Plantar fasciitis for Vikings' Kevin Williams
Tuesday brought two important developments for Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams. In order:
1.) A foot specialist diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation on the bottom of his left foot that likely will force him to sit out the rest of the preseason. But if that's the worst of it, the Vikings should consider themselves lucky. Plantar fasciitis is no joke, but any trip to a foot specialist that doesn't end in the word "fracture" or include "Lis Franc" has to be considered a success. At this point, the injury isn't expected to keep him out of a regular season game.
2.)Many of you have been asking when and if Williams will be suspended for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances. Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the NFL and NFL Players Association are still negotiating discipline terms under the new collective bargaining agreement. One likely scenario, however, would create two tiers designed to separate punishment for use of diuretics and the use of steroids. If that happens, Williams' suspension would be for two games rather than four or six.
* Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.
Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Plantar fasciitis for Vikings' Kevin Williams
Tuesday brought two important developments for Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams. In order:
1.) A foot specialist diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation on the bottom of his left foot that likely will force him to sit out the rest of the preseason. But if that's the worst of it, the Vikings should consider themselves lucky. Plantar fasciitis is no joke, but any trip to a foot specialist that doesn't end in the word "fracture" or include "Lis Franc" has to be considered a success. At this point, the injury isn't expected to keep him out of a regular season game.
2.)Many of you have been asking when and if Williams will be suspended for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances. Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the NFL and NFL Players Association are still negotiating discipline terms under the new collective bargaining agreement. One likely scenario, however, would create two tiers designed to separate punishment for use of diuretics and the use of steroids. If that happens, Williams' suspension would be for two games rather than four or six.
* Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.
Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.
Tuesday brought two important developments for Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams. In order:
1.) A foot specialist diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation on the bottom of his left foot that likely will force him to sit out the rest of the preseason. But if that's the worst of it, the Vikings should consider themselves lucky. Plantar fasciitis is no joke, but any trip to a foot specialist that doesn't end in the word "fracture" or include "Lis Franc" has to be considered a success. At this point, the injury isn't expected to keep him out of a regular season game.
2.)Many of you have been asking when and if Williams will be suspended for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances. Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the NFL and NFL Players Association are still negotiating discipline terms under the new collective bargaining agreement. One likely scenario, however, would create two tiers designed to separate punishment for use of diuretics and the use of steroids. If that happens, Williams' suspension would be for two games rather than four or six.
* Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.
Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Keep on Your Toes: How to Wear Flip-Flops Safely
It’s an unwelcome fact that warm weather lovers don’t want to hear: your favorite pair of flip-flops is bad for your health. The health of your feet, that is.
A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that 50 percent of Americans have experienced foot pain or discomfort at some point. Improper footwear is often a chief cause of this pain, and many types of flip-flops can directly cause foot problems due to lack of support and other factors.
During the warmer months of the year, many podiatrists treat a greater number of foot problems that can be traced back to wearing flip-flops. However, people don’t have to give up wearing this type of footwear altogether. There are certain types of flip-flops that offer a superior amount of stability and support than others.
For a list of flip-flops with the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, click here.
www.apma.org
A survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that 50 percent of Americans have experienced foot pain or discomfort at some point. Improper footwear is often a chief cause of this pain, and many types of flip-flops can directly cause foot problems due to lack of support and other factors.
During the warmer months of the year, many podiatrists treat a greater number of foot problems that can be traced back to wearing flip-flops. However, people don’t have to give up wearing this type of footwear altogether. There are certain types of flip-flops that offer a superior amount of stability and support than others.
For a list of flip-flops with the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, click here.
www.apma.org
Friday, June 3, 2011
Exercise Those Toes!
Many people underestimate the importance of keeping their toes physically fit. Toes take a lot of abuse from the hours we spend on our feet each day. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends doing the following simple exercises to strengthen your toes and prevent foot discomfort.
Toe raise, toe point, toe curl:
Hold each position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. This especially recommended for people with hammertoes or toe cramps.
Toe squeeze:
Place a small, cylindrical object, such as a wine cork, between your toes and hold a squeeze for five seconds. Do this 10 times. Recommended for people with hammertoes and toe cramps.
Big toe pulls:
Place a thick rubber band around the big toes and pull them away from each other and toward the small toes. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 times. Recommended for people with bunions or toe cramps.
Toe pulls:
Put a thick rubber band around all of your toes and spread them. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. This is especially good for people with bunions, hammertoes or toe cramps
Golf ball roll:
Roll a golf ball under the ball of your foot for two minutes. This is a great massage for the bottom of the foot and is recommended for people with plantar fasciitis, arch strain, or foot cramps.
Towel curls:
Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you, using only your toes. You can increase the resistance by putting a weight on the end of the towel. Relax and repeat this exercise five times. Recommended for people with hammertoes, toe cramps, and pain in the ball of the foot.
Marble pick-up:
Place 20 marbles on the floor. Pick up one marble at a time and put it in a small bowl. Do this exercise until you have picked up all 20 marbles. Recommended for people with pain in the ball of the foot, hammertoes, and toe cramps.
Sand walking:
Take off your shoes and walk in the sand at the beach. This not only massages your feet, but also strengthens your toes and is good for general foot conditioning.
www.greatlakesfootandankle.com
Toe raise, toe point, toe curl:
Hold each position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. This especially recommended for people with hammertoes or toe cramps.
Toe squeeze:
Place a small, cylindrical object, such as a wine cork, between your toes and hold a squeeze for five seconds. Do this 10 times. Recommended for people with hammertoes and toe cramps.
Big toe pulls:
Place a thick rubber band around the big toes and pull them away from each other and toward the small toes. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 times. Recommended for people with bunions or toe cramps.
Toe pulls:
Put a thick rubber band around all of your toes and spread them. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. This is especially good for people with bunions, hammertoes or toe cramps
Golf ball roll:
Roll a golf ball under the ball of your foot for two minutes. This is a great massage for the bottom of the foot and is recommended for people with plantar fasciitis, arch strain, or foot cramps.
Towel curls:
Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you, using only your toes. You can increase the resistance by putting a weight on the end of the towel. Relax and repeat this exercise five times. Recommended for people with hammertoes, toe cramps, and pain in the ball of the foot.
Marble pick-up:
Place 20 marbles on the floor. Pick up one marble at a time and put it in a small bowl. Do this exercise until you have picked up all 20 marbles. Recommended for people with pain in the ball of the foot, hammertoes, and toe cramps.
Sand walking:
Take off your shoes and walk in the sand at the beach. This not only massages your feet, but also strengthens your toes and is good for general foot conditioning.
www.greatlakesfootandankle.com
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Soccer is hard on the feet!
Injuries to the foot and ankle can occur from running and side to side cutting, sliding or tackling, and from striking the ball or another player with the foot. Soccer players should be aware of the following risks:
· Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
· Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
· Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact, such as in slide tackling.
· Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
www.foothealthfacts.org
· Inversion ankle sprains can damage the ankle ligaments and can also be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and fractures.
· Ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures, and Lisfranc fractures can sideline athletes and sometimes require surgery.
· Contusions and bone bruises may also result from high impact, such as in slide tackling.
· Overuse and excessive training can lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis (or PTTD), and calcaneal apophysitis in children and adolescents.
www.foothealthfacts.org
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Foot Health Facts for Children
Foot Health Facts for Children
Pain in a child's foot or ankle is never normal. There is no such thing as "growing pains." Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit the child’s walking, should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
Foot problems commonly experienced by children:
Pediatric Flatfoot - Most children with flat feet have no symptoms. However, sometimes they may have trouble participating in physical activities or sports, or appear to walk or run awkwardly. Some complain of pain or cramping in their feet, legs or knees. Any pain or difficulty with a child's feet should be evaluated. More information on pediatric flatfoot is available in the Pediatric Flatfoot podcast.
Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease) - Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old, because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (physis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.
Ingrown Toenails - Tight shoes or socks, or incorrect nail trimming are the most common cause of ingrown toenails in children, although sometimes the tendency for nails to curve inward is inherited. When the nail breaks the skin, serious infections can result. Parents should never try to dig the nail out at home; treatment by a doctor is advised.
Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris) - Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts, which are caused by the human papilloma virus, the same virus that causes warts on other parts of the body, commonly occur in children and adolescents. These warts grow deep into the skin, and can make walking or standing painful.
www.foothealthfacts.org
Pain in a child's foot or ankle is never normal. There is no such thing as "growing pains." Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit the child’s walking, should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon.
Foot problems commonly experienced by children:
Pediatric Flatfoot - Most children with flat feet have no symptoms. However, sometimes they may have trouble participating in physical activities or sports, or appear to walk or run awkwardly. Some complain of pain or cramping in their feet, legs or knees. Any pain or difficulty with a child's feet should be evaluated. More information on pediatric flatfoot is available in the Pediatric Flatfoot podcast.
Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease) - Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old, because the heel bone (calcaneus) is not fully developed until at least age 14. Until then, new bone is forming at the growth plate (physis), a weak area located at the back of the heel. When there is too much repetitive stress on the growth plate, inflammation can develop.
Ingrown Toenails - Tight shoes or socks, or incorrect nail trimming are the most common cause of ingrown toenails in children, although sometimes the tendency for nails to curve inward is inherited. When the nail breaks the skin, serious infections can result. Parents should never try to dig the nail out at home; treatment by a doctor is advised.
Plantar Wart (Verruca Plantaris) - Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts, which are caused by the human papilloma virus, the same virus that causes warts on other parts of the body, commonly occur in children and adolescents. These warts grow deep into the skin, and can make walking or standing painful.
www.foothealthfacts.org
Friday, February 18, 2011
Foot Facts
Foot facts
• Each foot contains 26 bones and more than 100 ligaments
• Your feet contain more than a quarter of all the bones in your body
• The skin on your feet has more than 7,000 nerve endings
• There are more than 125,000 sweat glands on each foot, a more than anywhere else in the body
• Your feet produce an eggcup's worth of sweat each day
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/foothealth/Pages/Healthyfeet.aspx
• Each foot contains 26 bones and more than 100 ligaments
• Your feet contain more than a quarter of all the bones in your body
• The skin on your feet has more than 7,000 nerve endings
• There are more than 125,000 sweat glands on each foot, a more than anywhere else in the body
• Your feet produce an eggcup's worth of sweat each day
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/foothealth/Pages/Healthyfeet.aspx
10 Top Tips
No wonder three-quarters of adults reported having foot problems in the last five years. The good news is that looking after your feet can prevent most of these problems.
We squeeze feet into ill-fitting shoes and heels, don't always wash them and rarely pamper them.
Your feet take the weight of your whole body, so foot problems can quickly lead to discomfort and affect the way you walk. This can in turn cause knee, hip and back pain.
Investing a bit of time and thought into caring for your feet now can prevent them causing you pain later.
10 top tips
1. Don't go to bed without washing your feet. If you leave dirt on the skin's surface, it can become irritated and infected. Wash your feet every evening with soap and water.
2. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them and apply a special moisturizing foot cream (not body lotion).
3. Gently remove hard skin and calluses with a pumice stone or foot file on a regular basis.
4. Always trim your toenails straight across, never at an angle or down the edges. This can cause ingrown toenails.
5. Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Feet swell as the day goes on and if shoes fit in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest, you can be assured they will be always be comfortable.
6. If you have to wear heels at work, wear comfortable shoes to and from the office and only wear your smart shoes in the office. Also, try to vary the heel height, between low, medium and high.
7. Be shoe savvy. Wear high heels and pointed shoes for special occasions only, and always wear the right shoes for the job (so no sandals for mountain climbing).
8. Change your socks daily.
9. Wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete’s foot and verrucas when you use public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools or hotel bathrooms.
10. Don't wear flip-flops all the time in hot weather. They don't provide support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them all the time.
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/foothealth/Pages/Healthyfeet.aspx
We squeeze feet into ill-fitting shoes and heels, don't always wash them and rarely pamper them.
Your feet take the weight of your whole body, so foot problems can quickly lead to discomfort and affect the way you walk. This can in turn cause knee, hip and back pain.
Investing a bit of time and thought into caring for your feet now can prevent them causing you pain later.
10 top tips
1. Don't go to bed without washing your feet. If you leave dirt on the skin's surface, it can become irritated and infected. Wash your feet every evening with soap and water.
2. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them and apply a special moisturizing foot cream (not body lotion).
3. Gently remove hard skin and calluses with a pumice stone or foot file on a regular basis.
4. Always trim your toenails straight across, never at an angle or down the edges. This can cause ingrown toenails.
5. Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Feet swell as the day goes on and if shoes fit in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest, you can be assured they will be always be comfortable.
6. If you have to wear heels at work, wear comfortable shoes to and from the office and only wear your smart shoes in the office. Also, try to vary the heel height, between low, medium and high.
7. Be shoe savvy. Wear high heels and pointed shoes for special occasions only, and always wear the right shoes for the job (so no sandals for mountain climbing).
8. Change your socks daily.
9. Wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete’s foot and verrucas when you use public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools or hotel bathrooms.
10. Don't wear flip-flops all the time in hot weather. They don't provide support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them all the time.
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/foothealth/Pages/Healthyfeet.aspx
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