Tag Archives: athletic edge sports medicine
On Sunday May 26th, The Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada will hold its annual Walk of Life at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. The Walk of Life features a 3km and 5km walk, a 5km run, and a 1km family stroll. There are great prizes for runners with top time, a healthy breakfast before the event and a t-shirt for all participants. With summer just around the corner, this event promises to be a great one. Celebrate the launch of the season by getting out there with some friends in support of The Cardiac Health Foundation.
As you prepare for this event, as well as for your own summer running season, it’s best to ensure your body is in top form before stepping out onto the track. Those of us who enjoy running on a regular basis know though that pain can keep us from enjoying what we love. If you are a runner who faces the all too common foot pain that can accompany the sport, it’s time to take charge and get your life back!
So how can you get rid of the foot pain (or knee, back and hip pain) that often accompanies running? A sports injury clinic that specializes in all types of sporting injuries has the answer. Instead of suffering with pain, sitting out when you want to be up and at ‘em, combat those foot woes with custom made orthotics.
Ok, you might be wondering why you shouldn’t just go out and buy a generic pair of foot orthotics. Aren’t they the same? Are custom made orthotics really that much better? Think about it this way: a one-size-fits-all running shoe doesn’t exist for a reason. Running shoe types vary considerably in order to meet the needs and goals of each runner. So why then, would you want a one-size-fits-all orthotic? Hmmm, well, you probably wouldn’t.
So how do custom made orthotics created by a sports injury clinic differ? It all starts with a consultation to assess your pain and complete a computerized gait analysis. This helps establish what kind of custom made orthotics you need. Rather than a standard pair of orthotics, custom made orthotics target specific, individual pain, and correct it.
Just as with any sport, having the right equipment helps put you at the top of your game. Custom made orthotics are essential equipment for many runners, so it’s important to visit a sports injury clinic to have your pain assessed and see if these are right for you. What better way to deal with a sports injury than to have it treated by an expert who specializes in sports related injuries?
For more information about custom made orthotics, or to schedule your gait analysis, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.
When you are active your body thrives being in good shape. Being fit is part of a healthy lifestyle, so being on the field or track can make fitness even more enjoyable. But if you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, a very common but painful condition for athletes, you know that days spent enjoying your favourite sport can be a little less gratifying with osteoarthritis of the knee dogging you. Osteoarthritis knee pain that bothers you before, during, and after a game, can take a lot of the fun out of it.
What is osteoarthritis of the knee? Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative disease that affects the knee joint, with symptoms ranging from general knee pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and muscle weakness. The pain is localized in the knee, making movement difficult.
There are several causes of osteoarthritis knee pain, but the most common often relate to sports. These include trauma to the knee, injuries of the knee joint, a patellar dislocation or patella fracture, or just general wear and tear. Genetic factors can also play a role (i.e. arthritis), as can obesity.
There are a number of different treatment options available for osteoarthritis knee pain sufferers, some are less invasive then others. Hyaluronic acid injections are one of the less invasive forms of treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain. This non-surgical approach to treating osteoarthritis knee pain is fast and effective, resulting in less downtime for recovery and results that get you back in the game that much quicker.
What are hyaluronic acid injections? Also called viscosupplementation injections, hyaluronic acid injections involve the injection of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already present in the human body. It works to lubricate the joints, making movement easy and painless. It also provides shock absorption to the knee joint. By injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint, hyaluronic acid injections help to promote the production of this substance, making movement more smooth and manageable.
A sports therapy clinic is a great place to seek relief from your osteoarthritis knee pain. Using hyaluronic acid injections in conjunction with other forms of osteoarthritis treatment (massage or physical therapy, custom knee bracing) may speed up your osteoarthritis knee pain recovery time.
Don’t let osteoarthritis knee pain keep you from being fit and enjoying your favourite sports. If you have tried other treatments with little success, hyaluronic acid injections could be the answer to your knee pain.
For more information about hyaluronic acid injections to combat osteoarthritis knee pain, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.
Anyone who runs on a regular basis, whether to keep fit or relieve stress, knows that staying injury free is crucial in order to continue your routine. Most runners are aware of the risks that can accompany running, but with running season in full swing it’s a great time to remind you of some of the causes of the most common running injuries. Knowledge is power and knowing the causes of common running injuries will help you to avoid them.
Top 5 common running injuries:
- Runner’s knee – a very common running injury, usually attributed to overuse. Over time, with regular activity, the cartilage in the kneecap begins to wear down, causing considerable pain.
- Plantar fasciitis – an inflammation of the tissues in the bottom of the foot that connect the heel with the toes. There are a number of different causes, but increased activity or strain on the foot muscles are very common causes for runners.
- Shin splints – pain in the front inside of the shin bone. These are often the result of a change in your running routine where you’ve denied your body the proper prep. Even subtle changes like increasing the distance of your run or the number of days that you run can lead to shin splints.
- Achilles tendinitis – inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, and the development of the condition is often a result of repetitive stress on the tendon due to changes in your routine.
- Ankle sprains – caused by the stretching or tearing of the muscles around the ankle. Injuries, such as twisting or falling on the ankle, can cause these sprains.
How can you avoid these, and other common running injuries? One of the best ways to avoid an injury, especially a sports related one, is to educate yourself. What better way to do this than by attending a running injury clinic? A running injury clinic hosted by a sports medicine clinic can give you the right tools to help you plan your running routine. One of the greatest assets to a session like this involves helping you understand how to better avoid common running injuries.
Running injury clinic tips:
- Plan: don’t just head out there every day and run a different track and expect your body to react well. Make sure that you set a plan for yourself where changes in routine are given appropriate periods of time to adjust. Planning a session with a trainer for an assessment is also a smart idea.
- Equip: those decade old running shoes are probably not going to offer the support you need to keep common running injuries at bay, so attend a running clinic to learn what types of footwear will best suit your individual needs.
- Stretch: prepping your body before any run is critical to getting it primed. A running injury clinic can help you discover the pre and post-run stretches that will help you avoid the pain of a running injury.
- Listen: never ignore your body. If it is in pain, don’t ignore it – chances are pain isn’t going to just go away, and could get worse. There are many different treatment options available to treat running injuries, so attend a sports injury clinic to have running injuries looked at right away.
For more information about how to avoid common running injuries or to find out more about our running injury clinic, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.
Sunday April 21st marks the 10th anniversary of the Canadian Running Series Foundation Charity Challenge, supporting such charities as the Canadian Cancer Foundation, the Asperger’s Society of Ontario and Kids Up Front. This 10km run attracts participants from across the province that competes for their favourite charity, many of them dressing up as part of the costume contest. You’d better get ready!
Whether you’re a runner who competes in marathons on a regular basis or just like to take a quick jog around the park every day, you know that running can sometimes lead to injuries that put pressure on your body and make your routine uncomfortable. Even worse, if left untreated, such aches, pains, sprains and strains can end up taking you out of commission for extended periods of time. If these minor injuries are keeping you off of the track, it might be time to get some relief.
Active Release Technique therapy is a specialized form of massage therapy that uses advanced massage techniques to treat a number of sports related (and even some un-related) aches and pains. It is a soft tissue system/movement based technique of massage that works to treat problems associated with muscles, ligaments and nerves. Headaches, carpel tunnel syndrome, shoulder and back pain and knee problems are just some of the conditions that Active Release Technique can treat. This form of therapy can also help you deal with issues such as weakness in your muscles and an inhibited range of motion, which, although perhaps not painful, can make your run less enjoyable as it can restrict you.
So how does Active Release therapy work? Using over 500 unique movements, your trained massage therapist will work with you to deal with the pain caused by overuse or a sports injury. Using different motions, and applying hand pressure to the affected areas, your massage therapist will work to remove or break up the fibrous adhesions that can tighten muscles and increase blood flow and release trapped nerves. Together, this will help increase movement and ease pain caused by overuse or other sports related injuries.
Remember: a running injury clinic at a sports therapy clinic is also a smart way to avoid these injuries before they occur. Having a pre-season assessment done will help notify you of problem areas and how to deal with them. Running can be hard on your body, and so prep is just as important as treatment.
If you’re getting ready to run in the CRS Charity Challenge, or just want to get some relief from your sports related aches and pains, visiting a sports therapy clinic for an Active Release Technique massage could be the solution.
To learn more about how Active Technique Release can help ease your sports aches and pains, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca
As the last vestiges of winter finally melt away, many of us are ready for those warm days outside enjoying out favourite sports. If you are an ultimate frisbee player, spring signals youre the move from indoor arenas to outside onto the field. A game that combines different elements of football, soccer and basketball, ultimate frisbee continues to grow in popularity, with leagues in every major city in the country!
But no matter the season, ultimate frisbee can lead to some painful sprains and strains that can bench even the best players. Rather than putting up with aches and pains or letting them keep you from participating, head to a sports injury clinic and address related problems before the warm weather hits!
What kinds of sprains and strains are we talking about? Like any sport, ultimate frisbee contains a level of risk as far as injuries. The combination of running flat-out and sometimes unavoidable contact can lead to sprains and strains on various parts of the body. The most common are ankle and knee sprains. Either of these can take you off of the field for an extended period of time. After all, if you cant run, you are probably not going to be much help to anyone on the team!
Sprains and strains to the ankle and knee can vary in severity, so it stands to reason the intensity of treatment also varies. Ignoring injuries like these is a very bad idea and could leave you as a permanent fixture on the sidelines. A sports injury clinic that caters to sports related injuries can assess each individual injury as need be and recommend the best treatment plan to get you back on the field as soon as possible.
What types of treatment does a sports injury clinic use to treat sprains and strains? If the sprain is in the knee for example, a custom brace can work to stabilize the knee, balancing out the weight and reducing the stress on the knee joint and area. This can make it much easier to compete and help keep further injuries at bay.
Other common injuries as a result of ultimate frisbee include torn ACLs. If you are running, pivoting and diving to catch the frisbee you are vulnerable to tearing your ACL. A sports injury clinic can deal with these injuries too. Using various massage techniques a physical therapist can reduce the swelling and inflammation from a minor injury and reduce the pain, getting you back out on the field in no time.
If you play ultimate frisbee but find yourself suffering from sprains and strains or any sports related injury as a result, visit a sports injury clinic for an assessment and treatment, customized to meet your individual needs. Professional expertise can restore you to your normal level of activity by reducing and managing your injury/pain.
For more information about sports sprains and strains and how a sports injury clinic can help, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca
As March winds down and the snow melts we start to see golf courses welcoming players onto the tee. It is also pretty common to see those early bird golfers out there perfecting their swing at neighbouring driving ranges at the first possible chance. If youre hooked on golf, warm weather is constantly tempting and prompting you to fit a game in as often as you possibly can!!
But how do you prepare for the golf season before it starts? Do you head out and find yourself a new set of clubs? Purchase some new golf shoes? These tasks will make you look stylish but do nothing to prepare your body for the course.
While some dont see golf as a strenuous sport, those who play and know the game recognize that its a great form of exercise, working several different muscles in your body. Like many other sports, golf too has common injuries that people struggle with. Golf injuries can come from a variety of different factors be it inexperience or repetition. Avoiding golf injuries is crucial if you want to keep up your normal level of play. A sports injury clinic that offers a golf injury prevention program will help you no matter what your golf handicap!
A common complaint from golfers is back pain. When you spend the day on the course and find yourself suffering from back pain for days afterwards, this may be caused by your stance and swing. A golf injury prevention program can help you perfect those movements in order to avoid common golf injuries like back pain.
Interestingly, tennis elbow is another of the most common golf injuries. Your grip, if too loose or too rigid, can cause the muscles on the outside of your upper arm to become inflamed and sore. Golfers elbow is also common among golfers (although ironically less common than tennis elbow), and effects the inside of the upper arm. A golf injury prevention program can help you work on that grip and help you avoid having to deal with these golf injuries.
Rather than settling for some programs that offer a conventional golf program that is meant to work for all, find one that is tailored and customized to fit your game. Recognizing that everyone does not play at the same skill level is part of what makes a good golf injury prevention program work, and customizing training to address your specific habits and tendencies will make your investment much more valuable.
Before polishing up the clubs for that first drive, make sure that you attend a sports injury clinic that offers a golf injury prevention program to brush up on your stance, swing and grip, and to help you avoid golf injuries throughout the season.
For more information about our golf injury prevention program and how to avoid common golf injuries, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca
Early next month, Edmonton, Alberta will host the Tim Hortons Brier. Held annually since 1927, the Tim Hortons Brier is the Canadian Mens National Curling Championship, bringing together the best of the best in the curling world from across the nation. Teams from each Province and Territory will compete against each other, keen to dominate the tournament and nab gold while moving on to represent Canada at the World Championships later this year.
Curling is sometimes viewed as a sport that is perhaps less strenuous than others. But if you curl, whether as a part of a competitive league or just for fun a couple of times a year, you know that curling is a great source of exercise, especially in the winter months when walking or summer sports may be less accessible. Just like any other sport, curling requires pre-game stretching. Also like other sports, curling can lead to injuries.
The most common curling injuries most often affect the knees, shoulders and back. This is thanks to the bending and extra pressure placed on the leg, knee and knee joints. Stretching before a game is a good way to avoid knee joint pain, but if you find yourself suffering from the pain caused by a curling injury, read on for methods for dealing with this.
One of the best strategies for combating knee joint pain from curling is through the use of a custom knee brace. Wearing a custom knee brace while curling will help stabilize your knee by distributing weight evenly, balancing out pressure places on the area. This strategy works to reduce the wear-and-tear that can cause knee joint pain.
Why go with a custom knee brace instead of a generic one? Having a custom knee brace made specifically for your body ensures that your unique brace addresses your individual knee joint pain issues. A generic knee brace cannot do this. Attending a sports injury clinic and having a custom knee brace made especially to your bodys specifications, ensures your knee joint pain is properly addressed.
Whether you curl like those amazing participants in this years Tim Hortons Brier, or just enjoy curling as a social pastime at the local rink, make sure that you are not ignoring knee joint pain: get fitted for a custom knee brace.
For more information about how a custom knee brace can help you deal with knee joint pain, contact Athletic Sports Edge Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca
You dont need to be Irish to celebrate St. Patricks Day! And what better way to celebrate than participating in the Achilles St. Patricks Day Run in support of the Huntington Society of Canada? This run raises money to help fund research and services for Huntingtons disease. You and your running shoes and stretching routine still have time to be ready for the March 17th event. Whether you’re an avid runner, or just run to keep fit, this fundraiser is a great opportunity to enjoy running in a social setting for a great cause.
This event also signals the beginning of what is, for many, the start of running season. As spring unfolds, and the snow begins to melt, it’s almost an innate cue to dust of the running gear! This spring event is a great motivator for beginning to enjoy the benefits of this season’s regular running routine.
But if you suffer from a common running injury like Achilles tendinitis you know that the joy of running is replaced by agony – if not total avoidance of the sport. Achilles tendinitis is a common and painful running injury that comes from an overly stressed Achilles tendon. This causes the muscles in the knee to tighten, which then irritates the Achilles tendon. This domino-effect ruins any chances for a relaxing run around the track or neighbourhood
So what can you do if you suffer from Achilles tendinitis? First of all, whatever you do, dont just ignore it and try to run through the pain chances are not only will this affliction not heal on its own but you can easily make the situation worse. Instead, visit a Toronto sports medicine clinic to get the advice and attention you need to return to a pain-free status.
How can a sports medicine clinic help you bounce back from a running injury like Achilles tendinitis? A sports medicine clinic offers a number of different treatment options: including custom knee braces, custom orthotics and physical therapy, just to name a few. There are several great treatment options a sports medicine clinic will carry in their arsenal.
If you suffer from Achilles tendinitis or any other running related injury, dont accept being kept off your feet and not enjoying your regular run. Attend a sports medicine clinic and speak to an experienced sport injury professional about the various treatment options that can nurse you back to conditioning in time for the St. Patricks Day run!
For more information about treating Achilles tendinitis or our running injury clinic, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca
With March Break just around the corner, you may be thinking about getting in shape and toning up. Whether your options involve a vacation to a sunny destination requiring a week spent in a swim suit, or simply setting some quality time aside for some outdoor exercise with the kids, now is the time to get started. A healthy weight loss plan can get you in better shape for March Break quicker than you think.
There are so many different diet and exercise plans out there promising quick results. Some offer instant fixes to curb cravings, or expect you to cut out certain foods entirely many of which may actually be healthy for you. Other fads promise weight loss without exercise. Finding a long-term solution for healthy weight loss, through a realistic plan that includes increased fitness, will depend on your health and personal goals.
Registered dieticians, whether in one-on-one or in a group settings, can help you set and achieve goals for healthy weight loss. Motivation and support can do wonders to keep you on track, and a registered dietician serves as a healthy weight loss coach offering advice that increases your chances of success.
Be realistic about what results your healthy weight loss plan should offer. Again, by sitting down with a registered dietician, you will be able to establish a meal plan for weight loss that utilizes your food preferences and helps you budget wisely. As part of your food management counseling, you will also get tips about how to control food cravings, understanding food labels, and tips for eating smartly when you are not at home.
We all know that exercise needs to be a part of any healthy weight loss plan, especially if you want to tone up, so another important benefit of working with a registered dietician is that they will work with you to create an exercise plan that fits your schedule.
We all know its far easier to say were going to lose weight than to lose it. This is why a registered dieticians input can be instrumental to your transformation and success. Let their support, encouragement and advice help you achieve your healthy weight loss goals and get you March-Break-ready.
For more information about establishing a healthy weight loss plan or to speak with our registered dietician, Stephanie Senior, call Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca
Get ready soccer fans: the 2013 Major League Soccer season has begun, kicking off on March 2nd! Youve got several months of fast-paced action ahead of you, and whether you play soccer on a regular basis, are re-enacting those games played by our own Toronto FC, or just like to kick the ball around with friends on Sunday afternoon, this time of year – and the start of the season – always ramps up the excitement for this sport.
Along with the excitement, the start of soccer season also ushers in a new season of common soccer injuries. No matter what level you participate in, your chances of suffering a soccer injury are worth paying attention to. Weve got some tips to help you avoid sprains and strains that soccer is known for.
Some of the most common soccer injuries are the sprains and strains that stem from overuse. Overuse injuries happen when there is frequent stress on the muscles, soft tissues and joints. Without enough time to heal, these sprains and strains, which can start off as small aches and pains, can become much worse if untreated.
So how can you avoid these injuries and play a full season, injury-free?
Be physically active. Dont go back to the field at full tilt after an extended period of time off. Make sure that you gradually work your body back to regular play, so your sprains and strains are kept at bay. Also, make sure that you are stretching both before and after each game.
Make sure that you are wearing the right equipment the right cleats and breathable gear and that the conditions are proper. If your shoes are too tight, or too loose, your whole body will suffer. If the rain poured down on the field the day before leaving it a veritable pond, slips and falls can easily lead to soccer injuries.
And what if youve taken proper precautionary measures and still find yourself in pain? If you suffer from an ache or pain that doesnt seem to want to go away, you may want to seek medical attention. An underlying problem that requires treatment which hasnt been identified or addressed by a doctor can quickly become serious. Rather than ignoring sprains and strains or brushing them off as annoyances or merely stiff muscles, give them the attention they need to heal properly. And strike the right balance between resting, stretching, exercising and actually playing the sport itself.
Just because youre not a regular David Beckham out on the pitch, doesnt mean that you are immune to the most common soccer injuries involving sprains and strains. Make sure that you are prepared before heading out to play. And if you suffer an injury, always seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term impact.
For more information about preventing soccer injuries, such as sprains as strains or to treat a sports injury, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca
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