Posts for: August, 2010
Many people develop fungal infections between their toes. There is typically is a lot of moisture between the toes and the webbed space of the toes becomes moist. What many people will see is a moist area that is reddened with a white discoloration. Sometimes the fungal infection will advance to a point where patients will develop a cheese like substance and have redness due to chronic inflammation of the site. Fungus loves to grow in warm, dark and moist locations. In between toes and on the webbed spaces is a safe haven for these funguses.
There are a multitude of ways to prevent fungal infections and the spread of the disease. Most importantly is moisture control by always wearing socks and changing them throughout the day when they become moist. Secondly spraying antifungal powder between the toes and on the top and bottom of the foot is quite important. Unfortunately while you wear a shoe there is usually a sweaty buildup and a fungal infection will occur in your shoes causing a chronic cycle of fungal infections in your foot. Antifungal powder should be sprayed or poured into your shoes after each wearing. There are many advanced treatments for fungal infections. These include prescription topical medications, oral medications, and even ultraviolet ray treatments of the inside of your shoe. If you have tried many of the methods of treatment outlined in this blog and you still have problems with this I would recommend following up with a foot specialist.
Have you ever gone for a long run and felt a rush of energy? This is commonly referred to as "runners high". People often turn to soda, coffee, and energy drinks for this energy boost, but it can easily be acquired through running. Along with this increased energy you can accomplish more in a day in a healthy way.
"Runners high" is caused by the increased production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are chemicals released in the brain that give you a feeling of well-being and diminishes senses of pain. This feeling doesn't only result from running; it can also be achieved through other types of exercise. "Runners high" can be an immediate result of physical activity resulting in more productivity, more restful sleep at night, and an overall happier existence.
With a decreased sense of pain during a run, the runner may often push themselves past their bodies limit without knowing at the time. Injuries can occur due to overexertion. Aches and pains are one of the less painful injuries that can occur from pushing yourself too hard. Often times, regardless of how careful you are, you will experience soreness the day after a run.
Patellofemoral Pain syndrome, also known as Runners Knee, is a common problem occurring from overexerting yourself during a run. A symptom of this is pain under and surrounding the knee cap. This can occur from rolling in or down on the foot while running. One way to decrease this knee pain is to take a break from running. Give yourself a day or two of rest, and then gradually increase the amount of time you are running. If you start to feel pain again take another break and start again with a slow run after a few days.
Icing your knees is also a good way to decrease pain and to speed up the healing process. After a run ice the knee for 10-15 minutes with a towel wrapped around the ice pack. Ibuprofen can also help to temporarily relieve discomfort.
Often times these methods of relieving the pain are only temporary. Talking to a podiatrist about running shoes can help your pains. Cheap running shoes are good for your wallet but are not helping your body to cope with the stress running puts on it. Talk with a podiatrist about running shoes that they recommend.
Orthotics are also very helpful to give your feet the support that they need during running. It's important to build a strong foundation for your body, especially during physical activity. If you don't have that strong foundation you may develop knee, hip, back, and shoulder pain, just from not having the proper support. An orthotic is a shoe insert that helps to give your body support and correct the way you walk or run. There are custom made orthotics that are molded to your feet and over the counter orthotics that are matched to your foot type as close as possible.
Running is a great way to stay in shape and be a happier more productive individual. It is so important to keep a close watch on what is stressing your body. Many of the problems that arise from running begin with your feet. It's crucial to see a podiatrist to discuss the type of shoe gear you need so you can run pain free.