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Foot pain can keep you from having an active lifestyle and is often caused by fractures, sprains or nerve damage. The three main locations of pain in the foot are the ball of the foot, the heel and the Achilles tendon. Although the causes may be different, pain in the foot can be relieved through foot exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles.

1. Calf Stretch

   • To reduce heel pain, stand with your arms stretched out and your hands on the wall at about eye level. Stretch your left leg about a step behind your right leg. Keep your back heel on the floor and bend your right knee until you feel a stretch in the stretched leg. Hold this position for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat at least five times; then perform with the right leg.

   Achilles-Tendon Stretch

   • Keep your calf muscles relaxed and stand on a step with your heels lowered over the edge of the step. Hold on to the railing for support and hold the position for about 15 to 20 seconds. Tighten your calf muscles to bring your heels back up to the level of the step. Do at least five repetitions of this exercise.

   Hamstring Stretch

   • The hamstring stretch aids in relieving heel pain. While standing, extend one leg in front of you with the foot flexed upwards. Bend your other knee and lean back while tilting your pelvis forward. Keep your upper body upright and fold your hands over the thigh of your extended leg for support as you hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds. Feel the stretch in the back of your extended leg all the way up your calf and thigh. Rrepeat with the other leg.

   Marble Lifts

   • For this exercise you'll need marbles scattered on the floor and a container such as a paper or plastic cup. Use your toes to pick up the marbles one by one and place them in the cup. This exercise should be repeated at least 15 times.

   Toe Clenches

   • Toe clenches are performed by placing small corks such as those from wine bottles between your toes. With the corks in position, squeeze your toes for five seconds then release. Repeat toe clenches at least 10 times.

     Foot exercises to relieve pain in the foot should be performed daily while gradually increasing repetitions as you feel more comfortable doing each exercise. However, be sure to consult a physician before attempting any exercise routine as it may cause more pain or even serious injury.

Essential oils are wonderfully healing when used to treat pain such as muscle aches, strains, backaches and headaches. There are many simple, easy-to-make essential oil recipes you can create at home to combat the everyday stress of life and ease your aches and pains along the way. Keep some essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus on hand in case you need to mix up an essential oil recipe for pain. These are readily available at any health food store.

1. Headaches and Muscle Pain

   • To treat muscle pain, use the following essential oil recipe. Combine two drops of lavender essential oil with two drops of rosemary essential oil. Add these two essential oils to 4 teaspoons of massage oil such as sweet almond oil and blend together. Massage gently into the area affected by pain. For even more effective treatment, warm the oil for a few seconds in the microwave.

     To ease and relieve headache pain, combine two drops of lavender essential oil with 1/2 teaspoon of massage oil such as sweet almond oil. Gently massage into the temples.

   Sports Oil Rubs

   • If you participate in sports, often preventing muscle pain is just as important as alleviating pain after a muscle injury. Try this essential oil massage blend to rub into muscles before exercise: Combine one drop of lavender with one drop of eucalyptus essential oil. Add 4 teaspoons of any massage oil base, such as sweet almond oil, and blend together. Massage into muscles and joints prior to exercise.

     For pain relief after sports or exercise, combine two drops of lavender with one drop of juniper and one drop of rosemary. Mix together and then add 4 teaspoons of your massage oil. Blend together well, then massage into sore muscles and achy joints.

   General Aches and Pains

   • To treat general aches and pains, combine three drops of oregano essential oil with four drops of peppermint essential oil, two drops of cedarwood essential oil, and two drops of lavender essential oil. Add these essential oils to 1 tablespoon of almond oil and blend well. Massage into skin for relief.

     To make an anti-inflammatory massage oil, combine three drops of German chamomile essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, three drops of helichrysum and three drops of lavender essential oil. Blend together with 4 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Apply to inflamed area several times a day and massage in gently.

The urethra, located below the urinary bladder in men and women, is a thin tube that allows people to pass urine out of the body. It helps remove waste produced by the kidneys' filtering process when cleaning the blood. For men, the urethra also serves a role in sexual intercourse, helping sexual fluids flow out of the penis.

1. Description

   • According to MedicaLook, the urethra is a long tube made out of smooth muscle fibers, which are surrounded by muscle fibers. Urethra glands are located inside the urethra, which produces mucous that coats the entire urethra.

   Location

   • The urethra starts at the opening of the urinary bladder and runs downward to an opening in the genitals. In women, the opening is located below the clitoris and above the vagina. In men, the opening is located at the tip of the penis.

   Job

   • The urethra transports waste, also referred to as urine, from the urinary bladder to the opening in the genitals. Both men and women relieve urine from the body through this process. The urethra also transports semen out of the penis for men during sexual intercourse.

   Types

   • In women, the urethra is straight, measuring approximately 4 cm in length. Men have a longer urethra shaped like a S, stretching 20 cm in length. It is shaped like a S to fit the curves of the penis.

     For men, the urethra is also segmented into three parts. The first part, which starts at the urinary bladder, goes through the prostrate gland. The second portion goes through the pelvic floor and into the beginning portion of the penis. The last portion extends through the length of the penis and ends at its tip.

   Problems

   • According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the urethra is prone to developing several conditions, including urethral strictures, urethral infections, urethral diverticulum and urethral cancer. Urethral strictures, or the narrowing of the urethra, is caused if the urethra becomes inflamed or injured, which makes it painful to urinate. Bacteria can also infect the urethra, causing urethral infections.

     Urethral diverticulum is a condition that causes the urethra to enlarge like a pouch, making the area surrounding it bulge out. Urethral cancer is rare cancer that affects the urethra and surrounding bladder but tends to occur in more women than men, according to UrologyChannel.com.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus, according to Medline Plus. This condition is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can cause symptoms such as burning in the throat, chest pain, trouble swallowing and a dry cough. People who struggle with obesity, diabetes and asthma appear to be at higher risk for this condition. Fortunately, many treatment options for acid reflux are available.

1. Initial Treatment Options

   • Initial treatment options are typically over-the-counter medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antacids, such as Maalox or Rolaids, can provide quick relief. Also, consider talking with your doctor about using medications, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac 75, that control stomach acid production.

     Proton pump inhibitors are another option for treating acid reflux. These medications block acid production and heal inflammation of the esophagus. Over the counter medications include Prevacid and Priolosec.

   Prescription Medications

   • When over-the-counter medications aren't working, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength medications, such as Priosec Rx, Protonix or Tagamet, which focus on reducing acids in the stomach.

     There are also prescription medications that strengthen the esophageal sphincter, which aid the stomach in emptying quicker and tighten the valve that connects the stomach to the esophagus.

   Lifestyle Changes

   • Some cases of acid reflux are controlled by simple lifestyle changes. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding "acid reflux triggers" such as fried foods, chocolate, garlic, onion and caffeinated beverages. Alcohol should also be avoided.

     Controlling weight can also reduce acid reflux. Carrying extra pounds applies pressure to the stomach, which makes it easier for acid to back up. Diet changes and exercise can help drop extra weight, the Mayo Clinic states.

     Smoking, which limits the esophageal sphincter's ability to work correctly, should also be avoided,.

   Surgical Options

   • Most cases of acid reflux and GERD are controlled through medication and lifestyle changes; however, some cases warrant surgery. Nissen fundoplication is a surgery that focuses on reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter. An EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication surgery focuses on creating a surgical barrier that prevents acid from backing up.

Stubbing your toe is a common injury, and one that's easily inflicted when you're in a domestic or otherwise everyday setting. When you stub your toe, there's a brief flash of pain, but then you tend to forget you've even done it. Stubbing a toe can lead to more long-term injury however, since a knock to the toe can damage the tendons around the toe joint or potentially even break a bone.

1. Avoid Darkened Rooms

   • When the lights are dim or off in a room, you're likely to lose track of your surroundings as your spatial awareness is reduced. Household objects as well as larger pieces of furniture are suddenly hazards just waiting for you to crash into them and cause yourself a toe-based injury. So if you're aware that you're entering a room filled with obstacles and clutter, or an unknown area, turn the light switch on or at least employ a flashlight to guide your way.

   Wear Shoes

   • Wearing shoes won't prevent you from crashing your foot into objects and walls, but it will cushion the blow somewhat, thanks to the protective layer of material between your skin and the obstacle. This means that while you might feel a stab of pain upon a particularly hard impact, the chance of breaking your skin or causing more serious damage is lower than if you walk around barefoot.

   Furniture Positioning

   • Even when you've got the lights on, you're still faced with the possibility that you'll stub your toe on an object or item of furniture that you just didn't see. After all, if a room is strewn with discarded equipment, chairs and tables, for example, you're going to have a tough job maneuvering through the furniture without an accident. So clear junk away, remove items after use and ensure that you position furniture so that you have a safe path through it all.

   Running Shoes

   • When you're wearing shoes, you're mostly protected against outside obstacles, but the shoe itself can be a threat to your toes, especially when you're running. As you run, your toes can collide with the front of the shoe, leading to bruising in some cases; this is particularly a problem when you're running down a hill. The solution to this is either to run especially slowly or, more sensibly, to buy shoes that are professionally fitted or at least half a size bigger than your foot. This gives your toes more room within the shoe. Try to keep downhill sprints to a minimum, too.