What is Heel Pain?

Author: Annette Badowski

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is also called heel spur syndrome. Heel pain also encompasses numerous other ailments of the foot, including nerve irritation, arthritis, tendonitis, stress fracture, and in rare cases, cysts. Because there are so many reasons for heel pain, it is always best to get the foot looked at by a medical professional.
A podiatrist, orthopedic or foot and ankle surgeon is your best bet for a proper diagnosis, as they specialize in problems involving the foot. Some heel pain may get better on its own, but may worsen if people ignore the pain and continue to perform activities that injured it in the first place. If this happens, heel pain will continue to get worse, become a chronic condition that will deteriorate over time. Even so, surgery is hardly ever necessary in these scenarios.


What are the symptoms of Heel Pain?


As the name implies, the primary symptoms of heel pain are, by and large, soreness and discomfort in the foot, and in particular the heel region. The onset of pain is usually preceded by an activity that caused irritation or injury to the heel or foot.
The pain may not be immediately noteworthy, but it can progress causing extreme soreness and discomfort. Heel pain is most often exacerbated shortly after getting out of bed, primarily because sudden pressure on the foot may aggravate it after it had been immobilized during the night. Heel pain can go away during the day, but frequent, consistent pain shouldn't be ignored and may require a thorough examination by a physician.


What causes Heel Pain?


When plantar fascitis, or a heel spur causes heel pain, it will most definitely require attention. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue, which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Plantar fascitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which can be extremely painful. A doctor can prescribe treatments that will aid in easing discomfort and perhaps help you avoid situations that would aggravate or bring on plantar fascitis. Heavy loads on the foot, like intense weight gain due to obesity or pregnancy, can also contribute to heel pain. Certain activities, like sports that require a lot of walking or running, can prompt heel pain too, as can various types of arthritis.


Will Painwave X4000 Help with Heel Pain ?

Yes! Painwave X4000 is a brand new, a non-invasive, drug-free method that can provide real and lasting relief from heel pain. Unlike other methods of pain relieve, which rely on artificial pain blockers that can have drastic side effects, the Painwave X 4000 works in conjunction with the body's own bioelectromagnetic ecosystem. The Painwave X4000 also has no side effects, and the unit is simply moved gently over the surface of the skin in a small circular motion. With repeated use, the Painwave X4000 can improve circulation, cell activity and lymphatic movements. This can aid in providing reliable relief from excruciating symptoms of heel pain.



Note: The information contained in this article is not to be used to diagnose or cure a disease. If you are experiencing symptoms of Heel pain, seek immediate assistance from a health professional right away for diagnostic testing and a full medical examination.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-heel-pain-571220.html

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My Heel Is Killing Me... It Hurts So Much... What Is It?

Author: Nathan Wei

Heel pain is one of the most common painful conditions seen in an arthritis clinic. This article discusses the various types of problems that cause heel pain and what can be done to make the situation better.
It's estimated that more than 1 million persons in the United States suffer from heel pain at any given time.
When a patient complains of heel pain, it must be clarified by history whether the pain is in the bottom of the heel or the back of the heel because the diagnosis and treatment are very different.

Pain in the bottom of the heel is often due to plantar fasciitis (PF). The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that begins at the medial (inside) part of the bottom of the heel and extends forward to attach at the ball of the foot. The fascia is responsible for maintaining the normal arch. When an excessive load is placed on the fascia, pain can develop at the origin (the heel) as well as the mid-portion (arch) of the fascia.

PF can develop in anyone but is more common in certain groups such as athletes, people older than 30 years of age, and obese individuals.
PF must be distinguished from other causes of bottom of the heel pain such as nerve entrapment, atrophy of the normal heel fat pad, stress fracture of the calcaneus (heel bone), rupture of the plantar fascia, bone cyst, bone tumor, and bone infection.

The history typically describes a gradual onset of symptoms with no prior trauma. The most telling symptom is severe pain in the bottom of the heel when taking the first morning step. Patients may report difficulty walking to the bath room. The pain tends to lessen with more walking. This "first step" pain is also present during the day if the patient has been sitting for awhile, then getting up to walk.

On exam, pain is noted with pressure applied to the medial bottom of the heel. Tenderness is worsened by pointing the toes and ankle toward the head. This is because the plantar fascia is being stretched. Pain in the arch may also be present.
One in older patients should be ruled out and that is heel pad atrophy. Normally the heel has a thick feeling to it. In older patients the heel pad may lose this thickness and flatten out. The pain is located more centrally.

Another "fooler" is entrapment of the lateral plantar nerve. Pain is felt in the medial heel but may be present at rest as well. There may be weakness spreading the toes.
Fracture of the calcaneus (heelbone) causes pain at rest that is worsened with walking. Tenderness is present along the sides of the heel. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can confirm the presence if fracture.

But what about "bone spurs"? The presence of a bone spur by itself means nothing. They are very common and by themselves are not a cause of pain. Some patients with inflammatory forms of arthritis such as psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or Reiter's disease have a specific type of spur that should prompt further evaluation looking for systemic forms of arthritis.

Diagnostic studies such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can be used to confirm the presence of plantar fasciitis. Electromyography (EMG) may be needed to rule out lateral plantar nerve entrapment.



So how is this condition treated?



The first thing is to institute a stretching regimen. Most people with PF also have a shortened Achilles tendon and the ability to dorsiflex (point the toes up) is limited. The plantar fascia is continuous with the Achilles fascia. Stretching the plantar fascia and the Achilles decreases the tension in the plantar fascia and helps relieve inflammation.

A temporary reduction in activity is important in athletes, particularly runners. Cross training with swimming and cycling can help maintain cardiovascular fitness while sparing the plantar fascia from pounding. Runners should avoid hills and make sure that any foot abnormality be corrected with custom orthotics.
Ice massage with ice cubes applied to the plantar fascia can also be helpful.

Shoes with soft heels and inner soles can relieve discomfort. Rigid heel cups and arch supports are generally not recommended. The patient may gradually resume normal activities over an eight week period of time. Rushing rehabilitation is not advised.

If there is no improvement, a night splint which holds the ankle in 10 degrees of dorsiflexion prevents the shortening of the plantar fascia.
If the night splint fails or the pain does not lessen, injection of glucocorticoid (cortisone) using ultrasound guidance is recommended. Injections should be limited to a maximum of two given over four weeks.

Patients who do not get better need to be reevaluated for systemic disease or other conditions causing heel pain.Surgery is the last resort. Transverse release of the plantar fascia is the procedure of choice. This can be done using arthroscopic guidance.
Pain in the back of the heel is an entirely different condition.The major structure here is the Achilles tendon which extends down from the gastrocnemius muscle to attach at the rear of the calcaneus.



Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can occur, usually in athletes or in people in engage in overxuberant physical activity involving running or jumping. Patient who are overweight are also at risk. The pain is usually described as a soreness. There is localized swelling and tenderness. Ultrasound can be used to differentiate an inflamed Achilles tendon from one that is partially or fully torn. The treatment involves anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, and stretching exercises. Glucocorticoid injection is not recommended because of the danger of weakening the Achilles tendon leading to rupture. Using a foam rubber lift to elevate the heel in a shoe can help with symptoms. Achilles rupture is handled surgically and requires a long recuperation.



Haglund's syndrome, which is a condition where a spur develops at the back of the calcaneus and is often associated with localized Achilles tendonitis can also cause pain in the back of the heel. Ill-fitting shoes are the most common cause. Typically a bump develops at the back of the heel. Because of its association with ill-fitting shoes, this is sometimes referred to as a "pump bump." Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines, and stretching can often be of benefit. Glucocorticoid injection should be sparingly employed because of the danger of Achilles rupture. Wearing proper fitting shoes are an obvious adjunctive treatment.



Bursitis involving the retrocalcaneal bursa (the small sack that lies between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus is a cause of pain behind the heel. Treatment involves the use of physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound. Sometimes glucocorticoid injection may be needed. It is important to limit the injection to one because of the danger of possible weakening of the Achilles tendon leading to rupture. Ultrasound needle guidance is advised to ensure proper localization of the injection.



The diagnosis is made by history and physical examination. Both MRI and ultrasound can be used for confirmation.
Article Source: http://nathanwei.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/my-heel-is-killing-me-it-hurts-so-much-what-is-it-188558.html

About the Author :

Nathan Wei MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. For more info : Types of Arthritis

A Burning Headache And Some Of Its Causes

Author: Ann Marier

Many people suffer from this common nuisance called burning headache every day, in some cases which can even last for days. Burning headache is not a medically recognized term if you were to look around in medical journals and clinical documents, but it's pretty much commonly used. There are many different causes of burning headache, and different people have different parts of the head which aches. Besides, there are also many different causes of this headache, some of which we will be looking at today.



Different Parts of the Head



In many instances, burning headache is related to sinusitis. In that case, the pain is usually on the frontal part of the head, on the forehead, upper cheeks, and sometimes can even travel around the whole face. In other cases, this burning headache can be caused by fever. In this, the pain is usually on both sides of the forehead, which are the weakest points of sensitivity in our head.



Causes



As we have already known, the common reasons for burning headache would be fever, flu, and sinusitis. In these cases, the pain is constant, and can be stinging and tingling, and not to mention burning. It can originate from any side of the head, but usually after a while it will travel to other areas as well.
Some people tend to get thrusts of extreme pains. Although medically there is no proof as to what causes this sudden uprising in the burning headache symptoms, it is believed to be caused by pulsating nerves due to tension.



Burning headache can also be caused by certain other reasons besides the above listed. These are more serious cases such as tumors or growth in the head. In such cases, the pain is not constant like the ones listed above, but comes on and off. The pain is usually violent, far stronger than the ones you get for fever, and not to forget; it pulsates often.



It is also believed that toxins and chemicals can also cause acute or burning headache. This is pretty common to many people, especially those who are not so favorable of newly painted houses, chemical labs, and so on. On top of these, even certain edible toxins and foods can cause burning headache, such as alcohol, caffeine, and so on.



Alcohol and caffeine especially, are believed to be causes of many serious headaches that can cause the whole head to ache severely, with the nerves being extremely tensed.
Article Source: http://annmarier.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/a-burning-headache-and-some-of-its-causes-138084.html
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Testimonials

“Scott Musgrave is one of those rare individuals who is both a special person and gifted healer.  I’m honored to have him as one of my advanced trained PRRT practitioners.”
John Iams, PT
Founder of Primal Reflex Release Technique


“Scott and his Associative Awareness techniques are second to none!  I experienced immediate and sustained relief from both short-term (car accident) and chronic pain in just one visit.  I am literally a changed individual, both physically and mentally, in just over a month, and am thrilled with the results!  You can’t afford not to visit Scott at Musgrave Wellness & Performance!”
Forever Thankful,
J.B.  Denver, CO

“I had immediate results after just one session with Scott Musgrave.  I came to his office with severe pain in my shoulder and neck (8/10) and when I left my pain was down to a level 2/10!  Scott was very attentive to my needs as I quickly recovered completely over the next few days.  He followed up and made recommendations to help speed up my recovery process.  I wouldn’t hesitate going back to Scott for any future pain relief.”
N.C. Highlands Ranch, CO

“I much appreciated your diligence and enthusiasm in helping determine the cause of my vertigo episodes.  Keep up the good work.  You are a bright spot in a medical world that seems to have little enthusiasm left and is more hurried than interested.”
I.B. Northglenn, CO

“I played the BEST round of golf in my life following a session with Scott.”

J.T. Denver, CO

“I was able to complete a marathon three weeks after injuring my hamstring because of Scott’s amazing treatments.”
N.N. Denver, CO

A New Approach to Curing Chronic Headaches

The new approach of one Littleton based physical therapist may provide the answer for those of you suffering from chronic headaches.Physical therapist Scott Musgrave performs specialized treatments that focus upon balancing your nervous system and restoring harmony between your body and brain.

Many factors have been identified that can cause headaches including poor posture, tight muscles, stress and muscular weakness. Common complaints of folks who suffer from chronic headaches include constant muscle soreness and tension, jaw pain, eye strain, fatigue, decreased ability to focus and difficulty achieving

relaxation."I believe that one chief cause of chronic headaches lies within an imbalance between the brain and body," said Musgrave. "This imbalance leaves the subconscious brain overly protective and initiates muscular patterns of tightness within the body."

Musgrave adds, "These patterns of muscular tightness often precede the onset of chronic headaches. By utilizing specialized techniques that create a balance between the body and brain, we can quickly correct the patterns of muscular tightness that contribute to the onset of chronic headaches," said Musgrave.

Correcting these patterns can often result in the reduction or elimination of episodic headaches. "The bottom line," said Musgrave "is when we can achieve a balance to the neurological system, the physiological system often falls right into place. Many times this pattern change is all that is required to reset the system and return the body to normal function without pain."

The treatments are gentle and relaxing, taking from 30-minutes to 1-hour depending on the severity of symptoms. Many patients report significant symptom reduction after only 2-to-4 sessions.

"My mission is to achieve more than merely reducing your headaches, but to also educate each of you with self management techniques to re-balance your own nervous systems," said Musgrave. "Only in this way can we navigate our stressful world in balance and not just survive, but begin to actually THRIVE!"

At Musgrave Wellness and Performance, we strive to relieve your headaches quickly and get you back into action by addressing your most powerful tool: your own nervous system.

Peak Performance for Your Golf Game!

Can you hear the faint but unmistakable calling of your golf clubs from the closet? Are your dreams turning to long, straight drives on a sun-laden fairway? 

Spring is just around the corner, and many die-hard golfers are itching at their tees to get out on the course this season. Strolling through a local golf store recently, I realized how many equipment choices are on the market. Hybrid clubs, drivers, putters and wedges galore! The amount of innovative equipment it the sport of golf is staggering; each with a promise of longer, straighter drives, improved ball control or swing perfection.

Asked what would be the most important tool for improving their handicaps, five golfers gave five different answers. One commonality to each response from these golfers was the importance of practicing as much as possible, either on the range, in the backyard or out on the course.

Achieving proper form, function, muscle strength, muscle length, rotational control, timing and muscle memory are all component parts of improving your game. But what do you do to increase your focus and concentration? How can achieving nervous system balance create more focus and concentration? For most people, the answers to these questions are merely raised eyebrows and uncertain silence. However, your nervous system is really the most important tool you possess for improving your golf game!

Let’s break it down. Your brain is in constant, instantaneous communication with your physical body and your body is in constant, instantaneous communication with your brain. Each physical action requires signals from the brain to occur, permission if you will, and each physical motion and sensation report information back to the brain. This constant two lane highway of communication occurs every second of your life, with more bits of data being transferred to and fro simultaneously than any computer driven mechanism conceivable.

We all recognize this fact, but very few people actually learn to apply this information in a beneficial manner.
When an imbalance exists between the neurological (brain) and physiological (body) systems, overall performance suffers. Let me give you an example: You are on the range warming up before a local tournament with your pals. Your swing is smooth and full. Your timing is just right. You feel great. And then, you step up to the first tee box. People are watching. There is a buzz of excitement in the air.

The guy in front of you hit a perfect shot. You approach the ball and tell yourself, “Keep your eye on the ball. Swing easy!” You then proceed to take your backswing, elevate your shoulders, open the club face and miss-hit the ball. Your physical memory of the swinging motion didn’t change, but your ability to access that long practiced muscle pattern did! Sound familiar?
This scenario is a perfect example of how the nervous system can become unbalanced, and then disturb the physiological memory of movement resulting in poor performance.

What can you do to balance your nervous system and optimize your physical performance?

Through a new understanding of the communications between your body and your brain (and vice versa), techniques have been developed that quickly achieve a neurological and physiological balance. These techniques are very passive, very quick and highly effective for most folks!
With proper training, you can learn to implement balancing techniques on a daily basis and begin to live your life with less nervous system reactivity to stress, anxiety, pain, and poorly hit golf balls!

This unique, highly effective approach toward wellness and performance is only available from 100 health care practitioners in the United States.
At Musgrave Wellness and Performance, we strive to achieve optimal physical performance by first addressing your most powerful tool: your own nervous system.

New therapy uses reflexes to rapidly relieve pain

For folks who have tried traditional pain therapies without results, there may be hope in the form of a new treatment approach, called Primal Reflex Release Technique.

The body often reacts reflexively to stress, trauma and pain creating patterns of protection. These persistent protective patterns can undermine all attempts at traditional modes of pain relief, resulting in chronic pain and movement impairment.

A reflex is an automatic and involuntary physiological response that results from the nervous system’s reaction to a stimulus. Through a new understanding of reflexive communications, it is now possible to harness the body’s own reflexes to produce profound relief of a multitude of symptoms. This approach toward wellness and healing produces a harmonious balance between the brain and body resulting in pain relief, optimized human performance, significant relaxation and stress reduction.

Stress dramatically impacts the body’s ability to heal and recover from injury. The American Institute of Stress estimates that 75-90% of all doctor visits are stress-related. By tapping into the body’s own reflexive communications, the balance between the neurological and physiological systems can be quickly and painlessly restored, improving performance at work, home and at play. Dramatic benefits are realized by a majority of patients within one to four sessions.

Littleton based physical therapist, Scott Musgrave, is one of fewer than 100 health care practitioners in the country trained through advanced levels with PRRT.
You won’t find anyone who works harder to help you. At Musgrave Wellness and Performance, we strive to achieve impactful results on every one of your visits by addressing your most powerful tool: your own nervous system.