Shin Bone’s Connected to the … »
1. What are “shin splints”? Shin splints are overuse injuries that occur in the lower leg. They may be due to a tearing of the muscle/tendon junction or inflammation where the muscle attaches to the bone (periostitis). Shin splints are now more commonly called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) when they involve the inner aspect [...]
Patience with Patients »
I see quite a few runners in my practice, and it appears that they are comforted by the fact that I too am a runner. However, these patients can be both the most rewarding and challenging patients to treat. The reward is to see them back running healthy again. The difficult part is dealing with some of the more unique personality types that make our encounters more
Ouch, My Ankle! »
Let’s talk about ankle sprains. What is an ankle sprain? A sprain injury occurs when ligaments, which are soft tissue structures that hold bones together, are damaged. The most common ankle sprain is an inversion type, where the foot rolls over excessively, damaging the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. What are the causes/predisposing factors of injury?
The 3 R’s of Running: Recovery, Rest, Recharge »
If you wind up on the injured list, a health care practitioner will usually tell you to follow the RICE acronym—rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take note that the very first letter— “R”—stands for “rest.” When you have a cold, the doctor tells you to “get some rest.” As you prepare for a big race, [...]
A Foot Fracture That Wasn’t »
This is an interesting case of a triathlete who was ramping up his training for a half-ironman competition and developed a tenderness that was felt on the top of his foot. He had seen his physician, who made a preliminary diagnosis of a stress fracture, and had sent the patient for a bone scan. The [...]
Exercise Induced Asthma »
1. What is it? Exercise induced asthma (EIA) is irritation and swelling of the airways along with production of mucus triggered by exercise, especially aerobic exercise. 2. What are the symptoms? Symptoms can include any and all of the following: fatigue, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and chest pain. The symptoms [...]
To Stretch, or Not to Stretch … That Is the Question »
We all know to do our stretches, right? I mean, we struggle to find time to do them, we don’t really want to do them, but we know we should do them … right? Well, maybe not. At least that’s what the recent research is pointing to for the sports included in triathlon. Before we [...]
Sports Injuries Revisited »
Most runners at some point in their training will be affected by an injury. Injuries can range from mild to severe. Some require no time off of training, and some may require you to stop running completely. Many athletic injuries are preventable and treatable. A basic understanding of the causes of injuries can help to [...]
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain Syndrome) »
1. What is it? The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue at the bottom of the foot extending from the heel to the ball of the foot. This structure plays a major role in supporting the arch and preventing the foot from collapsing under the weight of the body. When this structure is [...]
Ignore the New Rules of Stretching at Your Own Peril »
Most experts agree on why you should stretch: 1. Stretching enhances muscle flexibility, 2. increase’s the body’s range of motion, 3. and can alleviate muscle stiffness. But, as far as most athletes are concerned (that’s you!), the most important thing about stretching is that the three reasons listed above combine to help you a) perform [...]
DNF »
There are thousands of anxiety-riddled runners this month signed up for a marathon. Hundreds of them will not make it, to the start or to the finish. Some will become sick and say, “That’s it.” Some will be overwhelmed by conditions or personal turmoil and decide, “There’s just no way.” Still others will limp to [...]
The Case of the Mysterious Hip Injury »
This is a case where I treated an experienced marathoner for an injury, and despite the treatment and modifying his training regimen, he did not get better. The patient, who was training for a marathon, presented with pain in the front of the thigh and groin area. A diagnosis of mild hip flexor muscle strain [...]
The Story of My Calves »
It’s time to set the time machine back about 23 years. I had been fighting off a lower-body injury, which forced me to train almost exclusively on an exercise bike. No big deal to those of us accustomed to injuries, but extremely boring, and as I later found out, a contributor to a running injury. [...]
Overtraining: Obvious or Insidious »
Flat and tired. These are two things you don’t want to feel going into a race, but more likely than not, you’ve been there and wondered why this happens. The most likely culprit is overtraining, and I’d like to share some personal experiences I’ve had regarding this frustrating phenomenon. Most runners feel bitterly disappointed when [...]
Stressed About Stress Fractures »
1.What exactly is a stress fracture? A stress fracture occurs where there is an inability of the bones’ intrinsic repair process to keep up with the stresses applied to it over time. Ultimately, this leads to a break or fracture in the bone. In short, it results from an abnormally high stress placed on normal [...]
OPQRST ? »
Dr. Miller has some great advice on preparation for going to see the doctor about your injury
Dr. Miller on Winter Running »
We just got our first real snowfall yesterday, so Dr. Miller’s advice seems that much more relevant. Check out what he has to say here
Dr. Miller on Orthodics »
Part of of a series discussing running related pronation, supination and orthodics.
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