ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - December 28, 2009) - Are you one of the millions of Americans who
will resolve to exercise more in the New Year? If so, take advice from the
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and take it slowly. Too
much activity too quickly can cause a multitude of foot and ankle problems
including stress fractures, ruptured tendons, or plantar fasciitis.
According to the AOFAS, stress fractures happen with a sudden increase in
physical activity. Stress fractures appear as tiny cracks in the bone
surface and frequently occur in the bones of the forefoot that extend from
the toes to the middle of the foot. Pain is the typical symptom of a
stress fracture; it may be sudden or it may gradually increase over several
days. Swelling of the foot and lower leg may also occur. Treatment
includes modification of physical activity and use of a stiff-soled shoe
for several weeks. Immobilization in a cast or use of crutches may also be
required.
Keith L. Wapner, MD, clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at
Pennsylvania Hospital and President-Elect of the AOFAS, sees many patients
with overuse injuries and he offers the following advice, "Plantar
fasciitis, tendonitis and stress fractures are the most common overuse
injuries. These can be avoided by remembering to include a stretching
protocol prior to your workout and following the 'rule of tens' by not
increasing your exercise amount by more than ten percent per week."
Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) is another common overuse
injury. Achilles tendonitis may occur when rapidly increasing running
mileage or speed, starting up too quickly after a layoff, or when adding
hill running or stair climbing to a training routine. Symptoms of Achilles
tendonitis include: mild pain after exercise that gradually worsens; a
noticeable sense of sluggishness in the leg; episodes of diffuse or
localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or after
exercise; morning tenderness above the point where the Achilles tendon is
attached to the heel; and stiffness and swelling or pain in the back of the
heel where the tendon attaches to the bone. Treatment for Achilles
tendonitis includes rest, which may require withdrawal from exercise for a
week, or simply switching to a different type of exercise such as swimming,
that does not stress the Achilles tendon; and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medication. Devices used to help support the muscle and
relieve stress on the tendon, such as a heel pad or shoe insert, may also
be used.
Another overuse injury is plantar fasciitis, a painful injury affecting the
sole of the foot; it typically starts gradually with mild heel pain. The
pain classically occurs with the first step in the morning. Treatment
options include stretching exercises and modifying activities until the
initial inflammation goes away. Ice application to the sore area for 20
minutes three or four times a day may also relieve symptoms. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed.
The best way to avoid these foot and ankle injuries is to know your limits
and to follow a sensible program when exercising. Preventative measures
include:
-- Select the proper footwear for the specific type of exercise
-- Start out slowly when beginning an exercise program following a
layoff period
-- Walk and stretch to warm up gradually before running or walking
-- Focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles in the calf
-- Increase running or walking distance and speed gradually, in
increments no greater than 10% per week
-- Avoid unaccustomed strenuous sprinting
-- Take the time to cool down properly after exercise
By adhering to these simple measures you may avoid painful overuse ankle
injuries and achieve success with your New Year's resolution. For more
information on overuse injuries as well as resources on foot and ankle care
go to the AOFAS website
www.aofas.org. The site also features a surgeon
referral service that makes it easy for patients to find a local
orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care.
About the AOFAS
The AOFAS promotes quality, ethical and cost-effective patient care through
education, research and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other health
care providers. It creates public awareness for the prevention and
treatment of foot and ankle disorders, provides leadership, and serves as a
resource for government, industry and the national and international health
care community.
About Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who
specialize in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients with disorders
of the musculoskeletal system of the foot and ankle. This includes the
bones, joints, ligaments, muscles tendons, nerves, and skin. Orthopaedic
foot and ankle surgeons use medical, physical, and rehabilitative methods
as well as surgery to treat patients of all ages. They perform
reconstructive procedures, treat sports injuries, and manage and treat
trauma of the foot and ankle.
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons work with physicians of many other
specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, vascular surgery,
endocrinology, radiology, anesthesiology, and others. Medical school
curriculum and post-graduate training provides the solid clinical
background necessary to recognize medical problems, admit patients to a
hospital when necessary, and contribute significantly to the coordination
of care appropriate for each patient.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/aofas91228/index.html
Contact Information: Contact:
Peggy Reilly
(847-384-4379)