Types and Causes of Foot Pain

Types and Causes of Foot Pain

The problem of foot pain is very common. A research pointed out that foot pain affects 17% to 42% of adults at some time in their life. This pain in the foot can be caused due to a variety of factors, and sometimes, it gets difficult for the doctors as well to find out the root cause of the pain. Moving on, foot pain can be extremely agonizing and has a huge impact on the quality of life of a person. Therefore, it is important to get to the bottom of foot pain and identify its cause, in order to seek proper treatment. In this article, we have listed some of the common types of foot pain along with their causes. Let’s have a look. Plantar fasciitis Most experience heel pain at some point in their life. There may be several causes for this, but the most common cause is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissues that run through the entire foot sole and provide shock absorption capability to the foot. In case this tissue attaches to the heel bone, it causes inflammation and pain. The pain caused due to this is very intense when a person gets out of the bed after a long duration of rest. The pain gets a little better with movement; however, it doesn’t completely go away. Tarsal tunnel syndrome This is another type of foot pain caused by an irritated or pinched nerve. It often causes symptoms such as a sharp, burning or shooting pain along with tingling or numbness in the foot. The pain generally radiates from the inside of the ankle and causes foot pain. Top of the foot gets affected, and also, the pain tends to worsen at night. Metatarsalgia Metatarsal bones are found in the ball of the foot, which gives it a rounded shape.
A Guide to the Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

A Guide to the Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects several thousand people in the country. This painful condition that affects the heel of the foot can cause great discomfort and impairs the daily functioning of a person. Wearing the right plantar fasciitis insoles can go a long way in alleviating symptoms and living a normal life. What Is Plantar Fasciitis? First, let’s take a look at this common condition and understand its causes, signs, and symptoms. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the band of tissue that connects a person’s heel to the toes. It is caused due to extreme stretching or tearing of this band of tissue that provides support to the arch on a person’s heel. This is where plantar fasciitis insoles can provide relief and help a person walk normally. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are intense pain near the heel that usually worsens after waking up in the morning, after long periods of standing on your feet, and when you rise up after sitting for a long time. A person generally does not experience pain during exercise but there may be a pain right after. This condition is generally seen in runners, ballet dancers or individuals who participate in activities that put pressure on the heels. People who are obese, individuals who do not wear shoes with adequate support, those who regularly wear high heels, and people with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing this condition. People whose jobs tend to keep them on their feet are also vulnerable. Plantar fasciitis is more common in women, but men can also develop it. How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated? This condition is self-diagnosable, but it is best to consult a doctor about the severity of the condition. A physical examination of the affected area and some imaging tests may be required to point out the exact location of the pain and inflammation.
8 Reliable Home Remedies to Effectively Treat Pollen Allergy

8 Reliable Home Remedies to Effectively Treat Pollen Allergy

Though the human body’s immune system is strong enough to keep malicious agents at bay, it sometimes fails in protecting the body from an onset of ailments caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, people develop allergies to certain things that, though harmless, can incite severe reactions from people. One such relatively harmless by-product of nature are pollens, but the number of people allergic to pollen is quite high. Around 30% of the total adults and 40% of the child population in the US are allergic to pollen. What is pollen allergy? Pollen allergy is an airborne infection that triggers symptoms such as continuous sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc. Pollen is a harmless powder that is produced by trees, flowers, plants, grasses, weeds, etc. Its purpose is to fertilize other plants of the same species. Even though these pollens are considered harmless, when they come in contact with the body’s immune system, it mistakes it for lethal invaders and produces chemicals that fight these pollens. This allergic reaction triggered by the overdrive of the immune system indicates that the person is allergic to pollen. Home remedies for people allergic to pollen Certain medications help in reducing the severity of pollen allergy. However, if the individual isn’t keen on taking medications, they can always opt for home remedies that treat pollen allergy. Here are some effective home remedies that can aid people who are allergic to pollen. Butterbur Butterbur is one of the most effective methods used to treat people who are allergic to pollen. Butterbur is a traditional herb that is known to cure a variety of ailments, such as fever, ulcers, stomach pain, cough, hay fever, etc. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it can provide a cure for those allergic to pollen. Butterbur extract helps to keep pollen allergy at bay by controlling the symptoms of pollen allergy.
Simple Ways to Treat Heartburn and Indigestion

Simple Ways to Treat Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are commonly used terms. However, heartburn and indigestion are the two things which lead us to confusion always as we actually do not know what we are going through. These are digestive issues but are often confused and make way for people to get medicated incorrectly. Heartburn Heartburn is caused due to a lot of reasons such as side effects due to medicines, hiatal hernia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease and also upon consumption of certain food substances such as peppermint, chocolate, spicy and acidic foods, fatty foods etc. When you experience heartburn there will usually be a pain in the neck or throat, feeling or sourness in the mouth and this often reaches the throat or a burning feel in the chest. Indigestion Indigestion or dyspepsia is mainly a discomfort or pain that is caused in the stomach area and also under the ribs. It is associated with numerous symptoms. Normally indigestion is caused when you eat quickly, eat a large portion of food, consumption of excess alcohol or excess caffeine and consumption of spicy, greasy, and high-fat food. It could also be caused due to various health disorders such as gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstones or ulcers. Indigestion can also be caused when you feel anxious or stressed or when you smoke tobacco products or through medicine side effects. When indigestion is caused, you can sense it through certain symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, belching, heartburn, discomfort in the belly and feeling of bloating. These two problems can be caused at the same time. You may feel that they are similar. Normally the symptoms are associated with eating food that is not suitable for you or eating in excess or eating quickly. Here are some quick tips on how to treat heartburn and indigestion. It is better to avoid fatty and spicy foods as these are the main elements that lead to heartburn and indigestion.
Useful Tips for Herniated Disc Treatments

Useful Tips for Herniated Disc Treatments

Spinal disc herniation is commonly referred to as a slipped disc. It is a physiological disorder that affects the spinal column. In this, a tear occurs outside the fibrous circle of a prolapsed disc. This allows the soft, central part to protrude at the further side of the damaged outer rings. A herniated disc occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. This is at the lower back. The discs are pads which act as cushions between the vertebral components. This reduces the stress during movements of the spinal column. The discs look like jelly donuts. They have a central softener. Age or injury impairs the disc. The softer middle part penetrates through the surrounding outer part. The tear of the middle part of the disc exerts more pressure against one or more of the lumbar spine nerve root. This causes pain and discomfort. Risk factors for spinal disc herniation Risk factors for a herniated disc include wear and tear of the lumbar spine. The only way to prevent a slipped disc is to avoid lifting heavy objects or awkwardly twist your spine. If the back pain radiates down one of your arms or legs, you must seek immediate medical care. Moreover, medical attention is also needed if you are experiencing sciatica. Primary goal of treatment and ways to achieve it Medical tests, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) help in detecting disc herniation. The primary goal of herniated disc treatment for each patient is to help reduce or eradicate pain. The other purpose of herniated disc treatment is to arrest other associated symptoms. These symptoms that the patient shows ensue from the herniated disc. To detect other symptoms, an individual treatment plan applies to each patient. The basis of herniated disc treatment is dependent on the starting place of the pain.
4 Best Vitamins For Fibromyalgia

4 Best Vitamins For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by the symptom of acute pain in the muscles and the joints of the body. It can severely affect the day-to-day life of a person. Since it is associated with muscle and joint ailment, it is pretty easy to misunderstand the condition. The correct diagnosis might be delayed because the conventional diagnostic tools can’t detect fibromyalgia. Despite the fact that fibromyalgia has no cure, it can be successfully managed with a combination of measures like healthy diet, daily exercise, stress management, and medications. Body pain accompanied by acute tiredness and disturbed sleep is a distinct sign of fibromyalgia. Several experts suggest that the vitamins play a crucial role in helping the condition of fibromyalgia. Therefore, if you are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you should consider increasing the intake of the following mentioned vitamins. Vitamin D – One of the most useful vitamins for fibromyalgia treatment is Vitamin D. Although the experts are not clear about the exact effect, it is suggested that Vitamin D can provide respite from the pain and muscle cramps associated with fibromyalgia. Generally, doctors do carry out a blood test so that the levels of Vitamin D in the body can be monitored. In case the Vitamin D level is low then your doctor may suggest taking a supplement. Stick the dosage prescribed by your doctor, otherwise prolonged overdose of Vitamin D could lead to kidney and cardiac problems. If you want to avoid supplements, then increase the intake of foods rich in Vitamin D like egg yolks, salmons, milk, mushrooms, oatmeal, sardines, and herring. SAM-e – SAM-e is another natural element in the body that could be quite beneficial in easing the pain and effects of fibromyalgia. It helps to prevent inflammation in the body that causes pain.
Symptoms and Complications of Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms and Complications of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an extremely dangerous disease that can lead to the potential disabling of the central nervous system and the brain. When it comes to multiple sclerosis, the immune system goes haywire. It attacks the myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers. This leads to functional problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The disease may progress rapidly and lead to the nerves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged as a whole. Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly. While some people suffering from the disease may lose the ability to walk without any assistance, others may experience long periods of remission without the onset of any new symptoms. The worst part of this disease is the fact that there is no cure for it. While treatment can help you to achieve high-speed recovery from the attacks associated with the disease, there is no way to completely cure it. Medication can also help to manage its symptoms and modify the course of the disease. Here are a few of the symptoms and the complications associated with multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience it at a greater intensity, while others may not. It also depends on the location of the affected nerve fibers and over the course of the disease. Some of the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms you need to look out for include: You may feel sudden bouts of dizziness over periods of time. You may feel tired and fatigued at all times despite not doing much in due course of the day. You may experience problems controlling your bladder and bowel movement. There may be other problems with its functioning as well. You may not be able to speak as fluently as you once used to and experience slurred speech.
Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Migraine

Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Migraine

A migraine is a very painful, often a debilitating, form of a headache. It can be either episodic or chronic. Usually, the episodic migraine lasts for hours and several weeks to months can pass between two migraine episodes. However, chronic migraine symptoms not only last longer but also occur more frequently. If you have a chronic migraine, you will probably suffer from throbbing headaches at least 15 days a month. These severe and frequent attacks can make it difficult for you to live a normal life. An episodic migraine is much more common than a chronic one. Various medical research reports have shown that some people who suffer from an episodic migraine can eventually develop the symptoms of a chronic migraine! According to medical studies, 0.5% of men and 1.3% of women in the country experience chronic migraine symptoms. Other than taking medications, some healthy lifestyle changes can also help one in dealing with the symptoms of a chronic migraine. Here is a list of the symptoms along with some effective treatments for a chronic migraine. Chronic Migraine Symptoms Having chronic migraine is nowhere similar to having just a simple headache. In reality, it is much more than that! A chronic migraine may include the following symptoms: Vomiting Nausea Feeling dizzy Auras, which means seeing shadows, colors, lines, or flashing lights Tingling in the hands, feet, and face. These symptoms are accompanied by severe pain! While having it, one can also find the sounds, touch, smell, and bright lights very painful. Most of the times, the episodic migraine symptoms are almost similar to the chronic migraine symptoms. However, the major difference is in how frequently these attacks are occurring. According to the medical experts, this chronic migraine can be triggered by different factors. Sometimes, it runs in families. Sometimes, it happens due to the changes in the brain chemicals.
Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is caused by the accumulation of gallstones. Gallstones are structures formed by a combination of cholesterol, calcium, and bile salts. These structures are not stones but pieces of solid matter that form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located under the liver in the upper right region of the abdomen. This pear-shaped organ stores bile produced by the liver to digest fat. It helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. In a healthy gallbladder, this process happens naturally without any discomfort or pain. However, when the gallbladder stops functioning well or if the bile ducts get clogged, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Gallstones can develop in varying sizes ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. The pain may last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Some people may develop a single gallstone, while others may get several gallstones at the same time. Statistics reveal that this disease has a high incidence in people who have weight problems, high blood cholesterol levels, and suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Causes of gallstones According to observation, problems in the gallbladder arise because of improper diet and obesity. Gallbladder disease generally affects overweight people. The consumption of foods which are rich in fat also contributes to the development of gallstones. Thus, several people have to deal with the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease because of an inappropriate diet. Experiments reveal that the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease can get triggered due to allergic reactions to foods such as eggs, meats, dairy products, and citrus fruits. The consumption of chocolate, coffee, and carbonated soda can also trigger this condition. A few common reasons for the occurrence of gallbladder disease are: Genetic factors Excess weight Inappropriate diet Presence of excess cholesterol in bile If the gallbladder cannot empty properly, especially when you are fasting Pigment gallstones can occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis or blood diseases like sickle cell anemia.
Symptoms of Scoliosis and Ways to Treat It

Symptoms of Scoliosis and Ways to Treat It

Any kind of abnormal curvature of the spine is called as scoliosis. For any person, the spine has one curve at the top of the shoulder and one curve at the lower back. But if you see anyone having a curve from side to side, in the shape of C or S, then that condition is called as scoliosis. There are can be many reasons for this problem like genetic conditions and birth defects and it can also be due to the neurological abnormalities. These kinds of changes of the curvature occur during the stage of growth like puberty. Symptoms of scoliosis The symptoms of scoliosis will depend on the degree of the problem or curvature a person has. The scoliosis treatment will also depend on the degree and symptoms of this problem. Here is a list of symptoms that you can see in a person having this problem. The shoulders of the person suffering from scoliosis are going to be uneven. The shoulder blade of one shoulder appears to be higher than the other shoulder blade. The shoulder blade of one shoulder sticks out than the other shoulder blade. The spine rotates. Severe back pain. The functioning of the lungs is disturbed as the chest space is reduced due to the spine curvature. One hip appears to be higher than the other hip and they appear uneven. Usually, you should consult a doctor when you see any of these symptoms. Your doctor is going to work toward controlling the symptoms from getting worse. You need to get started with the scoliosis treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications. Treatment of scoliosis In most of the cases, scoliosis treatment is not required for the children as the curves are mild. The doctor will keep checking them for every 3 to 6 months in order to make sure that the curve is not getting worse.
The Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The food we consume every day mostly consists of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, there are other essential organic and inorganic constituents, which are equally important for our health. Vitamins are one such organic component of food. Although we only need to include minute quantities of these in our everyday diet, they play a significant role in maintaining an individual’s growth and metabolism. Any person’s healthy appearance comes not only from energy-yielding proteins, carbohydrates, and fats but also from other components like vitamins, minerals, and water. Sources of vitamins Vitamins are a protective food that is essential to ensure that the human body functions normally. Vitamins are crucial since they cannot be synthesized in the human body. Therefore, whenever there is disequilibrium in its quantity, one needs to take supplements to ensure a balanced intake. Since plants can synthesize vitamins, animal foods like meat, fish, eggs, liver, and milk can be a good way to replenish a vitamin imbalance. When humans eat animals that feed on plants, vitamins are transferred to the human body. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, cannot be found in foods of plant origin. Animal-based foods are an abundant source of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 that is synthesized by the intestinal bacteria in humans is not enough to meet the daily requirements. In such cases, vitamin B12 supplements are a lifesaver. Kinds of vitamins Vitamins are of two types, fat-soluble and water-soluble. The B complex groups of vitamins like thiamine, niacin, folic acid, riboflavin, cobalamin, riboflavin, and biotin are water-soluble. Hydroxycobalamin, chlorocobalamin, cyan cobalamin, and nitro cobalamin are few active forms of vitamin B12. Functions of vitamin B12 All vitamins which are a part of vitamin B-Complex act as coenzymes and vitamin B12 is no exception. Vitamin B12 acts as coenzymes in different chemical reactions in the body, in the form of cobamide, which is involved in the formation of DNA.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Pulmonary Embolism

Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism can have many symptoms that are associated with other medical conditions like heart disease. However, if you do identify any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact your nearest medical emergency services as it can be a life-threatening situation. What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism is a block in blood vessels associated with your lungs. These blockages can restrict blood supply to the lungs and deplete oxygen levels in the body because the lungs are affected. It can also lead to other complications. Mostly, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots, and a major cause of these blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein that is deep in your body and not near the surface. These blood clots commonly begin at the calf muscles or thighs. However, these deep-vein blood clots can also begin somewhere else in the body. Wherever they begin, they can travel through the bloodstream and reach vital organs in your body, like your lungs. When the block occurs in a blood vessel that is connected to the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes of DVT are as follows: A leg fracture that damages a blood vessel which leads to blood clotting Obesity which can exert pressure on your legs A catheter inserted into a vein Hereditary – Other members of your family, previous generations, have had DVT Smoking Hormone medications Hormone fluctuations like pregnancy Being seated for a long time Some medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can also result in blood clots Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests A pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.