Spring is a time many people join recreational softball leagues. You can join a church team, a team of people from your work, or even just a team of friends who play. Some leagues are more advanced than others, and some are more competitive as well. You should also search out information on whether a league is co-ed and what requirements go along with that classification. No matter what type of league you are looking to join, you should keep a few things in mind.

First, softball is usually a pretty safe sport to play. There is no contact, and most recreational leagues are designed with fun and sportsmanship in mind. But as with all physical activity, injuries are always possible. Common in softball are turned ankles (due to sharp turns while running and possibly from contact the base in an awkward manner, whether running or sliding into the base). This is an injury we see often and are able to treat. Turning your ankle can result in a sprain or tearing of the ligaments along the sides of your ankles. Sprains can be painful, and limit your mobility and physical activity. Seeing your podiatrist immediately means he will be able to immediately begin treating your injury and return you to your softball team. Also, beware of over-use injuries, especially if softball has been added to your normal exercise routine. These include plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the tissues that connect your heel to your toes) and stress fractures. Both conditions can be painful and limit your physical activity. We also offer many treatments for these two conditions. Making an appointment at the first signs of injury and/or pain can greatly speed your recovery.

Also, keep your cleats in mind when you participate in softball. Be sure to check if your league has any specific requirements on cleats (some ban metal spikes for example). You should remember that even though you aren't in your cleats for long periods of time, you need to pay attention to them. Any shoes, especially ones that your wear while running and possibly jumping, need to have adequate support for your arches and should protect your feet. If your cleats cause you pain, or are worn out, you should replace them. Check your cleats every season to ensure that they are in good condition. Also, make sure your cleats have adequate time to dry between games and practices. This means you need to take your cleats out of your car trunk or bat bag to dry out. This helps prevent the growth of fungi, which can cause athlete's foot or yellow, cracked nails. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, wet environments, like in your cleats. Be sure to air them out and periodically (once a week) disinfect them with Lysol spray or a similar product.

Sure, Super Saver may have won the Kentucky Derby over the weekend but we're talking about running for fun and charity! This is the time of year to really begin kicking your preparation for 5k and other charity runs into high gear. Many people like the opportunity to compete with other runners or themselves, and charity runs are a great way to do this. Not only do you get to enjoy the race and give your workouts some greater incentive, you also get to help others. We want to encourage people to take advantage of the summer weather and the opportunities to race. Are you looking for races in Ohio? Click here to see Runner's World's list of races in our state for the 2010 season. The list is long, so you should be able to find races based on both location and date. We encourage you to find races and make the effort to train hard and beat your time this year!

Not at a high fitness level? That's ok! A "5k" race means it is 5 kilometers long: that's only 3.1 miles. Also, many races offer you the opportunity to join a run and a walk heat (group of people who start a race at the same time). This means that no matter your fitness level, you can help others by joining in to raise money for a good cause. And most races offer prizes (some door prizes and others based on place and category) and t-shirts or other memorabilia. We encourage you to find your race this summer.

Remember to keep your feet in mind when racing this season. Nothing will derail your training progress or your ability to excel in the big race faster than foot and ankle problems. When any problems arise, including pain or injury, don't hesitate to call our office. The sooner we can begin treating your injury, the sooner we can have you at performance levels and out training again. Also, make sure that your shoes are in shape for this season too. Old shoes will land you in our office and off your feet quickly. Check to be sure your shoes are in good condition and replace them if they are not. They should offer adequate support to your arches, and plenty of padding as your feet continually contact the road. Remember to always lace your shoes fully. And don't forget: we're the experts on your feet and foot health. As such, you should feel comfortable reaching our office if problems arise. Happy running!

Spring is a fun time for exploring your world, especially for your children. They love to enjoy the spring season, especially for the variety of weather it offers. Children love playing outside, and often will do so not only in spite of but because of rain. Exploring rain, puddles, mud, and the greenery that results from the spring warmth and wetness is great for children. It allows them to enjoy the outdoors and learn about their environment. Keep these tips in mind when encouraging your children to play in the rain.

Never play in the rain during a thunderstorm. Rain showers are usually safe, but any time you hear thunder or see lightning, it is time to move inside. You should also avoid very strong winds, as they can carry debris which can cause injury. Other strong weather problems you may encounter in the spring include tornadoes, hail (which Findlay witnessed yesterday), and even snow/ice when the temperature drops. Remember to stay away from dangerous weather conditions and heed all warnings from the National Weather Service.

Don't allow your search for puddles to lead you into unsafe areas. Streets often retain a lot of water in puddles or along drains. But playing in the street is never a good idea. Stick to puddles on sidewalks, or in grassy areas like your yard or park. Remember that wet grass can be quite slippery, so beware of falling down.

Dress appropriately for puddle jumping and spring weather. Sometimes spring rain can be cold. Protect yourself by layering the appropriate amount of clothing under a waterproof raincoat or jacket. This will keep your insulating under layers warm and dry, so you won't get too cold while playing in puddles. Remember that when you're wet, you will get cold faster. Be especially careful on colder days.

Wear the right shoes. Any time you are going to jump in puddles, you risk hitting debris or the side of a the hole the puddle has gathered in. Make sure your shoes offer support for your ankles and arches, and make sure they are closed toed to protect your whole foot from cuts, bruises and abrasions. Waterproof shoes or boots are also a good idea. Not only are rain boots fun and in style, they also keep your feet dry. This is the best protection against fungi which thrive in warm, wet, dark places (like your shoes). These kinds of shoes are also made to get wet and dry easily, which means that you won't have to wait as long for them to dry. Make sure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.

We hope you enjoy the spring season and the ever changing weather it offers. We hope you find some time to enjoy a rainstorm, even if it is from your porch or window with a hot cup of coffee in your hand. We also hope you and your children are able to enjoy the weather safely and avoid any foot or ankle complications. If problems should arise, do not hesitate to call our office. The sooner we can see you and begin treatment, the sooner we can have you out enjoying your spring- rain or shine.

Spring is a time of rejuvenation for most people. We clean our homes thoroughly, we ready our gardens, and often we kick our workout programs into over-drive. Spring is a great time to rejuvenate your body by beginning an exercise plan. The weather allows you to do many varied and enjoyable activities, which has shown to help people stick with exercise plans. It also allows you to begin working out before summer, when you will most likely spend some time in a bathing suit. If you are wanting to get back into the routine this spring, pay attention to these tips and reminders.

Exercise for health! Exercise is the best thing you can do for your body, especially paired with a balanced diet. Exercise helps us burn calories which cause unhealthy fat; strengthen our existing muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons; reduce weight which causes stress on joints; reduce risks of many diseases like heart disease; reduce cholesterol, a major health risk; improve our mental state; and help us look our best. And these are just a few of the major reasons exercise is so good for you. This does not mean you need an expensive gym membership or a personal trainer. Walking a half hour a day is something you can do no matter your age or fitness level. It is one of the best ways to get back into the swing of exercising, and begin to work yourself back into shape for other activities. You should walk at a pace where you can still hold a conversation, but your heart rate should be elevated. Choosing a walking partner is also a great idea; it will reduce your boredom and keep you accountable for your daily walking routine. And spring is a great time to enjoy mild weather, budding plants, fresh smells, and enjoy some sunshine. Walking is also easy on your feet, as it is a low-impact exercise. It is one of the best ways to get back into exercising regularly.

Remember to wear the correct shoes for your activity. Exercise is nearly impossible when your feet hurt. Wear shoes designed for your activity. If you are walking, wear walking shoes. If you are lifting weights, then cross trainers are a good choice. Runners should invest in a good running shoe. Shoes are designed with activities in mind to offer you the correct amount of support and cushion for your activity. Old or worn out shoes will not offer you the correct support, and can lead to problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints and stress fractures. Make sure your shoes are in good condition and always lace them entirely. You should also know that the right shoes will protect your feet from debris and other hazards as you exercise. Closed toes shoes may not make a stubbed toe pain-free, but they may prevent it from being a broken toe. Also, the wrong shoes can cause more problems. High heels or flip flops are not intended for walking long distances, so leave them out of your exercise program, or just running errands. These shoes do not offer the support your feet need, and at the end of the day your feet will be painful. Plan ahead with shoewear.

Wear sunscreen anytime you are outside, whether it be to exercise, do yard work, or just to relax. The sun is harmful to skin, and can lead to skin cancer. Putting sunscreen on any exposed skin, even on your feet, can help prevent sun burns and other skin damage.

Don't ignore your pain. Pain in your feet and ankles is not normal. If you experience any pain in your feet or ankles, this can be a sign of an injury. If you are experiencing pain or an injury, take the time off from your workouts to come see the podiatrist. We can help you recover and find relief from the pain, so that you can continue to exercise and improve your health without suffering through the pain of an injury.

Remember to drink plenty of fluids, water especially. Yes, sports drinks do help return electrolytes, but remember that your body's main need is water, so drink plenty of it. Not only will this help you to recover from your workout, but drinking water when dieting helps you to feel full and reduce cravings and hunger. Your body will function better when you get plenty of water, and you will be able to exercise longer in hot weather when you are properly hydrated. Remember that you need to drink water before, during and after your workout to maintain your hydration.

Do your homework. There are lots of diets and exercise programs available to you from every media source. This can be overwhelming at times. We encourage you to get back into an exercise routine, and choosing a program from television or online is fine. But remember that you need to consider the cost of these programs and equipment. Will you use a home gym, or will it just gather dust? Do you prefer to exercise outside by biking, walking or running? Pay attention to how you like to exercise and take that into consideration before buying a product. Also remember that these people are trying to make a profit and need to market their products. Although machines and programs can be a big help, you can also live a healthy life just by eating right and exercising regularly, even if its in a simple way like jogging. If you are looking for exercises you can do without a lot or no equipment, or for free resources, try scouring the web. There are lots of ideas you can share or receive for free. Even chat groups can help support your efforts to healthier living. Do not think that everything involved in losing weight requires a huge price tag.

Don't give up. Being consistent with exercise programs is a challenge! You may be able to work out one evening but not another. You may give in to a craving and "ruin" your diet. Realize that changing your diet and exercise routine is not an over-night endeavor. It will take time to change your standard behavior and attitude to one that encourages exercise and good food choices. Relapses happen to everyone. This does not mean that you should give up. You will not "ruin" a diet with one lapse, since this will be compared to the progress you have already made. Giving up on your new program is the only way to ruin yourself. A set back is not the end of an exercise routine or diet program unless you let it be the end of it. Work a little harder the next day and reset your attitude. Remember that you will need breaks from exercise routines as well. Trade one future scheduled rest day for your relapse day. Just remember that you need to get out and try again.

We hope that this spring will help you improve your health and well being! If you have any questions about exercise programs, or want to make comments to other patients, feel free to use this blog. And if you experience any problems with or pain in your feet and ankles, don't hesitate to call us. We want to get you back to enjoying the spring and your workouts as soon as you can!

Autologous platelet concentration (APC) injections, otherwise known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, are a new form of treatment which we are finding great amounts of success with in our office for treating plantar fasciitis and its associated heel pain. This cutting edge therapy is being utilized to prevent surgery and quicken recovery time from injury, while still helping patients find excellent relief from their condition.

What are APC Injections?

APC or PRP injections are a simple procedure in which platelets are concentrated and then injected into an injury or problem site to help the patient heal from their injury or condition. They are very safe and have little or no side effects. APC injections work to restore your feet to their original condition faster than with rest alone. These injections have prevented surgery candidates from requiring surgical intervention.

How APC Injections Work

The first step of the procedure is to remove 1-2 ounces of blood from one of the patient's veins. This blood is then processed through a centrifuge, separating red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains platelets which are your body's growth and healing factors. The platelets are concentrated and injected into the patient's heel (after an initial numbing of the foot) to relieve pain and help fight the plantar fasciitis naturally. With the concentration of your body's own healing factors, your body can heal itself in a reduced amount of time.

Side Effects

APC or PRP injections are relatively side effect free! This is because the injection utilizes the body's own healing factors, preventing reaction to the injection materials. It does not utilize any illegal or banned substances (like steroids or human growth hormone) which makes it a prime treatment for athletes. There may be some pain or discomfort associated with the treatment, since an injection is involved. Your podiatrist can recommend or prescribe pain killers for this. Also, some patients experience some inflammation with this treatment. Since anti-inflammatories can interfere with the effectiveness of this treatment, patients will have to cope with any discomfort associated with inflammation and footwear or ambulation.

Why You Should Choose APC Injections

There are many reasons to choose APC injections for the treatment of your plantar fasciitis.

-APC injections are effective! We have found these injections to be very effective for people who prior to the availability of this treatment would have needed surgical intervention. Often these patients do not require further care after their treatment, with the exception of follow-up visits concerning the APC injection. When paired with an orthotic for biomechanical control, APC injections become even more effective.

-APC Injections are safe! There are little side effects due to the fact that APC or PRP injections utilize your body's own healing and growth factors.

-APC injections reduce recovery time. If you experience an injury or pain from plantar fasciitis, APC injections concentrate your body's natural healing abilities and can help you recover in half the time that you would normally.

-APC injections can prevent the need for surgery. Many patients who undergo conservative treatments and find no relief become candidates for surgical intervention. APC injections present another option before surgery becomes a necessity, and prevent many people from going this route. Surgery involves increased risks and a longer healing time, meaning time off work or from your sport or exercise program.

-APC injections have been effective in tissues that do not heal well on their own. This not only reduces healing time, but is a great relief to doctors who have few options for treating areas that do not heal well under normal circumstances. A fast, full recovery also helps prevent repeat injuries.

Who is Utilizing APC Injections?

According to a March 2010 article in the Wall Street Journal, many high profile athletes have used APC or PRP injections with great success. Seattle Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee took advantage of this therapy for an abdominal strain, and he's not the only Seattle athlete to do so. Mariners and Seahawk's team doctor E. Edward Khalfayan has used APC injections for many athletes. He even states that is has helped players return from ankle sprains in as little as 2-3 weeks, when the injury usually keeps them out for 6-8 weeks. The Journal also reports that Kenyon Martin, power forward for the Denver Nuggets used the treatment for a strained left knee and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and receiver Hines Ward used the injections for a strained calf and sprained knee respectively before contributing to their team's Super Bowl XLIII victory. Tiger Woods also used the treatments for his left knee before participating in four majors. But APC injections aren't just for high-profile athletes. Many doctors are reporting high rates of success utilizing the injections on many patients for a range of injuries and ailments. According to the article, the treatment can help in cases of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, osteoarthritis, muscle strains (including hamstrings, calfs and abdominals/obliques), joint sprains (including knees, ankles, and elbows), and in cases of tennis elbow.

Notes on APC Injections

-APC injections do not require FDA regulation, since they utilize your body's own healing factors. They do, however, regulate the centrifugal and other blood equipment, so rest assured that the handling of your blood and platelets before the injection is safe.

-Most insurances do not cover APC injections. This is because the treatment is still considered by most of these insurances to be experimental. This is because the is a lack of published studies on the effectiveness of the treatment. Be assured that studies continue to be done, and because of the lack of side effects, utilizing this treatment helps us to compile further data and help the scientific community move closer to completing its research on this procedure. This means we can work toward insurance reimbursement for this treatment, making it more available to and affordable for our patients. Who knows, you may need the injection again after an injury or trauma.

-There is some recovery time with APC injections. You do not want to over-use the foot after the injection, and you will likely be required to be non-weight bearing on that foot through use of crutches or a surgical or walker boot. Your time under these restrictions will be brief, but this is still an important part in the healing process.

-Following all your doctor's orders makes any procedure more effective, and the same is true with APC or PRP injections. Compliance will help you reach a full recovery.

If you think you are a candidate for APC injections, or have more questions for the doctor or nursing staff, call our office at 419-423-1888. We are happy to help and we can also schedule you for a consultation with the doctor.