Winter Sports Are Fun-But BEWARE

Southern California is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts of all kind. This time of year skiers and snowboarders head to the mountains to test their skills. Just as in any other sport, sometimes overuse leads to feet and ankle injuries. It may be a simple sprain or more complicated fracture or dislocation. With any injury it’s wise to get diagnosed and treated quickly, but because many of these injuries occur on trips, people put off treatment until they get home. Not a good idea. An untreated ankle sprain could lead chronic instability. If it’s a fracture, you don’t want the bones to start healing until they are aligned properly. A stretched tendon or an injured joint demand the same kind of quick medical attention.

Tips:

1. Make sure skates, ski boots or snowboard boots fit properly. Lace up skates tightly enough to give your ankle proper support.
2. If you haven’t engaged in these activities since last winter, start conditioning two weeks ahead of time doing specific exercises to condition the muscles used in that sport.

Yoga Toes - Product Tip

I have been asked by a few ladies about Yoga Toes. I do recommend them. You should wear them for one hour. They stretch the ligaments and small muscles of your feet. They are good to wear after being in high heels. I also recommend after wearing them to balance on one foot at a time with your toes spread. Try to have your big toe spread and balance for 30 -60 seconds. These exercises help align your toes especially if you are beginning to get bunions and hammertoes. http://www.yogapro.com/ts/toestretcher.html

Mid -Year Check-up for Kids’ Feet

Did you know that children’s feet can grow two sizes in as little as six months. ? With that in mind, realize that those brand spanking new shoes purchased in September may actually be too small for your child today ! Check for blisters, calluses on toes and back of the heels. Plus, always check the shoes for general wear and tear as shoes lose their absorption over time. When sizing a shoe for your child shoot for about a finger’s width of space between your child’s big toe and the front of the shoe. Don’t buy shoes that are too big because this will cause the foot to slide and jam the toes. Children’s feet are still forming so be extra diligent in their maintenance.

Be Aware of Injuries-Early

So we’re a month into 2009 and determined people are sticking with their NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION to get in shape. Sometimes during a workout a sharp pain may shoot through your heel or your feet become tender, numb or painful. Obviously, many people are reluctant to slow down after getting off to such a good start so here are a few tips. If the stabbing pain is in your heel, especially when your first get out of bed in the morning, you probably are suffering from plantar fasciitiis . To prevent this, wear athletic shoes that support the arch and cushion the heel or try orthotics. If the pain is in the ball of your foot or tingling the third and fourth toes you may have neuroma, which is a pinched nerve. This often occurs when people wear shoes that are too tight. Get your feet measured and wear the proper size in both athletic and everyday footwear. A third common injury is achilles tendonitis. This can happen when people don’t warm up properly or try to do too much without allowing the body to adapt to the increased workload. For achilles tendonitis use Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (R. I. C. E ) . If they pain from any of the injuries continues for more than five days, please call our office to make an appointment. The earlier the treatment the better chance of a quick and full recovery.

One of the Many “JOYS” of Pregnancy

There is no such thing as an “easy” pregnancy. It’s nine months where your body is undergoing so many changes that you can’t keep up. In the later stages when the fetus is getting larger, your feet can become just swollen and painful. Please link onto another terrific article, which can help you deal with those “aching feet”... http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/feet/index.php

Toenail Fungus Breakthrough

One of the most frequent and stubborn ailments I treat is toenail fungus. There are countless reasons why and how this problem develops. The good news is that it’s curable and there are new treatment options being introduced regularly. Please link onto one of the best articles I’ve come across recently for an excellent overview. http://www.medicinenet.com/fungal_nails/page4.htm.
Please contact me with any additional questions.