Latest news with #injuryprevention
New York Times
8 hours ago
- Health
- New York Times
This Strength Workout Will Make You a Better Runner
Starting to run is simple: Lace up your sneakers, go outside, put one foot in front of the other. But continuing to run without injury requires a little more effort. For that, you also have to strength train. 'The old notion was run, run, run,' said Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. But running alone doesn't build enough muscle strength to keep you injury-free as you age, he said. Runners need strong muscles to absorb the stress and impact of pounding the pavement. Increasing your muscular power may also improve speed and endurance, Dr. Metzl said. Lauren Roberts, a physical therapist in Ontario who primarily works with runners, said the most common concerns she sees are patellofemoral pain syndrome (known as runner's knee), Achilles injuries, IT band syndrome and shin splints. Many of those issues can be prevented by strengthening the surrounding muscles and joints, Ms. Roberts said. The exercises in this routine are designed to help build strength in your quads and posterior chain — the muscles on the backside of your body — and improve joint mobility and functional strength. Aim for two strength training sessions per week. Ms. Roberts suggested taking a day of recovery between a longer run and a strength session. You can adjust the frequency of your strength workouts based on your running goals. If you're training for a marathon, for example, Ms. Roberts recommended dropping down to one strength session a week at the start of your last month of training and none during your two-week taper before the race. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stride Soles Disrupts $6.7 Billion Orthotics Market with Direct-to-Consumer, Tech-Enabled Custom Insoles
As demand for orthopedic insoles accelerates, Stride Soles eliminates barriers to clinical-grade orthotics with a digital-first, sustainable model NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With orthopedic insole demand projected to more than double from $3.2 billion in 2025 to $6.7 billion by 2035, Stride Soles is redefining access to clinical-grade custom orthotics. By eliminating traditional barriers of cost, access, and production time, Stride delivers precision-fit orthotics through a direct-to-consumer platform. Frustrated by the high cost and slow delivery of clinic-made orthotics, CEO Greg Gerla partnered with physician Dr. Zac Cartun, MD, in 2021 to create a better way. Working with German podiatrists and biomechanical experts, they developed Stride's process: a podiatrist-designed intake quiz, smartphone 3D foot scan, and gait analysis — all without a clinic visit. "As interest in foot health and injury prevention rises, people want orthotics that actively support performance and long-term mobility," said Dr. Dietmar Walter, Head of Podiatry at Stride Soles. "Stride delivers clinical-grade orthotics direct to consumers, with no compromise on precision." Market analysts cite aging populations, sports participation, chronic foot conditions, and demand for sustainable solutions as key growth drivers. Investor confidence in the insole category is also surging: Coats Group recently announced its $770 million acquisition of insole-maker OrthoLite, underscoring both the market's trajectory and the demand for scalable, sustainable solutions. Stride pairs German engineering with eco-conscious 3D printing, reducing production waste by 97% while delivering a precision fit. Made from durable TPU bioplastic and finished with vegan leather, Stride orthotics are designed to provide biomechanical support and enhance foot function — supporting healthier movement patterns and promoting long-term mobility. According to Stride's medical team, key benefits associated with clinical-grade orthotics may include: Improved alignment and posture through stabilized foot mechanics Reduced foot discomfort tied to conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation Enhanced shock absorption and pressure distribution, potentially reducing joint strain Increased comfort and endurance during daily activity and sports Encouragement of natural arch strength over time, supporting injury prevention By combining precision craftsmanship with digital innovation, Stride aims to give consumers proactive access to clinical-grade foot support — without the traditional clinic markup. About Stride SolesFounded by Greg Gerla, Dr. Zac Cartun, MD, and a team of German podiatrists, Stride Soles delivers custom, medical-grade orthotics worldwide through digital innovation and clinical expertise. Learn more at Media Contact:Meryl Haley Communicationsmeryl@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Stride Soles Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Why physiotherapy isn't just for the injured
Physiotherapy. The word resonates with everybody in one way or another: the sports injury that just wouldn't heal, the arduous recovery after giving birth, the tedious post-broken toe exercises you dutifully ignored. Advertisement Or maybe you're the person who's avoided the practice altogether after hearing about a 'friend of a friend' who left a session worse off or didn't notice any real benefit. Regardless, two truths seem to be universal: physiotherapy is something you do only after a major injury , and even then, it's rarely something you look forward to. In reality, physiotherapy isn't just a fix-it service, it's increasingly being used to stop problems before they start, reshaping when and why people should book that first session. Beyond recovery: what physio can actually do Physiotherapy can prevent injuries before they occur. Physios really only have one goal: to help you move better. It means their remit is surprisingly broad. From stroke recovery and helping patients in intensive care units to breathe more easily, to aiding those with multiple sclerosis to manage muscle weakness , they can be wizards for those with bigger issues. And increasingly, their expertise is being applied to prevention and everyday function as much as rehabilitation. But in much the same way a session with a mental health therapist can be all too easily brushed off as something you 'don't really need' (only to find yourself struggling even more a year later), physiotherapists can play a crucial role in preventing bigger problems down the line, too, if you give them a chance. A proactive approach – for athletes and everyone else For Neil Fitzhenry from The Physio Lab in Hong Kong, who's worked with dozens of professional footballers, rugby players and gymnasts, being proactive is a no-brainer, but most people don't realise it's even an option. Advertisement
