www.justusskincare.com www.onelifenaturopathic.org When your feet hurt, it makes everything harder. We’re always on our feet, making the pain impossible to ignore. The most common causes of foot pain include Morton’s neuroma, bone spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. Sometimes it’s hard to tell which one is causing the discomfort, but differentiating the pain is key to treating the condition. Let’s start withMorton’s neuroma, a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes. When the nerve between these toes thickens from inflammation, it can swell, turn red and compress the nerve. Over time, this can cause sharp pain, tingling or numbness. Common causes include wearing high heels or tight shoes that constrict the feet, long-distance running, poor foot mechanics, excessive pronation and gait misalignment. The pain can sometimes be mistaken for tarsal tunnel syndrome, bone spurs, or stress fractures. Relief often comes simply from taking your shoes off and putting your feet up. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by posterior tibial nerve compression as it passes behind the ankle bone (the medial malleolus) through the tarsal tunnel. Symptoms include burning, tingling and numbness in the sole or heel, sometimes radiating to the toes. This pain worsens after standing or walking, and that “ahhh” feeling when you finally sit down is very telling. We must also mention plantar fasciitis, which is very common but lacks a specific manual test. The hallmark symptom is that “pebble in your shoe” feeling when you first step out of bed in the morning. Diagnosis. Typically, we start with manual muscle testing which may include compression, pressure or tapping on specific nerves or regions. Imaging can help, but not always. For example, a bone spur may show up on an X-ray but might not cause much pain, while a stress fracture may not appear on an X-ray but will show on a bone scan (I know that firsthand!). Treatment. A conservative approach is always recommended, such as modifying your shoes with lifts, arch support or orthotics. These can help correct pronation or fallen arches. Switching to wide or cushioned shoes and avoiding high heels can also be beneficial. No more Jimmy Choos! If you want some height, opt for wedges with a back strap, and avoid flip-flops that go between the big toe and second toe as they are generally not good for the feet. Try using heat and Epsom salt foot baths for tight, sore feet, or treat yourself to reflexology, one of my favorite therapies. Acupuncture or electroacupuncture can also be very effective in relieving nerve pain. Medical interventions may include corticosteroid injections (50% effectiveness); chemical nerve ablation (70–80% success in reducing nerve sensitivity); surgical options, such as decompression or nerve removal for Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome; and shockwave therapy which is proving very effective for plantar fasciitis. The most important thing is to listen to your body. Once you feel pain or irritation, pay attention and don’t procrastinate. Get it checked out early—you’ll have more options and can find relief for your aching feet sooner. Diane Sheppard is a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine with AcQPoint Wellness Center. She can be reached at (760) 345.2200. For more information, visit www.acqpoint.com. References: 1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4545130/; 2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537360 Everywhere you go, you hear a different opinion about what it means to eat “healthy” and which macronutrients are “good” or “bad.” In reality, it’s not one size fits all. People have different nutritional needs, so let’s explore each macronutrient, what it does, and how much you really need, so you can make informed decisions about the healthiest choices for you. Carbohydrates. Made up of sugar molecules that get broken down into glucose, carbs are the body’s preferred source of energy. Glucose fuels everything from the chemical reactions in your cells to the systems that allow you to move, speak and think. Whole, minimally processed carbs like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes provide fiber, vitamins and minerals that support digestion, stabilize blood sugar and keep you full and energized. Refined (processed) carbs, like white bread, pastries and sugary drinks, are stripped of fiber and nutrients. They often cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar, leaving you tired, irritable and craving more sweets. They typically contain additives that can negatively affect your hormones and metabolism. In general, if you favor carbs from whole, minimally processed sources, and pair them with protein or fat, you’ll avoid many issues commonly blamed on carbs. Fats. Your body uses fat for energy, cell structure, hormone production, brain function and absorption of certain vitamins. Unsaturated fats, often called “healthy fats,” are found in foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. They support heart and brain health, reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol and help you feel full after meals. “Unhealthy fats,” like trans fats and excessive saturated fats from processed or fried foods, can increase inflammation, raise LDL cholesterol, promote insulin resistance and contribute to weight gain and long-term cardiovascular risk. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2025 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 9 Conservative foot pain treatment may start with a different set of shoes. www.acqpoint.com Get relief from pain and stress now! Acupuncture • Electro Acupuncture Cupping • Chinese Herbs K-Laser • Cold Laser For appointments, book online at AcQpoint.comor call 760.345.2200 77682 Country Club Drive, Ste. G • Palm Desert Diane Sheppard, PhD, LAc ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBS Dr. Sheppard is a California state-licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbologist. She earned her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine degree from the oldest school of Chinese medicine in the United States – Samra University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Eastern Medicine. 10 minute Discovery Call for all new patients Naturopathic Primary Care Holistic Treatment Plans Individualized Guidance Preventive Medicine Biofeedback Training Craniosacral Therapy Dr. Shari Jainuddin, NMD, BCB Licensed Naturopathic Doctor | Board Certified in Biofeedback 442.256.5963 onelifenaturopathic.org Scan me! Macros Made Simple How carbs, fat and protein impact your health By Rachel Felber, MD Oh, My Aching Feet! By Diane Sheppard, PhD, LAc Continued on page 21
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