Heat Therapy for Pain Relief

Heat therapy has long been used as a remedy for muscle stiffness, aches and pains. Heat therapy simply refers to the application of either dry or moist heat to the affected area for a designated time period. Heating pads, hot water bottles, instant hot packs and even hot baths can be used to alleviate muscle or joint pain.

Over-exertion and strain are common causes of muscle pain and discomfort. Heat should never be applied to a new injury that exhibits swelling, but it can be effective as a remedy for chronic muscle or joint pain. If your pain is chronic, your doctor may recommend heat therapy for relief.

Even without experiencing muscle or joint pain, you may have noticed that a soak in a hot bath or spending time in a sauna seems to make your muscles feel relaxed. This is because heat dilates the blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow in the areas where the heat is applied. Similarly, heat can be applied to areas of mild to severe muscular pain to relax muscle tissue, promote blood flow and help alleviate pain.

One great aspect of heat therapy is that it can be applied easily and inexpensively from home. However, precautions should be taken to ensure that heat is appropriate for the type of pain you have and to prevent burns to the skin. As a general rule heat should not be applied for more than about a half hour, and not at all if you have certain health conditions, so be sure to check with your doctor for recommendations on the appropriate heat therapy for your situation.

Newer innovations in heat therapy include the VitalWrap® hot and cold therapy system, which provides hot, cold and compression therapy capabilities into one piece of equipment. The user of this system can control temperature settings to deliver hot or cold therapy to the affected part of the body.

Heat therapy should not be used for all types of pain, so consulting with a doctor to determine whether you should heat vs. ice and of your injuries or chronic pain.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

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What is Blood Pressure?

It is checked every time you visit the doctor, but exactly what is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is a vital sign that refers to the amount of force imposed on the walls of the arteries by circulating blood. When the heart beats, pumping blood into the arteries, blood pressure is at its highest point. This highpoint is called systolic blood pressure. The point of the lowest amount of pressure on the artery walls, which occurs between heartbeats, is called the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed using both the systolic and diastolic pressure readings. An example of a normal blood pressure may be 120/80 mmHg, which is expressed verbally as "120 over 80." The top number represents the systolic pressure, while the bottom number represents the diastolic pressure.

Periodic blood pressure checks are important because there are often no symptoms to indicate blood pressure problems. Blood pressure in an individual varies throughout any given day, and is lowest during sleep or rest. High blood pressure, called hypertension, puts strain on the heart to work harder and carries increased risk of other complications such as stroke and heart failure. The exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown in most cases, but some risk factors are genetics (family history of hypertension), obesity, smoking, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Low blood pressure could also be reason for concern as it could indicate underlying health problems.

Today, easy to use digital blood pressure monitors make it easy for people to check their own blood pressure at home. These are helpful devices for people who are working to manage their blood pressure through diet or medication and need regular readings. Consulting with a medical professional is important if any abnormalities in blood pressure are observed through home readings. High or low blood pressure is cause for additional testing to detect or rule out underlying conditions.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

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Relief from Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Caused by tears and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of shock absorbent ligament connecting the toes to the heel, plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that can range from mild to debilitating. A characteristic symptom of this condition is noticeable heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning or upon standing after sitting for an extended period. Pain is also typically worse after prolonged periods of standing or when shoes with inadequate support are worn.

Usually the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis can be alleviated without resorting to surgery or cortisone shots. While different treatments for plantar fasciitis work best for different people, some common recommendations for controlling plantar fasciitis pain are:

• Rest. The first course of action recommended for alleviating the pain of plantar fasciitis is usually to rest. Removing weight from the affected foot or feet allows the inflammation to subside.
• Icing the area. Icing the area several times per day is known to alleviate plantar fasciitis pain for some.
• Physical therapy or stretching exercises. Specific stretches such as towel stretches can be done to relieve heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Your medical professional can provide information on stretches that are safe and effective for your situation.
• Weight management. Being overweight places excess strain on the plantar fascia and can contribute to plantar fasciitis, so weight management may be recommended as a part of a treatment regimen for plantar fasciitis.
• Orthotics. Wearing shoes with improper support is a common culprit for plantar fasciitis pain. Properly fitted orthotic insoles provide arch support and can help alleviate this pain.
• Anti-inflammatory medications. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen provide temporary relief for some dealing with the pain of plantar fasciitis.
• Night splints. Many plantar fasciitis sufferers experience relief from wearing night splints while they sleep. These specialized splints hold the foot in a position that prevents the plantar fascia from tightening during sleep.

Early detection and treatment of plantar fasciitis can prevent its symptoms from worsening. If you experience undiagnosed heel pain, visiting a doctor sooner than later is advised. Because conditions other than plantar fasciitis can cause heel pain, a proper diagnosis is the first step to pain relief.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. For quality cervical collars, a wide elbow brace selection and other quality braces, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.