Monday, May 4, 2015

The Five Biggest Walking Problems and Issues



Walking is a great way to effectively shed those unwanted pounds. It also improves cardiovascular performance, while exercising nearly every muscle, joint, and ligament in the body. While some walk for digestion, most walk to stay in shape and lead healthier lives. Along with jogging and running, walking is considered the most recommended exercise in the world. In order to secure proper balance and mobility, however, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. For one, you do need the right sneakers and gear to secure the right strides in your step. Secondly, you need to start slow if just incorporating walking into your diet and fitness regimen. Lastly, you must take care of any foot ailments or issues that may serve as obstacles and hurdles. According to industry experts, the following are considered the top problems when it comes to proper walking and optimal performance:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot ailment that affects millions of people across the world. While it is mainly synonymous with injuries and standing for extended periods of time, it can also stem from stress and especially obesity. As part of daily and weekly blogs, Footlogics is committed to helping sufferers alleviate the pain and tensions associated with PF. Whether you need orthotics, insoles, or medicinal shoes, we simply feature an extensive selection of products that are designed specifically for foot and ankle ailments. While pain can be mild or excruciating in severe cases, there are countless treatment options available. This includes cortisone injections, shockwave therapies, trigger point massages, and even surgical procedures for those that continue to experience chronic pain. If PF is limiting your mobility and preventing you from walking properly, simply speak to your podiatrist or foot expert today about timely and effective treatment options.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails do not seem to be a huge for concern. If not treated in a timely and professional manner, however, they can seriously impact the feet and their ability to secure proper balance and motion. Like the name suggests, ingrown toenails are nails that grow sideways rather than forward. They mainly occur from wearing the wrong type of shoes, however, can also stem from injuries and especially banging the toes. In order to tackle this common issue, you will surely need to wear larger sized shoes. This will secure optimal comfort, while allowing the toes to breathe. Remember, ingrown toe nails can affect the surrounding tissues resulting in mild to extreme discomfort. While you can use toe-clippers and scissors to remove the obstructions, having a podiatrist treat them is simply the best way. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove the ingrown nails, while ensuring they do not grow again.

Bunions 

Bunions are another common problem that makes walking very difficult. These growths develop when the joint or bones on the outer side of the toes become misaligned. While it’s mainly the big toes that get affected, the little toes are not exempt either. Those with flat fleet, low arches, or arthritis are especially susceptible to bunions. At the first sign of the issue, you will need to ice the affected areas for at least 20 minutes. Wearing wider shoes or orthotics courtesy of Footlogics is another way to reduce the pain, inflammation, and swelling. Physical therapy and ultrasounds are another way to pinpoint and eradicate the problem altogether. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be needed to realign the toe joints and remove the protrusions.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is synonymous with pain that affects the back of the heel or lower calf. It mainly stems from walking too much, which affects the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel. Walking over uneven or rugged terrain on a continuous basis is bound to result in Achilles tendonitis. While mild cases can be cured via reducing mileage when walking and avoiding strenuous activities, more severe cases require cold packs on the injured areas. This should be administered 3-5 times a day and up to 15-20 minutes per icing. This will surely reduced the swelling and inflammation, while restoring proper ankle motion and mobility. Once the pain and tension has subsided, stick to walking on flat surfaces at a smooth and comfortable pace. Serious injuries to the Achilles tendon, however, require immediate medical attention at your local emergency room or urgent care clinic.

Neuroma

Neuroma is a condition that affects the ball of the foot. The pain, however, can resonate through and between the toes. This is considered one of the biggest obstacles in securing proper balance when walking or lightly jogging. It stems from thickening or hardening tissue near the base of the toes. This impacts the nerve endings, which results in mild to severe pain in some cases. While it’s more common in women than in men, it does affect both sexes of all ages. It also feels like you are walking on a hard marble, which can easily throw off your balance and at times, equilibrium. To restore mobility and alleviate the pain, it is imperative to wear comfortable and spacious shoes. Wearing OTC pads or insoles can also eliminate the stress and pressure associated with this common issue. If the pain persists, simply see your podiatrist or foot specialists for more treatment options and remedies.

No comments:

Post a Comment