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Dot Extras
I was recently sidelined from my running regimen by a stress fracture. Can you recommend activities that will give me just as good a workout?
A stress fracture usually occurs due to overuse, when additional "stress" is placed on a particular body part. The key in treatment is rest and modified activity levels. Water workouts are fantastic for joints and muscles. Try swimming, deep-water running, or water aerobics; you'll get a great workout without aggravating your injury or causing a new one. Another good way to reduce stress on the body is appropriate shoe wear, which provides the necessary support and shock absorption. Change to a new pair of running shoes at least every six months -- more frequently if you are an avid runner. Check to see how much wear has occurred by examining the shoe's arch, cushioning, and rubber sole. To avoid re-injury, try not to run on hard cement or concrete. I'm a high school softball coach. What are the three most important things to look for in a high school player?
The three most important things to look for in a high school softball player, from a coach's standpoint, are: 1) love and a desire to play the sport; 2) a willingness to learn and work hard to reach her full potential; and 3) athleticism and talent plus a spirit of leadership. I've had tendinitis in my knees for the past couple of years. I ice and I stretch, but they still ache and swell. Does tendinitis ever go away?
Yes, this inflammation of a tendon will go away if properly treated. Common causes are overuse -- whether it's running, climbing, weightlifting or jumping -- anatomical irregularities that may stress the quadriceps. Semirigid orthotics can help absorb shock and correct foot alignment. No matter what the cause of the tendinitis, quadriceps-strengthening exercises and hamstring stretches are essential. In addition, anti-inflammatory medication -- along with passive physical therapy modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound, phonophoresis, iontophoresis (transfer of ions into the body using electromotive force) and massage -- can help ease swelling in the acute phase. Isometric exercises (static muscle contractions, where there is no visible movement about the joint) can be started initially and then progress. Return to activity gradually (too soon and you risk reinjury), and monitor yourself closely. Water workouts are great for not only reducing the stress on your body, but helping you maintain your fitness as you recuperate. If rehab doesn't work, talk to your doctor about surgical options. My daughter had surgery for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome but hasn't had any relief. Can you tell me how to find a good doctor -- without resorting to the Yellow Pages?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is damage to the tibial nerve at the ankle, due to chronic pressure on the nerve where it passes through a bony, fibrous passage called the tarsal tunnel. It causes pain and numbness in the sole of the foot and weakness of the muscles that flex the toes. Any nerve damage takes a long time to recover once the pressure is released, depending on the severity of the damage -- it can take up to a year or two, and generally the function that returns after two years is the maximum that will return. The best way to find a doctor is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who who have suffered similar injuries. If that doesn't prove helpful, you can always ask your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist. Finally, there's the Internet -- but proceed with caution. Search out reputable medical resources, such as from accredited teaching hospitals or medical schools, or physician groups and review the information provided, including doctors' credentials. Before my daughter was diagnosed with Graves' Disease, she was a very good basketball and softball player. She's getting treatment now, but will she ever be as good as she was?
How far can your daughter go? Look to Gail Devers for inspiration. After being diagnosed with Graves' Disease in 1991, she came back after treatment to win gold medals in the 100 meters at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. Your daughter can still accomplish her goals if she is properly diagnosed and treated. Graves' Disease is a relatively common disorder that occurs at any age, more frequently in women than in men. The cause is unknown, but clinically a patient may exhibit nervousness, inability to sleep, tremors, excessive sweating, and heat intolerance. The major manifestations are hyperthyroidism, ophthamopathy and dermopathy. There are varying degrees of Graves' Disease, and the more severe and progressive the disease, the more difficult it is to treat effectively. Devers' accomplishment illustrates that for some patients, the disease can be controlled and goals obtained. Your daughter's progress can be monitored, and guidance given in response to medical treatment. The courage is found within, and the motivation can help her achieve.
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