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Posts Tagged ‘Exercise’

Jeopardy! Alex Trebek Ruptures His Achilles Tendon…

Sunday, July 31st, 2011

Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek has ruptured his Achilles tendon while chasing a burglar down the hall at his San Francisco hotel. On Wednesday, July 27, Alex was using crutches before opening the final round of the National Geographic World Championship. Alex explained that a female burglar broke into his hotel room on July 26, at 2:30am while staying at the downtown Marriott when he and his wife were sleeping. Awakened by the intruder, he chased her down the hallway, but his Achilles tendon ripped, causing him to fall and bruise his other leg in the process. He is scheduled for surgery on Friday, July 29.

Rupturing or tearing of the Achilles tendon is a common condition. This typically occurs in an individual who sustains the rupture while playing sports, or perhaps from tripping. There is a vigorous contraction of the muscle and the tendon tears. The patient will often describe the sensation that someone or something has hit the back of the calf muscle. Pain is suddenly present, and although it is possible to walk, it is painful and the leg is weak. While it is possible to treat this ruptured tendon without surgery, this is never ideal since the maximum strength of the muscle and tendon never returns. Surgical correction of the ruptured tendon is necessary. The surgery is performed in order to regain the maximum strength of the Achilles, as well as the normal pushing off strength of the foot.

If you suspect you have an Achilles injury, you need to make an appointment ASAP with a podiatrist at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP, with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, New Jersey. At our office, you can receive all the care from pre operative to post operative treatment. Walking and exercise are very important after the surgery and a careful physical therapy program will be required. Having a physical therapist on site at our Howell office makes it convenient for you to receive the best care possible.

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

Tags: achilles tendon, achilles tendon tear, Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, athletes, Exercise, foot injuries, physical therapy, sports injuries, valerie gregory
Posted in Exercise, General | 1 Comment »

What is the Best Way to Train for a Half Marathon?

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

This is an excellent question and one that we get asked routinely at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, NJ.

The first thing to do is to contact your primary care physician and get a physical, and get a referral to see your podiatrist. Prior to starting any new training regimen, it is important to establish your fitness level and get your feet examined. It is important to establish your foot type and any limb length discrepancies prior to getting started. This way we are able to establish what type of shoes/brace(s) and/or orthotics you might need to help prevent injury.

I recently spoke with a friend of mine, John Reagan (brn2runcc@aol.com), who is a professional marathon runner/trainer for 15+ years. I mentioned that I personally wanted to train for a half marathon since the longest I have run recently was a 5K. The following is his guidelines for me (he learned of my fitness level and where I was at) personally. Please keep in mind that there is a difference between seeing your podiatrist and a professional marathon trainer. One will treat any foot and ankle ailments you might have prior to, during and after training as well as in the future as needed. The latter will coach/train you on how to prepare for the mental and physical (endurance, stamina, pacing) demands to accomplish your goals.

The following is the advice from my new coach on how to prepare for a half marathon:

“I would suggest your half marathon training would consist of running 4 days a week and starting with your long run of 5 miles and increasing your long run 1 mile every other week so if you give yourself 5 months (20 weeks) to train, start at 5 miles and cap your long run at 12 miles. The final month (4 weeks) consist of “tapering”, so your long run would go from 4 weeks prior to the race 12 miles; 3 weeks prior to the race 10 miles; 2 weeks prior to the race 8 miles and 1 week prior to the race 6 miles. The remaining 3 days you run a week, just focus on running distance as the most important thing is building a base and your endurance. Pick a day and run 1 mile less than your long run and the other two days running an easy 3 – 4 miles.”

This information is based off of his personal recommendation for me. For this reason, it is important to follow the guidelines above with the PCP and podiatrist, and then meet with a professional trainer. There are many variables to consider, and remember… this is a team effort. Don’t forget to subscribe to Runner’s World Magazine for more helpful tips and insights as well as getting the right pair of shoes. One shoe store I recommend locally runners is “Miles Ahead Sports” in Manasquan, NJ.

As a side note to this blog entry, there is a 5K race/walk taking place in Howell on Saturday, 6/4/11. Please visit www.TheRaceToEducate.com for more information or to register for the race.

By David Hunnicutt

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, athlete, athletes, Exercise, Exercising, howell, orthotics, proper footwear, runner, runners, running, running injury, shoes
Posted in Exercise, Footwear, shoes | No Comments »

Shin Splints Rx

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Shin splints is a general medical term for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), a slow-healing and painful condition in the shins, usually caused by exercise such as running, jumping, swimming, cycling, dancing, or other high impact sports. Fifteen percent of running injuries are shin splints. On the list of running injuries, shin pain ranks as one of the most annoying.

Specifically, the pain associated with shin splints is a result of fatigue and trauma to the muscle’s tendons where they attach themselves to the tibia. In an effort to keep the foot, ankle and lower leg stable, the muscles exert a great force on the tibia. This excessive force can result in the tendons being partially torn away from the bone.

Many cases of shin splints may be due to inappropriate footwear, or muscle imbalances in the legs where the shin muscles are not conditioned to withstand pounding on hard surfaces, such as wood floors, concrete, or hard ground. The onset of shin splints is most common after exercise, caused by high-impact training, excessive training, poor technique or biomechanical problems such as pes planus (flat feet) or pronation. Some studies have suggested that shin splints are more common in women. Standing for long periods of time and wearing high-heeled shoes may also induce shin splints. Dehydration and certain vitamin/mineral deficiencies may also contribute to the development of shin splints.

If you think you have shin splints, it is best to see a specialized foot and ankle physician to diagnose your condition, treat the injury, and give you tips on preventing the problem from returning. At Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, in Howell, we have the all tools to diagnose and treat this irritating injury. Custom orthotics will help prevent the injury from recurring.

Control the pain with this proven three-step regimen:

Step 1: As soon as you sense any shin pain mid-workout, cut back on the training or change the routine to non-impact cross training, like the elliptical machine, cycling, or swimming. Less pounding and stress equals quicker healing time. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) post workouts.

Step 2: STRETCH. Tight calf muscles can increase your chances of developing shin splints. To loosen them up: find a leather belt. Lie down on your back with your legs fully extended, and place the belt around the ball of your foot, slowly lift the leg straight up while pulling your toes to your nose and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on each leg 3 times. To stretch the shin muscles: Sit on your heels to open up the anterior compartment of the shin for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

Step 3: Reduce the wobble in your feet. Stabilizing your arches will lessen the stress on your shins. Custom orthotics will help stabilize and decrease the amount of stress on your shins whether you have flat feet or not. Get Fitted!

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKPT

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, athlete, Exercise, Exercising, howell, orthotics, runner, runners, shin splints, valerie gregory
Posted in Exercise | No Comments »

Barefoot Running: Is It For You?

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Serious runners agree that wearing the right shoe is very important. Wearing the wrong shoe can cause discomfort and even injuries. But what if wearing no shoes while running was an option? Common sense tells us that wearing shoes protect and support our feet. Believe it or not, some runners are now choosing to run without shoes. These runners believe that barefoot running provides several benefits such as reducing foot injuries, strengthening the feet, arches, and knees, and also providing the satisfying natural feeling of your feet on the ground. Do a search on the Internet and you will quickly discover that barefoot runners are very passionate about their decision to leave their shoes at home!

Barefoot running is just now becoming more popular in the United States, but Kenyan runners have competed barefoot in marathons for several years. Although Kenyan runners have had much success with barefoot running, podiatrists are not yet ready to give all patients the OK to run regularly barefoot. Even the most advanced runner in a safe environment can be the victim of an unexpected sharp rock. The benefits of barefoot running may seem tempting, but there is simply not enough research that compares the long term benefits and risks of running with and without shoes.

Barefoot running is not for everyone. For instance, diabetics and patients who experience numbness of the feet should ALWAYS wear proper shoes when running. If you want to know if barefoot running is a safe option for you, set up an appointment at the Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP. We can examine your feet and provide you with professional advice to help you make a better choice about barefoot running. The Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP has locations at Howell, Edison, and Monroe, New Jersey.

Remember, like most exercises, barefoot running is something that will require practice, so be patient and ease into the technique. Keep in mind that there are also new types of shoes such as Nike Free and Vibram Five Fingers that can give you that natural feeling without going shoeless. No matter how you feel about the subject now, barefoot running is certainly a trend to watch. With continued interest and more research, barefoot running may prove to be a safer, healthier, and cheaper alternative to running with shoes.

By Dr. Varun (Ben) Gujral

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, athletes, Dr. Varun (Ben) Gujral, edison, Exercise, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, monroe, proper footwear, runner, runners, sports injury
Posted in Footwear | No Comments »

Get Your Feet Ready for the Spring…Right Now!

Monday, February 28th, 2011

During the winter we keep our feet hidden from view and sometimes we may forget to keep them looking and feeling good. Before spring arrives, here are five things you can do now to get your feet ready for the sandal seasons.

1) Wear the right shoes and socks

Do not be fooled by a few sunny days. If it’s cold, make sure you are wearing shoes and socks that protect your feet. The wrong footwear can lead to a variety of problems such as numbness, frostbite, and chilblains (red, itchy areas on the toes that can be very painful). When it is cold, wear comfortable shoes that have good insulation and soles with good traction. If you live in snowy, wet weather, wear waterproof shoes.

2) Moisturize

In the winter we spend more time lotioning our hands, but don’t forget your feet! Very dry skin can lead to cracks. These cracks can cause little cuts on the feet that can lead to infection. Infections can be very dangerous especially for diabetics. Make sure your feet are clean and dry before applying a moisturizer. After applying moisturizer, slip on cotton socks to help keep your feet from drying out. Moisturize daily, especially after baths, to keep feet healthy.

3) Take a break from the polish

Colorful toenails are pretty, but during colder weather it’s better to leave them unpolished. Most toenail polish and toenail polish remover contain chemicals that can weaken and even damage the toenail with repeated use. The winter is the perfect time to allow your toenails to recover and get stronger before it’s time to start wearing sandals again.

4) See your podiatrist

Your feet may be hidden in boots, but very dry skin, painful bumps on your feet, heel pain, numbness, swelling, warts, or any other foot issue should not be ignored! Myself, Dr. Alison DeWaters, and our other podiatrists at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP with locations at Howell, Edison, and Monroe, NJ are trained to answer your questions and help solve your foot problems. A podiatrist can also give you advice about proper footwear and moisturizers.

5) Get healthy, stay healthy

Being obese can increase your risk of developing other diseases such as diabetes. Diabetic foot problems can make it hard to enjoy a spring getaway. Go to the gym, take a walk around the neighborhood, take the stairs instead of the elevator, just do something! Staying active during the colder seasons helps you stay flexible, gain a better balance, and strengthen foot muscles, which can decrease your chance of injury when you are exercising during the spring and summer.

Most of us still have a few weeks of cold weather ahead of us, so use this time to make sure you are ready to step into spring on the right foot.

By Dr. Alison DeWaters

Tags: Diabetes, Dr. Dewaters, Exercise, Exercising, foot pain, heel pain, howell
Posted in Seasonal Foot Care | 1 Comment »

Happy New Year to your feet!!!!

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

In this new year of 2011 many people have made resolutions and have made weight loss a priority. I know my wife is working out everyday to get ready for our cruise. Just to let you know, I have been married for 10 years and this is a long awaited trip without our children. I love my children but sometimes, mothers and wives need a break!!!! Sorry that I digressed!!!!

One of the things that occur while people engage in weight loss plans is “working out.” When people work out whether at home or at the gym, they will start without a real plan. I mean most people will jump up and pop in a DVD and start doing Zumba or cardio exercises. One thing that can occur while working out is pain in your feet. And if you follow our blogs, we at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP, with offices in Howell, NJ, Edison, NJ, and Monroe Township, NJ always state the foot pain is not normal. So, here is my not normal list:

Heel Pain-
1. Injury to the heel that will not get better after a period of rest- this can be a contusion (bruising) or a stress fracture.
2. Arch pain, which gets better after a period of rest (Heel pain syndrome).
Tendonitis
1. Arch Pain – this can a condition called Posterior Tibial Tendonitis- this should be addressed immediately…
2. Peroneal Tendonitis- pain on the outside part of the foot.
3. Achilles Tendonitis- pain in the back of the ankle.
Stress Fracture- can be severe and can occur in any part of the foot.
Athlete’s Foot: itchy and cause the feet to be painful and stinky even cheesy smelling…lol. Also, this is an infection and cause other problems such as nail fungus.
Toenail problems- dark spots in the toenails and this can be caused from ill fitting shoes. Blood can be under toenail which can cause pain and pressure. Also, constant injury to the toenail can contribute to fungus.
Shin splints- pain in your legs and this can cause you to stop working out and it can cause a feel of your legs feeling fatigued.
Pain- if you have bunion…you those big bumps on the side of the big toe joints…these can be painful. Hammertoes…..guys look at your girls’ feet…those curled up toes….these can be painful and ugly. HAMMERTIME!!!!!
Numbness….Do you have Diabetes, Vitamin deficiencies, or even Tarsal Tunnel (compression of a big nerve on the inside part of the ankle)?….Not normal…Alcoholism can cause numbness…Maybe your resolution is to stop drinking.
Ankle Sprains….Painful, bruised ankles from Zumba or running ….Get it check…this can lead to frequent ankle sprains.
Flatfeet…these can cause arch pain, bunions, hammertoes and numbness..Some people feel that they have no support…..

These are just some conditions that can occur while working out…Obviously this is not a complete list….But this is to give you an idea of some common ailments. So, while you are trying to stay true to your resolution…Remember foot pain is not normal and if you are experiencing it please call our TEAM at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP in Howell, NJ at (732)-905-1110. And if you are in the Edison, NJ area or the Monroe Township, NJ area please call (732)-662-3050!!!!!

By: Dr. Jasen Langley

Tags: 2011, achilles tendonitis, arch pain, Athlete's foot, bunion, cruise, Dr. Jasen Langley, Exercise, flatfeet, hammertoes, heel pain, numbness, pain in your feet, peroneal tendonitis, shin splints, stress fracture, toenail problems, working out, Zumba
Posted in General | No Comments »

Which Running Shoes Are Best For My Feet?

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

This weekend was the New Jersey Marathon at Pier Village in Long Branch. I saw a lot of athletes all shapes and sizes were running to compete their best. Running is a sport for many ages and anyone can run. Plus it is cheap; you don’t need equipment or a gym, all you need is a good pair of running shoes. Because of the weather being warmer and days longer, I have seen more and more people running outside. Being a Physical Therapist at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center in Howell, NJ many patients ask me, “Which running shoes are best for my feet?”

First you have to figure out the type of feet you have: flat feet, high arched feet, or neutral or normal feet. If you’re looking at your foot in a standing position, you’ll know you have flat feet if you don’t see any arch. The bottom of your foot, from your toes to your heel, is completely flat. If you do the footprint test, you won’t see an inward curve from your big toe to your heel. If you’re flat-footed, you’re most likely an overpronator, which means that your feet roll inward when you run. You will probably need a running shoe that maintains your stability. Look for the words “motion control” and “stability” on the box of running shoes you are considering. In addition to motion-control shoes, some flat-footed runners also need to wear orthotics. Orthotics or custom-made shoe inserts that correct foot issues can be made at our offices in Howell, NJ, Edison, NJ, Carteret, NJ or Monroe, NJ. We will make a custom mold of your feet and design an orthotic that best suits your needs.

If you have high arches, you’ll notice a high arch on your foot. If you do the footprint test, your print will curve inward, making the middle part of your foot look very thin. If you have high arches, you probably supinate or underpronate, which means your feet roll outwards as you run. You need to look for flexible shoes with a soft midsole that absorbs shock. When buying running shoes, look for options with the words “flexible” or “cushioned” included in their descriptions.

If you’ve examined your feet or your footprint and it doesn’t look flat-footed or high-arched, you most likely have a neutral or normal foot. Your footprint will have a noticeable curve inward, but not by more than 3/4 of an inch. This is the most common type of foot, and it’s also the least susceptible to injury provided it’s equipped with proper shoe gear. If you have normal feet, you can choose from a wide variety of running shoes, including ones made for neutral runners.

After you have examined your foot and you still cannot determine the type of feet you have, it will benefit you to be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist. We can help you determine what type of feet you have and suggest shoes that are best suited for your needs.

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

http://www.footdoctorsnj.com/physical.html

Tags: ankle, ankle pain, arch support, Exercise, Exercising, feet pain, foot, foot injuries, foot injury, foot pain, heel pain, howell, nj, orthotics, plantar fasciitis, runner, runners, running, shin splints, shoes, sports, sports injuries, sports injury
Posted in General | No Comments »

Nintendo Wii; Take Proper Precautions

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Sports injuries are extremely common from the student athlete, professional athlete and the weekend warriors, but injuries from video games? Not so much, right? Injuries from video games are now becoming something that we are seeing in the office more regularly. Now this is not what you are thinking, this is a more specific injury related to the Nintendo Wii. Do not get me wrong; this is an incredible toy and can be used for playing and also for workout routines and even physical therapy but proper precautions must be taken.

We have a Wii and the Wii fit in my home and we did set rules for playing in the house. I am sure that you have heard about the controllers going through the TV screens, so everyone must wear the wrist straps. Well just as we have rules to prevent this we also have rules to prevent injuries. When playing any of the sporting events that require movement there must be enough space and no objects in the way. With many of the games, such as tennis, requiring you to move around, it is possible to trip on an object, toy or furniture. We have treated patients for simple things such as sprains to an ankle fracture from a fall while playing Wii.

(more…)

Tags: Exercise, Exercising, foot, nintendo wii, physical therapy, sports, sports injuries
Posted in General | 2 Comments »

Athletes Beware; Tibial Stress Fractures

Monday, May 4th, 2009

As our group come to an end of a scholastic outdoor track season, there were several competitive runners who developed tibial stress fractures. These runners usually participated in the hurdles or any event that required high impact on the lower extremity. These patients have an extremely difficult time in participating in practice or in meets.

Recently a patient visited our office and stated that she had extreme pain in both legs. This was a young 15 year old female who ran daily and participated in the hurdles and relay. Her mother stated that the pain was gradual and started to increase on daily basis and worsened during track practice. Also, the mother stated that the school’s trainer said it was “shin splints” and started a taping regimen without any further recommendation for follow up.

While in the office, the examination revealed some swelling and severe pain on the shin or the anterior tibial. This pinpoint pain causes guarding. Sometimes, there can be bruising or redness. On gait analysis, the patient can produce a limp or what we call an antalgic gait.

While in the office, x-rays were taken of the both legs and no apparent fracture was noted. Sometimes, a noted line or translucency can be noted consistent with a stress fracture. Diagnostic tests such as bone scans and MRI’s are appropriate modalities and due to her age, the radiologist recommended an MRI. This test was performed and tibial stress fractures were noted on both legs. (more…)

Tags: athletes, bruising, Exercise, foot, orthotics, physical therapy, redness, runner, runners, shin splints, sports
Posted in General | 1 Comment »

Exercising with Diabetes

Friday, March 13th, 2009

If you have diabetes, consult your physician before starting or changing a fitness routine. This is especially important if you are overweight or have a history of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetic neuropathy. Your doctor may recommend a stress test to make sure it’s safe for you to exercise and to determine the intensity that’s best for you. You may also need special footwear to protect your feet. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial, but try to spend at least 30 minutes a day engaged in some physical activity. (more…)

Tags: Diabetes, Diabetic, Exercise, Exercising
Posted in General | 1 Comment »