For people who have arthritis, the constant pain and stiffness can sometimes lead the body to be in a state of stress or what we refer to as “inflammation.” In such cases, different types of food may upset the inflammation. Therefore, taking medication can often help as can restricting (or eliminating) different types of food.
Pain management can be categorized as simple or complex – depending on the cause of the pain. A good example of less complex pain would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc (with some pain radiating down the outside of one’s leg). This pain can be alleviated with a steroid injection, physical therapy, or both.
When the entire sole of the foot is in contact (or close too) with the ground while standing, it’s considered a flat foot. The result is little to no arch to the foot. Flatfoot is a common disorder, and there are types and stages that vary in degree of symptoms and disability. Flatfeet are also referred to as pes planus, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and fallen arches.
It’s hard to believe that improving core strength can actually improve ankle function. Many people are unaware of the correlation between core strength, specifically the gluteals, and ankle function and strength, and physically active people are more likely to suffer from an ankle injury than any other injury.
Your ankles can endure a significant amount of impact during a soccer game, short, sharp turns on a dime with and without a soccer ball are common, particularly when you reach an elite level. Ankle injuries are common in soccer players, and though you can’t directly make your ankle stronger, you can strengthen the muscles near your joints for more stability. There also are steps you can take before a game of soccer to protect your ankles during the game. Also, if you twist or injure your ankle, stop playing immediately. Even if the pain subsides after a few minutes, a twisted, sprained, or compromised ankle joint requires rest to fully recover.
Everybody loves Baseball season, especially when the STL Cardinals are crushing it! While baseball is a passion for many athletes, it is important to make sure that you are training in the best way possible to avoid any injuries that could potentially occur. As an ex-member of the STL Cardinals, Dr. Bagwe has seen his fair share of lower extremity injuries in the sport of baseball, and one firm recommendation is – keep active, and exercise important muscles that contribute to strength and core stability.
Achilles tendon repair reconnects the ends of the broken tendon so that you can use your foot again in a normal way. You may have had one of two types of surgery. In open surgery, a surgeon makes an incision at the back of your leg. In percutaneous (say “per-kyoo-TAY-nee-us”) surgery, the surgeon utilizes several smaller cuts. Tools for fixing the tendon are inserted through the cuts.
On top of being pinned, pushed, and beaten around the ice (and the impacts of such), it’s important to understand that the hockey stride itself puts players in a position that can result in a variety of imbalances including; tight hips, and rounded back and shoulders. Players then compound the effects of this position with the insane practice schedules and over a 60+ game schedule (Junior and Pro players) or an absolutely insane 80-120 + (minors).
You’ve probably heard of Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) – an extremely common and often painful overuse injury among runners and athletes. ITBS occurs when the iliotibial band (the ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin) becomes tight or inflamed. The IT band attaches to the knee and helps stabilize and move the joint. When the IT band isn’t working properly, movement of the knee (and, therefore, running) becomes painful. IT band pain can be so painful that it can completely sideline an athlete for weeks, sometimes longer.
A complete ankle replacement, or ankle arthroplasty, is performed when the tissues and structures of one’s ankle joint are damaged beyond natural repair. During surgery, one’s bone surfaces and other tissues are removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
