Category Archives: ligaments

National School Backpack Awareness Day

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Backpacks are essential back-to- school items for kids.  They come in different colors, sizes and shapes and most importantly they help children to carry their belongings.  Backpacks are preferred by many in comparison to shoulder bags because when worn correctly, they evenly distribute weight across the body.  However, if worn incorrectly they can cause back pain or injuries and eventually lead to poor posture.

To prevent problems associated with improper backpack use, parents should first purchase a backpack that has the following features:

  • Lightweight
  • Wide and padded straps
  • Multiple compartments
  • Padded back
  • Waist belt
  • Correct size (A backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso).

 

Practicing these safety tips will further reduce the chance of back pain or injuries caused by backpacks:

  • When packing, heavier items should be placed to the back and center of the backpack. Lighter items should be in front. Sharp objects such as scissors or pencils should be kept away from your child’s back.  Utilizing different compartments can help in distributing weight.
  • Do not over pack. Doctors recommend that children should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
  • Ensure that children use both straps. Using a single strap can cause muscle strain.
  • Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits closely to your child’s back and sits two inches above the waist. This ensures comfort and proper weight distribution.
  • Encourage children to use their lockers or desks throughout the day to drop off heavy books.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America recommends that parents should always look for warning signs that indicate backpacks may be too heavy. If your child struggles to put on and take off the backpack, they are complaining of numbness or tingling or if there are red strap marks on their shoulders -It may be time for you to lighten their load.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Plantar Fasciitis

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Have you ever experienced heel pain when you take those first few steps in the morning? The cause of this discomfort may be due to a tightening of the band of tissue known as the plantar fascia that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes.

When this ligament becomes strained, irritated, inflamed or swollen and causes pain when walking, the condition is known as plantar fasciitis.

Risk factors and causes of plantar fasciitis:

•High foot arches
•Flat feet
•Standing or walking on a hard surface for long periods of time
•Being overweight or obese
•Poor fitting shoes
•Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
•Tiny tears in the plantar fascia caused by repetitive straining
A proper diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is made by a physical examination of the foot and obtaining a comprehensive medical history of the patient. An x-ray or an MRI may be needed to see if there is a bone fracture that is causing the problem, also to determine if there is a bone spur present on the bottom of the heel.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis can involve taking an anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, stretching exercises, shoe inserts known as orthotics, steroid injections, and ultrasound. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to provide relief.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Jamaica Hospital to evaluate any foot conditions that may be causing discomfort, please call 718-206-6712.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.