Treating Plantar Fasciitis Plus Neuroma
Q The bottom of my feet hurt, but only when I walk long distances. I’ve been diagnosed with both plantar fasciitis and a neuroma. What can I do?
A First, your shoes should be in good condition and a good fit. There should be plenty of room in the forefoot and toe area. Second, be sure to stretch before, during, and after a walk. Lastly, good form and technique are important when you increase distance and speed.
With a mixed diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and neuroma, I would look above the foot itself and into the deep compartment of your calf for tight muscles that are not getting properly stretched. The nerve pathway that communicates plantar pain is in the deep calf compartment and can be compressed, causing phantom pain in the foot. It is common to have plantar fasciitis present on both feet, but it is uncommon to have both plantar fasciitis and neuromas on both feet that resolve with simply lowering mileage.
Try this calf stretch: First, place one foot against a step or a curb, with toes extended upward as close to 90 degrees as possible, while keeping the heel on the ground. Second, place the other foot either on top of the curb, or up a stair or two. You should be in a lunge position. Be careful not to let the knee drop past your toe. Hold the stretch for 60 seconds; switch legs, and repeat. Do the stretch twice. This stretch will be deeper and lower in the calf than the regular flat toe calf stretch, and hopefully reduce the symptoms you are having.
— Bryan Baisinger
Treating Enlarged Prostate
Q What are some natural treatments for an enlarged prostate?
A First of all, a simple blood test should be done to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. If the test result is high, it could indicate prostate cancer, and a specialist should be consulted. Otherwise, there are many treatments that can help with the side effects and treatment of an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).
Common BPH symptoms include increased urinary frequency and urgency, the need to urinate at night, dribbling, hesitancy with decreased force, a sensation of incomplete emptying, and incontinence.
Diets rich in essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 can help reduce the inflammation. Choose deep-sea fish and flax seeds. Foods containing zinc and vitamin E — such as seeds, nuts, oysters, tahini, kelp, tofu, wheat germ, and raw pumpkin seeds — have been clinically shown to help reduce the enlarged prostate.
Consult a physician before taking high doses of zinc because it competes with absorption of many minerals. Avoid foods that are pro-inflammatory or high in cholesterol, like red meats.
Some studies have shown that diet supplements such as amino acids (glycine, alanine, and glutamic acid), nettles, saw palmetto, and Pygeum africanum ease some of the symptoms of BPH. Physical treatments include alternating hot and cold sitz baths and prostatic massage.
— Lindsey Nelson
Taking Care in the Sun
Q Is it true that people can pass out and die from too much sun?
A There are four conditions related to excessive heat exposure: heat syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Heat syncope occurs when the body overheats, causing the blood vessels to dilate in the skin. This decreases the blood pressure to the brain and causes a person to pass out. Treatment includes rest and fluids.
Heat cramps are a condition that occurs following fluid and electrolyte loss, resulting in painful muscle spasms, or cramps, that last from one to three minutes. Treatment includes rest and immediate hydration with a saline solution (4 teaspoons of salt per gallon of water). Salt tablets are not recommended because these are absorbed too slowly by the body.
Heat exhaustion results from prolonged strenuous activity with inadequate fluid and salt intake in a hot environment. Dehydration and salt depletion cause changes in the circulatory system and heart rate. Body temperature spikes, and the heart rate increases. Frequently, heat cramps and heat syncope are present as well.
If rest in a cool place and immediate hydration are not administered, then heat exhaustion can progress to the more serious heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency resulting from the body’s inability to regulate its core temperature. When the core temperature reaches 105.8 F or higher, the cerebral, renal, cardiovascular, or hepatic organ system can be damaged, causing serious illness or death. Impaired consciousness, high fever, and an absence of sweating are symptoms of heat stroke. Heat stroke can happen to anyone, regardless if he or she is hiking or mowing the lawn.
— Jacob May
This Issue’s Experts
Bryan Baisinger, DC, is a Portland State University Athletics team physician and the owner of Clearwater Clinic. He can be reached at 503-279-0205.
Lindsey Nelson, ND, is a naturopathic primary care physician and can be reached at 503-279-0205 or lindsey@clearh2o.org.
Jacob May, DC, brings careful thought and analytical thinking blended with a holistic approach to medicine and can be reached
at 503-279-0205 or jacob@clearh2o.orglindsey@clearh2o.org
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