Archive for the ‘Flat Feet Problems’ Category

Causes of Foot Cramps

Foot cramps rarely interfere with our routine activities and shouldn’t be very worrisome. Yet, that specific span where one experiences foot cramps is particularly agonizing.

alt=”Causes of Foot Cramps” />

The frequency of muscle cramps in the foot is more amongst sports persons and aging individuals. Feet being the organ of maximum weight bearing, foot cramps are more common than any other muscle spasms in the body.

What are foot cramps?

Foot cramps are jerky non-voluntary spasms in a muscle or a muscle group extending from few minutes to few days. The aggravated pain is because of the muscle contracting without effective shortening of the muscle. Spasm might leave the muscle sore even after the pain is gone.

Which are the regions of the foot affected?

Inner arch of the foot and toes of the feet, especially the big toe. Other common leg regions affected are thigh and calf muscles.

What are the causes of foot cramps?

• Sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity and muscle weakness
• Flat feet or hyper flexible joints
• Injury caused by repetitive motion
• Lack of muscle strengthening exercise
• Sudden increase in the intensity of workouts increases the pressure on foot
• Increased breathing during cardio exercises cause lower availability of calcium in blood
• Poor blood circulation and hence lower supply of oxygen in the blood as seen in alcoholics and smokers
• Electrolyte imbalance pertaining to low calcium and potassium levels as well as high magnesium levels are related to spasms. Potassium imbalance disturbs the magnesium and calcium metabolism necessary for normal muscle contraction
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Inadequate hydration causes depletion of body fluids leading to cramps
• Hormonal imbalance can cause muscle cramping
• Foot problems like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis
• Old worn-out footwear
• Diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, illnesses of the nervous system, diabetes, tetanus and thyroid problems can also cause cramps.

What are the home remedies and medications for foot cramps?

• The leg or the foot region with cramp should be moved in a direction opposite to the cramp to relive the undue stretch on the muscle. To relieve the cramp in the toes, they should be turned upwards. If the muscle spasm is in the calf region, “forced dorsiflexion of foot” relieves the muscle contraction and pain within seconds. Here, dorsiflexion means elevating the fore-foot keeping the heel stable.
• Prescribed pain-killers can take care of the pain if severe.
• Applying ice packs to the affected region helps in acute cases. However if the cramp persists for more than a day, warm water is recommended to reduce the muscle soreness.
• Affected area should be given adequate rest and an elastic bandage is used for compression that would promote quick healing.
• Massaging the cramped portion with ointment or massage oil helps reduce the muscle fatigue.
• Adequate supplements with professional medical advice is a must to correct the electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies

How can we prevent foot cramps

• Reclaim physical fitness to avoid muscle pain
• Proper warm-ups and cool downs before exercising or playing
• Stretching exercises to increase the overall muscle strength
• Use of proper sports gear or exercise equipment reduces the chances of spasms
• Adequate hydration should be maintained with water and other liquids.

Know more about other causes of heel pain

• Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and Treatment
• Heel Spurs as a Cause of Heel Pain
• Heel Pain Caused by Tendonitis

Technorati Tags: keywords

This post is about flat feet, its causes, symptoms and the treatment for this condition.

Flat Feet (allen Arches) - Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Definition

Flat feet are a condition in which the foot doesn’t have a normal arch. Some children have flat feet, also known as fallen arches. This is when the arch on the inside of the foot does not develop. It is also called pes planus or fallen arches. It is the condition in humans in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.

Causes

 In many people, that is just the shape the foot is. It may run in the family, and both feet are usually much the same and reasonably supple. The framework of the foot begins to collapse, causing the foot to flatten and adding stress to other parts of the foot.

  There are many causes of flat feet. Obesity, pregnancy or repetitive pounding on a hard surface can weaken the arch leading to over-pronation. Nearly all children with flat feet have flexible flat feet. Softening of the ligaments that hold the bones together causes flexible flat feet. This is known as ligamentous laxity (looseness of the ligaments). Children with ligamentous laxity are often doubling jointed.

 Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms may include:
Weakness in your lower legs, ankles and feet
High foot arches
A ruptured tendon can lead to a flat foot.
Cerebral palsy spins bifida and muscular dystrophy can also lead to a flat foot condition.
Curled toes
 Difficulty lifting your foot at the ankle (footdrop)
Awkward or higher than normal step (gait)
Loss of sensation in your hands or feet
Frequent tripping or falling
Weakness in your arms and hands
Numbness and pain in your lower legs and feet
Decreased sensitivity to heat and cold

Treatment

Flexible flat feet that are painless do not require treatment. If pain due to flexible flat feet occurs, an orthotic can bring relief. This orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot posting to prevent the over-pronation.
Footwear should also be examined to ensure there is a proper fit. Footwear with a firm heel counter is often recommended for extra support and stability. Improperly fitting footwear can lead to additional foot problems.
If you have flat feet and foot pain, especially if one foot is flatter than the other, you should have an evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon. You may have a problem with the posterior tibial tendon, the main tendon that supports the arch. Factors that can contribute to this problem are obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of arthritis and athletic overuse.

By: ashu

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

 Alien writes for Online doctor . Check out the home remedies for skin disorders and drugs treatment.

I hope you found this post helpful.  Find flat feet insoles by checking out this site.

Technorati Tags: arch, arches, children, feet, flat, Flat Feet Arch, Flat Feet Arches, flat feet children