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My Feet Hurt

 

PLANTAR FASCIITIS (Heel Pain)

By: Kenneth Lee

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue which can cause intense heel pain. Which can cause someone to have difficulties walking .Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by activities that are required to keep constant pressure on the foot. The pain is caused when the tissue under the foot is constantly stretched and over used,  it can cause stabbing pain in your heel, usually while taking your first steps in the morning. The pain usually comes back after long periods of standing,walking, running, etc. Plantar fasciitis is common in runners. Runners constantly stretch the tissue and after time it can cause unbearable pain. The most common age to get plantar fasciitis is from age 40 to 60. 

WAYS TO HELP WITH YOUR PLANTAR FASCIITIS 

1. Apply pressure with a bag of ice on your heels.
2. Maintaining good health. Obesity is a main cause of plantar fasciitis. Lots of unnecessary weight can add more stress to your foot.
3. Buying supportive shoes that have lots of cushioning can help because the cushioning can help keep your feet relaxed.
4. Not wearing worn out shoes. Worn out shoes can have beaten up soles with little or no arch support which can make it uncomfortable to walk or stand for long periods of time. 
5. Trying a low impact sport can help reduce the stress you can put on your feet. Sports such as swimming, cycling.
6. Rolling a tennis, or golf ball under your foot can also help relieve the stress under your foot by providing a massaging affect that can increase circulation.
7. Low-dye taping. Low dye taping is the process of taping up your foot so that the tape pushes the arch up into a more comfortable position. The problem with taping is it can fall of easily while shower which requires more taping which can end up costing a lot

MEDICATIONS AND SOLUTIONS THAT CAN HELP WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS

You can also try anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Advil ,Motrin IB, and Aleve to help relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.Other ways to help with plantar fasciitis include

1. Physical therapy, physical therapy can help your feet with simple stretches that can help relieve your foot from any of the stress you may have given it.
2. Night splints, these splints are used at night and can help stretch your calves and the arch of your foot while you rest.
3. Supportive insoles, custom orthotics may and arch supports like the Strutz((R) Sole Angel may provide economical solutions to avoid the need for invasive surgical procedures.
4. Surgery. In the most serious cases, Plantar fasciitis may require surgery to alleviate the condition. But, surgery can have its own set of complications such as infection which can cause more pain, and delay the healing process. Lastly, not all surgeries go as planned, and the desired outcome is never guaranteed.

It’s best to consult with your doctor about your foot pain, and discuss the most effective plan of action to get you back on your feet ASAP. Incorporating Strutz arch supports as part of your treatment protocol may help you recover from foot pain more quickly.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis Pain?

By Kenneth Lee

How do you get Plantar Fasciitis?

Poor arch support can lead to Plantar fasciitis, also known as foot heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by being on your feet for long periods of time without proper arch support in your shoes, or other types of footwear like slippers and sandals. People who are on their feet for long periods of time like nurses, restaurant workers, delivery people, factory employees, and teachers, just to name a few, are prone to suffer common foot pain. Professional athletes and weekend warriors alike also can suffer from the painful foot condition associated with plantar fasciitis because it is an overuse injury of the fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot.

What is Planters Fasciitis?

Many people describe plantar fasciitis as sharp pain in the foot particularly in heel area. Usually it is most painful first thing in the morning when getting out of bed, or after sitting for long periods of time. Mild to medium conditions can lead to foot swelling, tenderness and cause a person to limp. It severe cases the sufferer may find it difficult to walk at all. Some ways people try to treat plantar fasciitis by using “RICE” (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Store bought insoles and custom orthotics prescribed by doctors can be helpful. New innovations like Strutz Arch supports which incorporate compression and support to help the plantar fascia rest and can also help alleviate foot pain. Some have found relief by rolling their feet on top of a golf ball. Podiatrists and orthopedists may also use cortisone injections, and in severe cases recommend surgery to help relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Home Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Less invasive treatment protocols like insoles or arch supports are generally preferred over surgery, so the sufferer’s down time is limited. The patented Strutz Arch supports can be an effective and economical way to help relieve common foot pain just like the insoles, tapes and wraps found in many drugstores.

Poor Arch Supports may be Causing your Foot Pain | STRUTZ

Poor arch support can lead to stress and inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing other common foot problems and pain including plantar fasciitis (heel pain). Without properly supported arches your body can fall out of alignment and also cause stress, strain and fatigue to your ankles, knees, hips and lower back
Most common foot pain is caused by wearing shoes with little to no arch support, standing or walking for long periods of time in high heels, or overuse of the feet during work or sports. Being overweight also places additional stress on the feet.

To help prevent and alleviate common foot problems and pain we suggest that you wear shoes with good arch supports, use insoles or products like the STRUTZ Sole Angel or STRUTZ Pro to support your arches, avoid wearing high heels, flip flops and sandals and maintaining a healthy weight.

Walking and Simple Exercises That Can Help Ease Foot Pain

Walking regularly is a great overall exercise that can help you lose weight and it is also great for your feet. When you walk you put your feet through a range of motion that helps to strengthen and stretch your feet with each step that you take. Walking also helps to improve blood circulation, increase muscles tone and generally put us in a healthier mental state.

But, when our feet hurt it’s difficult to do many of the day to day activities we take for granted. Often painful feet are the reason why once active people become inactive. It becomes just too painful to standup and walk around. Getting back on your feet and staying pain free can be as simple as doing a few simple exercises on a regular basis. These exercises can help strengthen your feet, keep them flexible and help your feet stay pain free so you can stay active.

• Raise and curl toes 10 times, holding each position for a count of five.
• Put a rubber band around both big toes and pull your feet away from each other. Count to five. Repeat 10 times.
• Pick up a towel with your toes. Repeat 3-5 times.
• While seated and feet flat on the floor, pump your feet up and down to stretch the calf and shin muscles. Do this for about 2-3 minutes
• Roll your feet on a golf ball or tennis ball for 60-90 seconds
• While seated on a flat surface with your feet out in front of you, place a towel around the ball of your foot. Gently pull the towel toward your chest to stretch your calf muscle and the ligaments in your feet.

'Tis the Season to be Nice to Your Feet

As weather turns colder in autumn and winter we put away our flip-flops and sandals and replace them with warmer footwear in the way of socks, insulated shoes and boots. Since our feet are no longer in public view we tend to pay less attention to our regular foot care. But the contrast of moist, cold weather outside and the dry, warm air inside of our homes and offices can really affect the way our feet look and feel. If you’ve ever experienced dry, cracked, and itchy feet especially in the fall and winter, here are a few simple tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy during the cooler months:

• After bathing or soaking your feet use a pumice stone or loofah sponge to help exfoliate dry skin from the soles and top of your feet.

• Use a good moisturizing foot cream daily.  The cream will act as a moisture barrier to prevent skin from drying out. (guess what—we recommend STRUTZ soothing foot and hand cream)

• Eat a diet or take supplements which contain essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and Omega 3). These essential fatty acids help to improve dry skin by helping skin cells retain moisture. Sources of Omega-6 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and dairy. Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, soybean and tofu. Walnuts, and dark green vegetables, such as kale, collards, and chard are also good sources.

CPMA Seal of Acceptance

Strutz is honored to have recently been granted the CPMA (Canadian Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance for their Cushioned Arch Support products. The Seal of Acceptance evaluates footwear and other external products such as equipment, hosiery and materials.  The CPMA Seal of Approval/Acceptance Program recognizes products that have been found beneficial to promote quality foot health, and helpful when used in a program of daily foot care or with professional treatment.

The Seal is awarded after the Acceptance Committee scientifically evaluates and determines that the products allow normal foot function and promote quality foot health.  This helps podiatrists, their patients and the general public make informed decisions regarding identifying exceptional quality products that are manufactured with the consumer’s safety and comfort in mind.

Anna Runs America Partnership

 

STRUTZ partners with Anna Runs America

We’re happy to announce that we’ve partnered up with Anna Judd and her organization Anna Runs America to help raise awareness for American Veterans. 

Anna has made a commitment to run across America this year and we’re contributing by being an In-Kind Sponsor; we’re donating STRUTZ Pro products to help her keep going.  Anna’s efforts directly benefit Team RWB, an organization we also have a close relationship with.   She is a huge fan of STRUTZ and at times even opts to kick her sneakers to the curb and run solely with her STRUTZ!

Here is an overview of Anna’s mission:

In March of 2014, Anna will be running over 3,100 miles across the country to support Team Red, White and Blue, a non-profit dedicated to bringing together veterans and civilians together for athletic and social events.  Exercise and running have been proven as some of the most effective methods of treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression.  Team RWB is transforming the way that America supports its veterans as they transition from service member to civilian.  They are creating communities of veterans, their families, and American citizens that enjoy authentic interaction through physical and social activities.

As she traverses each state, Anna will be inviting current and former military Veterans, Team RWB members, and the local community to join her on the run as a show of solidarity in this plight to raise awareness for the resources and support that is available to veterans.  In addition, Anna will be meeting with and interviewing Veterans nationwide to learn about their stories through intensive interviews, and will share these personal accounts through multiple social mediums. 

Pretty, amazing right?  We’re so excited to take this journey with Anna and happy to say that our efforts to help American Veterans can continue through this new partnership.

We strongly encourage you to follow Anna online and look for updates from us on all our social media channels.  Also if you’re interested in running with Anna, check out her schedule and see if she’s running in your area.

The Route: http://annarunsamerica.com/the-route

Learn More: www.annarunsamerica.com

Like Anna Runs America on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaRunsAmerica

We’re launching a new project!: THE STRUTZ CHALLENGE

THE STRUTZ CHALLENGE

Do you have flat feet, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, ball of foot pain, or general aches in your feet, knees, hips and/or lower back?

Have you recently purchased an insole or shoe insert from the foot care aisle that you’re unhappy with?

Are you willing to try something new?

Are you active on social media?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then STRUTZ wants to hear from you.

We’re on the hunt for people that have had bad luck in the foot care department.  We’re willing to offer you your first pair of STRUTZ for free if you’re willing to Take the Challenge!  We want to spread the word and get more people back on their feet and moving.  The challenge will consist of you testing STRUTZ for 15 days.  You’ll share your experience with your friends on social media and also with us!

If you’re interested, send us an email at info@lovemystrutz.com.  We’ll contact you with all the details.

We want you to see for yourself why more people every day are saying “Love My STRUTZ”!!

Train like a Football Pro

 

It’s the week of the big game.  You see cervesa (AKA beer) and nachos in your future.  You’ve told yourself that starting Monday morning your real New Year’s resolution will kick in and you’ll hit the gym.  Don’t worry, we totally get it.

We’re going to help you stick to your plan! We’ve designed a football inspired circuit workout just for you.

New to circuit workouts?  Listen up.

Circuit workouts are awesome.  They’re great if you’re short on time, but are still looking for a tough, effective workout.  They don’t necessarily require you to 1. Leave your home or 2. Use equipment.  The best part? They help with weight loss, muscle gain and overall strength.  Circuit training is all about performing multiple exercises on multiple body parts in a row with little rest in between.

STRUTZ Super Bowl Circuit Challenge

What you’ll need: A sturdy box, chair or bench.  A shoe, a book, something the height of a small cone (get creative)…or a small cone if you happen to have one!  A stop watch.  Determination.

There are 4 stations:

STATION 1    Box Jumps* Push Ups Lunges Standard Crunches	STATION 2    Cone Jumps* Dips Squats Leg raises
STATION 3    High Knees Push Ups Lunges Planks	STATION 4    Butt Kicks* Dips Squats Bicycle crunches

 

*This is a box jump.  This is a cone jump. These are butt kicks.

The goal:  Set your stop watch so that you give yourself 1 minute to perform each exercise at each station.  Each station is a 4 minutes long, the total circuit is 16 minutes.  To be performed 2x with 1 minute and a half rest in between.

Do as many reps as you can within the 60 seconds on your first round.  On your second round try to do the same amount of reps or come within 5.

This work out is definitely challenging, but it’s very customizable.  Do as many reps as you can, but please listen to your body!   This is perfect to do a few times a week when you can’t get to the gym.  Plus each week you can try to beat your own record as you continue to grow stronger.

Don’t forget to wear your STRUTZ. Here’s to a happier, healthier you in 2014.

 

Sources:

FitDay, Circuit Training Basics and Benefits: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/body-building/circuit-training-basics-and-benefits.html#b

YST Exercises Youtube Channel, Cone Jumps Lateral: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az6SB_3XYQg

Strength Project, How to do a Box Jump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRC_rvmjKVoX

Hydrate!

“Hydrate! In cold weather and warm. We use water to sweat, lubricate joints, tendons, and ligaments, and to carry blood efficiently to major organs.” —Dr. Alex Ratelle