The heel is the workhorse of the foot--and on a certain level of the whole body. It’s tough and takes a lot of impact from everyday activities like walking and work tasks along with sports and other higher impact activities. But the heel also has a delicate side. Because it sees so much action, when it gets damaged (either by injury or overuse) it can cause a lot of pain. Here are some of the … [Read more...]
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
When we see a patient in their 30s with an unexplained lump on their wrist, one diagnosis initially comes to mind: ganglion cyst. And while a lump tends to make us think of cancer, the good news is a ganglion cyst is benign. It’s a non-cancerous lump that usually appears around the wrist joint but can also show up on the ankles or feet. Ganglion cysts often go away on their own, but your … [Read more...]
What Is Compartment Syndrome?
You fracture your lower leg in an accident and while recovering, you experience pain, tightness and numbness in the calf. Guess what? It’s time to go back to the emergency room. You may have a condition called Compartment Syndrome. What Is Compartment Syndrome? Compartment Syndrome happens when a grouping of muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the leg or arm (known as a compartment) are put … [Read more...]
Is Barefoot Running Better?
Barefoot running has become one of the biggest sports trends in the last decade. Its fans, including some physicians, promote it as a more natural way to run. It’s been the subject of books, studies and plenty of debate. But is it really better? We’ll take a look at why barefoot running is a thing and explore some of the benefits as well as potential problems and why talking to your orthopaedist … [Read more...]
What is a Stress Fracture?
Sports are a terrific source of joy and stress relief, and they’re just as important for adults as they are for young people. They keep us fit and have tremendous benefits for our mental and physical health. But there are some dangers to navigate, especially as we get older. Stress fractures are one of the things that can sideline us as we look to stay healthy and active. A stress fracture, … [Read more...]
How Can I Prevent or Treat Golf Related Injuries?
Tiger Woods is back in the news, and golf in the U.S. is bigger than ever. After a historic boom in the early 2000s, golf continues to grow in popularity, with much of that growth in the over-65 set, according to the National Golf Foundation. What some of us don’t know is that golf is far more physically demanding than non-players realize. Think about Tiger, who, now in his early 40s, has had … [Read more...]
What is Tendonitis?
Spring is in the air, and If you’re like many of our clients, you just might be picking up a tennis racquet or golf club for the first time since fall. We’re all excited to get back into the swing of our favorite outdoor activities, but we might overdo it just a little. In the physical therapy world, spring is tendonitis season as that enthusiasm sometimes translates into overuse and injury. What … [Read more...]
What Are These Bumps on My Palm? Symptom of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Bumps and bruises are part of life. But some bumps may signal a problem. If you’ve noticed hard bumps under the skin on the palm of your hand, it’s time to get them checked out. They could be a symptom of Dupuytren's (pronounced (du-pwe-TRANZ) contracture. What is Dupuytren's Contracture? This condition impacts a layer of tissue under the skin of your palm, called fascia. This tissue … [Read more...]
How Physical Therapy Can Help Bladder Control Issues
An estimated 13 million Americans suffer from bladder control issues, also known as urinary incontinence, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment ranges from medication to surgery, which can sometimes feel daunting. That’s why some people are turning to physical therapy to find relief – and it’s working. What Is Urinary Incontinence? Urinary … [Read more...]
How Can I Speed Up Healing a Broken Bone?
Most of us have broken or will break a bone somewhere along the line. We all know that a broken bone can hold you up and slow you down. There’s nothing more frustrating than a lengthy healing process as we long to get back to our daily routines and favorite activities. Making sure the bone heals safely and properly is job number one for your orthopaedist. However, there are some steps you can take … [Read more...]