying medical condition or drug. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications including but not limited to a heart attack or kidney damage. As obesity and lack of exercise are one of the reasons for high blood pressure, one of the essential high blood pressure remedies is to exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. This can aid in bringing down the blood pressure. In case you have been inactive for a significant amount of time, it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor about a safe exercise routine. Any form of exercise helps tackle high blood pressure issues. Weight and blood pressure bear an intrinsic relationship and therefore watching your weight after losing your weight is essential to control blood pressure. BMI and WHR are two readings to determine if you are overweight and can bear the risk of suffering from low blood pressure. Following a proper diet can also lead to controlling high blood pressure is one of the best high blood pressure remedies.

External hemorrhoids also known as piles affect the veins present outside the anus, resulting in bleeding, itching and cracking. These cause the veins to swell and get inflamed due to an increase in pressure in the lower rectum. There are a variety of reasons which can cause hemorrhoids like sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, being obese, anal intercourse, low fiber diet, straining to have bowel movements, pregnancy, poor posture and more. Here’s how to treat hemorrhoids with some home remedies: Eating high fiber food Fruits, whole grains and vegetables soften the stool and increase its bulk, which aids in avoiding the straining that can worsen existing symptoms of hemorrhoids. Apart from this, adding fiber to the diet will also aid you in avoiding problems with gas. Also, make sure to drink lots of water and avoid caffeine. This is one of the best hemorrhoid treatments. Witch hazel This hemorrhoids treatment with its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain, swelling, and itching which are the two big problems of hemorrhoids. It can be found in liquid form as well as wipes too. Aloe Vera Used historically as a treatment of hemorrhoids, Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties which may help in reducing irritation. It is advisable to use pure Aloe Vera and one of the ways of getting it is by harvesting the inside of an Aloe plant’s leaves. If you want to check if you are allergic then just rub a small portion on your forearm and wait for 24 to 48 hrs for reactions. Cleaning the affected area The affected area should be cleaned using warm water or with moist towelettes. Don’t use dry toilet paper, perfumed or alcohol-based wipes since they can irritate the area. Apply cold Use cold compresses or ice packs on the anal area to reduce swelling and get relief from irritations.

Spinal stenosis is an extremely painful condition that causes the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. This puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine and may lead to several complications. Spinal stenosis commonly occurs in the neck and the lower back. One of the major drawbacks of this condition is the fact that its onset may come with symptoms to indicate the presence of the condition. If you do experience the symptoms of spinal stenosis though, expect to face severe pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling in the affected areas. The symptoms generally worsen with the progression of the condition, so consult a doctor immediately. The onset of spinal stenosis is generally due to wear and tear in the spine related to osteoarthritis. To make things easier for you, here are a few of the best spinal stenosis treatment methods for you to choose from. Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options Treatment for spinal stenosis is dependent on the severity of the signs and symptoms of the disease as well as its location. You must consult a doctor to determine the treatment method that suits you best. If your condition is mild, home remedies may be enough to keep your condition at bay. If you are suffering from severe spinal stenosis, or if home remedies are doing you no good, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medications, or even surgery. Here are a few of the best spinal stenosis treatment methods. Medications The doctor may prescribe the use of pain relievers and anti-depressants. Pain medications may be successful in providing temporary relief and may ease the discomfort associated with the disease. Try not to use them for long periods of time as they can cause more harm than good. Anti-depressants can help ease chronic pain. Again, do not use them for long periods of time.

Eczema is a skin condition where some patches of skin get inflamed and become itchy, sore, rough, and cracked. In some cases, blood blisters may also occur. Eczema is not a single condition, but a group of conditions that include atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, contact dermatitis, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and nummular eczema. This is a frustrating skin condition, where some people experience symptoms a few times a year while some deal with it on an everyday basis. Finding a soothing, natural eczema treatment can be life-changing for people suffering from this exasperating condition. Some facts on eczema Certain food items, such as dairy products, nuts, etc. can trigger eczema symptoms. Symptoms generally vary with a person’s age; however, most common symptoms include red and itchy patches of skin. A lot of times, eczema can be triggered by environmental factors such as dust, smoke, and pollen. There is no complete cure for this skin condition. The best eczema treatments focus on soothing damaged skin and relieving the symptoms. This is not a contagious condition. Symptoms of eczema The symptoms of eczema range from mild to severe, and can change from one outbreak to another. Common symptoms include: The appearance of small bumps that may ooze out liquid Rough, dry and scaly skin that cracks Red or brown patches of skin on the face, hands, feet, wrists, neck, eyelids, ankles, upper chest or scalp Sensitive skin that gets swollen and inflamed from scratching A rash that causes intense itching and irritation Rashes due to atopic eczema Best eczema treatment options There is no complete cure for eczema. The treatment for eczema aims to heal the inflamed area and prevent the symptoms from flaring up. Generally, eczema rash treatment is based on the patient’s age and symptoms. Also, for some people, eczema goes away over time, while for others, it is a lifelong condition.

Sciatica is a painful problem that begins somewhere near your lower back. In most cases, this pain is able to shoot itself up toward the legs or even the feet. In our body, there is a nerve called the sciatic nerve that, when getting compressed or pushed by say a bone-like herniated disk, results in a pain so sharp and intense that it literally worries people. While a common issue by itself, some people also experience tingling, weakness and numbness in their back or the legs, which can last for moments to days. There are multiple treatment options available that are both invasive and non-invasive. Here’s everything you need to know about sciatica pain treatments and its remedies: Stretching and Exercising Majority of the sciatica cases are treatable at home. People who are middle-aged and do not exercise at a higher risk. Visiting a physician or a trainer who can provide you with a physical routine to follow will help relieve you off of some symptoms. Exercising and stretching in certain postures has helped many treat the problem at home. About half the patients suffering from sciatica have been able to recover within 6 weeks without any invasive or surgical procedure required. Hot and Cold Treatment Making hot and cold packs and their application to the affected area will not only help in reduction of swollen parts and numbness but also provide relieve people of the pain associated with the disorder. This treatment is coupled with three days of bed rest, i.e., off your feet. Yes, we are asking you to stay in bed for roughly three days straight in a firm position on a good mattress. This will help straighten out the problem. Therapy Acupuncture treatments, yoga, physical workout, massage as well as biofeedback all have proven for temporarily and sometimes, even permanently eliminating the issue.

The hip is closely attached to the lower back by nerve referral. Normally the pain occurs at the lower back arises from the muscles that connect the back to the hip, or from the ligaments that connect the back and the pelvis. The pain may also arise from the act of impinging the nerve from the lumbar spine. Causes of lower back and hip pain When the gluteal muscle becomes stiff and overactive, it results in excess strain on the lower back. A person, who has to sit and work for a long period of time, tightens the muscles at the lower back. This is due to poor sitting posture and not stretching the body for a long time. If there is an injury on the gluteal muscle at any point of time, it may also result in such lower back pains. If the injury is not treated properly at that time, the injury may later tighten the muscle and can give hardship to the body. Sometimes the hold of the ligaments around the buttocks and pelvis may give the same kind of lower back pains. This area is also referred as sacroiliac joint. Due to the link of the lower back to the hip, such pain is felt at the hip. The treatment is done on the ligament which is strained. The lower back and the hip is a combination of some of the complex components, so the cause of pain at the hip can be for various reasons. Depending on the location of the pain, proper treatment can be started. Chronic hip pain can last more than six weeks. If the patient is suffering from arthritis, then the surface of the socket at the hip tends to become uneven resulting in impaired movement and the result will be an arthritic hip pain.