National Foot Health Awareness Month!

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, making this a good time to review some of the common ailments that affect the foot, and how physical therapy can help.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Pain can be significant (often worse in the morning) and can last for months. Physical therapy can identify muscle imbalances and other contributing factors. Manual therapy (including ASTYM) can restore normal movement of joints and soft tissues, and healthy movement patterns can be maintained through exercise and balance activities.

ANKLE SPRAINS

The American College of Sports Medicine estimates that 25,000 Americans suffer from an ankle sprain every day and studies have shown that 40% of ankle sprains are misdiagnosed or poorly treated, leading to chronic pain and disability. Physical therapy can improve ankle motion, strength, balance and proprioception to improve function and prevent recurrence of injury.

FRACTURES

Ankle fractures account for 9% of all fractures. Initially, these are treated with casting and/or surgery. Physical therapy can help restore range of motion, strength and return to full function.

TENDONITIS

There are many tendons in the foot and ankle, any of which can become painful from overuse. Physical therapy can reduce pain, identify and treat muscle imbalances, improve motion and strength and restore normal function.

SURGICAL CONDITIONS

Bunions, Achillies tendon ruptures and ankle fusions are just a few of the conditions that may be treated with surgery. Post-operative physical therapy helps to restore full movement, strength and maximize function.

Remember to take care of your feet so they can take care of you!

Click on the links below for more info and resources on foot health:

PLANTAR FASCIITIS  ::  DOWNLOAD STRETCHING ROUTINE

ACHILLES TENDONITIS  ::  DOWNLOAD STRETCHING ROUTINE

HOW TO PREVENT ANKLE INJURIES  ::  ANKLE SPRAIN AFTER CARE

ANKLE / FOOT

Play Ball!

It’s time for baseball and softball season again, which unfortunately, brings with it the possibility of injuries. Shoulder and elbow injuries (usually from throwing) are prevalent, as are ankle injuries (usually from sliding awkwardly). Knee, hip and spine injuries are also common. Follow these tips with your kids to maximize their chance of a healthy season:

• Warm-up properly using dynamic exercises

• Teach them proper throwing mechanics

• Limit pitch counts for pitchers as appropriate for their age

• Have them practice sliding in practice (away from bases) to improve their coordination and confidence

Click on the links below for more info and resources on foot health:

BASEBALL PITCH COUNT RECOMMENDATIONS  ::  DOWNLOAD PDF

GENERAL DYNAMIC BASEBALL WARM-UP  ::  DOWNLOAD PDF

Help us Raise $ for the Cayden James Network!

Many of you are familiar with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which supports research for Muscular Dystrophy. Unfortunately, many who suffer this disease have transportation and mobility needs which are not funded by the MDA. This is where the Cayden James Network (CJN) comes in. Founded by Sandy Garcia (one of our patients) in honor of her nephew Cayden James, CJN provides chairs, scooters, ramps and vehicle modifications.

• Go to: www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards

• Search for the Cayden James Network by name or by non-profit number 80391

• Link your rewards account to the Cayden James Network

That’s it! You still earn your usual rewards, fuel points and rebates just as you do today, and Fred Meyer will make a donation to CJN every time you shop there.

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