Foot Doctors in Joliet IL, known in the medical world as podiatrists, diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs. Some systemic health conditions can cause problems with these parts of the body. Fibromyalgia, a syndrome that causes debilitating muscle pain and fatigue, is an example. A fibromyalgia patient may want to include a podiatrist on his or her healthcare team if the muscle aches and tenderness extends to the calves, ankles or feet.
Choosing Better Shoes
As with many other foot-related problems, wearing more sensible shoes is a good start. Many women love the way their feet and lower legs look when they wear high heels, but it’s best to keep the heels at an inch or less except on special occasions. The higher heels might be worn when going out for dinner on a Saturday night, but choosing other stylish shoes for the rest of the week is advisable.
Foot Support Devices
It’s important for fibromyalgia patients to continue getting enough exercise, even though they often are not motivated because of their ongoing discomfort. Exercise actually can help reduce symptoms if they participate in activities recommended for people with this disorder. Foot Doctors in Joliet IL provide advice on shoes for different activities and any additional products that may help. Toe pads and bandage-style supports are possibilities.
Moist Heat and Mineral Salts
A podiatrist with an organization such as Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates may recommend investing a small amount of money in a foot bath to which Epsom salts can be added. The warm, swirling water soothes aching feet, and Epsom salt adds to the effect. This is the common name for magnesium sulfate, a mineral compound highly regarded as a natural remedy for reducing pain when used in a bath. In fact, fibromyalgia patients may enjoy soaking the entire body in a warm Epsom salt bath.
Because heat reduces fibromyalgia pain, heating pads around the feet also will help. However, moist heat tends to be most effective for this condition, which is why warm showers and baths are encouraged. Even a warm, damp washcloth applied to the feet provides relief. Browse the site to learn more about one particular podiatry clinic.
