Physical Therapy | Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center

Posts Tagged ‘physical therapy’

Why Do My Joints Hurt When The Weather Changes?

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

Working at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center Physical Therapy Center I have noticed an increase of complaints of pain when the pressure decreases. Patients would describe the pain as an ache or soreness in their joints. The majority of the complaints came from the patients who are recovering from surgery.

Is there a correlation with the air pressure changes and the pain we feel in our joints? Recent studies have shown the air pressure, also called barometric pressure, affects our joints and increases pain. This is particularly true for the certain population groups including the elderly, people with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, and women and children.

Barometric pressure often drops before bad weather sets in. This lower air pressure pushes less against the body, allowing tissues to expand and those expanded tissues can put pressure on the joint. Our bodies have receptors and they are sensitive to the change in pressure.

Furthermore, when people have chronic pain, sometimes nerves can become more sensitized because of injury, inflammation, scarring, or adhesions.

The nerve receptors are hypersensitive, and they just keep firing, based on what you do or not for any reason at all. But if there’s some expansion internally in other words, the body can either expand or contract based on outside pressure changes then that’s going to affect how pain is signaled.

At higher altitudes, there’s less barometric pressure and our bodies react accordingly. When there’s less pressure, we expand. For example even though plane cabins are pressurized, our feet often swell during a flight, but not while we’re seated at our desks for similar amounts of time at sea level.

Should you move to Florida or Arizona? It’s a question that I hear numerous times from my arthritis patients. People with chronic pain, if they can’t get out as much and it’s so cold all the time or rainy or snowy then they think they would like to go some place where the weather isn’t quite so dramatic. My answer to this question: your pain will travel with you, no matter where you live.

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, arthritis, foot pain, howell, Joint Pain, physical therapy, podiatrist, valerie gregory
Posted in Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Metatarsals Are Not Muscles, They are Bones…..!!!!!!!

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

I am returning from vacation and something really bothers me. I was in New York and I was staying in Harlem. I love Harlem!!!! Really good restaurants and love the shopping. I was staying at the ALOFT and one morning, I was watching Kelly and Michael Live. Shia LaBeouf was the guest and he walked out onto the set and he had on a walking boot.

Michael Strahan said, “I have worn plenty of those boots in my career. What happened?” Shia LaBeouf responded, “I injured my metatarsal muscles.” I fell off my bed!!!!! Metatarsals are not muscles. They are bones. These are the long bones of the foot which articulate with the tarsal bone on the base or proximal aspect and the head or distal aspect articulates with the small phalanges of the foot. Shia Lebeouf injured his right foot while jumping rope at the gym. He stated that he was jumping rope for a couple of hours. This type of work out can cause a stress fracture and apparently this is what happened.

Stress fractures are injuries to the any bone of the body which is caused by repetitive stress to the bone. In the foot, it is usually caused by impact on the foot. The metatarsals are commonly affected. The outer cortex of the bone fractures which is not a complete fracture. These incomplete fractures are very difficult to visualize on radiographs and bone scans are often ordered. These injuries can cause significant pain and it is usually ignored as a sprain.

If these fractures are left untreated, they can cause the bone to enter a non-healing phase and chronic pain. If diagnosed early, these fractures are treated with immobilization and limited activity. Cast immobilization is my favorite but cast boots have become the more convenient in vogue way to treat fractures. Sometimes, a bone stimulator can enhance the healing phase and lead to a more efficient healing process. Once the fracture has healed, the patient can return to activity. Sometimes physical therapy will be prescribed for strengthening and gait training. Education on shoe gear is discussed with patients and we encourage patients to get new supportive sneakers.

So, do not let foot pain go ignored after a long work out, run or walk. This can be serious and disable you. Stress fractures can be a first sign of osteoporosis and should also be addressed if diagnosed.

If you have any questions, please contact our office or myself, Dr. Langley for further discussion or consult.

by Jasen A. Langley DPM

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Jasen Langley, foot injuries, howell, physical therapy, Shia LaBeouf, toe pain
Posted in fractures | No Comments »

Physical Therapist

Thursday, December 20th, 2012

A physical therapist’s main job is to help people who have been injured or who are disabled restore physical mobility and function through exercise. A physical therapist will design a treatment program made up of exercises that are designed specifically for that injury. A physical therapist may work in a hospital, nursing home, or other facility where medical treatment is provided, and usually coordinates care with physicians, nurses, psychologists, and occupational therapists.

Patients usually come to physical therapy for defined reasons. A person who has a broken foot may require physical therapy that is part of the doctor’s treatment plan after the hard cast is removed to regain strength and mobility in the foot so the patient can walk and run again. Someone who has had a brain tumor removed may require longer term care spanning over several years in order to learn techniques for coping and building muscular strength. People who have been born with disabilities or physical handicaps may spend most of their lives in physical therapy as well. The day-to-day work of a physical therapist will necessarily depend on the needs of the patient.

At Affiliated Foot and Ankle Physical Therapy Center located in Howell, NJ we are unique in the PT world because we are specialized to treat lower extremity injuries. Many rehabilitation centers offer a “gym type” atmosphere, but at our uniquely designed lower extremity physical therapy center, we focus on providing personal one-to-one care with specific treatments and modalities designated by our doctors and physical therapists working together. Being the only physical therapist treating all the patients it is imperative to build a rapport with the patients to maximize the outcome of their treatment plan.

The education and licensing a physical therapist must receive varies by state. But most states in The United States require an undergraduate degree. And most states also mandate graduate work to at least the master’s degree level. Graduates must typically pass a licensing or certification exam to begin practicing and seeing patients. Most colleges are now certified doctorate in physical therapy programs which require one more year than a master’s degree.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

HIGH SCHOOL (4 years)
COLLEGE (undergraduate degree 4 years) – Bachelor’s of Science

GRADUATESCHOOL(2-3 years) – Master of Science in Physical Therapy or Doctorate in Physical Therapy

By Valerie Gregory MSPT, CKTP

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, Exercise, foot injury, howell, physical therapy, rehabilitation, valerie gregory
Posted in Physical Therapy | No Comments »

THE NEW TREND: COMPRESSION SOCKS

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

You might have noticed the extremely long compression socks that are seemingly popping up everywhere. Compression socks are not just for the elderly or diabetic population. It seems like in the last year the idea of wearing compression socks when running or after running has taken off. I highly recommend compression socks for all of my patients who have been battling edema or circulation problems. It is critical for patients to wear compression socks to help decrease edema around the ankle after surgery.

Even though I do not have circulation problems, I wear them to prevent muscle fatigue. They also help to keep my tootsies warm in the cold winter months. I’ve wanted to do a blog on compression socks for a while, because they seem like the new “fad”. Since the “fad” I wanted to try compression socks while running. Sigvaris sent me a nice pair of compression socks to test out for exercising. And I have to say, I love them, despite the hot sweaty legs I get while wearing the socks. But the benefits out way the sweat.

Why do they help? The compression of the lower leg increases the blood flow. Partially due to gravity, blood can tend to pool in the lower legs. This can occur both during exercise or when at rest. Compression socks became popular in clinical use to prevent such things as deep vein thrombosis. They were initially used for people who were bed ridden or had forced inactivity, and then latter branched out to being prescribed for people who had to sit for long periods of time, such as on airplane or long car rides.

In terms of improving performance during exercise, the idea is that if increased venous blood flow can occur, more by-products that are transported by the blood can be flushed out and cleared better. If these products that can cause fatigue are released quicker, then performance improves. In terms of recovery after a race, the idea is similar. If we can increase venous blood return, you’re going to get back to homeostasis much quicker.

Would I wear compression socks to improve my performance? No! They are not going to make me run faster, but they may make me run longer, helping to prevent my leg muscles from fatiguing sooner than normal. I use compression socks as a tool that is similar to ice baths. They don’t need to be worn every day, but you should wear them during and after your killer workouts as an aide to recovering quicker.

THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS FOR RUNNERS OR NON-RUNNERS:

~ Improve circulation

~ Improve healing

~ Warmth in the lower legs and feet

~ Decrease muscle soreness

~ Decrease edema

~ Prevent deep vein thrombosis

~ Improve muscle recovery

If you think compression socks could benefit your body, visit our office at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, LLP in Howell. Remember compression socks are a tool that can be used for anyone who has legs.

Valerie Gregory, MSTP, CKTP

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, deep vein thrombosis, edema, leg muscles, muscle fatigue, physical therapy, podiatrist, valerie gregory
Posted in Circulation | No Comments »

Sprains, Strains and Shin Splints in the Young Athlete…

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

You can’t prevent every bump, scrape, and bruise during childhood. But you can help reduce your child’s risk for sports injuries such as strains, sprains, and shin splints.

Make sure your young athlete warms up properly before any game or practice and cools down after. Most children rush to get off the court or field after an athletic event, but this time is imperative for your child to cool down and stretch. Many injuries can be prevented if the time was taken to keep the body healthy. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and staying in shape can also keep growing bones, joints, and muscles safe.

When injury does strike, use this guide to know what to do. Fast treatment helps children return to the activities they enjoy.

Sprains

Mechanism of Injury: Your child falls, twists, or gets hit on the knee, wrist, elbow, or ankle.

Symptoms: He or she may feel a pop or tear when the sprain, an injury to the ligament that connects and stabilizes joints, occurs. Pain, swelling, and bruising often develop afterward.

Immediate Response: Use the RICE method – Rest, Ice, Compression with an elastic bandage, and Elevation.

Signs to beware: If the swelling and pain are intense, if the joint is locked or unstable, or if your child can’t bear weight, take your child to the Emergency Department.

Strains

Mechanism of Injury: Your child twists, pulls, or overstresses a muscle, such as when throwing a pitch or kicking a soccer ball.

Symptoms: Strains are stretches or tears in muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones. They cause pain, limited motion, swelling, cramping, and muscle weakness.

Immediate Response: Reduce swelling and pain with ice and rest.

Signs to beware: If your child has pain in the neck or back, if numbness or weakness runs down an arm or leg, or if there are changes in skin color, see a doctor.

Shin Splints

Mechanism of Injury: Your young runner or dancer repeatedly stresses his or her legs by increasing the time spent training.

Signs: Shin splints occur when muscles, tendons, or the thin layer or tissue covering the shinbone become swollen and inflamed over time. Pain strikes the front, lower leg.

Immediate Response: Encourage two to four weeks of rest, followed by a gradual return to activity.

Signs to beware: If your child’s pain doesn’t subside after some time off, call a doctor. This could be a sign of stress fracture, a small crack in the bone that often requires crutches to heal.

* If there is any concern with any the above symptoms please feel free to contact one of our 3 offices which are located in Howell, Edison and Monroe, NJ. We carry the newest diagnostic and treatment technology for all your foot and ankle injuries.

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, howell, pediatrics, physical therapy, shin splints, sports injury, sprain, strain, valerie gregory
Posted in Exercise, Pediatric Foot Pain, Sports Injury | 1 Comment »

Immediate Treatment for a Fracture of the Foot and/or Ankle is Important for Proper Healing

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

When a fracture occurs in the foot and ankle, it is important to see a physician immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is imperative to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to regain complete function of the injury. Recovery times vary depending on the type of fracture. A minor bone break may take a few weeks to heal, while a serious break in a bone may require months to as much as a year to heal.

New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte fractured his left ankle on June 27, 2012 and will miss at least six weeks. The 40-year-old Pettitte was hit on the ankle by a line drive in the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees said Pettitte would heal without needing surgery.

Foot or ankle fractures should always be treated as well as the patient following up with a doctor to make sure that no other problems exist such as displacement of bone or dislocations. Fractures that do not require surgery can be immobilized for several weeks and then patients can be sent to physical therapy to strengthen and regain proper mobility and function. If the fracture requires surgery, the patient must rest and perform non-weight bearing activities for six to eight weeks after the surgery is performed.

If you have any questions or might be having foot or ankle issues, please feel free to contact one of our 3 offices which are located in Howell, Edison and Monroe, NJ. We have an onsite digital X-ray machine to diagnose all fractures of the foot and ankle.

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

Tags: andy pettitte, broken ankle, broken foot, edison, fracture, howell, new york yankees, physical therapy, sprain
Posted in Fractures and Sprains, Sports Injury | No Comments »

Yoga MEETS Physical Therapy

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Many people start yoga because of an injury. But the average yoga teacher doesn’t have much background in advanced anatomy, or the time to address individual problems in a packed power yoga class. Being a physical therapist and having injuries of my own I have educated and treated myself with the help of yoga. Yoga has made me realize that it is therapeutic as well as a preventative science. This science is the best-kept secret in the dynamic field of the physical therapy.

An emerging field in America, yoga therapy hovers between a doctor’s visit and a stretching class. Yoga therapists work in small groups or private sessions, addressing specific health problems and adapting poses accordingly. A steady stream of interest has become a flood: According to the trade group International Association of Yoga Therapists, membership has more than tripled in the last three years, and the number of schools offering training has doubled over the past two years.

Yoga therapy advocates believe that since yoga is a holistic discipline — teaching that the mind, body, and spirit are connected — yoga therapy can go beyond the results that are possible with physical therapy.

“Yoga therapy is very much about the whole person,” says Janice Gates, president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and author of “Yogini.” “It is complementary to physical therapy, but we take into account that back pain may be related to an emotional element, or it may be from lifestyle, some pattern that is not serving them, physical movement patterns or other patterns.”

Treating lower extremity injuries at Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center located in Howell New Jersey, I have seen a number of gait and posture abnormalities that I have addressed with yoga techniques. There are many benefits to yoga, and anyone at any age can practice yoga. Because of the wonders yoga has benefited me, I have been expanding my knowledge and incorporating the poses and pranayama’s in my practice. Pranayama also known as breath control, are exercises that increase blood oxygenation, and can produce calming or energizing/alerting effects. Who could benefit from that? Any individual that has lungs!

By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

References:

www.iayt.org

www.yogaallaince.org

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, howell, janice gates, physical therapy, stretching, valerie gregory, yoga
Posted in Exercise, Physical Therapy | 1 Comment »

Reebok Agrees To $25M Settlement in Refunds for ‘Toning Shoes’

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Many patients have asked me, “Will these shoes strengthen my legs?” My reply, “It is the person who wears them, not the shoe.” Everyone is always looking for the easiest way to get stronger or burn more calories buy using the least amount of effort. Reebok International Ltd. came to an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission over what the government said were “over-hyped advertising claims” by Reebok that a pair of its specialty shoes could tone leg and butt muscles better than regular shoes.

One TV commercial claimed that Reebok’s EasyTone shoes tone your butt up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers, just by walking. Not so, said the FTC and it announced that it reached a $25 million settlement with Reebok. That money will provide refunds to consumers who bought Reebok toning shoes or toning apparel. The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science.

shoes retail for $80 to $100 a pair. The Los Angeles Times reports that the FTC investigation found that Reebok could not back up the claims it made in its advertisements.

In a statement, however, Reebok stood by its shoes, saying “Settling [with the FTC] does not mean we agreed with the FTC’s allegations; we do not.” Reebok added: We fully stand behind our EasyTone technology – the first shoe in the toning category inspired by balance-ball training. We have received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from thousands of EasyTone customers, and we remain committed to the continued development of our EasyTone line of products. Our customers are our number one priority, and we will continue to deliver products that they trust and love.

But, as part of the settlement, Reebok can no longer make claims that toning shoes and toning apparel are “effective in strengthening muscles” and result in a certain percent of more toning unless “the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence.”

Working as a Physical Therapist, specializing in foot and ankle rehabilitation, on a daily basis I recommend shoes to my patients. I will always stand by my Asics and New Balance running shoes.

These “toning” shoes are not a magic pill; it is the walking that will make a difference in your life, not the shoe. If you have questions about proper shoes please visit our website at www.footdoctorsnj.com. So, we guess this means it’s back to the Stair Master!

By: Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP

Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, EasyTone technology, howell, physical therapy, reebok, shoes, toning shoes, valerie gregory
Posted in Exercise, Footwear, shoes | No Comments »

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 »

Discussing Ankle Sprains with our Specialized Lower Extremity Physical Therapist, Valerie Gregory, MSPT

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. The ankle sprain is the most common athletic injury. Nearly 85% of ankle sprains occur on the outside of ankle joints, making ankle sprains on the inside ligaments less common. Many sprains occur when participating in sports, or by twisting the ankle when walking on an uneven surface. Some individuals, due to their bone structure or foot type, are more prone to ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains are classified by “types” and range from mild to moderate to severe. Classifying ankle sprains helps the podiatric physicians diagnose the specific structures involved in the injury in addition to helping determine appropriate treatment plans. Type I ankle sprain, the least severe, occurs when ligament fibers have been stretched or slightly torn. Type II sprain occurs when some of these fibers or ligaments are completely torn. Type III, the most severe, occurs when the entire ligament is torn and there is significant instability of the ankle joint. Fractures of the ankle bone or outside the foot bone may be present. Fractures require immediate diagnosis and attention for appropriate treatment. (more…)

Tags: ankle pain, ankle sprain, athlete, foot pain, physical therapy, sports injury, torn ligaments
Posted in General | 6 Comments »

Posts Tagged ‘physical therapy’

Why Do My Joints Hurt When The Weather Changes?

Metatarsals Are Not Muscles, They are Bones…..!!!!!!!

Physical Therapist

THE NEW TREND: COMPRESSION SOCKS

Sprains, Strains and Shin Splints in the Young Athlete…

Immediate Treatment for a Fracture of the Foot and/or Ankle is Important for Proper Healing

Yoga MEETS Physical Therapy

Reebok Agrees To $25M Settlement in Refunds for ‘Toning Shoes’

Jeopardy! Alex Trebek Ruptures His Achilles Tendon…

Discussing Ankle Sprains with our Specialized Lower Extremity Physical Therapist, Valerie Gregory, MSPT

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