Athletic advice for injuries

Common Injuries.
The following is a list and brief description of injuries commonly seen at the FootZone. In our three stores we carry in stock many products that can help you quickly get back on your feet again. In addition we work closely with many local medical professional in the case you are able to identify and are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Be sure to check out FootTalk for additional information

Plantar Fasciitis:
Medical Definition - Tearing &/or inflammation of the Plantar Fascia.

Symptoms - Sharp pain in the heel/arch. Pain tends to be most noticeable the first few steps after being off your feet for a few hours (sitting/laying down/sleeping). A sharp pain comes just in front of the heel and may extend through the arch into the forefoot. Pain tends to lessen after a few steps.

Common Causes: un-supportive (arch) shoes, barefoot, sudden strain injury.

Treatment - Ice, Massage, Stretch (Achilles Tendon Stretch), & Do not go bare foot. For most cases, a supportive shoe and/or a pair of Super Feet insoles will help ease the pain. If pain continues, see a Doctor.

Achilles Tendonitis:
Medical Definition - Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Symptoms - Tenderness in the Achilles tendon.

Common Causes: lack of stability, excessive hill training, sudden increase in speed or distance of training.

Treatment - Ice, Stretch, Massage, Support. Ice the tendon area (between the heel to the calf) after workouts. Stretch (Achilles Tendon Stretch) before and after workouts. Some light massaging on the Achilles tendon will help ease the pain. If your shoes have 400 or more miles on them, they are worn out and a new pair of shoes will often help the problem. If pain continues, see a Doctor.

Shin Splints:
Medical Definition - Inflammation/tearing of the soft tissue on the front portion of the tibia.

Symptoms - Pain on the front part of the tibia (shin).

Common Causes: incorrect stability in shoes, excessive increase in training (to much to soon)

Treatment - Ice, Stretch (Hurdlers Stretch), Massage, Support. Support is key on this injury. Make sure you have the proper type of support in the shoes you are active in. If your shoes have 400+ miles on them, they are dead and a new pair of shoes will most likely help the problem. We recommend you stretch before/after activity and massage/ice after activity. If symptoms continue, see a Doctor.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB):
Medical Definition - Inflammation and Irritation of the Iliotibial Band.

Symptoms - Pain and tightness on the lateral side (outside) of the knee or lower thigh.

Common Causes: muscle imbalance, often seen with marathoners, tri-athletes and woman (q angles)

Treatment - Ice, Stretch, Massage, ITB Support Wrap. If problems continue after stretching, massaging, and icing, a shoe that has good lateral support might be the answer. If symptoms continue, see a Doctor.