Gymnast from India Overcomes Flatfoot

Gymnast Dipa Karmakar is handicapped by a condition of the feet called flatfoot, which affected the quality of her jump and led to her missing the bronze medal during the Rio Olympics. A medical test was originally conducted for her condition, ruling her unfit for gymnastics. However, Karmakar’s coach Bisweswar Nandi was hopeful that Karmakar could tame her condition through exercises. After 15 years of devotion to the sport, Karmakar became the first female gymnast from India to participate in the Olympics.

Read More
Toenail Fungus Can Lead to Other Problems if Left Untreated

Toenail fungus not only becomes more common as we age, but it can lead to other potential foot problems. “People who have toenail fungus are more likely to get skin infections between their toes,” according to Dr. John Swartzberg, of the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. Preventing toenail fungus involves proper foot hygiene and keeping the feet dry. Treating toenail fungus includes topical medication, prescribed drugs, and laser.

Read More
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis exists as an autoimmune disease that affects the immune system, occurring when the body’s own antibodies attack its own antigens. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs “three times more often in women as compared to men,” and progressive symptoms include joint pain and inflammation. The condition flares up most commonly during the mornings.

Read More
Toddlers Walking On Tip Toes

Many toddlers who are learning how to walk tend to walk on their tip toes. Although most toddlers transition to walking on their whole foot by the age of three, some do not. There are certain neurological conditions that could prevent a toddler from walking on his foot. Conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy may tighten the calf muscle or change the way it works. However not all children who walk on their toes have a neurological problem. Some toddlers who are completely healthy still choose to walk on their toes; this is called idiopathic toe walking. This condition affects 5% to 12% of healthy children and its causes are unknown.

Read More
Hyperhidrosis: Linked to Anxiety and Depression

According to recent research conducted by dermatology clinics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Shanghai, China, patients with subtypes or generalized hyperhidrosis were found to possess a “significantly higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.” Variables that were considered in the analyses included age, gender, ethnicity, BMI and skin conditions.

Read More
All Runners Susceptible to Injuries

Both inexperienced and professional runners are prone to the occasional running injury. Injuries such as runner’s knee, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures can happen to anyone. Runner’s knee and shin splints can be prevented by strengthening the hips and making the hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps more flexible. Plantar fasciitis can be prevented by frequently stretching the calves and ensuring one wears the correct shoes while running. Prevent stress fractures by avoiding overloading the feet.

Read More
Achilles Tendinitis common for Runners

If you’re a runner, you may find yourself prone to experiencing pain in your Achilles either during or after running activity. Achilles tendinitis occurs when you feel pain along the back of your leg near the heel and can be caused by continuous stress or overuse on the tendon. The condition can affect anyone, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided if you think you may have Achilles tendinitis. The ailment can be treated with nonsurgical treatment such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Read More
Treating Plantar Warts

Three out of four people will develop a wart in their lifetime. Warts are contagious, but they are completely harmless. Plantar warts appear on the bottom of the foot, and they are caused by a virus. These warts are spreadable as well as contagious. Kids are most susceptible to getting plantar warts because their immune systems are immature. Liquid nitrogen is the most common treatment used to get rid of warts because it freezes them off. Blistering agents can also be used to remove plantar warts.

Read More
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects more than the Joints

According to Dr. Scott Anderson of Daily Republic, several compounded studies on rheumatoid arthritis have shown that the disease affects much more than just the joints in your body. Being more and more referred to as a systemic disease, RA has been linked to lung damage, stroke, and heart disease. The article chronicles the increased risk of patients who smoke cigarettes, but also points out that even non-smokers can find themselves at risk.  

Read More