Runner’s Knee Injuries & Treatments

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Do My Children Need Orthotics?

It is important to pay attention to the development of your children’s feet as the first few years of walking will impact how their feet develop for the rest of their lives. Long term flat footedness that is left untreated can lead to back pain, leg pain and several other conditions.

Flat feet usually occur when the longitudinal arch fails to develop entirely, resulting in a collapsed arch which leaves the entire sole of the foot coming into contact with the ground. For some people this only occurs in one foot (unilaterally) but for others, it occurs in both (bilaterally).

In infants, flat feet are common and to be expected – this is due in part to “baby fat,” which masks the developing arch and need not cause worry in parents. The development of the arch occurs over the course of a child’s infancy and early years. To aid your child’s arch structure development allow them to walk barefoot on varying terrain and exercise often.

Doctors typically prescribe orthotic aids to children with flat footedness starting from a very young age. Conditions of flat footedness and other problems are noticeable from the age a child begins to walk so specially designed shoes and insoles can be implemented early on to prevent worsening of the problem.

Usually around 4 or 6 years of age the arch should be fully developed. Symptoms and identifying factors of flat footedness become very apparent around this time and parents will bring in their children for evaluation if they notice distinct problems with mobility or if the child complains of pains.

Symptoms of Flat Footedness (Pes Planus):

1. If a child begins to walk oddly or clumsily, for example on the outer edges of the feet


2. If a child limps


3. If he or she feels foot pain or fatigue during walks

Children who complain about calf muscle pains or any other pains around the foot area or knee may be developing or have flat feet.
For younger children, or those with less severe conditions, simply allowing them the opportunity to develop arches – with foot gymnastic exercises, barefoot walking or walking on moldable terrain like sand can help develop their arches.

As with any medical condition, seeing a specialist such as a podiatrist will allow for a better diagnosis of your child’s situation. For many children with less severe arch impediments, support braces and orthotic insoles can help alleviate the problem. In other, more severe, circumstances custom-fit ankle or foot braces can be crafted for your child to wear. Sometimes they only need use an orthotic brace for a period of time before the problem is fixed.

In some cases of persistent pain and flat footedness physical therapy and/or surgery may be the only options available. Consulting a doctor will provide you with the information you need to keep your children’s feet healthy!

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic footwear, orthotic inserts and various support braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Identifying Carpal Tunnel

Symptoms and Causes of a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an increasingly common problem, affecting between 4 and 10 million Americans, many of whom self diagnose their symptoms as something else. Since the symptoms of carpal tunnel are typically non-severe many of those suffering from CTS assume that their pain or suffering is temporary and due to some external condition.

In truth, many small signs may be indicative of Carpal Tunnel. Of course, it is important to get checked out by a physician in order to make sure that the symptoms are indeed causative of CTS and not another condition. As with most health issues, the sooner one identifies the root of the problem, the sooner it can be taken care of. With many patients, CTS can be remedied with the use of wrist supports and exercises, while more severe cases will require surgery.

Most symptoms of CTS begin as infrequent occurrences and progress gradually over a few weeks or months. In the beginning, pain may be subtle so many patients may not even notice until the symptom worsens over time.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel:

1. Numb Hands/ Numb Fingers: numbness usually affects the first four fingers (thumb - ring finger) and the palm; patients may lose the ability to sense heat or cold


2. Hand and/or Wrist Pain: one of the first symptoms, generally occurs on the palm side


3. Tingling Fingers: typically between the thumb and middle finger of the affected hand, sometimes also the ring finger; the fifth finger usually lacks these sensations


4. Weakness: may be unable to grasp items and have a tendency to drop things; loss of motor skills in hands


5. Swelling Sensation: patients may feel that their hands are swollen even if no swelling is visible


6. Arm Pain: hand or wrist pain may extend to the forearm/upper arm


7. Poor circulation: hands are cold while forearms/upper arms are warm; hands fall asleep often

Additional symptoms of CTS (which may also be linked to other health issues) include high blood pressure and sleeplessness. Of course, both of these may be pre-existing conditions and not indicative of a development in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Many people who suffer from CTS do so because of environmental factors – such as workspace issues and repetition of a specific motion, but for some the condition may be hereditary. For either situation, the issue is the same – the carpal tunnel has been compromised. In congenital cases, this typically means that the carpal tunnel is smaller than that of most people. In the case of external reasons, there are a few commonly identified practices that can lead to the onset of CTS. In either case, it is important to go to a doctor so he or she can assess the severity of your condition and help decide if wrist supports or a hand splint may aid your recovery or if surgery may be the answer.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel:

1. Sprains/Fracture


2. Over activity of the pituitary gland


3. Hypothyroidism


4. Rheumatoid arthritis


5. Work stress


6. Fluid retention in pregnancy/menopause


7. Repeated use of high-force vibrating hand tools

Many other causes of CTS are known, so be sure to consult a physician to make a correct diagnosis of your condition.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports and a full line of diabetic shoes. For quality wrist and back braces, please visit MMAR Medical online.

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Back Stretches for Relieving Back Pain

If you suffer chronic back pain, stretching is an excellent pain management strategy. Not only does stretching feel good, it also increases your range of motion, enhances flexibility and reduces the likelihood of further injury.

There are several stretches that target the back specifically. Garard Malanga, the Director of Pain Management at New Jersey’s Overlook Hospital, suggests starting with gentle neck stretches. If you loosen up the neck muscles, you will also reduce the tension in your upper back. Always stretch slowly, to the point of tension rather than pain. Hold the stretch for approximately 10 to 20 seconds, and do not bounce. If you feel to urge to bounce, you are probably stretching too far. And don’t forget to breathe deeply when you stretch!

The following five stretches will help alleviate pain and feel great.

Stretch #1

1. Sit in a chair with feet flat on the ground


2. Curl /arch your back and neck slowly forward until you chest meets your thighs


3. Reach to the ground (touching it if you can)


4. Hold for 10 seconds


5. Return to neutral seated position and repeat 10 times

Stretch #2

1. Kneel on all fours


2. Arch your back towards the ceiling like a cat


3. Hold for 5 seconds


4. Return to the neutral position


5. Now push your stomach towards the floor (mirror to the cat stretch)


6. Hold for 5 seconds


7. Return to neutral position and repeat this stretch 10 times

Stretch #3

1. Lie on your back, feet flat on the floor


2. Grab the back on your thighs and pull them towards your chest until a comfortable stretch is felt


3. Hold for 15 seconds


4. Repeat 10 times

Stretch #4

1. Continue lying on your back, knees bent, feet resting flat on the ground


2. Rotate your hips to the left until you feel the stretch, keeping your entire back flat to the floor


3. Hold for 10 seconds, then rotate slowly, smoothly to the other side


4. Repeat 10 times

Stretch #5

1. Last stretch – continue lying on your back, feet flat on the floor


2. Push down, through the feet, and slowly, smoothly lift your gluts towards the ceiling


3. Hold for ten seconds


4. Repeat 10 times

Couple a solid stretching routine, with a quality back brace, and you should feel tremendous relief from your chronic back pain.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. To find a quality back brace, including a high quality lumbar brace, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

Why does my back hurt?

As we’ve previously mentioned, many Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives – 8 in 10 of us roughly. For some, back pain is chronic and severe enough to lead them to seek medical help and for a percentage of people that back pain is symptomatic of a larger health issue.

Fortunately for us, most back pain is temporary and easily alleviated. Back pain sometimes comes about because we have been sitting hunched in front of a computer for many hours, for others because of strenuous physical labor. For the easy fixes, exercise, a back pain brace or another simple fix can quickly lessen your pain.

Some common causes of back pain can be easily identified so as to make them avoidable – or, at least, fixable.

1. Strained muscles: the most common cause of back pain is an injury to a muscle (strain) or a ligament (sprain). Muscle strains cause up to 85% of back pain experienced. How do you pull a muscle? By overloading it. When you overstretch a muscle, you essentially tear it which causes inflammation, muscles spasms and pain. Lifting heavy weights, pulling on your back instead of using your legs and abs, unexpected twisting or falling down are some of the ways in which back muscles can be pulled.


2. Muscle overuse: overusing your muscles means that one group of muscles is being held in tension for too long – this occurs when you remain in one position for too long (such as sitting down) or only work out one muscle group to the detriment of others. The body was made to move and our multiple muscle groups have distinct duties – when one muscle or group of muscles is forced to work harder and/or longer than others, they tire and cause us pain. Lumbar support can often alleviate lower back pain due to poor posture or prolonged seating, while other back brace and supports can help mid-torso pains.


3. Nerve pressure: pressure on the nerve roots in the spinal canal can be caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. Herniated discs occur when repeated vibration or motion are applied to the back. Sometimes herniated discs occur simply because of old age due to normal wear and tear as vertebrae and spinal discs become less flexible. In most cases, symptoms of a herniated disc can be managed with nonsurgical treatment and will go away over time.


4. Stress: it is well documented that stress wreaks physical havoc on the body – from gastrointestinal disturbances to headaches. Add back pain to that list too. Tension caused by stress and internal turmoil can manifest itself along your spine and cause pain. Acupuncture, exercise, meditation and yoga have all been shown to help as has physical therapy which can be undertaken for as little as two months with results.

Of course, back pain that is extreme in discomfort, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms (fever, vomiting etc) ought to be checked out by a doctor to ensure that more serious conditions are not an issue.

Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. For quality back braces, including a wide lumbar and cervical braces, please visit MMAR Medical online.

10 Tips to Avoiding Back Pain

We all experience some sort of back pain at one point in our lives; in fact, about 30 million Americans suffer from back pain regularly! For many, these pains are indicative of larger health problems – from sciatica to multiple sclerosis. Fortunately, for most of us a few healthy tips and tricks can keep our backs healthy and back pain at bay for a long time.

1. Improve your posture – Your Mother was right when she said “sit up straight!” Hunching over causes undue stress on your back and neck which leads to back pain and headaches.


2. Exercise – Cardio and strength training keeps your back strong and the muscles that support it limber. When the supporting muscle groups are healthy and in shape, that leads to less strain and pressure on your vertebrae and fewer backaches. Many people are unaware of how important the abdominal and lateral muscles (core muscles) are in keeping your back healthy – if some muscles groups are weak, your back will have to do the work of several body parts. This double duty can cause damage over the long term.


3. Fix your chair – Lumbar support is especially important for those of you working in office conditions where you remain seated for hours at a time. It is also key to adjust your chair to the right height:
   
   a.)  Make sure you are eye level with your computer screen, not arching your neck to peer down
   
   b.)  Your elbows should form a 90 degree angle with your desk
   
   c.)  Your knees should be at a 90 degree angle from your chair to the floor
   
   d.)  The chair should not be too high or too low as to be difficult to sit in or get up from
   
   e.)  Make sure you have lumbar support for the arch of your lower back; selecting a lumbar brace is a good way to guarantee structural support as you are seated
   
   


4. Lifting and Loading – Many people make the mistake of bending from their back/hips while picking up boxes or other items. Be sure to bend your knees when picking things up so your knees bear the weight. This is one of the most common and avoidable injuries to your back! Just remember: Bend at the knees, not at the back!


5. Sleeping situations – Each of us has different requirements for our bodies. Some people with back problems need very firm mattresses; others need a specific type of pillow for neck support. Be sure to talk to your doctor or a specialist about your particular conditions and pains to find the correct mattress and pillows to give you the support and rest you deserve! Most people benefit from a medium firm mattress that minimizes curvature in the spine.


6. Check your feet – Flat footedness is a common and often unnoticed cause of back pain, if you are dealing with back pains, problems walking upstairs or knee or leg pains, talk to a doctor about getting fitted for orthotic insoles. Additionally, always wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes as poorly constructed or very high heeled shoes add strain on your back.


7. Stop smoking – Smoking cigarettes impairs blood flow and blood transports oxygen throughout our bodies. When your blood flow is impaired, oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the spinal tissue it supports.


8. Relax – Stress tenses muscles in your body and prolonged tension can cause pain. Release muscle tightness and stress by exercising, going on a walk or taking a soothing bath!


9. Get a massage – Different massages exist to focus on different issues, but they will all relax and de-stress you as well as loosen key muscles groups that may have been tense or tightened.


10. Avoid sitting for long hours – Walking and lying horizontally are the activities that put the least amount of pressure on the spring (standing is third and sitting is in fourth, the worst  for spines).

Remember to listen to your body – if you are taking the necessary steps to eliminate back pain and still experiencing discomfort, talk to a doctor or specialist who can better address you condition and identify any health issues that need to be rectified. For some temporary conditions wearing a back brace for a brief period of time can alleviate the pain whereas for longer term issues, like scoliosis, a custom TLSO brace will be necessary.


About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. For quality back braces, including a wide lumbar and cervical braces, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

Diabetes Lifestyle: Making the Trip

If you have thoughtfully prepared for your trip or vacation, you have already completed the difficult part of the journey. In addition to careful preparation, however, there are a number of travel tips and strategies that will make your journey a breeze.


If you are traveling by car:

• Be sure to keep your supplies with you, rather than stowing them in the car trunk as extreme temperatures can damage insulin.


• Carry snacks in case you cannot find an appropriate restaurant on the road.

If traveling by plane, consider the following:

• Check in early and be at the gate ahead of time. This will help prevent being bumped from a flight, which can add addition scheduling issues to your daily insulin regimen.


• Ask for aisle seat if you plan on taking insulin during the flight. This will give you easy access to the restroom.


• If you are traveling eastward, the days become shorter, so less insulin may be required. Likewise, if heading to the west, the days will be longer and you may need more. It is wise to keep your wrist watch on your home time until you arrive. It may help avoid confusion and keep you on schedule.


• Since the cabin is pressurized, do NOT inject air into your insulin dose prior to drawing it up into the syringe. The pressure makes it feel as though the plunger is pushing back (this is normal) and if you inject air, it can make it difficult to measure your dose correctly.


• Stow your diabetes supplies aunder the seat in front of you, rather than the overhead compartment. This will prevent your supply bag being blocked or moved elsewhere on the plane where you cannot quickly locate it.


• Double check that your meal is indeed the diabetic meal you requested upon booking the flight. Special meal request mix ups happen with high frequency due to last minute seat changes.


• Since mealtimes may conflict with your normal schedule, you should keep snacks handy (in the same bag stowed at your feet.)


• If traveling alone, discretely inform the flight attendant that you have diabetes. Explain that you are traveling alone and do not expect issues, but feel it is important to let someone else on the plane know in case of an emergency.

Finally, some general tips to remember:

• Be sure to get up and move around every two hours. This will improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.


• Make sure at least one person with you knows that you have diabetes, whether it is a friend, family member, work colleague or travel attendant.


• People tend to walk a lot more when traveling, so be sure to wear comfortable diabetic shoes at all times.


• Never walk around barefoot… even in the shower, at the beach or in a pool. Bare feet could easily result in cuts which risk infection.


• Be vigilant with your diet. It can be difficult, but it is worth the extra effort. Stick to your diet specifications, and seek out meals low in sugar, fat, and cholesterol. Always stay away from street vendors.


• Check you blood sugar levels frequently. Also, be sure to check upon arrival as jet lag can disorient you and it may be hard to tell if your blood sugar is high or low.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of diabetic shoes and orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. For quality cervical collars, a wide back brace selection and other quality braces, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

Diabetes Lifestyle: Preparing for Travel & Vacation

Diabetics need to take extra precautions when traveling as changes in activity levels, time zones, and meal times can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. It is important to plan ahead, ensuring that whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you can focus on what matters, rather than worrying about potential problems. Before you leave on your next trip make sure you are prepared. Preparation is the key to preventing frightening health scares and reducing travel anxieties.

• Discuss your travel plans with your primary care provider. Have your provider prepare a formal letter explaining that you have diabetes, which can be used in case of emergency.


• Arrange to have twice as many medical supplies as you anticipate needing, including prescriptions. You never know if your travel will be extended unexpectedly. (Just recently, many people were stuck in Europe for more than a week due to the Icelandic volcano eruption!)


• We often walk more when traveling, so make sure you have appropriate diabetic shoes and socks. Long car or airplane rides will be made more comfortable with a pair of quality compression stockings.


• Inform any airlines, cruise ships, tour guides and conference planners that you are diabetic and ensure your meal requirements will be met.


• Stow medicine and supplies in your carry-on luggage, as checked luggage can be lost and medicines can be damaged by extreme temperatures in the cargo area. Also, keep your prescription on your person throughout your stay.


• If your travel destination requires certain immunizations, make sure to have these done at least 4 weeks prior to travel and many of these types of shots can have an impact on blood sugar levels.


• Always wear medical identification that clearly states that you are diabetic.


• Always carry some sort of sugar in case you suddenly experience hypoglycemia, which is more likely when you experience changes in activity and meal schedule.


• Have the right documentation on hand, including your doctor’s name and number, as well as addresses and maps to local health care facilities.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of comfort footwear offering a wide selection of shoes for diabetics as well as custom made orthotics. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Helping Your Diabetic Child Transition to College

Heading off to college is a difficult and exciting time for many young adults. The anxieties a young person feels upon leaving the nest are significant… and if your child has diabetes, those anxieties can be especially acute, for both you and your child. For you, it’s letting go of your child’s health and trusting them to manage their blood sugar levels on their own; and for your child, it’s stressful, almost like adding another course to their schedule, as it takes time, preparation and vigilance to manage.

Help prepare your child for the transition to college by outlining the challenges and best practices for managing diabetes on their own. It will be an important step in their adult life, but one you can help them take successfully.

• Create a consistent blood sugar test schedule. College schedules are notorious unpredictable. Your child may stay up till 3am studying or even hit a last-minute party on a Tuesday. Even if their schedule in unpredictable, their needs aren’t. Make it clear that they should check their blood levels throughout the day (5 times or more depending on their doctor’s recommendations), no matter where they find themselves.


• Be prepared with the right equipment. The most successful diabetic college students are prepared. That preparation not only provides them with the right tools in a crisis, but it also gives them a sense of security. Your child should always have a test kit, several juices, and an insulin pen on hand. Whether they are between classes, studying in the library or at the biggest party of the year, they should have that stocked bag on hand. There are a number of fashionable purses, messenger bags and backpacks that can make this easier. Include a couple of these on your college shopping list. Likewise, make sure your college student is well-stocked with diabetic shoes and socks so that they don’t have to worry about shopping when they would rather be focusing on school.


• Keep track of changes. Certain activities like walking to a class and specific foods (what they serve at the cafeteria) may affect blood sugar in a certain way. Your child should keep track of those changes to make sure they are treating themselves accordingly. In some cases it may mean avoiding the sugary stir fry or lowering insulin doses.


• Keep medications current and schedule doctor visits . Your child will need to visit the doctor regularly. Make sure they know the importance of keeping these appointments and making sure all their prescripts are filled and up-to-date.


• Prepare them to protect themselves. Your child deserves the same college experience as any other. You and your family should not tolerate any sort of discrimination. Make it clear to your child that if they feel they are being discriminated against, you want to hear about it. They can also call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit Diabetes Advocacy for information and legal advise.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a leading diabetic shoes and medical supplier specializing in shoes and socks for diabetics .