Biking

Whether you are cruising around the city or huffing your way up a mountain, cycling can be exhilarating and exciting! It is a great way to get where you want to go and enjoy getting there. There are some risks involved with biking, however. Iliotibial Band Syndrome and Patellar Tendonitis are two of the more common knee problems that may develop, often from the relation of the seat height to that of the pedals and handlebars.

Lower back pain and neck pain are also common complaints among bikers. This is usually due to the hunched-over posture of the lower back and hyperextension of the neck, which causes abnormal stress to the affected musculature.

Gardening

Although gardening seems relaxing and suitable for everyone, it actually can involve some very tough physical labor. Even in a small garden, there is digging, raking, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying, which use muscles that perhaps have not been exercised for weeks or months. Many of these repetitive movements are so intensely stressful on the ligaments of the hand that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may result.

Improper use of lawn equipment, such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers, can result in back and neck pain, as well as more serious muscular strains and tears.

Also, repetitive movements or kneeling on a hard surface can cause minor trauma to areas of the body and result in inflammation or Bursitis.

Golf

There are over 30 million golfers in North America, and the popularity of the sport has skyrocketed in recent years. Recently, several PGA Tour players (David Duval, Tiger Woods, Fred Couples and Raymond Floyd) have cited chiropractic and fitness training programs as a primary reason for their improved play and decreased incidence of injury.

The typical amateur golfer can swing a golf club 90 miles per hour. When a golfer swings the club out of position or out of balance, it puts tremendous strain on the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body. When the force applied to the tissues exceeds their resistance, they will tear. For golfers of all ability levels, physical training can not only prevent injury on the course, it can help increase performance, as well.

Some common golfing injuries are: Muscle Strains and Golfer’s Elbow

Running

Though most running injuries are not life threatening, they are annoying and over time can interfere not only with running for fitness, but also the pursuit of other active hobbies.
The kinds of injuries that runners may sustain really depend on the type of running that is being done. There are vast differences in the kinds of injuries seen between the casual runner, the long distance/marathon runner, the cross-country runner, and the short distance sprinter.
Some of the most common problems that occur in runners include:

Plantar Fasciitis • Achilles Tendonitis • Shin Splints
Iliotibial Band Syndrome • Patellar Tendonitis

Skiing

Both waterskiing and downhill snow skiing require similar techniques involving weight shifts and lateral movements that necessitate balance and substantial pressure on the legs.
Both sports are excellent activities for strengthening the legs and lower back. Common injuries while skiing include sprains, especially in the knees and thumbs, and dislocation of the shoulder joint, which can be caused by a high-impact fall.

Knee Sprains • Shoulder Joint Dislocation

Tennis

Tennis is a complex physical sport requiring hand-eye coordination and full-body participation to run, position, swing, and hit. This is a great sport for improving strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness. Because it is physically demanding, endurance, flexibility and muscle-conditioning exercises are important to prevent injuries. Some tennis injuries may be random occurrences (such as those that are the result of a fall). However, most can be minimized or prevented entirely through proper conditioning and technique, by using appropriate equipment and by seeking medical attention for persistent, painful conditions in a timely fashion.

Some common injuries that are sustained while playing tennis include:

Tennis Elbow • Rotator Cuff Syndrome • Inversion Ankle Sprains

Weight Lifting

Weight lifting is a great way to increase your strength and balance and build stronger bones at the same time! Strict adherence to proper form and technique while lifting is crucial to avoiding injuries. It also is important to increase the amount of weight slowly to prevent straining or tearing the muscle beyond its capacity.
Tendonitis and Muscle Strains are some of the more common injuries that can occur while weight lifting.
While these are not usually major injuries, they can be painful and interfere with daily activities.

Walking

Walking is one of those rare activities that is enjoyable and free! It does not require expensive equipment, a personal trainer or practice; a moderate investment in shoes that have good arch support and are comfortable enough for walking long distances is all that is required. While walking is one of the safest physical workouts, it is possible to overdo it. In addition to wearing proper walking shoes, it is important to stretch before and after you walk. This will help reduce the risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis or Shin Splints.

About Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB Syndrome)

This is an overuse inflammatory condition due to friction (rubbing) of a band of a tendon over the outer bone of the knee. Repetitive bending and straightening of the knee is the main cause of this condition. ITB Syndrome involves stress and pain on the outside of the leg that can start from just below the knee and end at the hip. Often this is accompanied by a palpable snapping sensation that occurs with hip motion.

Treatment

To properly treat the problem, the cause must first be ascertained. Over-pronation of the foot, gait problems and running on uneven surfaces can all be possible causes. Once Dr. Le Cara has evaluated the condition and its cause, he will recommend the proper treatment. This may include custom-fitted orthoses, soft tissue therapy, kinesiotaping and stretching exercises specifically for the iliotibial band.

About Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the patellar (knee) tendon. This condition can occur from overuse of the knee tendon or from a muscular imbalance of the quadriceps. Additionally, foot or over-pronation problems can create uneven force that pulls on the kneecap. This can result in pain and swelling in the patellar tendon below the knee. Other symptoms include pain or "tightness" in the knee when bending, squatting, or straightening the leg and discomfort in the knee when jumping, running or walking.

Treatment

If the cause of this condition is due to loss of muscle function, Dr. Le Cara will provide a muscle rehabilitation program designed to correct the muscular imbalance. If foot or over-pronation problems are contributors, then custom-fitted orthoses can correct these problems. Orthoses ensure proper foot function. In turn, this relieves the stress that is placed on other parts of the body, which have had to compensate. After a proper foot and gait analysis, Dr. Le Cara can determine whether or not this will be beneficial to you.

Back & Neck Pain

Back pain affects nearly 85% of the adult population at one time or another. Both neck and back pain have many ways of starting and have many presentations. It is important that the cause of your pain is properly diagnosed because different conditions require different types of therapy. The difference between using ice or heat on a specific condition can make the difference between symptoms resolving or getting worse. Our primary job is to make sure that your condition can be treated with chiropractic care and if it cannot, then to refer you to the proper specialist or have the proper diagnostic work-up performed, which may include X-rays, MRI, CT, or lab work.

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or other conditions that cause the tissues around the median nerve to become swollen. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tendons or ligaments in the wrist become enlarged, often from inflammation, after being aggravated. The narrowed tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist pinches the nerves that reach the fingers and the muscles at the base of the thumb. Symptoms range from a burning, tingling numbness in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers, to difficulty gripping or making a fist, to dropping things.

Treatment

The earlier carpal tunnel syndrome is treated, the easier and quicker the recovery. If caught in time, CTS is entirely reversible by means of simple daily exercise. Dr. Le Cara can provide you with a diverse series of physiotherapy exercises that you can perform in the car, in the shower or just about anywhere! If your condition has advanced beyond this level, chiropractic treatment, which directly releases pressure on the nerves, can be highly beneficial. There are many ways we treat CTS depending on individual severity and other considerations. In most cases, chiropractic manipulation of the affected wrist area (and perhaps spinal manipulation) can be very effective. Surgery may weaken the ligament and should only be considered if conservative treatment fails to correct the problem.

Back & Neck Pain

Back pain affects nearly 85% of the adult population at one time or another. Both neck and back pain have many ways of starting and have many presentations. It is important that the cause of your pain is properly diagnosed because different conditions require different types of therapy. The difference between using ice or heat on a specific condition can make the difference between symptoms resolving or getting worse. Our primary job is to make sure that your condition can be treated with chiropractic care and if it cannot, then to refer you to the proper specialist or have the proper diagnostic work-up performed, which may include X-rays, MRI, CT, or lab work.

About Bursitis

Bursitis can occur in almost any joint; however, the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee are generally the most common areas of involvement. These joints have a cartilaginous covering over the bone, attaching ligaments, a padded sac (bursa) and glands that produce a lubricating fluid. The viscosity and chemistry of the lubricating fluids is controlled and regulated primarily by the body’s glandular and nervous systems. If these tendons and bursal sacs are not properly lubricated, they may tend to become inflamed or hot. The classic signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness and swelling. This can cause the joints to lose some, or all, of their full range of motion.

Treatment

In order to reduce inflammation, it is important to restore proper range of motion to the affected joint. Dr. Le Cara treats this condition through gentle spinal manipulation and physiotherapy modalities. He also will provide you with information of what not to do and exercises that will help to ensure that the condition does not reoccur.

About Muscle Strains

A muscle strain occurs when a muscle or the tendon that attaches it to the bone is overextended. This also causes the muscle to tear or rip. Muscle strains often happen in the muscles that support the neck, thigh, groin and ankle, but may occur in any muscle group.

Strains usually occur during activities that require the muscle to tighten suddenly or forcefully. This is caused by not warming up before a strenuous activity, a weakness in the muscle or by using a previously injured muscle that has not had the time to heal properly. That is why many muscle strains occur during exercise, sports activities or lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms of muscle strain are pain, a burning sensation and a swollen or bruised appearance to the injured area. A strained muscle might spasm, which means it contracts suddenly and involuntarily, causing severe pain. Also, a person may have joint instability or disability if the injury is serious and involves a muscle or ligament tear.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara frequently treats strain injuries, particularly those that involve significant pain and diminished function. He will first conduct an examination of the affected area to determine the nature and severity of the injury. Most injuries respond well to joint manipulation. In fact, chiropractic joint manipulation has been shown to be just as effective as anti-inflammatory medication in improving pain and flexibility; and it is more effective than medication in improving range of motion with little or no side effects compared to medications.

He also may recommend applications of ice and heat and use electrical muscle stimulation to rehabilitate the affected muscle. And he will provide you with home stretching and strengthening exercises, which can facilitate a speedy recovery and decrease your chances of sustaining further injury to the affected area in the future.

About Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow is damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm, causing pain on the palm side of the forearm from the elbow toward the wrist. This injury is caused by bending the wrist toward the palm with excessive force. Forceful and repeated bending of the wrist and fingers can cause tiny ruptures of the muscle and tendon in this area. Golfing is only one of the causes of this condition. In the golf swing, the flexor muscles and tendons must tighten to hit the ball. Similar tasks that require repeated bending of the wrist, gripping, grasping and turning the hand also can cause medial epicondylitis.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a physical examination in order to determine the exact cause of the problem and the best method of treatment. A proper biomechanical analysis of your throwing mechanics is necessary to prevent reoccurrence and to maximize throwing potential.

Dr. Le Cara may recommend chiropractic treatments, including manipulation of the spine and elbow. Chiropractic joint manipulation has been shown to be just as effective as anti-inflammatory medication in improving pain and flexibility; and it is more effective than medication in improving range of motion. Also, Microcurrent Therapy is helpful for reducing pain and promoting rapid healing by increasing cellular metabolism.

In some cases, Dr. Le Cara may recommend the use of a specially fitted elbow brace to take the pressure off the inflamed tendons of the elbow. He also will provide you with a home rehabilitation program of special stretches and exercises, which help to decrease pressure on the tendons, as well. And to reduce pain and inflammation at home, he will provide instructions for icing the area with the use of an ice cup.

About Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The Plantar Fascia is a ligament structure that supports the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may come on gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include the following:

• Starts as dull, intermittent pain in heel or arch, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain
• A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that
usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking
• Tightness in calf muscles
• Pain when standing on tiptoe

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive strain. The main risk factors that increase your chances of getting plantar fasciitis is physical activity that stresses the plantar fascia, increased body weight and improper foot mechanics. Runners or other athletes who play sports that require extensive running and jumping commonly suffer from this condition.

Treatment

After examining your foot, Dr. Le Cara will conduct a foot and gait analysis. Certain tests such as x-rays or bone scans of the foot may be necessary to help rule out stress fractures or bone spurs. Dr. Le Cara may prescribe custom-fitted orthotics, which can reduce discomfort by mechanically correcting the foot and providing support to the plantar fascia. He also may recommend a night splint in order to maintain a gentle, constant stretch across the plantar fascia. And in some cases, deep tissue stripping of the plantar ligament is very beneficial for providing long-lasting relief.

Dr. Le Cara will provide instructions for a home rehabilitation program, as well. Engaging in certain stretching exercises on a regular basis can lengthen the Achilles tendon. Other exercises can strengthen the supporting muscles of the arch and decrease the lengthening of the plantar fascia.

About Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendon injuries are one of the most common overuse injuries in recreational sports. The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscles to the heel of your foot. Achilles tendonitis is a condition in which the Achilles tendon, at or near its insertion into the heel, becomes inflamed and causes pain.

There are several factors that can cause this condition. The most common cause is over-pronation. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process when the arch of the foot collapses upon weight bearing, adding stress on the Achilles tendon.

Other factors that lead to Achilles tendonitis are improper shoe selection, inadequate stretching prior to engaging in athletics, a short Achilles tendon, direct trauma (injury) to the tendon, and heel bone deformity.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a postural and dynamic gait assessment to identify any biomechanical deficiencies. Problems with foot mechanics can be treated with devices inserted into the shoes.
Products such as heel cups, arch supports, and custom-fitted orthoses can be used to correct abnormalities such as over-pronation and help prevent Achilles tendonitis.

Dr. Le Cara also may recommend massage therapy to decrease inflammation and reduce irritating adhesions. Massage can also reduce muscle spasms and trigger points and help to restore a full range of motion.

About Shin Splints

Shin splints are a common injury with long distance runners. Symptoms of shin splints include a very intense aching pain in the lower leg or a sharp weakening pain in the leg with swelling. The pain usually is worst at the beginning of the run and progressively gets better if the athlete runs through the pain. There are two kinds of shin splints: posterior and anterior.

Posterior shin splints are the most common. They result in inflammation of the tendon that runs down and behind the inside anklebone and hooks into the inside central portion of the arch. This tendon belongs to a muscle called the posterior tibialis. This muscle helps decrease the impact at foot strike. If a foot is excessively flat, this muscle can undergo quite a bit of strain and develop problems.

The next most common form of shin splints involves the anterior tibialis tendon. This tendon runs on the front of the leg and inserts onto the top mid-portion of the arch. The muscle for this tendon is located on the upper outside of the shin. A tight calf muscle usually causes these shin splints. The injury occurs when the tight calf muscle limits ankle motion. This causes the foot to hit the ground with a great deal of force. The muscle will then respond by trying to slow the foot strike, which leads to overuse muscle fatigue and eventually inflammation and pain.

Treatment

In the case of posterior tibial shin splints, Dr. Le Cara will prescribe custom-fitted orthoses, which can reduce discomfort by mechanically correcting the foot. Orthoses ensure proper foot function. In turn, this relieves the stress that is placed on other parts of the body, which have had to compensate.

For anterior shin splints, Dr. Le Cara will provide you with a home rehabilitation program of physiotherapy exercises that will strengthen and stretch the tight calf muscle.

About Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB Syndrome)

This is an overuse inflammatory condition due to friction (rubbing) of a band of a tendon over the outer bone of the knee. Repetitive bending and straightening of the knee is the main cause of this condition. ITB Syndrome involves stress and pain on the outside of the leg that can start from just below the knee and end at the hip. Often this is accompanied by a palpable snapping sensation that occurs with hip motion.

Treatment

To properly treat the problem, the cause must first be ascertained. Over-pronation of the foot, gait problems and running on uneven surfaces can all be possible causes. Once Dr. Le Cara has evaluated the condition and its cause, he will recommend the proper treatment. This may include custom-fitted orthoses, soft tissue therapy, kinesiotaping and stretching exercises specifically for the iliotibial band.

About Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the patellar (knee) tendon. This condition can occur from overuse of the knee tendon or from a muscular imbalance of the quadriceps. Additionally, foot or over-pronation problems can create an uneven force that pulls on the kneecap. This can result in pain and swelling in the patellar tendon below the knee. Other symptoms include pain or "tightness" in the knee when bending, squatting, or straightening the leg and discomfort in the knee when jumping, running, or walking.

Treatment

If the cause of this condition is due to loss of muscle function, we can provide a muscle rehabilitation program designed to correct the muscular imbalance. If foot or over-pronation problems are contributors, then custom-fitted orthoses can correct these problems. Orthoses ensure proper foot function. In turn, this relieves the stress that is placed on other parts of the body, which have had to compensate. After a proper foot and gait analysis, we can determine whether or not this will be beneficial to you.

About Knee Sprains

A knee sprain is an injury to a knee ligament. When the knee is stretched or twisted beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur, causing a sprain. The sprain may vary in severity from a slight stretch to a complete tear of the ligament. Traumatic knee injuries can cause severe pain and swelling and require immediate evaluation and attention. In most cases, chiropractic care can manage these non-surgical conditions. If treatment is not successful at eliminating your symptoms, a referral will be made to an orthopedic surgeon for consultation.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a thorough assessment of your knee, as well as the surrounding joints in order to determine the most effective treatment for your injury. The type of treatment required will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Myofascial release and electrotherapy can help in the reduction of swelling and inflammation, as well as minimize recovery time and maximize function after the injury. The most important part of any treatment regimen for knee sprains is the part that you will do on your own at home. This includes range-of-motion exercises to restore mobility, resistance exercises to restore strength and proprioceptive exercises to restore balance. Proper rehabilitation reduces the chances of having chronic knee problems and secondary injuries as a result of compensating for a weak or unstable knee.

About Shoulder Joint Dislocation

In medicine, the terms dislocation and subluxation refer to the displacement of bones that form a joint. These conditions affecting the joint most often result from trauma that causes adjoining bones to no longer align with each other. A partial or incomplete dislocation is called a subluxation. In the event of a dislocation, one of the bones making up the joint is forced out of its natural alignment from excessive stretching and tearing of the joint ligaments and capsule. Muscles and tendons surrounding the joint are usually stretched and injured to some degree. Immediately after the dislocation, the joint almost always swells significantly and feels painful when pressure is applied (point tenderness). If trauma to the joint causing the dislocation or subluxation is violent in nature, small chips of bone can be torn away with the supporting structures. Chronic recurrent dislocations may take place without severe pain because of the somewhat slack condition of the surrounding muscles and other supporting tissues.

Treatment

Upon examination of the dislocated shoulder joint, Dr. Le Cara will manipulate the joint to reposition the shoulder back into normal alignment. He also usually adjusts the neck and upper back to help restore proper range of motion of the neck and upper back. In addition, ligament and tendon strengthening can be assisted both botanically and homeopathically; these supplements can help speed the healing process.

Dr. Le Cara also will provide a home strengthening and exercise program designed to rehabilitate the surrounding muscles. Once a joint has been either subluxated or completely dislocated, the connective tissue binding or holding it in correct alignment is stretched to such an extent that the joint becomes extremely vulnerable to repeated dislocations. However, this chance of recurrent dislocation and subluxation will decrease if a proper rehabilitation program is implemented to strengthen surrounding muscles of the joint. Most joint dislocations are curable with prompt treatment.

About Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is the common name given to pain originating on the outside or lateral side of the elbow. This condition arises from an irritation or inflammation of the tendons of one or several forearm muscles at their attachment to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, known as the lateral epicondyle.

Despite its name, tennis is not the only cause of this condition. Any activity that involves repetitive gripping of objects can result in this affliction: golf, knitting, prolonged carrying of heavy bags, chopping food, and/or computer work using improper wrist and arm posture.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a physical examination in order to determine the exact cause of the problem and the best method of treatment. A proper biomechanical analysis of your throwing mechanics is necessary to prevent reoccurrence and to maximize throwing potential.

Dr. Le Cara may recommend chiropractic treatments, including manipulation of the spine and elbow. Chiropractic joint manipulation has been shown to be just as effective as anti-inflammatory medication in improving pain and flexibility; and it is more effective than medication in improving range of motion. Also, Microcurrent Therapy is helpful for reducing pain and promoting rapid healing by increasing cellular metabolism.

In some cases, Dr. Le Cara may recommend the use of a specially fitted elbow brace, to take the pressure off the inflamed tendons of the elbow. He also will provide you with a home rehabilitation program of special stretches and exercises, which help to decrease pressure on the tendons, as well. And to reduce pain and inflammation at home, he will provide instructions for icing the area with the use of an ice cup.

About Rotator Cuff Syndrome

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that helps to lift your shoulder up over your head and also rotate it toward and away from your body. Unfortunately, this group of muscles is frequently injured by tears, tendonitis, impingement, bursitis and strains.

Rotator cuff syndrome refers to the injury of one or more of these muscles. This is often caused by extensive participation in athletic activities like throwing a ball, serving a tennis ball or driving a golf ball. Besides chronic wear and tear, a fall or collision can also be a causal factor. Symptoms may include pain in the front, side, back or deep inside the shoulder, especially with overhead movements. A person may experience pain while doing everyday activities, such as getting dressed or completing household chores.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a thorough examination of your shoulder and neck to locate the injured muscle and determine the nature of the injury: partial tear, scar tissue, or adhesions between muscles and tendons.

Usually, Dr. Le Cara will treat the area with deep tissue massage to break up the scar tissue and promote proper healing. In cases where pain is acute, he may recommend Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which can be useful for providing fast relief.

He also will provide physiotherapy instruction, and range-of-motion exercises to strengthen and gently stretch the rotator cuff muscles. A proper rehabilitation program will decrease chances of sustaining further injury to the affected area in the future.

About Inversion Ankle Sprains

Inversion sprains (the ankle turns inward) are the most common of the ankle sprains. The inversion sprain happens much more frequently because the inside part of the ankle has one of the strongest ligaments in the body. It is so strong that it will usually cause a fracture of the bone rather than tear itself. Because the ankle joint is quite complex, it does not always return to normal after injury; in fact, if an ankle is sprained repeatedly, the supporting musculature can become so imbalanced that the ligaments become unstable, predisposing the ankle to even further injury and possibly causing permanent dysfunction of the joint. For this reason, it is important to have the ankle examined and stabilized so that further damage does not occur.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a thorough assessment of your ankle, as well as the surrounding joints in order to determine the most effective treatment for your injury. The type of treatment required will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Myofascial release and electrotherapy can help in the reduction of swelling and inflammation, as well as minimize recovery time and maximize function after the injury.

The most important part of any treatment regimen for ankle sprains is the part that you will do on your own at home. This includes range-of-motion exercises to restore mobility, resistance exercises to restore strength and proprioceptive exercises to restore balance. Proper rehabilitation reduces the chances of having chronic ankle problems and secondary injuries as a result of compensating for a weak or unstable ankle

Many people think that they will have to wear a brace or have their ankle taped following an ankle sprain. This is not always the case and whether or not this will be necessary will depend on each individual case and the type of activity to which that person is returning.

About Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the painful inflammation of a tendon and its ligaments, which attach it to the bone. It often results from the stress of repetitive movements. Acute tendonitis may become chronic if it is not treated. The areas most commonly affected by this condition are the shoulder, elbow, wrist and thumb, knee and ankle.

Tendonitis usually causes one or more of the following symptoms:
• a sharp or achy pain
• tenderness and swelling
• restricted movement in the area surrounding the injury
• weakness in the arm or leg due to pain.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara will conduct a thorough assessment of the injured area in order to determine the severity and nature of the injury. Depending on your condition, he may recommend massage therapy and the use of ice to reduce swelling and inflammation. In situations where pain is acute, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can be useful for providing fast relief. Dr. Le Cara also will provide physiotherapy instruction, such as flexibility and strengthening exercises and range-of-motion exercises, which you can perform after the acute phase has passed. A proper rehabilitation program will decrease chances of sustaining further injury to the affected area in the future.

About Muscle Strains

A muscle strain occurs when a muscle or the tendon that attaches it to the bone is overextended. This also causes the muscle to tear or rip. Muscle strains often occur in the muscles that support the neck, thigh, groin and ankle.

Strains usually occur during activities that require the muscle to tighten suddenly or forcefully. This is caused by not warming up before a strenuous activity, a weakness in the muscle or by using a previously injured muscle that has not had the time to heal properly. That is why many muscle strains occur during exercise, sports activities or lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms of muscle strain are pain, a burning sensation and a swollen or bruised appearance to the injured area. A strained muscle might spasm, which means it contracts suddenly and involuntarily, causing severe pain. Also, a person may have joint instability or disability if the injury is serious and involves a muscle or ligament tear.

Treatment

Dr. Le Cara frequently treats strain injuries, particularly those that involve significant pain and diminished function. He will first conduct an examination of the affected area to determine the nature and severity of the injury. Most injuries respond well to joint manipulation. In fact, chiropractic joint manipulation has been shown to be just as effective as anti-inflammatory medication in improving pain and flexibility; and it is more effective than medication in improving range of motion.

He also may recommend applications of ice and heat and use electrical muscle stimulation to rehabilitate the affected muscle. And he will provide you with home stretching and strengthening exercises, which can facilitate a speedy recovery and decrease your chances of sustaining further injury to the affected area in the future.

About Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The Plantar Fascia is a ligament structure that supports the longitudinal arch of the foot. It is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may come on gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include the following:

• Starts as dull, intermittent pain in heel or arch, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain
• A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking
• Tightness in calf muscles
• Pain when standing on tiptoe

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive strain. The main risk factor that increases your chance of getting plantar fasciitis is physical activity that stresses the plantar fascia. Runners or other athletes who play sports that require extensive running and jumping commonly suffer from this condition.

Treatment

After examining your foot, Dr. Le Cara will conduct a foot and gait analysis. Certain tests such as x-rays or bone scans of the foot may be necessary to help rule out stress fractures or bone spurs.

Dr. Le Cara may prescribe custom-fitted orthoses, which can reduce discomfort by mechanically correcting the foot and providing support to the plantar fascia. He also may recommend a night splint in order to maintain a gentle, constant stretch across the plantar fascia. And in some cases, deep tissue stripping of the plantar ligament is very beneficial for providing long-lasting relief.


Dr. Le Cara will provide instructions for a home rehabilitation program, as well. Engaging in certain stretching exercises on a regular basis can lengthen the Achilles tendon. Other exercises can strengthen the supporting muscles of the arch and decrease the lengthening of the plantar fascia.

About Shin Splints

Shin splints are a common injury with runners but also can occur with increased walking. Symptoms of shin splints include a very intense aching pain in the lower leg or a sharp weakening pain in the leg with swelling. The pain usually is worst at the beginning of the run and progressively gets better if the athlete walks or runs through the pain. There are two kinds of shin splints: posterior and anterior.

Posterior shin splints are the most common. They result in inflammation of the tendon that runs down and behind the inside anklebone and hooks into the inside central portion of the arch. This tendon belongs to a muscle called the posterior tibialis. This muscle helps decrease the impact at foot strike. If a foot is excessively flat, this muscle can undergo quite a bit of strain and develop problems.

The next most common form of shin splints involves the anterior tibialis tendon. This tendon runs on the front of the leg and inserts onto the top mid-portion of the arch. The muscle for this tendon is located on the upper outside of the shin. A tight calf muscle usually causes these shin splints. The injury occurs when the tight calf muscle limits ankle motion. This causes the foot to hit the ground with a great deal of force. The muscle then responds by trying to slow the foot strike, which leads to overuse muscle fatigue and eventually inflammation and pain.

Treatment

In the case of posterior tibial shin splints, Dr. Le Cara will prescribe custom-fitted orthoses, which can reduce discomfort by mechanically correcting the foot. Orthoses ensure proper foot function. In turn, this relieves the stress that is placed on other parts of the body, which have had to compensate.

For anterior shin splints, Dr. Le Cara will provide you with a home rehabilitation program of physiotherapy exercises that will strengthen and stretch the tight calf muscle.