What are Heel Spurs?

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Many people have heard of heel spurs but don’t know exactly what they are. A heel spur is a pointy bone growth that can occur from the heel bone. This often results in pain and tenderness in the bottom of the foot and the heel. Because these symptoms are similar to plantar fasciitis, patients may sometimes misdiagnose their condition. Be sure to check with your doctor if you experience prolonged heel pain.

Some ways that a doctor may suggest you treat heel spurs include:

  • Avoiding activities that increase heel pain
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin
  • Applying ice or other types of cold therapy
  • Wearing heel cups or other forms of heel pain support that cushion the heel as you walk, such as DonJoy Silicone Heel Cups
  • Replacing worn out shoes
  • Wearing orthotic shoes
  • Participating in physical therapy

Be sure to check with your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for your condition, and you’ll be well on your way to beating pain from heel spurs!

Rotator Cuff Degeneration

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The rotator cuff is a group of muscles in the shoulder that is commonly injured. When one of these muscles is torn, it is known as a rotator cuff tear. What many people do not know is that this area of the shoulder is also extremely susceptible to injury due to aging. Dr Kevin McIntyre of Burlington Sports Therapy explains what rotator cuff degeneration is and how to help treat it. Here is an excerpt:

“Many people don’t realize that our shoulder muscles (in particular the rotator cuff muscles) can wear down with time. The concept of rotator cuff degeneration is now a well established explanation for shoulder pain for many patients over the age of 40.

Rotator Cuff Injury is Progressive

There are different theories as to how the aging rotator cuff gets injured. Sure, there can be a spectacular event which initiates all the pain, but there doesn’t have to be. For many people, an “event” of injury is what they relate the symptoms to, but there was years of tendon degeneration already occurring which perhaps made the injury inevitable.  Tendon degeneration can be considered progressive.  Over time it gets worse and worse, where at the far end of progression is a complete tear of a rotator cuff tendon.”

Check out the full article and learn more about causes and treatment for rotator cuff degeneration. In some cases, wearing a shoulder brace may help the injured area to heal. You should always speak with your doctor before treating shoulder pain and other injuries. If you’re over 40 or use your shoulder in a lot of activities and are experiencing shoulder pain, check with your doctor to see if rotator cuff degeneration is a possibility.

Benefits of Elbow Pads

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Wearing elbow pads can help protect your elbow from injury and soreness. They’re especially helpful for people who participate in sports that involve diving or sliding. Some job activities also involve leaning on the elbow for long periods of time, so having the cushioning protection from an elbow pad is essential to help prevent injury.

One of the best elbow pads is the DonJoy Spider Elbow Pad. It has a unique honeycomb design which cushions more than standard elbow braces available on the market. This means that it protects your elbows against impact and are very comfortable. The DonJoy Spider Elbow Pad is also very durable and doesn’t get in your way during sports and other activities. Check out the DonJoy Spider Elbow Pad today!

DonJoy Stabilizing Ankle Brace Helps Prevent Ankle Injuries

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The DonJoy Stabilizing Ankle Brace is one of the leading ankle braces in helping prevent ankle sprains and rollover injuries. It has a lace up design that provides a custom fit all around your ankle. Certified athletic trainer and product specialist Leana Rice considers the DonJoy Stabilizing Ankle Brace the best soccer ankle brace. It’s a great all-around ankle brace for sports that require lots of turning, jumping and running because it helps stabilize and support your ankle.

Watch this video to learn more about the DonJoy Stabilizing Ankle Brace.

Tips to Avoid Ankle Injuries

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Ankle injuries are very common especially in sports that require lots of jumping, running and turning. These types of activities increase the risk of rollover incidents, which can result in stretched or torn ligaments in the ankle (also known as ankle sprains). Here are some quick tips on how to help prevent ankle injuries.

  • Stretch your ankles, especially before or after sports and physical activities. Keeping your ligaments flexible and limber can help prevent them from being torn.
  • Be sure to warm up before exercising. You’re much less likely to hurt yourself during sports if your muscles are warmed up.
  • Strengthen the muscles around your ankle. Ankle exercises such as heel raises improve your ankle muscles, which keeps your ankle ligaments aligned correctly and reduces your chance of injury.
  • Wear ankle braces during sports and activities. They provide compression and support to give your ankles an added boost of strength and stability. They’re also ideal for people who have had previous ankle injuries. (Athletes who have injured their ankle previously have a high chance of re-injuring themselves in the future.)
  • Replace old shoes and other equipment if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Make sure your shoes give your foot arches proper support.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Your ankles and feet support your entire body, so losing weight may help reduce the strain on your ankles and improve your overall health.

These simple tips can help save your ankle from future injuries! If you experience ankle pain or think you might have injured your ankle, check with your doctor for the best treatment for your injury.