Items filtered by date: October 2015

Wednesday, 21 October 2015 08:31

ITB Syndrome and how to Care for it

For many runners, hitting the pavement isn’t only a healthy form of exercise, it’s a passion and a way of life. However, no matter what the motivation behind the activity may be, the unfortunate fact is athletes are often prone to an onset of physical complaints, including foot problems, heel pain and other ailments.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), is one of the leading knee injuries that runners experience. It can impact activity levels and lead to disabling pain. Discovering more about this common injury and how to care for it can help keep runners on track…literally.

What is ITBS?

ITB Syndrome involves the iliotibial band, the ligament that runs from the hip to the knee, which helps to stabilize the knee and aid in joint movement. When friction of the ITB band on the side of the knee occurs, the result is inflammation and irritation. This causes sharp pain that is located on the outside of the knee. It may also include the following symptoms:

Swelling around the outside of the knee
Pain that increases with continued running or activity
Feeling the band “snap” as the knee bends and straightens
Feeling intense pains strike when knee is slightly bent
In some cases, pain and tightness at the outside of the hip

What Causes the Syndrome?

Classified as an overuse injury, ITB syndrome is caused by the repetitive bending of the knee. However, there are several different factors that can contribute to the knee pain and increase the chances a person will experience it. Common risk factors include:

  • Overpronation of the foot
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Bowed legs
  • Legs that are uneven in length or an uneven running stride
  • Wearing worn-out footwear
  • Running downhill
  • Improper training techniques: too much too soon, insufficient warm-up before activity or not enough rest in between periods of exercise

What Can Be Done For Care & Treatment?

If nothing is done to take care of ITBS, the pain can become chronic and bring activity to a halt. There are several things that can be done to alleviate the pain and prevent the problem from worsening.

Resting is perhaps the most obvious form of care. For runners, it may be one of the most difficult. Running less often and/or shorter distances should be done to allow the ITB band time to heal. However if pain continues, running should be stopped completely, and another treatment pursued. Other methods for caring for ITBS may include:

Ice – Applying ice to the area can help reduce inflammation and pain. This can be done for a length of about 15-20 minutes or until pain diminishes.
Orthotics – Visiting with a podiatrist and possibly having footwear fitted for orthotics can help to ensure proper support.
Stretches – Regularly doing side stretches that stretch the ITB band and hip muscles are helpful for treatment and preventative measures.
Roll It Out – Using a foam roller can work to stretch out the ITB band and act as a deep tissue massage. This can be done by sliding down on one’s side and putting the foam roller under the leg. Next, roll the foam from the hip to the knee using the pressure of body weight.
Strengthening Exercises – Performing lower body exercises like squats and lunges can help build up weak butt and hip muscles. These weak muscles may be contributing factors to the syndrome.

In certain cases, a doctor may recommend additional treatment options such as medication and electrotherapy. Surgery is another option, but it is only performed as a last resort.

The most important thing is that something should be done to care for ITBS in order for runners to once again tackle a path without pain. If you need to be fitted for orthotics, or have another foot issue, contact Super Foot & Ankle Care Center in Long Beach. Our experienced podiatrists and staff are dedicated to helping patients achieve proper foot health in order to get back to being active in the things they love in life.

Tuesday, 13 October 2015 08:30

Flat Feet

Flatfoot is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot has either partially or totally dropped or has never developed. While it is common in babies and small children, it can become a problem for them in adulthood if the arch never forms. For adults, the development of flat feet can be brought upon by injury, as a result of pregnancy due to increased elasticity, or obesity. Those who have health concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may also be at greater risk for developing the condition.

If you suspect that you have flat feet, it is best to consult your podiatrist. Your foot doctor will examine the suspected foot and observe how it looks while you sit and stand. He or she may take an X-ray to determine how serious the condition is. Some common signs of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward, a short Achilles tendon, and a heel that tilts outwardly while the ankle tilts inward.

Once flatfoot has been diagnosed, your podiatrist may suggest one of several treatment options. Flat feet can be rigid, in which the feet appear to have no arch even when the person is not standing; or flexible, in which the person appears to have an arch while not standing, but once standing the arch disappears. Those with flexible flatfoot may be told to reduce any activities that cause pain and to avoid extended periods of walking or standing. Another suggestion may be weight loss, as excessive weight may be placing pressure on the arches

In few cases, if the condition is severe and all other methods have been exhausted surgery may be required. This is normally avoided, however, due to a lengthy recovery time and high cost.

Monday, 05 October 2015 08:29

How to Treat Your Bunions Without Surgery

In terms of leading foot disorders, bunions certainly make the list. This common condition occurs when the big toe joint becomes misaligned and a bump forms at its base. Early on, this deformity can cause a person little to no discomfort, but in more severe cases, bunions can become very painful and interfere with normal day-to-day activities.

While advances in medical techniques have helped bunion surgery make great strides, sometimes more conservative methods can work to provide sufficient relief. These top 4 treatments won’t completely get rid of the bunions altogether, but they can work to ease the pain and prevent the situation from progressing.

Change it Up:

Often, altering your footwear choice is a great initial start for treating your bunions.This generally means avoiding irritation by wearing shoes that are roomy and wide in the toe box, rather than tight or pointed. A knowledgeable podiatrist can help you find appropriate footwear. These shoes not only will offer a better orthopedic fit, but will be better designed or made of materials like soft leather, as to prevent inflaming the bunion.

Protect it:

Moleskin pads and gel guards can work as a type of shield for the bunion, protecting it from agitation and friction. In addition to their pain-relieving qualities, these items can help to prevent the development of corns, calluses and hammertoes, which often can be a subsequent result of the condition.

Support it:

Inserts and orthotics are additional conservative treatments that can provide valuable bunion relief. By redistributing weight, they lessen the pressure that’s placed on the misaligned toe joint. There are several over the counter options available in stores, but for a more customized insert to fit your foot, your podiatrist may prescribe a specific orthotic.

Ice it:

If your bunion is agitated or inflamed, ice can alleviate the pain. Applying ice packs several times a day, for roughly 20 minutes, will work to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Discover the Best Option for Your Bunion

At times, home remedies and conservative treatments can be great avenues for bunion relief. However, as each case is unique, getting the most appropriate care is done after meeting with a podiatrist. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we view surgery as the last resort, but we also understand the benefits it can offer certain patients. Now that these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and require less downtime, bunion surgery is easier and far more convenient for patients. Whatever your individual case may be, we will carefully determine the best treatment plan to get your feet back on a healthy track. So, if you would like to discover the best option for your bunion, please schedule an appointment at our Long Beach office today.

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