Friday, January 9, 2009

The Role Of Arch Support Insoles In Relieving Achilles Pain

Foot conditions involving Achilles heel pain are rather frequent, especially among athletes practicing sports such as soccer, track, gymnastics, and basketball. The tendon that works to attach the heel and the calf muscle is known as Achilles Tendon. The function of the tendon allows actions like walking on tip toes or pushing off while running. As a result, people who often put excessive pressure on these tissues suffer from inflammation of the Achilles Tendon, also known as Achilles Tendonitis.

Achilles Tendonitis:Common Causes

Most of the causes of this condition work in tandem. and include extreme physical activity, poor footwear selection, inappropriate running surface, or worn-out shoes. Biomechanical imbalances due to over-pronation while running can also be the reason for this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis?

Revealing signs of the beginnings of Achilles tendonitis are swollen tendons along with tenderness and warmth. Inability to adopt a tiptoe posture, and aggravation of the pain in the ankle, especially when raising your body upwards.

Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis

Applying an ice compress and resting the ankle at an elevated position will help to ease inflammation. Depending on the condition, crutches may also be used for a short period to help the tissues recover. Bearing any kind of weight on your injured feet should be avoided during the initial weeks so that the situation does not deteriorate. Though some OTC pain relievers may help alleviate the situation, ample rest is the best solution when it comes to allowing the tendons to return to a healthy state. Refraining from participating in sports and other activities is critical for the recovery process. Appropriate foot health care is critical for foot conditions involving Achilles tendon pain. The use of orthotic insoles is recommended to restore lower-body biomechanics. In some cases, it is recommended that you visit a foot specialist (podiatrist), who may be able to help you identify the best foot care accessories that will bring relief for you.

Dealing with Achilles Tendonitis

Despite the fact that Achilles tendon pain is not classified as a major foot condition, it can be disabling in severe cases. However, once the problem sets in, you need to be careful, even after a treatment regimen. This is particularly true for individuals who are constantly involved in sports or other physical activities. It is important to you warm up before you start exercising, as it will help prepare the calf muscles and tendons. Appropriate arch support and adequate preventive foot care will help you back to your normal activities in a short time.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Shin Pain: Causes And Treatment With Running Shoe Insoles

Shin Splints consists in a throbbing pain in the shin bone area or tibia caused by injury to the tendon adjacent to the tibia. The consequent inflammation arises in the front or inside section of the tibia. In most cases, shin pain can result from intense physical activity such as running or jumping; shin pain often needs a long period of time to heal.

Common Symptoms of Shin Splints

Common shin splint symptoms include inflammation and/or soreness around the shin area, particularly after running or walking for long distances. The pain typically presents itself at the beginning of the workout, then lessens slightly, and reappears when settling into rest. It is not uncommon for shin splints to occur in people who have just started to get involved in running or walking activities.


Shin Splints: Common Causes

The main cause of shin pain is undue stretching of the muscles and tendons adjacent to the shin bones, which are the tibia and the fibula. Excessive use of these muscles by athletes and runners is the most common factor for this condition. Other causes for shin pain can also be due to excessive use of the anterior tibialis muscle in the front of the leg, along the outside front of the shin bones.

Excessive pronation of the feet can also be a major contributing factor for shin pain. Excessive pronation causes internal tibial rotation and increases the tractional forces upon the muscles and ligaments in the lower leg.

Shin Splints: Treatment and Relief

For the immediate term, rest is required to help alleviate shin pain. Running and other intense physical activities should be minimized until the condition is controlled. Shin splints are often prevented by going through a warm-up period before strong sports activity. It is of utmost importance for runners and athletes to steadily increment their level of activity, and always go through a proper warm-up before sudden or intense exercise. Changing your running style to reduce stride length and softening your heel strike can also contribute to a reduction of shin splints in the long term.

Using adequate footwear is also a good way to prevent and reduce the effect of shin splints, particularly for athletes who use a heavy heel strike. Running shoes with proper rear foot stability should be used whenever possible. Additionally, insoles for sports are useful by helping to correct over pronation and providing heel cushioning, thus reducing the impact while assisting with heel stability.

Runners and other athletes need to continuously engage in proper foot health care in order to perform properly at all times.