Great health is only achievable when people take care of their entire body. The feet are easy to neglect because they are often hidden inside socks and shoes, but everyone should pay attention to the health of their feet. Foot pain can make it hard for people to tend to their daily lives. In addition, changes in the feet can signal health concerns. Monitor and care for your feet to improve your health.
Read on to learn more about the connection between your feet and your overall health. One unique treatment option for foot pain and health concerns is reflexology.
Understand Foot Cramps
The soles of the feet contain numerous
nerve endings , more per square centimeter than any other part of the body. Generally, when people spend a lot of time on their feet they'll experience some discomfort. While tired, achy feet are typically not a cause for alarm, intense pain is more of a concern.
Frequent foot cramps are often a sign of dehydration or a lack of key nutrients like potassium, calcium or magnesium. If a daily vitamin, better diet, and more water consumption do not solve the problem, then the cause could be related to medication, poor footwear, or even health issues like poor circulation. Start with the simple solutions first but see a doctor if the pain continues.
Stop Foot Pain
Two common complaints about feet are a reoccurring pain in the heel or in the ball of the foot. Ball of the foot pain is typically caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes known as Morton's Neuroma. The stinging pain in the heel, particularly after being idle, is usually caused by plantar fasciitis.
Both conditions have similar causes. People with the condition often spend a lot of time on their feet and have shoes that lack proper support for their arches or adequate padding for shock absorption. Some people require professional treatment for relief, but improvement is common with better shoes, elevating the feet at night and with regular foot massages.
Notice Warning Signs
Some of the early signs of illness begin with foot-related problems. For example, constantly cold feet could be the result of hyperthyroidism. A cut or sore that refuses to heal may be a sign of diabetes. Numbness in the feet is a warning sign of peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Swelling could be from poor circulation or heart disease.
Use Reflexology to Address the Problem
Reflexology is a type of massage that can help to relieve pain, reduce stress, and make the body healthier. The process is done by applying pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears that correspond with organs in the body. Practitioners believe that applying pressure to certain spots or zones of the foot will help to relieve problems in the corresponding area of the body.
Reflexology helps to relieve the foot pain caused by
plantar fasciitis. Improved blood circulation after a massage may also be useful for relieving cramps, swelling, and coldness in the feet. The relaxation a foot massage offers is beneficial for people that suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and stress headaches.
Medical studies suggest that improvements to the immune system and reduced levels of inflammation are a result of a massage. This, along with the relaxation benefits, make a foot massage an enjoyable way to promote better health. Reflexology is a sensible treatment option. When you use this technique alongside medical care, you can target specific areas of concern.
Reflexology is a relaxing way to get healthier. Contact us at Oriental Massage & Spa to learn more about reflexology and to schedule a session.