HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
GETTING BACK ON YOUR FEET Who among us hasn’t run through the park when suddenly we find an uneven patch in the grass and wind up on the ground, clutching a foot or an ankle? That all-too-familiar pain is often referred to as a sprain or strain, depending on what structure was injured (tendon or ligament). But what is the difference between the two conditions, and what can help it heal? Most importantly, how do you keep from re-spraining your foot or ankle on every uneven surface you run across? Types of Foot or Ankle Pain Foot and ankle pain can come from a variety of sources.
• Plantar Fasciitis - On the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes is a thick band of connective tissue called your plantar fascia. Usually, this tissue acts like a shock absorber when you walk, run or jump. If the plantar fascia has too much tension on it, small tears begin to appear causing inflammation. This inflammation sends sharp, stabbing pains through your heel with every step, especially first thing in the morning. This condition, called plantar fasciitis, is common in runners, people who are obese or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet while wearing non-supportive shoes. Causes of Foot or Ankle Pain Whether you trip, fall, step in an unexpected hole, or twist your foot or ankle “wrong”, foot or ankle pain from a sprain or a strain is often the result of an injury or event. Plantar Fasciitis, on the other hand, tends to be an overuse injury, or a condition that happens gradually over time. However, foot or ankle pain is often the result of an underlying weakness in the muscles of the foot or leg, not just the result of an incident or accident. People who sprain or strain the ligaments, tendons or muscles in their feet or ankles often find that they are continuously re-injuring that part of their body. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. Call (316) 283-7187 today to speak with a physical therapist or to schedule your free consultation.
• Foot or Ankle Sprain - A sprain happens when the ligament, the tissue that connects one bone to another, is stretched or torn. A sprain can also happen when there is damage to a joint capsule, the part of the ankle or foot that adds stability to the joint. Symptoms of sprains include pain, inflammation, muscle spasm or sometimes an inability to move your foot or ankle. • Foot or Ankle Strain - Wait. There’s a difference between a sprain or strain? Absolutely. While sprains happen when there is damage to a ligament, strains happen when there is damage to the muscle or the tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Strains usually happen when the muscle suddenly contracts while it is stretched, like when you run or jump. The symptoms of strains are similar to those associated with sprains, making them difficult to tell apart without doing an MRI or ultrasound.
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