What kind of damage can flat feet cause? Pronation and Pain in Portland, Maine
If your feet and ankles roll inward (pronate), you could be headed over the cliff. Foot pronation, especially overpronation, can lead to various risks and complications. Overpronation occurs when the arches of the foot collapse excessively inward during the gait cycle, and even when standing still. While some degree of pronation is common, pronation can cause problems. Here is a partial list of the risks associated with foot pronation. They are common enough, that if you are experiencing any of them, you should have your feet and ankles assessed by a professional. You may only be a new pair of shoes away from relief of symptoms and less stress on your body. Foot Pain: Pronation can lead to pain in the feet, especially around the arches and heels. Plantar Fasciitis: Pronation can strain the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This can result in plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, arch pain, and difficulty walking. Sometimes plantar fasciitis will lead to cramping in the bottoms of the feet. Achilles Tendonitis: The excessive rolling of the foot can also put added stress on the Achilles tendon, potentially causing inflammation and pain....
read moreBarefoot Shoes vs. Arch Support Shoes: Choosing the Right Footwear for You
The debate over barefoot shoes vs. arch support shoes is a sweaty one. When it comes to choosing footwear, the options seem endless. One common debate revolves around barefoot shoes and shoes with arch support. These two types of footwear cater to different needs, expectations, and preferences. In this post, we’ll explore the cases made for each and help you decide which might be the right fit for you. Barefoot Shoes: Embrace Natural Movement Barefoot shoes, as the name suggests, aim to replicate the sensation of walking or running barefoot. Here’s why they might be a great choice: Natural Movement: Barefoot shoes are designed with minimal cushioning and no arch support. This design encourages your feet to move more naturally, allowing your muscles to work as they were intended to. Improved Balance and Posture: By mimicking the natural gait of barefoot walking, these shoes may enhance your balance and posture. They encourage a more stable and aligned foot placement if your consciousness overrides any abnormal biomechanics, potentially reducing the risk of certain foot and joint problems. If the biomechanics and integrity of your feet is excellent, which for most is not the case, then you may reap the benefit...
read moreWhat Is Causing My Severe Back Spams? Dr. Lou – Portland, Maine
What is causing my muscle spasms? You will find a list of more common causes of severe muscle spasms below. It is important to rule them out from least consuming to most, unless your symptoms are very extreme. For example, starting with electrolyte replenishment and ending with a trip to the neurologist. Leg Cramps and Muscle Spasms are different, but often confused as the same thing. If you are experiencing cramps (Charley Horses), watch the video below. Muscle spasms occur for various reasons and can range from mild discomfort to more severe cases that lead to immobility. Some of the potential causes of muscle spasms that could lead to immobility include: Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Lack of proper hydration and imbalances in essential electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium can lead to muscle cramps and spasms. Severe imbalances can result in more intense and prolonged spasms that may affect movement. Great options for electrolyte replenishment are products like G2 and other gatorade products, and coconut water. Eating more vegetables is always a great idea. Water alone will not provide you with the electrolytes you need. Overuse or Fatigue: Excessive physical activity, especially if muscles are not conditioned...
read moreAre those lumpy finger joints Heberden’s Nodes?
Guitarists often find themselves with arthritis in the fingers. If you’ve seen Keith Richard’s fingers in the past few years, you’ve probably noticed the arthritis. He can still play, and you should be able to as well. There are action steps that you can take to ease the arthritic destruction, pain, and restriction of what are called Heberden’s Nodes. Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that can develop at the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) of the fingers. They are often associated with osteoarthritis. While there is no cure for Heberden’s nodes, the following management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life: Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), suggested by your primary care doctor, may help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a Medical Doctor if you need a formal recommendation or have any concerns. Topical treatments: Some topical creams and gels containing capsaicin, CBD, THC or NSAIDs can be applied to the affected areas to reduce pain and inflammation. Discuss these options with your doctor to ensure they are appropriate for your situation. Heat and cold therapy: Applying warm compresses or using paraffin wax baths can...
read moreHip Pain in Guitar Players
Hip Pain in Guitar Players Playing the guitar is generally a pretty safe activity to be passionate about, but the repetitive motions involved can lead to various musculoskeletal issues. While most people associate guitar playing with hand and wrist pain, it’s important not to overlook the potential for hip pain. The hip joints play crucial roles in maintaining balance and supporting the body while sitting or standing during long practice sessions or performances. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, prevention, and treatment of hip pain in guitar players. Causes of Hip Pain Poor Posture: Slouching or leaning excessively while playing the guitar can strain the hip joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. Extended Sitting: Long periods of sitting, which is common during practice sessions or performances, can contribute to hip stiffness and pain. Muscle Imbalances: Imbalances in the muscles surrounding the hips, such as tight hip flexors and weak gluteal muscles, can cause hip pain. Imbalances like these can stem from the way that you stand and sit asymmetrically while playing, or while not playing. Overuse and Repetitive Motion: Repeatedly performing, even practicing, can put strain on the hip joints over time. Prevention...
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