Prevent Injuries Home/Work
Question: What causes sciatic nerve pain and how
can you treat and prevent it?
Answer: Sciatic nerve pain, commonly called
sciatica, is a sharp pain that shoots from the lower back down the back of the
thigh. The pain can extend as far as the ankle and often causes tingling and
numbness. Some people with sciatica also experience muscle weakness and
twitching.
The most common cause of
sciatica is pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can happen when either bone or
one of the "discs" that lies between the vertebral bones irritates a
nerve. Sometimes doctors refer to "slipped discs" as the cause. This
means that one of the discs has bulged out of its normal position. It may pinch
a nerve. Although it's not clear why some people develop sciatica, using a safe
lifting procedure (lifting heavy objects by bending your knees rather than your
back) may prevent back injuries.
People with sciatica are often
advised to rest for 1-3 days and to take antiinflammatory medications. Like
other people with low back pain, losing weight (if necessary) and sticking with
a regular exercise program often help to prevent the pain from returning.
Question: What are the general preventive measures for foot
pain?
Answer: The following tips from the American Podiatric
Medical Association are very useful as general guidelines for preventing foot
pain:
- Don't ignore foot pain, it's not normal. If the pain persists, see
a podiatric physician.
- Inspect feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and
temperature of the feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of
developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or
scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. Any growth on
the foot is not considered normal.
- Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to
dry them completely.
- Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to
cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails.
- Make sure that shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the
day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as
soon as possible.
- Select and wear the right shoe for specific activities (ie, running
shoes for running). [See What Are the Best Shoes for Preventing Foot
Pain?]
- Alternate shoes. Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
- Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and
infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on the
feet, as one would on the rest of your body.
- Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments;
self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
- It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician
at least once a year for a check-up. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation,
or heart problems should not treat their own feet, including toenails,
because they are more prone to infection.
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