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 (ligament or tendon). 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?
NEWSLETTER The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
NANCY K. IMBEAU, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS Getting To Know The ProMotion Rehab &Sports Medicine Staff!
“Summer can be a busy time of year for many of us, but fall is often where our lives really kick back into gear. With return to school schedules, getting ready for fall sports, a sometimes- intense football season for those superfans out there, and the holidays being just around the corner, we often forget that summer actually lasts into late September. As we head into our new schedules for the fall, September is a great month to remind ourselves of the remnants of summer that still remain. With these, we should all try to take a pause (or a few) where we can, and enjoy that easy-living summertime mindset for a while longer. To cap off our summer, my husband and I will be making our annual trip north to Ontario for some R&R together. We’ve taken a couple of other wonderful trips this summer, but all have been enjoyed with other family or friends. We try to make it a point every year to book some time for just the two of us, away from other distractions in life, so that we can reconnect with each other and have some time to “get off the grid”. I often find that reconnecting with the people in my life and our surrounding environment, especially the outdoors, is like a system re-set for me. It provides clarity and needed time away from screens and external distractions. So, remember, as you get back into your “daily grind” these next fewmonths, to be mindful and observant of opportunities that may allow you to find that system re-set for yourself in a time of year that can often feel very overwhelming.
Be present in your day-to-day, with family, with friends, with colleagues, with strangers and with your surroundings, whatever those may be. In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Nancy has her BS in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical background is in sports medicine and general orthopedics, with specialty practice in dance and performing arts medicine. She is also a post-graduate Orthopedic Certified Specialist and Certified ManualTherapist. In her free time, Nancy enjoys yoga, dancing, being on the water, traveling, photography, cheering on the Gamecocks, and spending time with her family, friends, and two large fur-children, Pita and Sofia.
NEWSLETTER The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
FREE YOURSELF FROM FOOT & ANKLE PAIN
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 structurewas injured(ligamentortendon).Butwhat isthedifferencebetweenthe twoconditions,andwhatcanhelp itheal?Most importantly,howdoyoukeepfrom re-spraining your foot or ankle on every uneven surface you run across? Types of Foot or Ankle Pain: • 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 happenwhenthere isdamagetothemuscleorthetendon,thetissuethatconnects muscletobone.Strainsusuallyhappenwhenthemusclesuddenlycontractswhile 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 a thorough physical exam or an MRI or ultrasound. • Plantar Fasciitis – A thick band of connective tissue called your plantar fascia is located on the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. 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 can send 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 overweight or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet working on hard floors or while wearing non-supportive shoes.
Causes of Foot or Ankle Pain: Whetheryou trip, fall,step inanunexpected hole, or twist your foot or ankle “wrong”, foot or ankle pain from a sprain or astrain isoftentheresultofan injuryorevent.PlantarFasciitis,ontheother 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 themusclesof the footor leg,not just the resultofan incident oraccident.Peoplewhosprainorstrain the ligaments, tendonsormuscles 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. Howarefootandanklepaintreated? Footandanklepaintreatmentdepends on where the injury happens and how long ago it occurred. Compression and Elevation: If it is not possible to walk more than two or three steps without pain or if the joint looks out of place, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. For most people, within a few hours of compression wrapping and elevation, most people notice that the swelling begins to subside and they can carry on with most of their daily tasks with minimaldiscomfort.However, this initial treatmentofa footoranklesprain does not help strengthen the area and prevent injury in the future. ExercisestoTry: Oncetheacutephaseofthe injuryhaspassed(thefirst3-7 days, typically), it is possible to prevent future injury by exercises targeted atstrengthening themuscles thatsurround theankleand foot.Trydrawing thealphabetwithyour toes to improve rangeofmotion,performcalf raises every time you stand at the sink, or raise your toes slowly off of the ground when you are standing in line.
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IT’S JUST A SPRAIN OR STRAIN. DO YOU REALLY NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY?
In short, yes. Physical therapy is designed to relieve the pain of a foot or ankle problem, improve the range of motion, and strengthen your muscles so they become more flexible and able to take on the shock of normal activities. While most foot or ankle injuries heal on their own without long-term side effects, physical therapy is the best way to insure these injuries do not recur. A physical therapist will show you proper ways to stabilize your foot or ankle.This may include using orthotics in supportive shoes, wrapping your injured foot or ankle or using other modalities for pain relief such as ultrasound therapy or massage. They will also show you therapeutic exercises that target the muscles that keep the foot or ankle supported.They may even recommend a customized physical fitness program that can help you reduce stress on your feet and ankles. Whether you injured your foot or ankle or have been dealing with plantar fasciitis for a long time, physical therapy is the answer to achieving long-term relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to find out more information about how physical therapy can help relieve your foot or ankle pain.
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STRAWBERRY-CHOCOLATE GREEK YOGURT BARK
INGREDIENTS • 3 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt • ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1½ cups sliced strawberries • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir yogurt, maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread on the prepared baking sheet into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle. Scatter the strawberries on top and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Freeze until very firm, at least 3 hours. To serve, cut or break into 32 pieces. To make ahead: Freeze airtight between sheets of parchment for up to 1 month; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Equipment: Parchment paper
CALL TODAY! LAKE CITY (843) 374-0185 FLORENCE (843) 407-0377
Patient Success Spotlight
Exercise Essentials
STEP DOWN Stand on a step. Lower one foot slowly towards the ground. Keep your hips level! Step down and then off the step. Keep your knees aligned over your feet. Strengthens Legs
“My foot feels much more secure and stronger...” “Before starting PT I had pain with simple activities such as walking, but I now have little to no pain with most activities. My foot feels much more secure and stronger after these past several weeks of PT.” - J.G.
Exercisescopyrightof
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4 SIMPLE WAYS TO STAY HYDRATED
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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1. Always carry a water bottle. If you have a bottle within arm’s reach, it’s very likely that you’ll mindlessly sip from it throughout the day, without having to make a conscious effort. 2.When you’refeelingfrazzled,grabaglassofcoldwater. Studiesshow that people instantly feel more alert after drinking H2O. 3.Siponamugofherbal teaeveryevening. Ifyoumake thisahabit,you’ll add an extra cup of fluid to your body every single day. 4. Eat a diet rich in whole foods. By eating foods like vegetables, fruits, and yogurt, you’ll automatically up your fluid intake. Ifyou’reanelderlyadult, it’sespecially importanttopayattentiontohydration. Aging impairs thebody’snatural thirstmechanisms,whichmakes iteasier to become dehydrated. Remember to always keep a water bottle as a physical reminder to drink even if you’re not thirsty.
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LAKE CITY 148B Sauls Street Lake City, SC, 29560
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