Run, Don’t Walk! Avoid Running Injuries During This Year’s Zombie Walk

“Brains…brains…” Okay, a little over the top, but, come on, it's the Halloween season! And what better way to celebrate than to participate in the annual Toronto Zombie Walk on October 26^th at Nathan Phillips Square. Why not get dressed up and join the festivities and excitement while beholding amazing costumes? And this year organizers have even added a bit more fun to the event with a spooky, fun Halloween parade.

But wait!! What if your walk looks like a zombie walk even when you are not taking part in this fun event? If you have sustained an injury that caused you to limp or favour one leg/ankle/foot over the other, it might be time to seek out some relief from those running injuries…

If you are a runner, you are no doubt aware of the long list of common running injuries that accompanies this sport. Here's our list of the top 3 – and how a running injury clinic can help you deal with each of them:

Runner’s Knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome). Many running injuries are knee injuries, and a knee injury can be debilitating no matter the severity. Runner’s knee happens when the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap becomes irritated. A good way to combat this is with custom knee bracing. Rather than a generic knee brace where one size (never) fits all, a custom knee brace delivers stability and flexibility while reducing pain.

Achilles Tendonitis. The Achilles tendon connects the two major calf muscles to the back of the heel, and when too much stress is put on the tendons they become tight and irritated. This makes even the shortest walk painful. Want to stop hobbling along like the walking dead because of Achilles tendonitis? Physiotherapy and manual therapy might be the answer. Weak calves often contribute to the development of this condition, so this type of treatment can not only help you recover but can also help strengthen those calf muscles to help avoid future running injuries.

Plantar Fasciitis. Another common running injury, often the most notorious. Plantar fasciitis is when the tendons and ligaments in the foot become inflamed or when small tears occur. These tendons and ligaments run from the heel to the toes, meaning that the pain can affect the entire foot. Get back in step with shockwave therapy from a sports injury clinic. Shockwave therapy send acoustic waves into the affected area which works to break down scar tissue regenerate bone cells and blood vessels.

If you are suffering from one of these running injuries, or any sports related injury, stop suffering. Head to a sports injury clinic today and find some relief.

For more information about common running injuries and how to avoid them, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca. 

Prepare for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon with Professional Athletic Therapy

October 20^th marks the advent of the annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a 5km, half-marathon or full marathon in support of such charities as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Autism Dog Services and St. Christopher’s House. This is a brilliant opportunity to raise some money for wonderful organizations while participating in a great event!

Preparing for a marathon can be a big undertaking. In order to compete you need to be in top form – especially if you want to avoid the pain and strain that can accompany this sport. One wise way to ensure your body is ready is to have a proper fitness assessment – and a sports medicine specialist is the perfect professional to turn to! This assessment can identify any issues and address them effectively.

If you are recovering from an injury, athletic therapy is an important resource to consider for readying your body ready for a marathon. If you are an avid runner but have sustained a running injury, an injured runner’s clinic might be the best place to start. Your sports medicine specialist can assess the injury, identify underlying issues that led to the injury and help determine a long-term routine to get you back to your best.

Recovering from a torn ACL? Athletic Therapy can see you fitted for a custom ACL knee brace to help increase knee stability while allowing for a wide range of movement and flexibility.  A custom knee brace is also a boon for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

What about foot pain like plantar fasciitis? Athletic therapy may include custom foot orthotics. These can help to reduce pain and stabilize your feet. Custom foot orthotics can also help with back and hip pain.

What about osteopathy? A great way to restore balance, reduce pain and speed natural healing is by visiting an osteopath who can address related pain and help you overcome it.

Whether you are prepping for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon or just want your a-game back to achieve your own personal goals, athletic therapy can investigate any problems that cause you challenges and provide you with effective solutions. Walking or running with pain is neither pleasant nor is it a good idea, so make sure to address any lingering problems.

For more information about how athletic therapy can strengthen you for Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca. 

Avoid Workplace Injury and Improve Employee Comfort with a Professional Ergonomic Assessment

Time equals money, no matter what business you are in. When employees effectively spend their time performing, the company's end results will reflect this. However, if your employees are not comfortable, or worse, are in pain, their work will suffer. Providing a healthy, safe and comfortable workspace should be a big part of your company mandate – after all, if you want employees to perform, they can’t be focusing on unnecessary details that are not work related. This is why an ergonomic assessment is so important.

Not really familiar with the term and what it implies? Well, ergonomics is a science that investigates the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It considers an employee's abilities and limitations in an attempt to see that their workspace and daily tasks are not only suitable, but optimal.

Often, discussions surrounding office ergonomics revolve around the best chairs or keyboards, but your workplace ergonomic assessment should go well beyond this. Replacing a few items in the office may be advantageous, but making sure the set-up is ergonomically sound is even better.

If your employees are suffering from back or knee pain, sore feet or other discomfort as a result of repetitive work such as sweeping, typing, lifting, reaching, stretching arms, bending, prolonged sitting or twisting, they may actually be suffering from improper office ergonomics.  Hiring an expert assess the ergonomics of your office may be one of the wisest investments a company can itself.

Another benefit of an ergonomic assessment: reduced turn-over and a reduction of lost employee time. The most common workplace complaints solved by correct office ergonomics are in regards to back pain. Often this back pain can lead to time off – which can cost you money. Additionally, if an employee is suffering from pain or recovering from an injury, a proper ergonomic workspace may allow them to return to work earlier or help aid in their recovery.

Choose a clinic that will come to you – otherwise an ergonomic assessment is not worth your time or money. Using an advanced ergonomic research analysis, this visit's goal is to evaluate your office and preparing a formal report outlining the findings of the assessment. This evaluation will determine any issues within your work environment, and the report will detail recommendations regarding how to improve the space.

Having a cohesive team that works hard for your company is only part of the equation.  Make sure that this valuable team is comfortable and healthy to ensure your own rewards.

For more information about an ergonomic assessment or to book one with our ergonomic expert, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800.

MLB World Series Kicks Off: Avoiding Baseball Injuries Like The Pros

This month's kick-off of The World Series of Major League Baseball sends players to the field to compete for the championship title. Whether you're an avid fan who plays on a weekly team or just like to head out for a friendly weekend face-off, baseball injuries are a common hindrance to any player’s game - not to mention potentially debilitating – keeping you from the plate for weeks at a time (or longer)! 

There are two main types of baseball injuries: cumulative and acute. Cumulative injuries occur overtime, largely as a result of overuse. Aches and pains caused by stress on the muscles, soft tissues or joints can quickly turn into incapacitating injuries if left untreated. 

Acute injuries are caused by sudden impact or force, rather than from stress. These can be quite dramatic.

The most common baseball injuries include damage to the shoulder, elbow, back, hand and wrist or knee.

Shoulder:

-        Shoulder tendinitis, bursitis

-        Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

-        Torn rotator cuff or rotator cuff tendonitis

-        Shoulder separation

Elbow:

-        Medial epicondylitis (also known as golfer’s elbow)

-        Bursitis

-        Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Back:

-        Lower back pain

-        Herniated disks

-        Muscle strains

Hand and Wrist:

-        Sprains and fractures

-        Tendinitis

-        Tenosynovitis

Knee:

-        Injuries to the ACL, PCL, MCL or LCL

Whatever your game style, it's crucial to avoid these injuries wherever possible. Stretching, proper warm up and cool down routines, and appropriate gear go a long way in remaining pain-free on the field.  Also staying in shape, rather than just infrequently moving from the couch to the diamond, is the best way to avoid many of the common baseball injuries that players suffer from.

If you have already sustained a baseball injury, whether cumulative or acute, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Ignoring an ache or pain hoping it will improve on its own will often lead to further deterioration – and leave you in far worse shape.  Instead, head to a sports injury specialist for individualized treatment. Trusting a specialist with your sports related injury is a superior strategy to ensuring effective and efficient treatment!

For more information about common baseball injuries, how to avoid them, or how to treat them, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca