March Madness

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MARCH MADNESS MISERY

For many masculine types, there’s nothing quite as captivating as March madness.  Where we often do one of two mad things:  park ourselves for hours in front of the tube and watch our favorite NCAA college basketball boys pound the boards; or we actually march out to pound the pavement as spring swoons us with her sweet “come jog” arrival.  Unfortunately, too much pavement pounding on our winterized potato-chip feet, ankles, and knees more often than not leads to all kinds March misery.

SOME MESSY MATTERS

Here’s a short-list of some of the messy pain problems that can come about from too much March marching on the main drag:

·         PROBLEM #1:  ACHILLES TENDONITIS

This is an inflammation of the sheath surrounding the Achilles tendon which causes pain and soreness behind your heel, ankle, and lower calf muscle.

·         PROBLEM #2:  SHIN SPLINTS

This is a strain and inflammation of the tendons, muscles, and periosteal lining (the thin onion-skin like lining over the bone) in the front or inside of your shins.

·         PROBLEM #3:  RUNNER’S KNEE

This is an inflammation and roughening of the Teflon-like cartilage covering the underside of your kneecap which results in knee pain, aching, and stiffness.

·         PROBLEM #4:  HEEL SPUR SYNDROME

This is a strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia of your foot which can be accompanied by a bone spur where the fascia gristle connects to your heel bone.  The results are pain directly beneath or in the front or side of the heel.

SOME MAIN MEDICINES

In addition to simple ice and rest for many of these March misery matters, you may want to consider a comprehensive digital gait analysis and scan from your physical therapist that measures your feet dynamically while they are in motion and bearing weight. Why? Some of the above problems could be the result of your body’s feet being out of whack.  If the scan reveals underlying dysfunction, orthotic therapy could correct the biomechanical imbalances which may be present.  For severe cases of knee, ankle, and foot pain, you may need to seek additional treatment from your main physical therapist.

Brent Kassian, BScPT, MCPA, MCPTA

Executive Director

Capilano Rehab Centre

phone:  466-1104

hit their hip website @ www. caprehab.com