Is foam rolling helpful for heel pain?

Plantar heel pain is easily the most prevalent orthopedic condition observed by foot doctors. It is an inflammation and also degeneration of the plantar fascia that is a long ligament that supports the mid-foot (arch) of the feet. The typical symptoms are soreness under the heel and more intense pain on arising from rest, especially in the early morning following a night’s sleep. Anything that increases the strain on the arch of the foot is likely to overburden the plantar fascia. For example weight problems, getting active, standing on the feet all day and structural conditions that affect the alignment of the foot. There are many treatment options that can be suggested for this problem, with the more valuable ones being the ones that lessen the strain added to the long plantar ligament.

There has been plenty of interest on the utilization of foam rollers to relieve musculoskeletal issues recently, along with the question gets asked frequently as to if we are able to use a foam roller for plantar fasciitis?

It’s quite common to look at advice provided to move the foot forwards and backwards over a tennis ball on the floor and that this will assist the this problem. This would have the same affect as to what a foam roller would have. No studies have revealed this is actually helpful, although many people do make use of the roller. With that in mind, there is certainly many physicians that would advise against using it. It’s not at all hazardous, however they assume it simply does not do a lot of good if compared to the other remedies that you can use and are in all probability far better. One factor to think about is that whenever we hurt ourselves, massaging the area of the soreness frequently appears to feel better. That will not indicate the massaging really repairs the issue, it just makes it feel a bit improved. This can be probably exactly why a lot of health professionals are sceptical concerning advocating self-massage or foam rolling for the plantar fasciitis.

Some new research was lately published on the usage of a foam roller for plantar fasciitis. This was a randomized controlled research evaluating using a foam roller to stretching. Generally in clinical practice it isn’t a question of choosing to use one treatment or another similar to this clinical trial. Numerous treatment plans tend to be used together in combination, so the medical study is somewhat artificial. While acknowledging that, the study did demonstrate that each worked equally or the foam roller might be a slightly bit better, so utilizing the foam roller to massage the arch part of the foot in those with heel pain definitely helps.

In line with the above it probably is a good idea to make use of something such as the foam roller. There are specific rollers, much like the Pediroller, which have been meant to roll under the arch of the foot. They might not correct plantar fasciitis, however based on the anecdotes and that one study, it can certainly make it feel a lot better at the very least. This is sufficient justification to be able to have a go.

Managing Chilblains

Chilblains are a relatively prevalent problem when the weather is cooler. These are a painful and itchy reaction of the small arteries in the toes to the changes in temperature. They cause a painful red lesion, which later turns into a dark blue color when they become chronic. They have recently been receiving some extra publicity from the media on account of them being more common in those infected with coronovirus, being given the label, COVID toes.

Chilblains are a seasonal problem and appear in all areas in which the climate will get cold enough to result in the reaction in the skin. An episode of PodChatLive had a deep dive into condition of chilblains:

The obvious way to deal with chilblains is to prevent these by keeping the feet warm with good socks. If a chilblain does develop then it ought to be kept warm and be covered to stop the skin from breaking down. There are numerous chilblain creams that can be used to help to encourage the blood flow.

Can flip flops have enough arch support?

Do they have enough arch support built in so that they can support the foot? Can they be used instead of foot orthotics? Even thousgh foot orthotics do work really well at helping people with foot orthotics, they do need to be worn in shoes. Not everyone wants to wear shoes all the time, so if they need foot orthotics, are the arch supporting flip flops any good as an alternative? A lot of people are asking.

Yes, they definitly can be a help adjunct to foot orthotics, but not always an alternative to them. They can support the arch somewhat, but that may be not enough for particular individuals. The amount of support that the arch supporting flip flops come with is usually a low to average amount and its the same size for everyone. If it does help someone, then it would be by chance and not design. If you use foot orthotics in your shoes, then using these as well when you are not wearing shoes is a good option.

Can flip flops have enough arch support?

For example, if your have a mild problem, then mild or average supports may be all you need.

When I was in Australia, I came across the Archies brand which is providing very popular with podiatrists there. I have not yet seen an equivalent brand in San Francisco, so will eagerly await options.