Christmas Stockings, Holiday Shopping and . . . Foot Pain --

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Friday, 25 July 2008

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By:ARA

(ARA) - Most Americans think of their stomachs, not their feet, when it comes to holiday health traps. As the season approaches, many abandon power walking in favor of another aerobic exercise -- power shopping. Shop-a-holics don’t realize as they tackle the holidays they’re in store for quite a workout and without attention to foot care, a lot of pain.

The mad dash involved in holiday gift-giving means months of long shopping hours, standing in cashier lines for extended periods while lifting heavy packages, mile-long treks around the mall and long hikes to and from the parking lot with presents. It doesn’t end there. Don’t forget about lugging the goodies to the post office, only to stand in line again.

Most people, particularly women, don’t suit up for the shopping marathon in running shoes and exercise gear. They’re sporting the season’s fashionable boots, heels and other footwear inappropriate for exercise. The result? Blistering, corns, calluses or worse -- heel pain.

Heel Spurs

Each year more than 2 million Americans are treated for heel spurs, one of the most common causes of heel pain. Heel spurs occur when the long, flat ligament on the bottom of the foot develops tears that cause inflammation. This generally results from excess stress on the heel bone and the attached soft tissues. The condition often means debilitating pain, functional incapacity and lost work time. Injury, hard surfaces, poorly constructed shoes, or being overweight often lead to the condition.

Holiday Foot Health Do’s

* Do wear comfortable footwear suitable for hours of walking. Wear shoes made of leather or canvas that provide cushioning and support. If you must wear heels, keep the height under an inch.

* Do take frequent breaks. Stop by the food court for a bottled water and put your feet up.

* Do reward yourself with a foot soak when you get home.

* If you experience foot pain, do follow the “RICE” method -- Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Holiday Foot Health Don’ts

* Don’t suffer in silence. Heel spur pain that persists for six months or more may require surgical treatment. Invasive surgery, which involves cutting all or a portion of the fascia, is painful and requires six to 12 months before a full recovery. The procedure may also contribute to long-term negative effects such as foot lengthening, leg strain or stress fractures. Consider a noninvasive procedure like the OssaTron, which uses shockwave technology to treat chronic orthopaedic conditions. The treatment is FDA approved, highly effective and minimizes pain and recovery time for conditions such as heel spur pain and tennis elbow.

* Don’t forget first aid. If you tend to develop blisters, prepare a first aid kit that includes gauze and antiseptic and leave it in your car.

* Don’t forget your socks. If you will be standing outside in the cold for long periods, consider wearing two pairs. Wear cotton-based socks to absorb moisture and keep your feet dry.

* Don’t forget to stretch. After a long punishing day on your feet, flex your toes. Remember to use slow controlled movements. Don’t bounce!

* And most important, don’t forget to see your doctor. Only trained professionals can diagnose and treat a medical problem.

For more information about the OssaTron, ask your doctor, or call (877) OSSA-TRON.

Happy shopping!

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content

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