Dec 27 2007
There is something about the holidays which compels people to ignore foot pain. It could be the holiday spirit …. but it is more likely the stress of shopping and organizing multiple social events, the endless hours walking up and down shopping malls with bags of gifts strapped around both arms and the running in and out of stores in shoes that were not designed for more than sitting in a chair at work. Continue Reading »
Dec 20 2007
There are many foot problems which can plague tele skiers and like alpine skiers, most are from improper boot fit. Boots which are too tight can constrict circulation causing cold and numb feet and boots which are too short will cause jamming at the toes, black toenails and ingrown toenails. Boot liners which don’t fit appropriately can rub and irritate all areas of the foot, most commonly the inside of the ankle. But, one of the more common foot problems experienced by telemark skiers is pain in the ball of the foot. This is generally due to a neuroma.
Dec 12 2007
Nocturnal leg cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that occur at night. Leg cramps commonly occur in older adults, but all age groups can be affected. Although neuromuscular disorders can cause cramping as well as certain asthma and heart medications, many people without these conditions or taking these types of medications experience cramping regularly. A larger drawing is shown below.
The exact cause of leg cramps is unclear, but the common associated causes are electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, overexertion of the muscles, prolonged sitting, extreme temperature changes and lack of oxygen to the muscles. Some conditions associated with muscle cramping include Parkingson’s disease, thyroid and other endocrine diseases, anemia and diabetes. Leg cramps commonly occur during pregnancy. Continue Reading »
Dec 06 2007
Pain under the ball of the foot could represent a number of different problems. Metatarsalgia, neuromas, 2nd metatarsal overload syndrome and sesamoiditis are some of the more common ball of foot problems.
Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia is the common catch all term for pain in the ball of the foot. Pain is generally deep and dull with walking and occurs under the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsal phalangeal joints (MPJs). The common cause for the pain is faulty foot mechanics placing to much pressure on the ball of the foot, resulting in irritation and inflammation of the joints. Continue Reading »