What I Discovered About Heel And Foot Pain Could Save You Hundreds Of $$$ And A Lot Of Pain!Written by Jimmie Newell
The first symptom of heel or foot pain that I remember experiencing was, sharp pains in heel region of both feet, most acute immediately after getting out of bed in morning, sometimes this pain was so bad that I had to hobble of grab on to things to help support me getting to bathroom. I would come to discover, that this is possibly most typical and common symptom of "plantar fasciitis".This condition got progressively worse, if I walked 2-3 miles, walked 18 holes of golf, worked a trade shows (6-8 hours on my feet) or even did work around house that required me to be on my feet for a long time, it would sometimes take until middle of next day for me to recover enough to feel comfortable and pain free. I attributed this to getting older (about 50 at time) and possible onset of arthritis, and thought there was no treatment or cure. One day I saw a television informercial from a well known national chain of foot care stores, they were talking about what I was experiencing. As a traveling salesman I get around quite a bit, so next time I was in a large city, I looked them up. At this time after a long drive, first dozen or so steps away from my car were quite painful, usually this would alleviate after a few steps. I parked directly in front of store, and one of technicians saw me walk into store and greeted me with "You seem to be suffering from "plantar fasciitis", we can help you! This was first time I had even heard of "plantar fasciitis". The technician explained to me that "plantar fascia" is a band on tough tissue that connects heel to toes, and runs full length of bottom of foot. Tears develop in this tissue and cause inflammation or "iitis" this is origin of pain, usually most acute in exactly circumstances I was experiencing. Many people are susceptible to "plantar fasciitis", especially athletes, runners, people who stand for long periods, and people who are overweight. The technician then took a mold of bottom of my foot, stating that this would allow them to correctly size my foot and recommend correct size "orthotic". He gave me a brief history of invention and use of "orthotics", and of course attributed founder of this chain as inventor. He took my mold to back room and returned with 2 different orthotic products, he placed one type in my shoes and asked me to walk across room. These devices felt as if I was trying to walk with a golf ball in middle of my foot, this was somewhat uncomfortable, however relief from pain was immediate. He stated that I should wear these orthotics for at least an hour per day, and increase that time each day, until I was able to wear them all of time in all of my shoes. He did have a pair that was made from another material and with a somewhat lower rise, that he suggested for later in day as a break for my feet. I was presented with a bill of over $500.00 for exam and both pair of orthotics, we compromised, and I purchased "golf ball" pair for $249.00.
| | Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) in the DietWritten by Brian D. Johnston
You may publish this article in your newsletter, on your web site, or other publications, so long as article’s content is not altered and resource box is included. Add byline and active link. Notification of use of this article is appreciated, but not required. Total word count included resource box is 654.*** *** Both Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) are essential in our diets. There are various deficiency symptoms that can arise from insufficient EFAs, ranging from liver degeneration to growth retardation, and from high triglyceride levels to dry skin. Athletes have reported increased stamina and faster injury healing while supplementing their diets with Omega 3 EFA, consisting of 1-5 tablespoons of flax seed oil per day (suggested dosage = 3 tablespoons per day until skin feels smooth, velvety, and supple, then maintain with 1-2 tablespoons). Although there is much to learn about EFAs, there are a few things we do know. -Most important, EFAs attract oxygen, and this makes them highly effective in energy production. The ability to increase oxidation in body indicates that EFAs help to govern growth, our mental state (required for normal brain development in children), and health in general. They also hold oxygen within cell membranes, where oxygen acts as a barrier to foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses. -EFAs are part of all cell membranes and membranes of various cell constituents (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, nucleus, nucleolus). Since they hold proteins in membrane, they play a role in movement of substances in and out of cells via protein channels and pumps. -EFAs are precursors (a substance that precedes another substance) of prostaglandins. EFAs require vitamins A, B3, B6, and C and minerals zinc and magnesium to become prostaglandins. Insufficient amounts of these vitamins and minerals could mimic EFA deficiency, although EFAs may be abundantly supplied in diet. However, on a well balanced diet, these vitamins and minerals are adequately supplied.
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