Foot and Leg Pain Discovery

Incorrect use of voluntary muscles can cause pain throughout the body. This article discusses an example in the feet and legs based on engineering principles. There are others which will be discussed in other articles.

Pain! Foot pain! Plantar fasciitis pain! Shin splints pain! Heel spurs pain! It sure isn’t any fun!

How many times have you been on your feet a lot and couldn’t wait to sit down? It has happened to most of us. It could have been from blisters or… new shoes which didn’t fit right or… kicking a chair when wandering around in the middle of the night or… or….

Or it could have been something which just would not let itself get fixed. It could be something which specially made shoes or pain pills just could not fix. And by the time the surgery would be finished, too much damage may have been done to ever get it right again. Hopefully it has not gone that far yet because possibly, just possibly a simpler fix is on the horizon.

Foot Arch Adjustments

Good news! A new discovery about how the foot arch works points the way to relief of a number of foot and leg pains as well as flat feet. True, it may not work for all foot or leg problems. Nothing can promise that. In fact, any one pain or problem can come from any number of causes.

>>   Get natural relaxants for muscle cramps and spasms here

However, it can be shown that upsets like certain foot or leg problems and pains can be created when the foot arch is not working right. Who knows?…that pesky pain may just respond. Nothing tried, nothing gained. Why not find out more?

Yes, the foot arch. The new discovery is that the foot arch is created using certain muscles in certain ways. The discovery comes from the direction of engineering science, not medical science. The engineering principles are taught in architecture school. The way roof arches were built in old European churches gave the first clue. Then the application of engineering theory completed the project.

Although the entire theory will not be given here, some of the background will be explained.

Even if the feet seem to have good arches, there may be something in the way they are used which causes the foot or leg pain. And if it does not hurt now, something may change in the future which could be easily fixed if one knows what follows.

Although a foot is apparently well arched, improper use of the foot can cause pain. The foot is made to hurt when not being used correctly as a warning to shape up.

Here is what happens.

A joint is where two bones meet. Ligaments hold the bones together at the joint. Remember the last time you cut a chicken up for the pot? The tough white material holding the bones together at the joints are the ligaments.

What if you had no ligaments? Just imagine sleeping and turning over several times in the night. You might wake up with several toe bones mixed in with your ribs, a knee cap in your mouth and a shoulder blade mixed up with your toes. Rather a funny picture when you think about it. Don’t worry, as long as you have your ligaments it won’t happen. That is a main job of the ligaments

When you get out of bed and start putting loads on your bones and joints, you will find that the ligaments by themselves just are not strong enough to carry the load. That is why you also have muscles to hold your bones together at the joints. The muscles can carry much more load than the ligaments.

Besides holding the bones together at the joints, the muscles have a much more important job to do. They move your bones around. When you reach up to scratch your cheek, muscles in your arm move your hand. When you run, muscles in your legs move your feet. You get the idea.

Muscles do need to rest and get repaired during sleep.

That is when the ligaments do their main thing. However, sometimes muscles stop doing their job when carrying a load during the day. Here is when ligaments really have an important backup job, but they don’t like it. Taking over the job of muscles is too much for a ligament, and it screams (ie, hurts) in protest.

Ligaments are the backup system which holds bones together at the joints when the muscles are not working as they should.

Here is an experiment to get more understanding. Some few people have something unusual in their arm which does not let this work. Those people can try a similar experiment using another joint. Also, if overdone it may cause pain or damage. So, to take special care that no injury occurs, only do it with the permission and supervision of your health care provider. If your health care provider does not agree that it is okay for you to do this experiment, do not attempt it.

Hold your right arm out with the palm down. Relax the muscles in your right arm so that the hand flops limply down from the wrist. Now, using your left hand, push on the back of your hand, forcing your right wrist to bend more than it was meant to. If you push enough, the wrist will hurt. Don’t damage your body. Only do it enough to get the idea.

When you get the idea, move your left hand away. Keep your right arm out with the palm down. Next, contract the muscles in the back of your right arm which will pull your hand up until your wrist is not bent so much.

This time, using those muscles in your right arm, Do Not Let Your Right Wrist Bend any more than it already has. Then, with your left hand, press on the back of your right hand again, trying to bend your right wrist. As long as you do not let your right wrist bend, you will find that it does NOT hurt, no matter how hard you push with your left hand. You can now relax and I will tell you the theory of what is happening.

Letting You Know There is Something Wrong

In any well-engineered machine such as a jet plane, space shuttle or even many cars the important systems, such as brakes in cars, have back up systems which operate when the main (primary) system breaks down. When the main system has failed and the back up system starts operating, there are loud bells and bright flashing red lights to let the operator know that there is something wrong which needs to be fixed.

In the human body, when the muscles stop operating and the ligaments start carrying a heavy load across the joint between bones, pain is the loud bell and flashing light which lets the operator (you) know that something is wrong. In your wrist you already know which muscles to operate.

A similar system in your feet hurts when the foot arch muscles do not operate right. This can affect the ligaments which hold your foot bones together. It can also affect the ligaments which hold the two bones in the lower leg together as in shin splints.

All the information cannot be put into this article. There is more at the web sites and in the books: “Muscle N’ Bone” and “How To Use the Foot Arch Correctly.”
By Dennis Denlinger

>>  All Natural Relaxant: Valerin

This product is so good they have a FREE offer while stocks last!

Use VALERIN® for Natural Relief Of:

• Muscle Spasms

• Tension and Stress

• Low Back Pain

• PMS, Menstrual Cramps

• Tight Muscles

• Back Sprain and Strain

• Leg Cramps

• Pulled Muscles

• Neck and Shoulder Pain

Technorati Tags: cause for leg foot cramps, foot arch pain, what causes leg cramps

Muscles spasms or muscle cramps can be described as that awkward stiffening feeling associated with sudden over shortening or contraction of muscles. This can often be cured effectively with slow and gradual stretching.

>>  Natural Cramp Relief. Learn More

Muscle and body movement

The word ‘muscle’ originates from the Latin word ‘musculus‘ and means the little mouse. It is a group of contractile tissues which has its origination in the mesodermal layer of germs cells of Embryo. Muscles with their contractile behavior are mainly responsible for body movements.

Muscle Spasms

In normal cases, these voluntary muscles start contracting when thebrain sends electrical signals along motor neurons, the nerve cells. These motor neurons act as a catalyst and stimulate the activation of calcium ions within the cells of muscle. There are two types of proteins present in the muscle cells -Actin and Myosin. The release of calcium ions leads to the interaction of these ions with proteins which results in the sliding of proteins past one another. These motions of proteins result in contracting the muscle cell by pulling their stationary ends. Recapture of ions causes the unlinking of proteins and results again in relaxing of muscle.

Muscle Spasm

Some times people have an awkward feeling of tightness in the muscles of their back, neck arms, or legs. Sometimes, sports persons, athletes or people involved in strenuous activities get cramps in their muscles. Both these forms are known as muscle spasms.

A muscle Spasm is an unexpected, sudden, abrupt involuntary contraction or over- shortening of any single muscle or group of muscles. It can be also a temporary and sudden rise of motion, energy. Generally it is characterized by a sudden burst of unpleasant, pain

Every muscle in body is susceptible to muscle spasm, although it is more common in calf muscles or muscles in the back or neck. When muscle spasm is witnessed by the body, the muscle does not relax after sudden stiffening. When it occurs in the leg, it is also known as Charley Horse.

Usually these muscle cramps crop up from simple fatigue of muscles, after sudden heavy exercise when the muscle is not habituated to such extra loads. It can also occur during pregnancy. However, there are a few instances when electrolyte imbalances or disorders in neuromuscular functions trigger spasms. Also, it can be a side effect of certain medication. The sudden movements, particularly a sudden, tweaking movement can catalyze spasms. Gradual and slow stretching is used as an effective solution in such cases.

The mechanism behind Muscle Spasms

In abnormal conditions, unusual contraction activity of muscle cells at any stage can result in these spasms. There is a certain mechanism between the brain and the spinal chord and motor neurons of the central nervous system to regulate contraction activity. Disruption of this system leads to spasm. Any of the following reasons can play an instrumental role in disturbance of the mechanism:

• Being over-sensitive, motor neurons may go astray in their functioning.

• Stimulation takes place without proper contraction as the muscle sheath itself is very sensitive.

• Released Calcium Ions may not get recaptured in time, leading to prolonged contraction of muscles.

Possible reasons behind the interruptions of the brain mechanism includes injured nerve pathways, stroke, trauma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and over stress on specific muscles. Sometimes, nerve damage can result in a Contracture, a permanent shortening of muscle.

Causes and Treatments

• Poor supply of oxygen to muscle cells is regarded as one of the premiere reasons behind spasms or cramps. This can be treated with deep and slow breathing. A soft massage and slow stretching can be very effective in such cases.

• Electrolyte Disturbance which includes Hypokalemia, characterized by deficiency of potassium and Hypocalemia, deficiency of calcium is other main cause. This can be overcome by introducing supplement diet containing calcium and potassium.

• Dehydration is perhaps the most instrumental factor behind cramps.Sodium loss in muscles due to dehydration produces limb and abdominal cramps. Drinking plenty of water with increased intake of salts can do the wonder.

• Muscle Trauma is an excessive stress on muscles causing mild to severe cramps. The affected area may be inflamed, swollen, or reddened. This is usually characterized by a snapping sound when injury occurs. Slow stretching is again very useful.

• Menstruation is also one of the important causes of cramps of varying magnitude in the abdomen. Menstrual spasms can be overcome with heat application using heating pads, stretching exercises, treatment of ibuprofen.

• Nocturnal Spasms are the muscle cramps that locate in the calves, soles of the feet at night or at the time of rest. They are painful if mixed with the condition of dehydration. These happen due to low levels of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium and prolonged sitting.

So, whenever muscle spasms appear, it is of utmost importance that all preventive measures be taken like slow stretching and increasing water intake to counter the pain that otherwise might follow!

By Jayashree Pakhare

The following posts on electrolyte balance have been collected for you to choose from

Tolerating the Heat

According to a study done by Dr. Tim Noakes, it is “the amount of sodium and potassium in the body that determines the water balance, not the other way around.” Electrolyte balance affects your hydration balance. 

Foot Legs Cramps – How To Restore Electrolyte Imbalance

Foot and leg cramps generally cause by deficiency of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, these elements are responsible to transmit electric signal from brain to different parts of body

Sodium balance and exercise

Several days of low-sodium meals, exhausting workouts and increasing water intake has severely disturbed his body’s electrolyte balance. Luckily, the sodium found in chopped and seasoned chuck steak and diet soda kept him from vomiting 

Technorati Tags: contract, contracting, cramp, cramps, fatigue, for, leg, legs, muscle, spasms, stretching, treatment

During a hard practice, game or match, an athlete might experience muscle tightness and cramping

If severe enough a muscle cramp can finish you from competition. What causes the cramps? Is there a cure?

What Causes Muscle Cramps?

Sweating more than usual through high sports activity may lead to the loss of essential mineral salts. Sweat is mostly water but contains many other compounds including sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and a host of other compounds. Muscle cramping is verty likely to be an inevitable experience for most runners and other endurance athletes

Muscle Cramps: Causes and Cures

Fluid and Sodium Factor

Although there are many causes of muscle cramps, large losses of sodium and fluid can be key factors that predispose athletes to run-of-the-mill muscle cramps. Sodium is an important mineral in initiating signals from nerves and actions that lead to movement in the muscles, so a deficit of this element and fluid may make muscles “irritable.” Under such conditions, a slight stress, such as a subsequent movement may cause the muscle to contract and twitch uncontrollably

Cramping Case Study

A case study* lends support to the theory. An elite tennis player was found to lose more sodium in his sweat during several hours of play than he consumed throughout the entire day. During intense play that resulted in sweat loss of up to 3 quarts an hour, the player knotted up with the cramps. Following physiological testing, it was recommended that the player add salt to his diet and drink sports drinks (Gatorade). This addition of sodium reduced subsequent cramping episodes. Whenever the player felt cramps coming on in a game, he drank a sports drink containing sodium chloride.
The cramps ceased.

Sodium Meals

After checking with a physician to rule out serious causes an athlete who experiences
muscle cramps after a workout might want to add sodium to meals. Given the popularity of low sodium diets, a sodium deficit is not out of the question when an athlete is sweating at high rates, particularly in the hot months of the year. Salty
snacks or an extra tap of the salt shaker will help replenish the mineral. Consuming sports drinks that contain an adequate amount of sodium is also a subtle way to replace sodium.

Gatorade contains 110 mg of sodium per eight ounces, the same amount of sodium in a glass of milk or slice of bread. This is an amount which helps replace lost sodium yet still meets FDA standards for being a low-sodium food.

Minding Your Minerals

For many years, players have attributed cramping to the depletion of potassium or other minerals like calcium and magnesium from the body. However, research indicates that these minerals are less likely to cause cramping. The amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium in sweat are low compared to those of sodium and chloride. In addition, potassium, magnesium and calcium are easily replaced by the diet, so a deficit of any of these is rare.

Other Potential Causes

Diabetes, neurologic disorders or vascular problems could be a factor in cramping episodes. Also, anecdotal reports indicate that the use of certain dietary supplements such as creatine might increase the risk of muscle cramps. If cramps suddenly occur without a prior history, consult a physician to rule out more serious causes.
Players have attributed cramping to the depletion of potassium or other minerals such as calcium or magnesium. The current medical thinking doesn’t support this. Muscles tend to hoard potassium, calcium, and magnesium such that they are lost at
minor levels in sweat, compared to sodium and chloride losses. The diet usually supplies adequate amounts to prevent deficits that would contribute to cramping episodes. But further research may tell us otherwise

Preventing Cramps

Stave off cramps before they start by recommending athletes to follow these simple guidelines:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during exercise

• Replenish sodium levels during times of heavy exercise and profuse sweating with a sports drink like Gatorade

• Ensure adequate nutritional recovery, particularly for salt, and rest for muscles after hard training.

Quick Fixes for Cramps

When cramps strike during a workout or competition, take immediate action with the following:

• Stretch. Because cramps are often related to a change in weight bearing, stretching and non weight-bearing exercises are effective treatments.

• Massage the area. Rubbing the cramped muscle may help alleviate pain as well as help stimulate blood flow and fluid movement into the area.

• Stimulate recovery. Rest and adequate rehydration with fluids containing electrolytes, particularly sodium, will quickly bring improvement.

* Bergeron, M. Heat Cramps During Tennis: A Case Report.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition 6:62-68, 1996.

By CRAIG A. HORSWILL, Ph.D., principal research scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute (Barrington, IL)

You will find more info and resources on Leg cramping and leg cramp relief in the selection of posts below

Foot and Leg Cramps

A description of what leg and foot cramps are, how they come about and some suggestions of how you can get some relief. … The frequency of muscle cramps in the foot or leg is more amongst sports persons and aging individuals. Feet being the organ of maximum weight bearing, foot cramps are more common than any other muscle spasms in the body. What are leg and foot cramps? Foot cramps are jerky non-voluntary spasms in a muscle or a muscle group 

Get Chiropractic Massage Treatment for Sciatica in Ybor City

There may be cramping, burning, numbness and tingling. The pain can be minimal to intense and can range from occasional to constant. It may be accompanied by weakness and loss of reflexes. Sufferers may find it difficult to go about … Chiropractic massage provides not only pain relief but a long term resolution of the underlying problems causing pain. For individuals who are not experiencing discomfort and are leading active sporty lives, chiropractic sports massage can help

A Pain in the Leg – Cramp Relief

Commonly used in Sports Massage, Physical Therapy, and stretching routines — Reciprocal Inhibition is defined as a muscle’s automatic relaxation response to accommodate the contraction of its opposing muscle. Basically, in order for one muscle group to … The icing on the cake with using the Reciprocal Inhibition technique was that there wasn’t any residual aching from the cramp. I experienced my cramp, relief, and back to peaceful sleep, all within a few minutes

Technorati Tags: cramp, cramping, cramps, deficit, episodes, gatorade, in, leg, muscle, muscles, pain, preventing, quick, relief, runners, salt, salts, sodium, what causes

Muscle pain can be debilitating… Read about what the causes are and the methods for relieving them.

When 36 year old Aaron Powell, a software engineer by profession, woke up on Sunday morning and found that the muscles in his back and legs were killing him, he knew he would have to call it quits about joining his friends on the day long hiking trip they had planned. He knew what had brought on the pain in his muscles; he had been hauling furniture into the new apartment he had moved into, practically all through Saturday.

Muscle Pain Relief

While everybody experiences the occasional muscle pain or cramping some time or the other in their lives, for people who suffer from chronic muscle pain, it can be an incapacitating condition, with the quality of life deteriorating to a great extent. Muscle pain may be caused by a specific injury, or due to muscular spasms, or because it affects the soft connective tissues surrounding muscles such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia, or it could be as a result of a broader condition, like arthritis. It can range in intensity from aches that come on infrequently to disabling, chronic pain.

Usually, cramps and muscle pain are linked to overuse, physical exertion, injury due to exercise or dehydration and deficiency of essential mineral salts. In such cases, the pain tends to affect specific muscles, starting either during the activity or after it. Tension can also result in muscle pain.

In the United States, pain in the muscle is the second most prevalent reason for visits to the doctor. According to estimates, 80 percent of Americans experience muscle pain, of some type or the other, at some part of their lives or the other. People often push their muscles right to their limits, and sometimes even beyond that. If muscles are pushed to limits that are beyond their capacity, the fibers in them begin tearing.

In fact, severely overworked muscles can develop innumerable tiny tears. The body responds by repairing these small little tears, and this is what causes the familiar ache and tightness we feel when we get a muscle pain. While most of these just cause minor discomfort, others can result in permanent disability, especially when the back and neck are affected. While there are many therapies that can provide muscle pain relief, choosing amongst them is largely dependent upon the cause of the muscle pain, how severe it is along with its duration, and of course according to what the doctor prescribes or the patient chooses.

Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines
These medications, which include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, or Tylenol, are used to alleviate muscle pain. Certain nutritional supplements may also be advised in order to provide muscle pain relief. For instance, magnesium and calcium supplements are used for treating leg cramps that develop in the night. Enzyme therapy, containing bromelain, are also used to treat certain kinds of muscle pain.

Massage and Bodywork Therapies
Bodywork therapies are highly useful for providing muscle pain relief and restoring full body function. Massage, in particular, is often recommended to relieve tension and pain, which helps to increase blood circulation, thus bringing nutrients and oxygen to the muscles that are affected and also help to carry away toxic substances. If there is a strain in a muscle, a massage can prevent the shortening of the muscle while it heals.

Some of the other effective bodywork therapies are:
Reflexology: Pressure is applied to various reflex points on the hands and feet which helps the body to heal itself.

Shiatsu: This involves pressure applied with fingers to certain points on the meridians of the body, which improves circulation and eases pain.

Feldenkrais Method: In this method, new ways of moving the body helps to relax tense or cramped muscles.

Rolfing: Connective tissue and muscles are manipulated, which realigns the body according to the field of gravity.

Trained practitioners are required to perform these therapies.

Aromatherapy
In this therapy, essential oils from certain herbs and plants are used for muscle pain relief, along with any inflammation or spasms that may accompany it. The oils are usually applied with compresses or gentle massages. Some of them can also be added to warm bathwater. Some of the common essential oils used for muscle pain are: helichrysum, ginger, peppermint, marjoram, and thyme.

At-Home Remedies
At-home remedies like ice packs are also effective for relieving muscle pain, as are physical aides like wrist wraps and back braces, which hold bones and joints in their correct positions, thus helping to reduce strain being put on the affected muscles. Replacing lost mineral salts such as potassium and magnesium helps releive muscle cramps.

Exercises for Muscle Strengthening
Physical therapists or doctors also usually prescribe certain exercises, which help in increasing muscular flexibility and strength. A physical therapy course is also useful for educating patients about the importance of using ergonomic tools, like padded chairs, which help to reduce strain on muscles. Therapists also teach patients the correct ways of sitting, lifting, walking, or doing work that requires repetitive movements, in order to prevent problems in the future.

By Rita Putatunda

Can A Slipped Disc Cause Muscle Twitching In The Leg?

I ruptured a disk and it caused damage in the sciatic nerve. I have numbness, pain and twitching in my right leg. It may however be a coincidence too and the twitching could just be a muscle spasm that will go away eventually.

Back Pain Solutions Without Surgery

Asymmetry, posture, and leg length is noted. Methodical palpation of the spine can reveal muscle spasm, possible bony displacement, and tender points. Abdominal palpation is performed to determine the cause of low back pain 

How To Reduce Foot Pain, Leg Pain And Back Pain While Standing

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone could give me advice on how to reduce foot pain, leg pain, and back pain while on the job at work. Thanks!   

Pain the back of my leg, just below the knee  Pregnancy

I have had this pain all day, it is isolated to one spot, behind the leg on the top of the calf, just below my knee… Nothing I do has made it any better

Technorati Tags: acute, aromatherapy, causes, cramps, in, leg, massage, muscle, natural cure for, oils, pain, potassium, relieving, sharp