Tip 1: Plan Your Routes

Traveling on crutches will be tiring, but if you plan things out in advance, you will know the fastest way to get from place to place.  Think about the sites that you want to se that might have disabled access points so you can save time.  Make sure you work frequent breaks and rest time into any route you plan.

Tip 2: Avoid Lines

Standing around in a line on crutches is about the last thing you want to do when you are on vacation.  Many airports and sight seeing destinations will have entries that allow handicapped individuals to skip the line.  You might feel bad about going in front of other people, but standing in line is so physically draining you’ll get over your guilt fast.

Tip 3: Call Ahead

Be sure to call your hotel or other accommodations in advance to request a room either on the ground floor, or one that is close to the elevator.  When you explain that you are on crutches, most places will be happy to help you in any way they can.

Tip 4: Consider Portable Bags

If you are taking a trip that is long enough to drag luggage along, try to see if you can fit the essentials into a backpack.  You can wear it on your back and allow yourself your hands to work your crutches.  Normally, suitcases on wheels are nice, but not when you have no hands to drag them.

Tip 5: Pre-Board your Transportation

If you are flying somewhere, taking a train, or riding the bus, request pre-boarding privileges so you can get on before everyone else and get situated.  You will have to deal with working your crutches through the small aisles and it won’t be easy if other people are in the way.

Tip 6: Gain Strength

When you will be doing a lot of walking, it is a good idea to get in shape and use your crutches a lot in advance so you are in shape for the occasion.  Then, once you are on vacation, you won’t feel as sore from using them so much.

Tip 7: Consider Alternatives

If being on crutches wears you out at home, it will most likely be even harder when you are away.  There are alternatives to crutches that might be better options for you.  Goodbye Crutches has three such devices: the Hands Free Crutch, the Knee Walker, and the Seated Scooter.  The Hands Free Crutch, for example, will allow you the use of your hands at all times.  The Knee Walker can help you take the pressure off your hands and armpits be allowing you to scoot from place to place instead.  And the Seated Scooter gives you the rest you need because you can sit while you move from place to place.  Take a look at the differences between the devices and think about what type of vacation you are planning, then match a mobility device up to your summer needs.  Not only will one of those items make your vacation easier and more fun, but it will also help you in your day-to-day life as you recover.

Author Bio:

Brooke Williams is an award winning writer for Goodbye Crutches, the largest distributor of modern alternatives to crutches that serves those who can’t bear weight and can’t bear crutches.  A former radio announcer turned freelance writer, she contributes to many other websites.  She has authored four complete books as well.  Brooke has been married for 10 years and has two daughters, Kaelyn, who is nearly 4 and Sadie who is one month old.

The post 7 Tips for Traveling on Crutches appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

Do – Run on a clean, paved surface

As long as you are using the proper gait (forefoot or midfoot strike pattern), running on a hard surface can be safe.  It doesn’t matter whether you run on a hard or soft surface because your body will naturally adjust its impact force.  Running on a clean, paved surface will also help prevent you from stepping on rocks or tree roots that might be present on some grass trails.

Don’t – Assume Barefoot Running Means “Without Shoes”

Barefoot running doesn’t literally mean running without shoes, rather it is a style of running that emphasizes striking with the forefoot, not the heel.  You can seek out “minimalist footwear” that will naturally adjust your strike pattern to a barefoot gait.  Minimalist shoes should:

• Have the same amount of padding in the forefoot and the heel (regular shoes usually provide more cushioning in the heel)
• Be flexible
• Bend at the midfoot.  Stiffness in the arch of the foot can prevent the natural running gait.

Do – Pace Yourself

When transitioning to a barefoot style, it’s important to slowly work up your distance.  Because your feet may be adjusting to a new strike pattern, there’s a good chance you’ll be putting more strain on areas in your legs and ankles that aren’t used to being worked in excess.  Start by walking barefoot to get the feel of the new strike pattern, and a good rule of thumb is to run no more than a mile in the first week.  Gradually work your way up in the following weeks, and always stop if you feel pain in your feet.

Don’t – Run When it’s Too Cold

We’ve already discussed some of the troubles barefoot runners face during the winter months, but it’s important that you don’t take your workout outdoors too soon.  If you lose sensation or feel numbness in your toes, head back indoors.  Not only are you risking permanent damage, but you may not notice a foot injury like an open cut if you can’t feel your feet.  Minimalist shoes can also help keep your feet warm during colder temperatures.

Do – Consult a Foot Specialist If You Have Any Questions

If you have any questions about barefoot techniques, or about whether you should transition to the style, consult with a certified foot specialist.  In some cases, people with previous foot issues like stress fractures or deformities may be putting their health at risk by running barefoot.  Some people need the extra cushioning in their shoes, so talk to a specialist if you have any questions.

Related source: Barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu

If you’re a barefoot runner, feel free to help expand this list in the comments section or on Twitter @anklefootmd.

The post 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Barefoot Running appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

1)      Don’t Buy Online – While the internet may offer a wider selection than Dick’s Sporting Goods, there is one huge advantage that retail stores offer; you get to try on the cleats.  Even if you know your shoe size, trying on the cleats can ensure that they are comfortable in all the right spots.  If you buy shoes online, you might end up with a shoe that squishes your toes or one that is loose around the ankle, which can put you at a higher risk for injury.  With that in mind, some websites allow you to ship an online purchase to a store for pick-up, which means you’ll have the chance to try them on in the store.  If they don’t fit, you can simply return them while you’re there.

2)      Check the Rulebook – Depending on the level of play, most leagues will have different rules regarding footwear.  Some leagues will allow metal cleats, while others will require all spikes to be rubber.  Double check with a coach or the league rulebook to ensure that you are shopping for the right type of cleat.

3)      Consider your “Tops” – Baseball shoes come in all shapes and sizes, but there are three main types of shoes.  There are high tops, mid tops, and low tops.  The “tops” is in reference to how high the shoe comes up the ankle.  High tops provide the most ankle support, while low tops are the most lightweight.  Choose the appropriate shoe for your situation.  If you’ve had past ankle problems or you know you won’t be stealing a lot of bases, consider a high or mid top to give your feet the best protection

4)      Buy Snug – Athletic shoes are different than your average shoes because they are developed to accompany a lot of quick twists and movements.  When buying shoes for a particular sport, it’s very important to buy something that offers a good deal of support and protection for your ankles.  As we’ve mentioned, ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports, and the problem is only exacerbated if your shoe doesn’t offer adequate ankle support.  If you feel like you’re in between sizes, go with the shoe that feels a little too tight rather than the one that is a little too loose, even though you might think you’ll “grow into them”.  Shoes expand a little as they break in, which means the tighter shoe will feel better over time, while the looser shoe will provide you with less ankle support.

5)      Practice Running in your Shoes – This is especially important if you’re making the transition from rubber cleats to metal cleats.  Metal spikes provide more traction than rubber cleats, but they can lead to more injuries if athletes don’t know how to use them properly.  Because metal cleats offer better grip, athletes sometimes suffer knee and foot injuries if the foot twists while the shoe is stuck in the ground.  Practice running and sliding in your new cleats so you are comfortable going at full speed during games and practices.

The post 5 Tips for Buying the Right Baseball Cleats for your Feet appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.