We are so excited to share our newly updated digital newsletter with you, The Summit.
In this monthly newsletter, you will find important health updates, information about collaborating physicians in the area, staff spotlights, a message from our CEO, and more!
Our priority is our patients, and we believe that when you have your health, anything is possible.
Welcome to The Summit!
Pain while running or walking can be frustrating and debilitating. We commonly hear from runners and walkers that they want to do more but feel they can’t due to an injured knee, foot, or ankle. While we see other injuries that keep our patients from staying active, those are the most common.
We understand how vital running/walking is for your mental and physical health and want to help you get better and help prevent future episodes from getting in your way!
In this article, you will learn about the most common injuries sustained by runners and walkers, how physical therapy can help prevent these injuries, and what to do if you have an injury and want to get better.
What are the most common runner’s injuries?
Running/walking is an excellent way to get active, but unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard on the body. A few common examples of running/walking-related injuries include:
Runner’s knee
Runner’s knee is also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome and is the most common running-related injury/condition. It affects as many as 30% of female runners and 25% of male runners. For most runners, the knee pain starts from training errors, specifically overuse errors. For example, when runners attempt to increase their mileage or intensity too rapidly or too frequently, it results in breakdown and painful symptoms.
Foot and ankle injuries
Foot and ankle injuries account for nearly one-third of running/walking injuries. The severity of the injury depends on the severity of damage to the ligaments supporting the ankle. Often the ankle sprain is a minor injury, but proper rehabilitation is needed to prevent reoccurrence. Improper or inadequate rehabilitation after an initial sprain increases reinjury chances. It is suggested that up to 70% of individuals who sustain a lateral ankle sprain may develop chronic instability, which makes them susceptible to future injuries.
While many factors can lead to an ankle sprain, specific steps are needed to resolve acute injuries and prevent reinjuries and chronic instability.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis accounts for up to 10 percent of all running/walking injuries each year. It is common with all types of runners and walkers, elite and novice. Plantar fasciitis is a disorder primarily affecting weight-bearing activities, and runners/walkers are particularly susceptible to developing this condition. Recent research has identified the most common underlying cause of plantar fasciitis as a loss of dorsiflexion range of motion.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are known in the medical community as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). It is a common condition associated with starting a new exercise program or increasing an existing program. Runners/walkers, in particular, are particularly susceptible to MTSS, and it is considered one of the most common overuse injuries sustained by runners and walkers.
How can physical therapy prevent these injuries?
Our therapists are trained to help runners/walkers of all experience levels prevent injury. We have experience collaborating with runners and walkers to help them develop custom plans that work for them.
If you’re a runner/walker, your custom injury prevention plan may look something like this:
• Education on proper form.
• The incorporation of new cross-training programs such as cycling or swimming into your routine.
• Assistance in helping you choose the proper shoe and fitting you with custom orthotics if necessary.
• Prescribing you the proper pre and post-run/walk stretches and exercises.
• Our goal is to give you the tools to recover from your injury and resume running pain-free.
Not ready to give up? Contact us today! At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, we don’t want anything to get in the way of your favorite activity.
If you’re interested in a custom injury rehabilitation or prevention program, contact our clinic today to request an appointment.
Dr. Davina Cross
Looking Glass Foot and Ankle
Davina Cross, DPM, FACFAS grew up in southeast Michigan. She graduated from Siena Heights University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004. She obtained a graduate certificate in Gerontology from Eastern Michigan University and later attended Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine graduating in 2009. Dr. Cross completed a 3-year podiatric medical and forefoot/rearfoot surgical residency at Heritage Valley Health Systems in Beaver, PA. Following her residency, she returned to the Lansing area where she began work as an independent podiatrist, treating patients at various Mid-Michigan long-term care facilities. Dr. Cross joined the team at Looking Glass Foot and Ankle Center in 2015 where she focuses on providing her patients with the highest level of care and attention. Looking Glass Foot and Ankle Center utilizes a team approach between doctor and patient for treating problems of the foot. Dr. Cross, along with the other physicians in our practice, spends much of her time listening to patients to better understand concerns and respond with the best treatment options.
Away from the office, Dr. Cross enjoys spending as much time in Michigan outdoors as possible with her family and pets. She also enjoys running, snowboarding, and practicing yoga, all while sipping a good cup of tea or coffee.
Dr. Cross and Looking Glass Foot and Ankle are currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment or learn Click here.
Rickii Palmer, PTA
Mason Clinic
My name is Rickii, and I am a Physical Therapist Assistant at Peak Performance Physical Therapy. I grew up on a small farm with my grandparents southwest of Lansing. I ran track and cross country throughout school and have always lived an active life. I recently moved to the Lansing area last year and have loved making it my home. My boyfriend, Zach, and I recently adopted two male Golden Retriever puppies (Dale & Bo), who keep us very busy!
I am known for my love of cooking, baking, and gardening! Being outside in the sun is my happy place. My favorite ways to spend time are taking care of my houseplants, going to the gym, downhill skiing, and creating something in the kitchen.
As a PTA for Peak Performance Physical Therapy, I can help others maximize their potential in their activities and ensure their bodies can take them through their day! Working in this profession is rewarding in more than one way. I get to help improve my patients’ quality of life and learn more and improve my skills. I love the team I work with and enjoy being able to learn from such an amazing group of providers.
Morgan has lived in the greater Lansing area most of her life. She graduated from Ionia High School but has since returned to the area. Her family is her world, and she loves spending time with them when not helping patients at Peak Performance Physical Therapy. Morgan is the first person you will see when coming to our Mason Clinic. As a Patient Care Coordinator, Morgan helps patients check-in and make sure they have everything for their appointment.
She has one dog, Ellie Mae (yes, like the Clampett’s), who is a 3-year-old Labrador and Australian Shepherd Mix. In her spare time, Morgan and her family enjoy being outside, whether it be kayaking, fishing, or finding little trails up north to explore.
Morgan Gardenhouse, PCC
Mason Clinic
One thing I have seen over the years is the weather changes and we are so excited to get back outside that we tend to ramp our exercise routine a bit too fast. We start to see an increasing trend in foot and ankle injuries. One common condition we see in the spring is Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by repetitive strain injury to the ligament of the sole of your foot. Such strain injury can be from excessive running or walking, inadequate footgear, and jumping or standing injuries. Your plantar facia is not supposed to stretch. It is supposed to be stable and support the arch of your foot. Plantar Fasciitis can present as a sharp pain at the heel or arch of your foot, especially in the morning. The good news is that it is treatable. Assuring you have the correct footwear; arch supports and lower extremity biomechanics is key to your recovery. Our physical therapists can help guide you toward the best treatment for you to help relieve symptoms quickly. We can help you continue to enjoy the things you love especially as the weather is getting warmer! Contact us today to let us help you Reach Your Peak!
Myth: Being treated by a Physical Therapist keeps you on the bench.
Fact: Athletes are more likely to stay healthy or return quicker after an injury because of physical therapy.
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one getting hurt while active or playing a sport, schedule an evaluation today. During an evaluation, we will thoroughly evaluate movement patterns to assess: alignment, joint motion, body symmetry and balance, muscle strength, and more. This evaluation could be the key to staying healthy and strong and avoiding injury.
Stay in the game with Peak Performance Physical Therapy.
LCC Men’s Baseball season of off to a great start! The Team is currently in first place in their conference with a 15-1 record.
Come out and support your local LCC Stars. Home games are played at Kircher Municipal Field in Lansing, Michigan.
Click here to view their schedule.
