Sports injury statistics are staggering not just here but in many areas worldwide where people like to be physically active. In fact, if you look at statistics they’re quite alarming.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that more than 5,600 Canadians are seriously injured every year due to winter sports that require at least one night’s stay in hospital. That number does not reflect those who just go to an emergency department or to their doctor. Where complete data is available, the winter of 2010/2011 saw a staggering 45,270 people injured; that’s about 285 people per day.

In the U.S. about 3.5 million children and teenagers are injured every year with a third of those being sports-related.

Snow Shoveling and Gardening Injuries

For something as relaxing as gardening it’s really hard to think that an injury can occur. Gardening is exercise; after all there is a lot of bending, squatting, kneeling and twisting. Our bodies get an amazing workout when gardening however improper gardening techniques can cause repetitive strain injuries. It can also cause wear and tear on muscles and joints and most common, strain on the lower back due to improper posturing.

Improper snow shoveling techniques has caused thousands to have lower back problems. Here is something really interestingly from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to keep in mind. An average shovel weighs about 1kg. Add 5kg of snow onto that shovel every (on average) 5 seconds you’ll move over 70kg of snow per minute. Do that for 15 minutes and that’s 1,000kg of snow you’re moving around. This can be very hard on the back and on the heart.

Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. There is not a doubt that emergency departments gear up for more patients when the snow comes down and especially wet snow. For many people who shovel rarely, shovelling snow is a tremendous workout for a person who is not physically fit. This puts a massive strain on the heart and if it is really cold outside, this can boost blood pressure or interrupt blood flow to the heart creating the perfect condition for blood to form clots.

Outdoor Activity Injuries

No matter what outdoor activity we participate in sprains and strains seem to top the injury list. All these injury statistics that are conducted on a regular basis are inevitably higher because how many times have you or a person you know, sprained or strained an ankle or wrist and did not seek medical treatment? More often than not the simple act of walking has caused thousands of ankle sprains or strains. Unless the person is immobilized they generally hobble along causing further trauma and an injury that can come back to haunt them.

This is not an attempt at instilling fear about the great outdoors but a reminder that participating in some form of physical activity on a regular basis and maintaining good posture is essential in preventing an injury from happening. Children are not exempt from this advice. Schools no longer have physical education classes the way they used to be or as frequent as they once were. Playing outdoors at recess has so many restrictions nowadays that many schools have become nothing more than “Nerf” zones. More than ever getting children involved in physical activities is so important in helping to keep them fit and healthy.

Chiropractic Help

With all these injuries happening how many of these are properly healed so that the rate of injury recidivism is reduced? Injury recidivism is a serious problem that burdens the health care system and there is a need to work towards prevention in order to reduce these numbers.

Chiropractic care is a logical step in preventing injury recidivism and in supporting outdoor activities. A chiropractor uses a multitude of non-invasive treatments which include balance training, stretches, and strengthening exercises to not only help you prevent injuries but from helping an injury from reoccurring.

Eating proper foods and getting essential nutrients is part of healing and maintaining health. This is something that is totally overlooked by many physicians yet is so critical. For example, bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and this reduces inflammation and swelling. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are essential in the creation of connective tissue.
If you are concerned about your physical well-being be sure to call Chiro-Med today!

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to help you prevent injuries from occurring. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

http://www.cihi.ca/en/types-of-care/specialized-services/trauma-and-injuries/more-than-5600-canadians-seriously-injured

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2011001/article/11506-eng.htm#a4

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/sports_injury_statistics_90,p02787/

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/sprains-and-strains

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/protect-your-heart-when-shoveling-snow-201101151153

https://injepijournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40621-016-0071-x

Studies have proven that regular massages are highly beneficial to our overall health and for treating specific ailments as well. What many people are not aware of is that hot stone massage therapy can be just as beneficial and has a long history of doing so.

Brief History

• Hot stone massage may have originated in India 5,000 years ago from the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda. Smooth river bed stones were warmed or cooled for use in healing and massage.
• The Japanese used warm stones to help their abdomens improve digestion. This apparently dates back about 4,000 years ago.
• More than 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese used heated stones to improve the function of internal organs.
• Native Americans used hot stones during rituals and in sweat lodges and many are still using them today.
• For hundreds of years, Hawaiians have used hot stones for massage and healing for many years. Heated lava stones were used on the body to help increase blood circulation.
• Ancient Greek and Roman cultures used many forms of massage for healing and for simple relaxation including hot stones.

What is a Hot Stone Massage?

Placing smooth, warmed up stones in order to achieve results needs to be done by a qualified therapist. Anyone can place hot stones on the body where there may be an ache, but in order to target specific ailments and to properly increase circulation having a trained professional is important.

Massage oils are used in the process in addition to smooth stones. Basalt stones are commonly used as well as various river stones. These stones are safe to use, sterilised and properly heated so that no discomfort will be experienced by the patient. The stones are heated in a sterile heating unit that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control.  The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot.

Stones are strategically placed at various points on the body and as the warmth penetrates the skin the client will experience a massage and effleurage. Stones are sometimes used to massage and glide over targeted areas to assist with healing.

The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along the sides of the spine, in the palms of the hands, on the stomach, or even between toes; this assists in improving the flow of energy throughout the body.  Heat warms and relaxes muscles allowing the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if required. Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be quite comforting and deeply relaxing.

This form of therapy is often used for the same conditions as a regular massage:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Osteoarthritis

Hot Stone Massages Are Not For Everyone

While hot stone massage is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed massage therapist, it's not right for everyone. This is not recommended for those who have had recent surgery, or have certain medical conditions, or have wounded areas (including inflamed areas). Pregnant women and children should avoid hot stone massages as well.

Palliative Care and Hot Stone Massages

According to an article published in the Journal of Oncology, massage therapy is a popular adjunct to cancer palliation. There was a study conducted with favourable results. It was discovered that those in palliative care who received a hot stone massage saw a decrease in some very common symptoms they commonly experience.

Most individuals who were studied reported a decrease in:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Depression
• Anxiety

However, there was no difference in lack of appetite.

If you feel you need a hot stone massage or are wondering if it is right for you then Chiro-Med can help.

For more information about hot stone massage or how chiropractic and physiotherapy can help you, please give Chiro-Med a call. Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for a decade. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket; call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Link to the study done on palliative care patients:

http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/jco.2015.33.29_suppl.179

Do you need maintenance chiropractic care? Before answering this question, let’s examine some of the evidence that has recently come to the forefront.
In the past two years there have been several studies that demonstrate how maintenance chiropractic care is beneficial for helping to prevent reoccurrence of lower back problems. What is even more exciting about the news is that some of these studies were published in medical journals.

In the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an article was published about a study that followed 894 workers’ compensation cases for one year to see their response to chiropractic care as compared to other types of care. The stated objective of this study was “To compare occurrence of repeated disability episodes across types of health care providers who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain (LBP).”

The results showed that when compared to physical therapists and medical doctors, the group of patients that had chiropractic care had the lowest rate of disability recurrence over the one year period. What this study showed was that when injured workers continued with chiropractic care, their rate of disability or re-injury in the year after the original accident was less than those workers under other types of medical care.

The Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University (Egypt) conducted a study and found that maintenance care provides benefits for those suffering from chronic low back pain.

Spinal manipulation (SMT) is a common treatment option used by some chiropractors for treating low back pain. Many clinical trials have taken place to evaluate maintenance for different subgroups of acute and chronic low back pain patients but not for maintenance spinal manipulative therapy in chronic low back pain sufferers.

In this particular study, sixty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain that was persistent minimum six months were randomized into three groups:

1. Twenty of those studied received twelve treatments of sham spinal manipulative therapy over a thirty day period.
2. Twenty of them received twelve treatments of spinal manipulative therapy during a thirty day period, with no maintenance care during the following nine months.
3. Twenty of them received 12 spinal manipulative therapy visits throughout the first month, followed by maintenance spinal manipulative therapy every second week for the next nine months.

In order to determine any difference researchers measured pain and disability scores, back-specific patient satisfaction, and generic health status; and these scores were reviewed at the one month, four month, seven month and at the ten month mark.

At the end of the first one month period, patients in groups 2 and 3 experienced significantly lower pain and disability scores than the sham group

At the ten month follow-up, only the maintenance group (number 3) maintained improvements in pain and disability

This was the first medically managed trial that clearly demonstrated that chiropractic maintenance care provides improved results to those who suffer from chronic low back pain.
So now to answer the question, do you need maintenance chiropractic care? The evidence for maintenance chiropractic care benefiting patients is now there. For many chiropractic patients, receiving ongoing care is in their best interests. No two people are alike and even though the evidence is there, having a consultation with a chiropractor is the best way to get a definite yes or no as to whether or not maintenance care is for you.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you determine if maintenance care is for you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you with all your chiropractic needs. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes also referred to as chiropractic adjustment. This is a specialized procedure that applies manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning as it should.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) assists members of the CCO in maintaining standards of care that must be adhered to before a chiropractor performs a chiropractic manipulation.

The College ensures that any chiropractor who wants to perform a manipulation (or adjustment) must be thoroughly trained and have practice in order to provide this health care service with competence and skill. Here is a brief overview of what this specialized training includes:

• Learning the principles of chiropractic manipulation, biomechanics, radiology, neuro-physiology and applied anatomy
• Patient examination and diagnosis
• Various treatment techniques

The CCO states, “Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is an authorized Act requiring a high degree of skill.” The College has outlined specific elements to maintain a high level of skill among their members. This includes:

• Knowing indications and contraindications to application of a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation.
• Patient's health, proper assessment of the patient, the treatment goal and prognosis.
• Ongoing education in order to be current with knowledge and skills to enable safe and effective treatment.

Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure that must be thoroughly discussed with a patient; and the patient must provide written consent.

The Cracking Sound

When a patient receives chiropractic manipulation as part of their treatment he or she can expect to hear the cracking sounds. Many people think the sound is intriguing, others find it odd.

Between each joint in the spine there is fluid. When cavitation occurs the patient hears cracking sounds. This is gas being released from the fluid. This is the same sound that can be heard when opening a can of pop or popping the cork off a bottle of champagne. The same thing is happening to the pop or the champagne - gas is being released from within the fluid.

Not all chiropractic manipulations create this sound, so judging the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be based on sound. The goal is to restore mobility to the restricted joint, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing the underlying tissues and nervous system to heal.

For those who receive this treatment in the neck area, the cracking sound will seem much louder as it is because it is closer to the ears.

Health Benefits Of Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation improves the nutrient supply throughout the body. Cartilage and other structures have no blood supply and manipulation reduces pressure on the nerves.

The nervous system is the control centre of the human body. Nerves and nerve bundles are soft tissue and when under physical pressure they do not function well. It has been shown that a bulging disc, inflammation, or a fragment of disc floating around can negatively interfere with nerve conduction. Chiropractic manipulation can create relief of this pressure though gentle movement of the joint.

Joint Fixation

The joints in our body are meant to move without effort.  The friction of our joints is believed to be eight times more slippery than ice sliding on ice.  If an injury occurs, or as we age the surfaces of the joints tend to become rough which increases the friction and the effort needed to move them.  Some joints may become so damaged that they get to the point that they lose mobility. Joints need free movement to transport nutrients and fluids in and out of the area around the joints in order to stay healthy.  This does not happen in a fixated joint.  The lack of joint movement can cause degeneration of the joints and the discs leaving an individual in a lot of pain.

Members of The College of Chiropractors of Ontario are fully trained to perform chiropractic manipulations. Their skill and expertise have helped countless patients regain independence from pain.

Dr. Sanjari is the Clinic Director of Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. For more information on chiropractic manipulations, or any other chiropractic concern, please call 905-918-0419.

Cycling is a popular fun activity not to mention a form of transportation for many individuals. A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA); this means a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws. HTA 104 states:

Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet. Set fine: $60.00

Although there are no helmet laws for adults there is not a doubt that wearing a helmet can ultimately save a person from incredible harm and possibly death.

A report by the Ontario coroner’s office (The Cycling Death Review) found that almost 75 percent of the 129 cyclists killed in Ontario between 2006 and 2012 were not wearing helmets. There is not a doubt that helmets save lives.

Many have argued that helmets are invasive and violate personal rights. Some have even said that when they grew up there were no helmets and “they did just fine”. Bottom line, this is a different world we live in now; more cars, more distracted drivers, and even many cyclists are distracted because they’re wearing ear buds.  The chances of an accident happening now versus many years ago have increased exponentially.  In fact, those who ride a bike without a helmet triple their chances of a fatality due to a head injury than those who wear a helmet. (The Toronto Star: Cyclists without helmets triple their chance of death by head injury. Oct. 15, 2012.)

There is not a doubt that helmets save lives, not just for children but for adults as well. They also help to prevent head injuries.

Choosing the Right Helmet

Cycling helmets come in three basic styles; multi-use, mountain and road.  A multi-use helmet is a great choice for not just cyclists but also inline skaters. (Skateboarders need a special type of helmet.)

Road helmets are preferred by those hard core cyclists because they have generous ventilation, have an aerodynamic design and they do not weigh much.

Mountain bike helmets are well-noted for the visors, ventilate well at low speeds, and there is enhanced rear-head coverage with a firm, secure fit for the rough terrain.

Hockey helmets are much different because they are designed to take several impacts. (They must be replaced if damaged and this includes loose fitting or missing liner pieces. If the helmet has undergone a severe blow then it should be replaced.)

Getting the Right Size

There is no “one size fits all” helmet that can be considered safe. A good fit is crucial. Even if a helmet is a single size it must be adjustable.

The best way to determine what size helmet is best for you is to measure your head. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest part of your head (this is about an inch above the eyebrows). Look for a helmet that matches your measurement.

Wear the Helmet Properly

Once you have a helmet that is the right size it will inevitably need some adjustments. When you make the adjustments the helmet should feel snug, not tight. It needs to sit level on your head (not tilted) and the front edge should not be more than one inch (width of two fingers) above your eyebrows.

When to Replace a Helmet

If there has been a crash in which the cyclist has hit their head then the helmet needs to be replaced. It is also recommended that helmets be replaced every five years. This is because the plastics on the helmet dry out and become brittle with age. After a crash in which the head was hit, the foam inside the helmet usually becomes compressed hence the reason for replacing it.

If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury and has not found relief then consider chiropractic care. Chiropractic care has made amazing advances over the years and there are many possible ways to treat symptoms from a head injury through our concussion management program.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Many people may be well on their way to suffering with upper cross syndrome and are totally unaware that they can prevent this health issue by improving their posture. Upper cross syndrome is the weakening and lengthening of the neck (rear) muscles and the posterior upper back. Often there is a simultaneous tightening and shortening of the neck (throat area) and anterior pectoral muscles.

Bad posture is the source of many back pains, and in addition, poor digestion. If the body is slumped over, food cannot make its way through the digestion track the way it is intended.

Causes Of Upper Cross Syndrome

Unhealthy posture is the most common cause of upper cross syndrome. Although it is common among the elderly, it is increasingly becoming a problem with all ages because people are slumping at their desks and do not realize they are sitting wrong. Even occupations that require standing for any length of time can cause an individual to not be aware therefore they slouch. Women who have a very large chest size often find themselves humped over due to the excess weight.

Those with chronic bad posture generally have rounded shoulders, their head is somewhat in front of their body and there is an apparent curve in the upper back and neck.

How To Avoid Upper Cross Syndrome

Maintaining correct posture is essential to overall good health and for those who are susceptible; a conscious effort must be made to keep the back straight. Individuals who are at a computer all day tend to sit slouching forward with their head leaning toward the monitor.

Avoiding upper cross syndrome is easy so long as you are always aware of your posture. To help maintain good posture while sitting at a desk for many hours, make sure the monitor is at eye level and the keyboard should not be too far in front of the body. Shoulders need to be kept back (chest out) and it is recommended that both feet be flat on the floor with a 90 degree bend at the knees.

Choosing the right chair is important, one that facilitates good posture. Many health experts in Switzerland back in the 1980’s recommended that their patients use stability balls as their office chair. Stability balls ensure the user has good posture and core muscles get a workout at the same time.

If you are in a job situation in which you have to stand all day, try to find something to keep one leg elevated, and switch legs frequently.

Prevention Of Metatarsalgia

Preventing metatarsalgia is easy so long as you are aware of the causes. Anyone who engages in running, jumping, or aerobic exercises must have proper footwear. Everyday proper footwear is essential in order to keep your feet in good shape. salgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Suggested Therapies

Stretching is important. Getting into a good routine of regular stretching throughout the day will not only help prevent, it can help correct upper cross syndrome. The pectoral and anterior shoulder muscles must be stretched often. The importance of stretching can never be stressed enough, but if you suffer from upper cross syndrome, be sure you follow your health professional’s advice.

Exercises are also recommended to help alleviate the pain and discomfort from upper cross syndrome. Many of these are simple, and taking a few moments out of the day to do these will help. As with stretching, be sure to follow the treatment plan your health professional designs specifically for you.

In more serious cases, chiropractic care may be required.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you get a plan together and will help you implement it. If chiropractic services are required, rest assured, the professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre will put you at ease.

Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for your free consultation.

Metatarsalgia is a condition that affects the ball of your foot causing pain and inflammation. This condition is not considered serious but the pain can sideline an individual from their normal activities. Metatarsalgia is considered a common overuse injury that originates in the metatarsal region of the foot.

Causes Of Metatarsalgia

There are a few known causes of metatarsalgia. This “ball-of-foot” pain is experienced among those who have improper footwear, especially women. This is because women wear shoes that are not designed for comfort; high heels and shoes that narrow in the toe area inhibits a healthy walking process and leads to extreme discomfort in the forefront of the foot.

Also, those who participate in high impact activities without proper footwear and/or orthotics tend to suffer with metatarsalgia. In addition, as we grow older, the natural “padding” in our feet tends to thin out, making us more susceptible to pain in the ball-of-the-foot area.

Any person, regardless of age may experience metatarsalgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Symptoms Of Metatarsalgia

Those who have metatarsalgia usually experience a sharp, burning pain on the ball of the foot area (behind the toes). This pain usually worsens when the individual stands, walks or runs and also when the affected foot is flexed. Resting often can sometimes ease the pain. Some people who have metatarsalgia also experience toe numbness. Although these symptoms tend to manifest abruptly, it usually takes weeks for metatarsalgia to develop.

Prevention Of Metatarsalgia

Preventing metatarsalgia is easy so long as you are aware of the causes. Anyone who engages in running, jumping, or aerobic exercises must have proper footwear. Everyday proper footwear is essential in order to keep your feet in good shape. salgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Metatarsalgia Treatment

First of all it is important to mention that getting a proper diagnosis is essential in order to treat metatarsalgia effectively. Only once properly diagnosed can a treatment plan be implemented.

Depending on the severity, metatarsalgia treatment can be as simple as applying ice packs to the affected area several times. Rest is another simple but effective way to treat metatarsalgia. Keeping stress off the balls of the feet is important in order to reduce inflammation and pain.

Athletes who need to still keep active are usually advised to temporarily switch to low impact exercises such as swimming. Even if some usual activities are maintained, no treatment will effectively work and the injury will inevitably worsen.

Causes Of Metatarsalgia

There are a few known causes of metatarsalgia. This “ball-of-foot” pain is experienced among those who have improper footwear, especially women. This is because women wear shoes that are not designed for comfort; high heels and shoes that narrow in the toe area inhibits a healthy walking process and leads to extreme discomfort in the forefront of the foot.

Also, those who participate in high impact activities without proper footwear and/or orthotics tend to suffer with metatarsalgia. In addition, as we grow older, the natural “padding” in our feet tends to thin out, making us more susceptible to pain in the ball-of-the-foot area.

Any person, regardless of age may experience metatarsalgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill find that many of their patients have a great recovery rate when they are prescribed custom orthotics to minimize pressure. Although there are over-the-counter shock-absorbing insoles, these are designed with a “one size fits all” template. There is no “one-size fits all” when it comes to proper foot support.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that comfortably fit into footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve the functioning of feet. Regardless of where you go, work, school, or recreation activities, orthotics should be worn at all times – even at home. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses; they can only work when they are being worn. During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are working.

Only in the absolute most severe cases and when all other treatment avenues have been explored is surgery suggested. Surgery involves the realignment of the metatarsal bones.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back activities you once enjoyed – pain free!
Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This foot ailment is inflammation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) located on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is what connects the heel bone to the toes and it creates the arch of the foot; this can be quite painful and make walking more difficult.

Those who have plantar fasciitis feel dull or sharp pain and stiffness at the bottom of the heel. Some people report feeling an ache or burn at the bottom of the foot. This pain is felt worse in the morning when taking the first steps of the day. It is also noticeable after standing or sitting for a period of time. Plantar fasciitis pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

When the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overused or overstretched this is when plantar fasciitis can occur. Another possible cause of pain and dysfunction is now thought to be degeneration of the collagen fibres close to the attachment to the heel bone.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• High arches or flat feet
• Poor arch support
• Sudden weight gain or obesity
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Long distance running or running on uneven surfaces

Plantar fasciitis is the most common orthopedic complaints related to the foot and seems to affect mostly men aged between 40 and 70.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis you should see a health professional as soon as possible. An examination will be conducted to determine the tenderness of the foot, arches will be checked, and the tightness or stiffness of the arch will be examined.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped countless people who have suffered with plantar fasciitis. The severity of this condition will determine the treatment. The good news is that almost always, nonsurgical treatment improves the pain. Patients who have severe plantar fasciitis may require several months of therapy  in order to feel totally better, and in some rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

Immediate steps to relieve pain are to apply ice to the painful area, minimum twice a day for about 15-20 minutes.  Wearing shoes with good support are a must and resting as much as possible as well.

You may need to do some heel stretching exercises to help relieve the stiffness. In addition, using night splints to help stretch out the plantar fascia may aid in the healing process.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that fit comfortably into normal footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve your ability to walk pain-free. Orthotics should be worn at all times, at work, at home, and during recreational activities. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses, they work when they are being worn, providing support to all the areas that need support.
During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort felt in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are doing their job.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back to activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information.