What All Do You Do?

Oct 4th - Day 4 of Get To Know GBC
Today we answer the question...What all do you do? 

At GBC we work with our patients by using a variety of therapies such as 

Graston®

Acupuncture  

Rehab Therapy 

Kinesio taping 

just to name a few. 


Want to learn more...You can read about our therapies in more detail on our website (www.gatewaybaycolony.com) 

Plantar Fasciitis

Like most people I am sure you have heard the term Plantar Fasciitis but unless you have suffered from it you may not know what it is. Here is an overview so you can be more well-informed. If any of this sounds familiar to something you are suffering with feel free to call our office so we can help you with a treatment plan. 

Plantar Fasciitis

Anatomy:  The plantar fascia is a thick, broad, inelastic band of fibrous tissue that courses along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. It is attached to the heel bone (calcaneus) and fans out to attach to the bottom of the metatarsal bones in the region of the ball of the foot. Because the normal foot has an arch, this tight band of tissue (plantar fascia) is at the base of the arch. In this position, the plantar fascia acts like a bowstring to maintain the arch of the foot.

Causes: Plantar fasciitis refers to an inflammation of the plantar fascia. The inflammation in the tissue is the result of some type of injury to the plantar fascia. Typically, plantar fasciitis results from repeated trauma to the tissue where it attaches to the calcaneus. This repeated trauma often results in microscopic tearing of the plantar fascia at or near the point of attachment of the tissue to the calcaneus. The result of the damage and inflammation is pain.

 If there is significant injury to the plantar fascia, the inflammatory reaction of the heel bone may produce spike-like projections of new bone called heel spurs. The spurs are not the cause of the initial pain of plantar fasciitis; they are the result of the problem. Most heel spurs are painless. Occasionally, they are associated with pain and discomfort and require medical treatment or even surgical removal Plantar fasciitis (heel-spur syndrome) is a common problem among people active in sports, especially runners. It typically starts as a dull, intermittent pain in the heel and may progress to sharp, constant pain. Often, it is worse in the morning or after sitting, and then decreases as the patient begins to walk around. In addition, the pain usually increases after standing or walking for long periods of time, and at the beginning of a sporting activity. Often people who develop plantar fasciitis have several risk factors for doing so. 

They include: 

• Flat feet

• High arched, rigid feet 

• Increasing age and family tendency 

• Running on toes, hills or very soft surfaces (sand) 

• Poor arch support in shoes 

• Rapid change in activity level

TREATMENT: Fortunately, the majority of cases of plantar fasciitis respond favorably to non-operative treatment such as chiropractic care. However, the recovery time varies tremendously from patient to patient. While some patients may be healed after 6 weeks of treatment, others may require 6 months or longer for recovery. In addition, the methods of treatment that may work for one patient may not be successful in another patient. Typically, the methods of treatment that are attempted include anti-inflammatory mediation, icing, stretching, Graston Technique, activity modification, and heel inserts.

Gateway Bay Colony Chiropractic - 281-337-7000  - www.gatewaybaycolony.com

Tennis Elbow

· Have you experienced numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers?

· Have you experienced elbow or hand/wrist pain?

· Do you have difficulty opening jars?

· Does you arm or hand fatigue easily?

· If any of these sound familiar, ask your Doctor about Tennis Elbow!

TENNIS ELBOW - A.K.A Lateral Epicondylitis

Causes:

This condition may be caused by any number of repetitive motions or excessive uses involving the  forearm, wrist, or hands.  People at risk include but are not limited to those active with computers, musicians, laborers, tennis players, and golfers. 

Signs or Symptoms:

Pain or tenderness when palpating the outside of the elbow.  Pain or weakness noted during resisted wrist extension or resisted rotation of the wrist to make the palm face upward.

Treatment:

If pain or muscular tightness is present, modalities (i.e. ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation) may be utilized to reduce inflammation or reduce muscle tightness or spasms.  Ice therapy may also be introduced at this stage.  Treatment may also include the Graston technique, myofascial release, and/or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle spasms or improve the range of motion.  These therapies are also effective for those with recurring problems that are associated with scar tissue from a previous episode.  The Doctors at Gateway Bay Colony Chiropractic may then begin an active care program including stretches and exercises that will be introduced as tolerated.  You will be instructed on how and why you are to    incorporate these in your daily routines.  You will also be advised on which activities to reduce or avoid in your daily routine that may be aggravating your condition.  Joint mobilization may also be used to restore normal biomechanical movement that has been restricted due to the repetitive microtrauma associated with "tennis elbow." 

After a discussion with your chiropractor, acupuncture may be a treatment to initiate or try if all else has failed.  Acupuncture points can be used to help with the pain, trigger points, or muscle spasms often    associated with “tennis elbow.”

Visit www.gatewaybaycolony.net for more information or to schedule an appointment.