Sunday, March 27, 2011

Foot and Ankle Injuries Plague Dancing Celebrities


Bethesda, MD - Ever-popular television show Dancing with the Stars is now missing one more star. Tom DeLay, current contestant and former House Majority Leader, has offically left the show after being diagnosed with stress fractures in both feet. DeLay is one of many celebrities who have dealt with foot problems on the show. Early treatment and proper medical attention from a foot and ankle expert, a podiatrist, can keep the stars—or anyone—dancing all season long. "Like all rigorous, physical activities, dancing poses an injury risk to the foot and ankle, especially when it’s done for an extended amount of time on a daily basis," said APMA President Ronald D. Jensen, DPM. "There are simple steps that can be taken to prevent foot injuries from occurring and also treatments available to speed healing time and get one back on the dance floor." The love of dance that’s hit the country due to the show’s popularity may have inspired some personal twirls and twists around the kitchen floor. Before trying anything too advanced, take heed of the following podiatrist-approved advice so that you’re not seeing stars: •Always progress slowly at any new activity or sport. •Wear shoes specifically for the activity. •Stop at the first sign of pain, and immediately visit a podiatrist if sudden and severe pain is felt. Some of the most memorable Dancing with the Stars contestants, their foot ailments and proper treatment methods are: Tom DeLay: Foot Stress Fractures. Stress fractures usually occur from overuse. Repeated impact or stresses on the bone can lead to a small crack and continued activity on the injured foot can cause the small fracture to penetrate completely through the bone. Pain and swelling will often indicate a pre-stress fracture and appropriate treatment at this stage age may avoid a complete stress fracture. Treatment from a podiatrist is imperative to minimize healing time. Misty-May Treanor: Ruptured Achilles Tendon. The Achilles tendon runs from the heel to the calf and while it’s the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, explosive activities such as jumping can be to blame for the rupture of the Achilles. The tendon is "ruptured" when a complete tear has taken place right above the ankle. There may be warning signs prior to the rupture including pain and swelling – early treatment by a podiatrist may avoid a rupture. Lance Bass: Broken Toe. Broken toes are not uncommon in the sports world; they can occur from trauma or repetitive movement. Swelling, stiffness, bruising and even a deformed shape may indicate a broken toe. A podiatrist will take x-rays to confirm the break and then prescribe appropriate treatment. In serious cases taping, casting or surgery may be necessary. Kristi Yamaguchi: Ankle Injury. Ankle injuries, including sprains, most commonly occur when the ankle rolls outward, caused by activities done both during dancing and everyday life. There are varying degrees of an ankle sprain, and treatment from a podiatrist is always recommended. Implement the R.I.C.E. treatment for a sprain as soon as possible: * Rest - do not walk on the ankle. * Ice - keeps swelling down. * Compression - bandages can immobilize the ankle preventing further damage. * Elevation - place the ankle above the heart as much as possible within the first 48 hours of injury. For more foot health information, visit www.apma.org. Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

A Shared Online Experience and Shared Z-CoiL Experiences Unite This Couple




Ryan and Sherri Rominger have been married for four years. Ryan has been wearing Z-CoiL shoes for seven years, Sherri for four years.
Ryan had suffered a ruptured disc and Sherri had a spinal fusion in 2006. They both had started playing more online gaming because of their back pain. Sparks flew between them when they met through the same World of Warcraft guild. A guild is an in-game association of player characters. Guilds are formed to make grouping and raiding easier and more rewarding, as well as to form a social atmosphere in which to enjoy the game.

Ryan was working at the library system in Santa Cruz before he met Sherri. After meeting her in the same War of Warcraft guild online, he decided to move to Seattle. They got married shortly thereafter.
Sherri found out about the Z-CoiL shoes from Ryan. She says, "The Z-CoiL shoes were the first thing I noticed about Ryan when we met in person." Sherri came to buy her third pair of Z-CoiL shoes from our store at 1201 Pine St. at the base of Capital Hill in Seattle, 206-838-7338.
Sherri's first pair of Z-CoiL shoes was a pair of gray Zueco clogs four years ago. Two years ago she bought a second pair of Z-CoiL shoes, the gray Freedom athletic type shoes. This latest purchase is a pair of black Taos Clogs.
Sherri works at Labcore. Because the Z-CoiL shoes helped relieve her back pain she is able to stand on her feet 8 hours a day at work.
Ryan heard about the Z-CoiL shoes from a nurse friend seven years ago. He purchased his first pair at that time in California. He found the Z-CoiL shoes relieved his back pain and was ready to share his favorable experience with Sherri when they met.
Both Sherri and Ryan state they experienced immediate back pain relief upon wearing the Z-CoiL shoes. With each new pair of shoes, Sherri feels the same level of relief after a period of break-in with her new Z-CoiL shoes as she did with her first pair. Even though the coils appear the same, after a year or two a replacement is recommended due to fatigue of the coil action.
When people approach Sherri inquiring about the Z-CoiL shoes she says, "They either want to know if the shoes really helped her back pain; or they comment that they like the way the shoes look."
This 21st century romance began online. They are further united because of their shared experience of back pain relieved by Z-CoiL footwear.