Foot pain can range from your toes to your heel. When it comes to heel pain, also known as Plantar Fasciitis, affects 60% of individuals in their lifetime. When the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot called the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed, it can become a daily annoyance. There are several ways to alleviate heel pain, but one treatment many do not know about is yoga. Yoga is an extremely popular form of exercise when it comes to self-healing, even your heels!

• Downward Dog Pose: Go onto all fours and form a table, which means that your back forms the tabletop and your hands and feet form the legs of the table. As you breathe out, life your hips up, straighten the knees and elbows, and form an inverted V-shape with the body. Your hands should be shoulder width apart, feet hip width apart and parallel to each other. Your toes should point straight ahead. Press your hands to the ground and hold while taking long deep breaths.
• Chair Pose: Stand up with your feet slightly apart. Stretch your hands to the front with your palms facing down. Do not bend your elbows. Bend your knees and gently push your pelvis down as if you would sit on a chair. Sink deeper if you can but don’t go beyond your toes.
• Thunderbolt Pose: Kneel down with your knees touching each other. Sit in the opening formed by your feet. Do not sit on your heels. Place your hands on your thighs with palms facing upwards. Keep your spine erect and head straight.

Home Remedies

• Tennis Ball: Roll a tennis ball under your foot everyday. This can help stretch the fascia and can also help the scar tissue line up correctly.
• Stretch: Take the time to stretch your calf muscles in the morning for about 30 seconds.
• Shoes: Be sure to wear shoes that fit your foot’s needs. Shoes should be comfortable during your daily activities.

A new study shows that practicing yoga helps to alleviate the symptoms and pain associated with arthritis. Up until about 20 years ago, exercise was shunned by people with arthritis and those trying to help manage their symptoms because of the fear of pain associated with these exercises. However, it is now being realized that exercise actually has a positive effect on the symptoms, and in this study with yoga in particular, the pain associated with arthritis was much better managed.  

Understanding where RA starts will help treat and prevent the condition. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, contact Dr. Alan Discont, D.P.M. of Family Foot and Ankle Care. Dr. Discont will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Severe pain and immobility are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your joints, and in worse cases the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone can occur.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, many cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain will often initially present in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of the feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that your podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history and lifestyle to help determine possible causes of your RA.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so treatment options are designed to specifically target the symptoms of it, most notably the pain it causes. Two types of anti-inflammatory drugs – non-steroidal or NSAIDs and corticosteroids – may be prescribed by your doctor. In some severe cases where the joints are too badly damaged, surgery may be an option. As always, speak with your podiatrist to help determine the appropriate treatment options available to you.

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Chandler, AZ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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