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Shin splints are a common overuse injury that mainly affects runners, military members, and people with osteoporosis. This injury happens in the lower leg pull when the muscles and bones become irritated. Most people recover from shin splints without any long-term health problems; however, shin splints do have the potential to develop into a tibial stress fracture. The tugging of the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg and repeated stress to the shin bone is how shin splints commonly develop. Your shin bone can become inflamed or weakened by frequent, repetitive pressure from running and jumping. Who is …

Fall is almost here and after a long hot summer in Arizona (with decreased outdoor activity), gardening is a great way to get outdoor exercise that is low-impact and healthy. Injuries occur very often due to using the wrong tools for the job, repetitive motion, lifting, and twisting with heavy loads. You may not realize it but gardening requires strength and flexibility to prevent injuries. It is important to choose the right tools for the job, such as tools with comfort grips keeping your hands in a neutral position. The proper tools allow for less stress on your joints which …

Active sports help you stay healthy, meet new people, and teach you about teamwork. It’s a great way to try something new if you’ve never played a sport before. Starting a new season in sports means a lot of hard work and practice, and it’s totally normal to feel nervous (especially if this is your first season). Here are simple tips to help you prepare for the first day: Set realistic goals. Before your season starts, consider setting a few goals, such as improving a specific skill like dribbling or passing the ball. Setting a few realistic goals before the …

It is very common for patients to see their doctor regarding soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Their doctor will evaluate their situation and most likely recommend RICE (aka Rest Ice Compression and Elevation) as a treatment. RICE is one of the few things most active people seem to remember when it comes to soft tissue injury management. The RICE treatment has had minor alterations such as adding Protection (to make it PRICE) or developing it towards a more active protocol by adding Movement instead of Rest to make MICE. POLICE (Protection Optimal Loading Ice Compression Elevation) is …

No matter how seemingly minor the injury may be, a foot or ankle injury can significantly impact your daily life. Your injury can cause a lot of frustration if it feels like the pain will never go away. Tips for recovery after a foot or ankle injury  Reduce swelling: To help reduce swelling, elevate your injured leg above your heart. Swelling might be present no matter your foot or ankle injury. Don’t forget to ice your injury several times throughout the day for up to 20 minutes. Don’t resume normal activity too soon: It’s very easy to re-injury yourself if you …

Arthritis in the hands can be disabling, preventing you from carrying out normal day-to-day activities. Arthritis is a very common disease that causes pain and stiffness within joints, including the hand. The severity of the symptoms will determine the appropriate treatment but may include medications, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and surgery. Possible Treatments for Hand Arthritis Medication: To reduce pain and inflammation of arthritis in the hand, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medication. Cortisone injections can also help to reduce pain and swelling in the joints if symptoms do not improve significantly with medication. Nutrition and Supplements: Your diet should include …

Not going to say we were the reason the @arizonarattlers won 62-19 on Saturday… But shout out to the Rattlers for having their Team Physician, our very own Dr. Shelden Martin, do the pregame coin toss and inviting our team members out to the game to cheer them on! Related posts: Events in Arizona, Aug 14-16th Haunted N. Arizona: Towns with spooky tales Arizona Events October 16-18 …

You are definitely not alone if you suffer from back pain. Approximately 8% of Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and 80% will endure a back pain episode at some point in their lives. Most back pain patients don’t require surgery. If surgery is needed, minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery is very standard today to treat various spinal conditions (surgical techniques today are more advanced than ever). Ask your physician about non-operative treatments that can help your spine to avoid or delay surgery. Patient goals for non Conservative treatment for back pain The cause and severity of your pain helps …

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee and is responsible for stability, forward movement of the lower leg, and preventing rotational stress. It connects the bottom of the femur (thighbone) to the top of the tibia (shinbone). Too much stress can cause an ACL to tear, making it the weakest of the four ligaments in the knee. Professional and amateur athletes are most prone to ACL injuries due to repetitive stress on the knee. Sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction are the most common to involve an ACL injury (basketball, soccer, tennis, …

Wearing the wrong type of shoe can start to really do a number on your feet. Our feet are one of the most important parts of our body that you rely on constantly throughout the day. We will be discussing different types of shoes and how they can affect the overall health of your feet. Flip-Flops First, we have to dive into one of the most popular summer shoe choices with flip-flops. These are such a popular choice because of how freeing it feels to have your feet exposed in those hot summer months. The reason we started with this …