Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi - (Page 41)

Culprit 3 HealtH Conditions The inflammation of osteoarthritis and gout can cause foot swelling and pain. Being overweight stresses foot muscles and joints, which leads to structural instability, and even foot ulcers. Diabetes also increases the risk of foot ulcers and nerve damage. Toenail fungus can be a problem for people with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis and other immune deficiencies. If you're pregnant, swelling in your feet is usually normal but can be a sign of preeclampsia (pregnancyrelated high blood pressure). Some medications can also cause swollen feet, especially those used to treat high blood pressure. The Fix: Diabetics should inspect their feet daily and keep blood sugar levels under control to prevent foot ulcers. See a doctor if you notice open wounds or toenail problems. Untreated ulcers can lead to serious infections and even amputation. If you have a chronic health condition and begin to notice numbness or prickly pain in your feet, have a foot specialist check for neuropathy, or nerve damage. Avoid going barefoot to reduce potential foot injury. Your doctor may recommend padded socks and specialized footwear to reduce pressure and speed healing. If you're pregnant, pack away your pumps. Look for shoes with a wide forefoot and adjustable straps that accommodate the intermittent swelling that can occur any given day during pregnancy. Culprit 4 HigH-impaCt exerCise photos by thinkstock oNlINe Distance runners, race-walkers, and serious hikers and backpackers are prone to a long list of foot woes, including corns, calluses, blisters, athlete's foot, fungal infections, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis Tired TooTsies Store-bought shoe inserts and orthotics may seem like a good solution for tired feet, but their effectiveness is limited-and may even cause other problems, says Nels Thorderson, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on North Mississippi Medical Center's medical staff in Tupelo. Instead, ask a doctor to assess the biomechanics of your feet and gait to determine whether a corrective device will make a difference. If those dogs are barking from overuse, try a soak in aromatic mineral salts and go barefoot more often. The Chinese practice of reflexology is based on the notion that going barefoot stimulates pressure points in your feet. and metatarsalgia. Most problems are a result of high-mileage training or excursions, and ill-fitting or worn-out footwear. The Fix: Replace running shoes every 400 to 600 miles. And be sure they fit correctly (unless you're buying exact replacements, don't order online). Orthopedists and podiatrists are divided about barefoot-style running shoes. Before the invention of footwear, humans mostly went barefoot. In the past few years, going barefoot or wearing barefoot-style shoes while running and hiking has gained popularity. Proponents claim the shoes are the fix for a wide assortment of foot ills. As for technical innovations in other athletic footwear, such as corrective devices and enhancements designed to alter biomechanical deficiencies (weakness, inflexibility), the jury is most definitely out. Best Foot Forward Physical therapists with North Mississippi Medical Center's Foot Center can make a custom orthotic to correct your gait and alleviate pain. They also treat foot ulcers, diabetic feet, corns, calluses, problem toenails and more. Learn more at www.nmhs.net/foot_center.php. sUm mer 2014 41 http://www.nmhs.net/foot_center.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi
Contents
From the CEO
Back in Action
Top Honors
Stress SOS
The Truth About Sunscreen
The Transformers
Get Your Head in the Game
The Journey Continues
On the Cover
The Foot Follies
Friendly Fat
Virtual Health
The Eyes Have It
Worth the Weight
Small Wonders
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi