Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
49er Looks For an Edge in Greensboro
2007 Pro Bowl cornerback Walt Harris, a native of LaGrange Georgia consulted with our Sports Performance doctor, Lou Pack this week. Recovering from an ACL injury to his right knee, Harris, drafted by the 49ers in 2006 where he led the team with a career-high of eight interceptions, has also played for the Redskins, Bears and Colts.
According to the good doctor, “Walt ranks right up there as being one of the nicest pros” he has ever treated. “He’s a religious fellow with great values and a real passion for people,” says Pack.
Bedsides treating Walt, Pack says he used the opportunity to discuss his Rotary Club’s 2nd Harvest Food Program. Harris was apparently touched and will work with Pack on seeing if he can get a similar program started in his home town of LaGrange.
Dr. Pack evaluates athletes at all levels, finding the inherent structural problems we all have (like a longer leg or flattened foot) and corrects those problems to increase performance, decrease injuries and risks of arthritis.
Athletes of all types seem to make their way to his office. He’s had Olympic Gold medalists, world record holders in various sports and a British Open and Master’s golf champion seek him out. And distance doesn’t seem to be a problem. Timberwolves, “Mad Dog” Mark Madsen, (formerly with the L.A. Lakers NBA Champions 2002, 2002) flew in from a trip in Barcelona, while World Champion Skier, Steve Omischl made the trek from Canada.
Dr. Pack practices full time at the MCG Medical Clinic at Reynolds Plantation. For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or his blog at drloupack.blogspot.com. He can be reached at 706-454-0040.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Are Leg Length Differences Important?
Although certainly not on a par with cancer or heart disease, the importance of equalizing leg lengths is greatly underestimated, poorly evaluated, and if found, usually left uncorrected; especially if less than a quarter of an inch, which is considered normal.
But “normal,” means average. And the average person also has high cholesterol, weighs more, and is less active and more stressed than a healthy person should be. So I don’t think we really want to be average.
Unequal leg lengths can be due to structural or functional causes, and it’s important to differentiate these causes and treat them appropriately.
Now, after treating arthritic patients for over thirty five years, I’m still amazed at the powerful, positive impact of equalizing leg lengths. For example, when a patient with an arthritic hip or knee does a simple squat with the proper amount of correction under their short leg, often there is an immediate decrease in pain.
That’s because abnormal alignment causes excessive wear on the joints, which results in destructive arthritic changes and subsequent pain. A recent study showed that those with an above average leg length difference had almost twice the incidence of knee arthritis. But by equalizing leg lengths, arthritic patients can often be made to function on the part of their knee or hip joint that still has cartilage. This occurs in the same way that realigning the tires on your car enables you to ride on the tread that is still there, thus improving ride quality and extending the life or your tires.
Although often overlooked, it’s even more important after a knee or hip replacement because this type of surgery very often results in a leg length that is longer or shorter than it was before the joint was replaced! This causes additional stress on the new joint, as well as the other weight bearing joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hip and back.
Unequal leg lengths have the same powerful affect in sports. In golf for example, equalizing leg lengths can increase performance and decrease injuries.
So if you’re interested in preventative health, decreasing the stress on your weight bearing joints, or improving sports performance, equalize your leg lengths. Sometimes it’s as simple as putting a lift in your shoe on the shorter side!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040
But “normal,” means average. And the average person also has high cholesterol, weighs more, and is less active and more stressed than a healthy person should be. So I don’t think we really want to be average.
Unequal leg lengths can be due to structural or functional causes, and it’s important to differentiate these causes and treat them appropriately.
Now, after treating arthritic patients for over thirty five years, I’m still amazed at the powerful, positive impact of equalizing leg lengths. For example, when a patient with an arthritic hip or knee does a simple squat with the proper amount of correction under their short leg, often there is an immediate decrease in pain.
That’s because abnormal alignment causes excessive wear on the joints, which results in destructive arthritic changes and subsequent pain. A recent study showed that those with an above average leg length difference had almost twice the incidence of knee arthritis. But by equalizing leg lengths, arthritic patients can often be made to function on the part of their knee or hip joint that still has cartilage. This occurs in the same way that realigning the tires on your car enables you to ride on the tread that is still there, thus improving ride quality and extending the life or your tires.
Although often overlooked, it’s even more important after a knee or hip replacement because this type of surgery very often results in a leg length that is longer or shorter than it was before the joint was replaced! This causes additional stress on the new joint, as well as the other weight bearing joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hip and back.
Unequal leg lengths have the same powerful affect in sports. In golf for example, equalizing leg lengths can increase performance and decrease injuries.
So if you’re interested in preventative health, decreasing the stress on your weight bearing joints, or improving sports performance, equalize your leg lengths. Sometimes it’s as simple as putting a lift in your shoe on the shorter side!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Is Arthritis Medication Safe?
Osteoarthritis, has reached epidemic proportions. One in every two seniors is now at risk of developing arthritis of their knees. Last year there were over half a million knee and hip replacements.
Since it’s generally believed that there is no known cause or cure (other than age and excessive weight), a physicians goal is to keep you pain free and active as long as they can. And while it’s wonderful that we have medications, remember that pain is something we’re designed to have as it warns us that if we keep doing the activity that caused it, not only will the pain worsen, but so will the damage.
In pharmacy school I learned one lesson above all else; the less medication you take the better! Remember that anything you put into your body that isn’t supposed to be there has risks. And even if the risks are one in a thousand, they’re 100% if they happen to you!
If prescription drugs were as safe as we’re often led to believe, we wouldn’t need a signed document (prescription) that only a licensed physician can write, to purchase them. If you read the precautionary information about these drugs you would be much more reluctant to take them. But serious complications can occur with non-prescription medications too, and this is validated by an overwhelming amount of studies.
Despite this, there are over 13 million Americans taking anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin and Aleve, that results in 16,500 deaths each year! In some cases, drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex have also been shown to actually make your arthritis worse! And unfortunately, you can’t always depend upon the validity of research studies, many of which are sponsored by the drug companies who make and sell these drugs.
Despite the commonly accepted theories that osteoarthritis has no known cause or cure, it does. Abnormal friction and pressure wears away joints in the same way that poorly aligned tires wear abnormally and prematurely. You don’t simply get pain in your knee or hip because you reached a certain age. And the latest research now confirms this.
Sometimes drugs are needed and necessary but having yourself structurally evaluated to eliminate simple things like a longer leg or flattened foot can go a long way in saving your joints and helping you avoid drugs that can indeed have serious implications.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Since it’s generally believed that there is no known cause or cure (other than age and excessive weight), a physicians goal is to keep you pain free and active as long as they can. And while it’s wonderful that we have medications, remember that pain is something we’re designed to have as it warns us that if we keep doing the activity that caused it, not only will the pain worsen, but so will the damage.
In pharmacy school I learned one lesson above all else; the less medication you take the better! Remember that anything you put into your body that isn’t supposed to be there has risks. And even if the risks are one in a thousand, they’re 100% if they happen to you!
If prescription drugs were as safe as we’re often led to believe, we wouldn’t need a signed document (prescription) that only a licensed physician can write, to purchase them. If you read the precautionary information about these drugs you would be much more reluctant to take them. But serious complications can occur with non-prescription medications too, and this is validated by an overwhelming amount of studies.
Despite this, there are over 13 million Americans taking anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin and Aleve, that results in 16,500 deaths each year! In some cases, drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex have also been shown to actually make your arthritis worse! And unfortunately, you can’t always depend upon the validity of research studies, many of which are sponsored by the drug companies who make and sell these drugs.
Despite the commonly accepted theories that osteoarthritis has no known cause or cure, it does. Abnormal friction and pressure wears away joints in the same way that poorly aligned tires wear abnormally and prematurely. You don’t simply get pain in your knee or hip because you reached a certain age. And the latest research now confirms this.
Sometimes drugs are needed and necessary but having yourself structurally evaluated to eliminate simple things like a longer leg or flattened foot can go a long way in saving your joints and helping you avoid drugs that can indeed have serious implications.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Latest research on the Real Cause of Arthritis
Like most physicians I was taught that osteoarthritis was due to ageing; like gray hair and wrinkles. But the fact that it primarily occurs when we’re older doesn’t necessarily mean it’s due to age. There is a difference between a correlation and a cause. Arthritis, like heart disease, takes a long time to develop, but age is not the cause.
My work over forty years in this area has shown that contrary to what is currently believed, that abnormal structure wears out our joints in the same way that poorly aligned tires wear out sooner. Now more and more credible data is substantiating my premise.
A recently published arthritis textbook of the latest research was reviewed by Dr. Hunter, a preeminent rheumatologist. He states that arthritis should now be viewed as being “primarily due to mechanical factors” and that by physicians “focusing more on this, we have the opportunity to help millions of patients with arthritis.”
Dr. Jason Theodosakis is considered one of the foremost authorities in the world on osteoarthritis. In his book, The Arthritis Cure,” he continually emphasizes the important role that abnormal function plays in osteoarthritis. He states that, “it is critically important to control how we walk and function if we really want to treat arthritis.”
In 2001, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association reported that “abnormal alignment of only five degrees (as measured from the ankle to the hip) increased the progression of osteoarthritis four to five times!”
Most recently the famed Mayo Clinic’s study showed that for “each degree of abnormal alignment there was a 53% increased risk of the progression of arthritis of the knee,” and that “increasing age was only weakly associated with an increase risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.” They now consider poor alignment as “one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis.”
We are not born perfect. Any degree of abnormality (like a flattened foot or longer leg) increases joint friction and over time causes arthritis.
The best way to prevent arthritis of the weight bearing joints of our feet, ankles, knees, hips and neck is to be structurally evaluated and fix (on a permanent basis) the problems found. Optimizing how we function, especially after knee or hip joint replacement, is critical to staying active without pain as we age.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
My work over forty years in this area has shown that contrary to what is currently believed, that abnormal structure wears out our joints in the same way that poorly aligned tires wear out sooner. Now more and more credible data is substantiating my premise.
A recently published arthritis textbook of the latest research was reviewed by Dr. Hunter, a preeminent rheumatologist. He states that arthritis should now be viewed as being “primarily due to mechanical factors” and that by physicians “focusing more on this, we have the opportunity to help millions of patients with arthritis.”
Dr. Jason Theodosakis is considered one of the foremost authorities in the world on osteoarthritis. In his book, The Arthritis Cure,” he continually emphasizes the important role that abnormal function plays in osteoarthritis. He states that, “it is critically important to control how we walk and function if we really want to treat arthritis.”
In 2001, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association reported that “abnormal alignment of only five degrees (as measured from the ankle to the hip) increased the progression of osteoarthritis four to five times!”
Most recently the famed Mayo Clinic’s study showed that for “each degree of abnormal alignment there was a 53% increased risk of the progression of arthritis of the knee,” and that “increasing age was only weakly associated with an increase risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.” They now consider poor alignment as “one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis.”
We are not born perfect. Any degree of abnormality (like a flattened foot or longer leg) increases joint friction and over time causes arthritis.
The best way to prevent arthritis of the weight bearing joints of our feet, ankles, knees, hips and neck is to be structurally evaluated and fix (on a permanent basis) the problems found. Optimizing how we function, especially after knee or hip joint replacement, is critical to staying active without pain as we age.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Will Technology Make the Difference In the Masters?
Certainly, technology is important in golf. Better clubs and balls have forced designers to make longer and more difficult courses. But despite the accepted thinking, technology is not as important as we are led to believe. In fact, according to the USGA the average handicap has decreased less than one half of one stroke in the last ten years!
If technology was the answer, than why do so many of the top pros (highly endorsed by the best companies with the greatest and latest equipment), choose basic irons instead of racket sized titanium heads and state of the art carbon graphite shafts, while others simply throw their balls on the grass instead of using the latest tees (that are supposed to decrease ball resistance)?
The most important thing in performing well is not technology but talent; knowing exactly how to hit the ball and how to consistently execute the ideal swing best suited to each individual.
Secondly, and critically important, yet almost always overlooked, is structure. No one is born structurally perfect and any degree of abnormality (such as a longer leg or flattened foot) decreases performance, increases the risks of injury, and can later cause arthritic changes.
For example, no one has equal leg lengths, so every golfer is playing out of balance to some degree. A right handed golfer with a long left leg will always find it more difficult to follow through on their swing because in essence they are swinging up hill.
Great athletes have learned to compensate for their structural problems. Arnold Palmer has always had great difficulty completing his swing. Sure, he was great anyway. But how much better could he have been if didn’t always have this problem?
Players like Vijay Singh, Phil Michelson, and Davis Love III, have significant structural issues that put them at a major disadvantage with each and every shot they take. And no piece of technologically advanced equipment can fully compensate for this.
There are many reasons for a sudden decrease in performance, and it’s not always because an athlete “chokes”. Some of the most common relate to structural abnormalities. These problems decrease performance from the onset but take far greater tolls with time.
A few years ago (at the Masters), Rocco Mediate played well for days before completely falling apart. I believe his tight calf muscles cost him the Masters. In 2007, Brett Wetterich played great and then he too fell apart. Brett has significant structural issues as well. You could see his foot flatten (collapse) with each step he took.
Simply watch the way these players walk and stand and compare them to the likes of Tiger Woods and Gary Player, and you will notice a remarkable difference. Tiger is as close to being structurally ideal as any golfer I have ever seen. When you see the incredible turning radius in his swing, remember that to a large extent that is based on the equalization of his leg lengths, which enable him to have a better positioned vertical axis. And I don’t believe Gary Player’s longevity and vitality would be possible without the sound footing his well aligned structure permits. The same is true of Nolan Ryan and all great athletes with long careers.
Technology can and does help. But even the best Ferrari's in the world will not run as fast without wheels and tires that aren’t ideally aligned and balanced!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
If technology was the answer, than why do so many of the top pros (highly endorsed by the best companies with the greatest and latest equipment), choose basic irons instead of racket sized titanium heads and state of the art carbon graphite shafts, while others simply throw their balls on the grass instead of using the latest tees (that are supposed to decrease ball resistance)?
The most important thing in performing well is not technology but talent; knowing exactly how to hit the ball and how to consistently execute the ideal swing best suited to each individual.
Secondly, and critically important, yet almost always overlooked, is structure. No one is born structurally perfect and any degree of abnormality (such as a longer leg or flattened foot) decreases performance, increases the risks of injury, and can later cause arthritic changes.
For example, no one has equal leg lengths, so every golfer is playing out of balance to some degree. A right handed golfer with a long left leg will always find it more difficult to follow through on their swing because in essence they are swinging up hill.
Great athletes have learned to compensate for their structural problems. Arnold Palmer has always had great difficulty completing his swing. Sure, he was great anyway. But how much better could he have been if didn’t always have this problem?
Players like Vijay Singh, Phil Michelson, and Davis Love III, have significant structural issues that put them at a major disadvantage with each and every shot they take. And no piece of technologically advanced equipment can fully compensate for this.
There are many reasons for a sudden decrease in performance, and it’s not always because an athlete “chokes”. Some of the most common relate to structural abnormalities. These problems decrease performance from the onset but take far greater tolls with time.
A few years ago (at the Masters), Rocco Mediate played well for days before completely falling apart. I believe his tight calf muscles cost him the Masters. In 2007, Brett Wetterich played great and then he too fell apart. Brett has significant structural issues as well. You could see his foot flatten (collapse) with each step he took.
Simply watch the way these players walk and stand and compare them to the likes of Tiger Woods and Gary Player, and you will notice a remarkable difference. Tiger is as close to being structurally ideal as any golfer I have ever seen. When you see the incredible turning radius in his swing, remember that to a large extent that is based on the equalization of his leg lengths, which enable him to have a better positioned vertical axis. And I don’t believe Gary Player’s longevity and vitality would be possible without the sound footing his well aligned structure permits. The same is true of Nolan Ryan and all great athletes with long careers.
Technology can and does help. But even the best Ferrari's in the world will not run as fast without wheels and tires that aren’t ideally aligned and balanced!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Childfren's Foot Exam
Ask the Doc………
“Is it a good idea to have my children’s feet checked? My Pediatrician has never really looked at them.”
Absolutely! Having your children’s feet checked is one of the most important things you can do for them.
Frankly, it’s very unfortunate that so little importance is relegated to the human foot by most health care professionals. Look at how much emphasis is placed on having your child’s teeth checked and they’re replaceable!
Your child’s feet are the foundation of their entire body. Many times the problems we see in children’s knees, hips and low back can be helped with proper foot positioning.
So having them examined is critical to their skeletal development. This is important in preventing bone and joint problems such as arthritis, and can help them perform better in sports.
A structural foot evaluation can also help them avoid sports injuries. I recently saw a young girl for example, who broke her foot while playing soccer. Contrary to what she was told, this wasn’t a soccer “injury.” The tight calf muscles she had, made it impossible for her to pick her feet up properly while running and so she tripped, twisting and breaking her foot.
When you consider that in their average lifetime, your child will walk over four times around the world and carry over nine hundred thousand billion lbs of pressure on their feet (now that’s a number!), it might not be a bad idea to prepare those two “orphan structures” at the end of their bodies for the journey! You certainly would do the same for the tires on your car if you planned an extended trip.
If a foot problem is identified, parents are usually told that their children will outgrow it. The truth is you don’t outgrow most foot problems but to the contrary, you grow into them; i.e., the flexible, usually easily correctible problems seen, become fixed, rigid, often painful problems as they grown and develop. So the earlier a child’s foot problems are identified, the easier it is to correct them.
As mentioned above, the foot is the foundation of our entire skeletal system. It supports all of the weight bearing joints of our ankles, knees, hips and back. Since many problems we see are preventable, if anyone in the family has arthritic problems in any of these areas, having your child’s feet examined becomes even more important.
Arthritis is the number one cause of pain and disability today. Recent data shows that the major cause is not age as we thought, but rather structural problems (like a longer leg or flattened foot). It is these structural problems that we inherit and that can be stopped in most instances in children.
Unlike dental exams which are routinely recommended, a thorough foot evaluation can be done much less often and still have profound positive effects.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
“Is it a good idea to have my children’s feet checked? My Pediatrician has never really looked at them.”
Absolutely! Having your children’s feet checked is one of the most important things you can do for them.
Frankly, it’s very unfortunate that so little importance is relegated to the human foot by most health care professionals. Look at how much emphasis is placed on having your child’s teeth checked and they’re replaceable!
Your child’s feet are the foundation of their entire body. Many times the problems we see in children’s knees, hips and low back can be helped with proper foot positioning.
So having them examined is critical to their skeletal development. This is important in preventing bone and joint problems such as arthritis, and can help them perform better in sports.
A structural foot evaluation can also help them avoid sports injuries. I recently saw a young girl for example, who broke her foot while playing soccer. Contrary to what she was told, this wasn’t a soccer “injury.” The tight calf muscles she had, made it impossible for her to pick her feet up properly while running and so she tripped, twisting and breaking her foot.
When you consider that in their average lifetime, your child will walk over four times around the world and carry over nine hundred thousand billion lbs of pressure on their feet (now that’s a number!), it might not be a bad idea to prepare those two “orphan structures” at the end of their bodies for the journey! You certainly would do the same for the tires on your car if you planned an extended trip.
If a foot problem is identified, parents are usually told that their children will outgrow it. The truth is you don’t outgrow most foot problems but to the contrary, you grow into them; i.e., the flexible, usually easily correctible problems seen, become fixed, rigid, often painful problems as they grown and develop. So the earlier a child’s foot problems are identified, the easier it is to correct them.
As mentioned above, the foot is the foundation of our entire skeletal system. It supports all of the weight bearing joints of our ankles, knees, hips and back. Since many problems we see are preventable, if anyone in the family has arthritic problems in any of these areas, having your child’s feet examined becomes even more important.
Arthritis is the number one cause of pain and disability today. Recent data shows that the major cause is not age as we thought, but rather structural problems (like a longer leg or flattened foot). It is these structural problems that we inherit and that can be stopped in most instances in children.
Unlike dental exams which are routinely recommended, a thorough foot evaluation can be done much less often and still have profound positive effects.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
How valid is our medical data?
Ask the Doc……..
“How valid is the medical data we depend so much on?”
That’s a great question and one that many people fail to think about. Medical facts are like a container of milk; they have a shelf life. Just think about how much the thought process has changed since most of us have grown up. We were taught that if we wanted to be healthy we should have a good breakfast. That of course consisted of eggs, bacon, grits (of course if you were from the south), “Wonder Bread” (since it “built bodies 12 ways”) and perhaps some Hostess Twinkies and chocolate milk. Today we’re told that very same breakfast might cause us to die of a coronary before lunch!
Red wine is good. No it’s bad. No it’s good for us. Drink a gallon of water a day. No you don’t need nearly that much. Yes you do. No you don’t. The facts change every few years.
Most recently data has shown that the prostate screenings men have been constantly told “must be done” and is “life saving” actually have not been shown to save lives. That certainly doesn’t mean they aren’t important but it does cause one to wonder.
And even if you follow the trends, you can’t always depend upon the data. That’s because of the limited government funding for research that causes many researchers to look to drug companies for needed dollars. Such companies can very much alter the “facts” in many ways. This can include changing the definition of outcomes after the tests and having their own employees ghostwrite the actual studies.
Some very impressive, valid, new data has just come out regarding osteoarthritis that will completely change the thinking and treatment of this disease. Long thought to be primarily due to age and excessive weight, the latest data actually shows that abnormal alignment (like a longer leg or flattened foot) is the major cause of arthritis of our weight bearing joints (feet, ankles, knees, hips and back).
The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association for example, has reported that “abnormal alignment of only five degrees (as measured from the ankle to the hip) increased the progression of osteoarthritis four to five times!”
Most recently the famed Mayo Clinic’s study showed that for “each degree of abnormal alignment there was a significant increased risk of the progression of arthritis of the knee,” and that “increasing age was only weakly associated with an increase risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.” They now consider poor alignment as “one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis.”
So the best way to stay active without pain, medications or surgery is to have a structural
evaluation and function with as little joint stress as possible.
We need data and must depend upon the latest research for our health. But like anything else, “let the buyer beware.”
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
“How valid is the medical data we depend so much on?”
That’s a great question and one that many people fail to think about. Medical facts are like a container of milk; they have a shelf life. Just think about how much the thought process has changed since most of us have grown up. We were taught that if we wanted to be healthy we should have a good breakfast. That of course consisted of eggs, bacon, grits (of course if you were from the south), “Wonder Bread” (since it “built bodies 12 ways”) and perhaps some Hostess Twinkies and chocolate milk. Today we’re told that very same breakfast might cause us to die of a coronary before lunch!
Red wine is good. No it’s bad. No it’s good for us. Drink a gallon of water a day. No you don’t need nearly that much. Yes you do. No you don’t. The facts change every few years.
Most recently data has shown that the prostate screenings men have been constantly told “must be done” and is “life saving” actually have not been shown to save lives. That certainly doesn’t mean they aren’t important but it does cause one to wonder.
And even if you follow the trends, you can’t always depend upon the data. That’s because of the limited government funding for research that causes many researchers to look to drug companies for needed dollars. Such companies can very much alter the “facts” in many ways. This can include changing the definition of outcomes after the tests and having their own employees ghostwrite the actual studies.
Some very impressive, valid, new data has just come out regarding osteoarthritis that will completely change the thinking and treatment of this disease. Long thought to be primarily due to age and excessive weight, the latest data actually shows that abnormal alignment (like a longer leg or flattened foot) is the major cause of arthritis of our weight bearing joints (feet, ankles, knees, hips and back).
The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association for example, has reported that “abnormal alignment of only five degrees (as measured from the ankle to the hip) increased the progression of osteoarthritis four to five times!”
Most recently the famed Mayo Clinic’s study showed that for “each degree of abnormal alignment there was a significant increased risk of the progression of arthritis of the knee,” and that “increasing age was only weakly associated with an increase risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.” They now consider poor alignment as “one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis.”
So the best way to stay active without pain, medications or surgery is to have a structural
evaluation and function with as little joint stress as possible.
We need data and must depend upon the latest research for our health. But like anything else, “let the buyer beware.”
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tripping
Ask the Doc…………..
“I’m 73 years old and just started tripping. Is this just part of aging?”
We’ve all tripped. But frequently doing this indicates a problem rather than a hap occurrence.
Less common, more serious causes involve problems like Parkinson’s disease, and strokes. Arthritis causes tripping by making it more difficult to lift your feet when walking. Heavy shoes with thick, ridged rubber soles can also be a cause, especially on carpet.
We assume we trip due to our age. But tripping is usually due to tight calf muscles that can cause you to fall or appear clumsy at any age; like children, whose parents tell them to “pick their feet up” when they walk.
Almost everyone will develop tight calf muscles. Simply walking causes these muscles to tighten and functionally shorten and it’s worse if we’re very active.
Picture a rubber band from the tips of your toes, going down the bottom of your foot, running up the back of your leg and attaching behind your knee. If that band is tight it will have a tendency to pull your foot downward and make it harder to pick your feet up when you walk. And that’s why most people trip!
Tight calf muscles can also cause pain in the fronts of the legs (shin splints) or stress fractures, bone spurs in the back of the heels, and ruptures of the Achilles tendon.
Take a look at the soles of your shoes, at the very ends where your toes would be. Wearing your shoes out in this area is a good clue that you have this problem.
Tight calves also affect sports. Tennis players will have a harder time on clay and runners will be slower on grass. Golfers will fatigue easier. Coaches and trainers often miss this condition as a major factor in decreased performance. Football players often suffer from this undetected problem than from dehydration.
Treatment consists of proper stretching exercises. Remember, the more active you are, the more you have to stretch. In severe cases a special trigger point injection can be given which is painless (really), often long lasting, and produces dramatic results. This can be quite affective even in elderly people.
So you may not be as clumsy as you think! And this may have nothing to do with your age. But if you continue to trip or have symptoms of a neurological disease, see your physician.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
“I’m 73 years old and just started tripping. Is this just part of aging?”
We’ve all tripped. But frequently doing this indicates a problem rather than a hap occurrence.
Less common, more serious causes involve problems like Parkinson’s disease, and strokes. Arthritis causes tripping by making it more difficult to lift your feet when walking. Heavy shoes with thick, ridged rubber soles can also be a cause, especially on carpet.
We assume we trip due to our age. But tripping is usually due to tight calf muscles that can cause you to fall or appear clumsy at any age; like children, whose parents tell them to “pick their feet up” when they walk.
Almost everyone will develop tight calf muscles. Simply walking causes these muscles to tighten and functionally shorten and it’s worse if we’re very active.
Picture a rubber band from the tips of your toes, going down the bottom of your foot, running up the back of your leg and attaching behind your knee. If that band is tight it will have a tendency to pull your foot downward and make it harder to pick your feet up when you walk. And that’s why most people trip!
Tight calf muscles can also cause pain in the fronts of the legs (shin splints) or stress fractures, bone spurs in the back of the heels, and ruptures of the Achilles tendon.
Take a look at the soles of your shoes, at the very ends where your toes would be. Wearing your shoes out in this area is a good clue that you have this problem.
Tight calves also affect sports. Tennis players will have a harder time on clay and runners will be slower on grass. Golfers will fatigue easier. Coaches and trainers often miss this condition as a major factor in decreased performance. Football players often suffer from this undetected problem than from dehydration.
Treatment consists of proper stretching exercises. Remember, the more active you are, the more you have to stretch. In severe cases a special trigger point injection can be given which is painless (really), often long lasting, and produces dramatic results. This can be quite affective even in elderly people.
So you may not be as clumsy as you think! And this may have nothing to do with your age. But if you continue to trip or have symptoms of a neurological disease, see your physician.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Choosing a Doctor
Choosing a Doctor
Ask the Doc……..
“What kind of doctor should I see for the pain in my right knee?”
If you had a problem with an old, valuable piece of furniture you would do well to take it to an antique furniture refinisher and not someone inexperienced. But we often don’t treat ourselves that way; and insurance companies love that. They often mandate that you to go to your general practitioner to keep their costs down.
Now don’t get me wrong, we need general practitioners, and more of them! And seeing these wonderful physicians first is often best. But when indicated, you should see a specialist simply because they will know more about your problem since that’s all they do.
That said, be careful. Think of today’s specialist as someone who knows more and more about less and less. They are often brilliant in their very narrow scope of expertise, but often know little outside of that particular area. So choosing the right doctor is important or you may end up being one of the “wandering wounded,” going from doctor to doctor seeking relief.
If your knee pain is due to an injury or overuse, see a good orthopedic surgeon; if possible, one that just does knees. But remember, orthopedists are surgeons. So if your knee pain is due to arthritis, a far better choice might be a rheumatologist.
Rheumatologists are board certified internists who have sub specialized in arthritic problems of the joints. So they are like “super” internists, not surgeons, and are experts on the best medications to take for arthritic problems. Physical therapists can also be helpful, but it’s best to find out what you’re treating first.
And if your knees hurt for any reason, see someone who specializes in structural analysis, because other specialists usually don’t evaluate or treat the abnormal structural components we all have, that can either cause or make your knee pain worse. And without fixing your “bent frame,” only part of the problem is being addressed.
Remember that none of us are built perfectly, and structural problems increase the wear and tear on our joints, in the same way that poor wheel alignment causes abnormal wear on our tires. For example, if you have a tendency to roll your foot in and flatten your arch (pronation), this will cause your knee to rotate inward, causing a great deal of stress on it. If you have a longer leg (and we all do to some extent), the stress on one of your knees is greatly increased.
Recent studies at the famed Mayo Clinic showed that even the smallest alignment problems can increase the stress on your knees significantly. As a matter of fact, structural problems are the major cause of arthritis in our weight bearing joints (feet, ankles, knees, hips and back). So by correcting these problems patients can often get significant relief.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc……..
“What kind of doctor should I see for the pain in my right knee?”
If you had a problem with an old, valuable piece of furniture you would do well to take it to an antique furniture refinisher and not someone inexperienced. But we often don’t treat ourselves that way; and insurance companies love that. They often mandate that you to go to your general practitioner to keep their costs down.
Now don’t get me wrong, we need general practitioners, and more of them! And seeing these wonderful physicians first is often best. But when indicated, you should see a specialist simply because they will know more about your problem since that’s all they do.
That said, be careful. Think of today’s specialist as someone who knows more and more about less and less. They are often brilliant in their very narrow scope of expertise, but often know little outside of that particular area. So choosing the right doctor is important or you may end up being one of the “wandering wounded,” going from doctor to doctor seeking relief.
If your knee pain is due to an injury or overuse, see a good orthopedic surgeon; if possible, one that just does knees. But remember, orthopedists are surgeons. So if your knee pain is due to arthritis, a far better choice might be a rheumatologist.
Rheumatologists are board certified internists who have sub specialized in arthritic problems of the joints. So they are like “super” internists, not surgeons, and are experts on the best medications to take for arthritic problems. Physical therapists can also be helpful, but it’s best to find out what you’re treating first.
And if your knees hurt for any reason, see someone who specializes in structural analysis, because other specialists usually don’t evaluate or treat the abnormal structural components we all have, that can either cause or make your knee pain worse. And without fixing your “bent frame,” only part of the problem is being addressed.
Remember that none of us are built perfectly, and structural problems increase the wear and tear on our joints, in the same way that poor wheel alignment causes abnormal wear on our tires. For example, if you have a tendency to roll your foot in and flatten your arch (pronation), this will cause your knee to rotate inward, causing a great deal of stress on it. If you have a longer leg (and we all do to some extent), the stress on one of your knees is greatly increased.
Recent studies at the famed Mayo Clinic showed that even the smallest alignment problems can increase the stress on your knees significantly. As a matter of fact, structural problems are the major cause of arthritis in our weight bearing joints (feet, ankles, knees, hips and back). So by correcting these problems patients can often get significant relief.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Arthritis – How Big a Problem & Why?
Ask the Doc……..
“It seems that more and more people I know have arthritis. How big a problem is this and why?”
Arthritis affects 70 million Americans. By 2030, it’s predicted that 67 million Americans will suffer from this debilitating disease. Arthritis has now become the number one cause of chronic pain and disability.
As a “senior citizen”, I’m seeing many of my friends unable to enjoy their retirement because of this painful, debilitating disease. Even a round of golf can leave many sore for days.
And what we’re doing clearly isn’t working. There are now more than 13 million Americans taking drugs and many others on supplements, attempting to alleviate their arthritic pain. Although helpful, supplements are like putting air in a leaky tire; treating after the fact; i.e. like pain medications, they do nothing to stop the cause of your arthritis.
When discomfort becomes too much, knees and hips are often replaced. Last year there were over half a million such joint replacements. If you haven’t had one yet, you surely known people who have. And that doesn’t end one’s problems as many complications can occur such as ending up with a leg that is longer or shorter than the other.
Medicine is for the most part still a “fix it” profession. And until more physicians begin to understand that despite current thinking, the major cause of osteoarthritis is not age or excessive weight (although certainly these are important factors) but abnormal alignment, these facts won’t change.
If age and weight were the primary factors, then why do we know people who are ninety and have no knee pain and some teenagers who do? There are also many people who are overweight who have no joint discomfort and others who are perfectly fit and suffer.
The major cause of osteoarthritis of our weight bearing joints (foot, ankle, knees, hips and back) is our abnormal structures, which increase friction on our joints and subsequently wears them out. This occurs in the same way that abnormally aligned car tires wear out unevenly and prematurely.
The latest data from institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, now confirms this; the primary cause of osteoarthritis of the weight bearing joints is improper alignment and not age!
If you want to stop arthritis you have to begin by more perfectly aligning how you function, (on a more permanent basis than just manipulation) and therefore decrease the stress on your joints.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc……..
“It seems that more and more people I know have arthritis. How big a problem is this and why?”
Arthritis affects 70 million Americans. By 2030, it’s predicted that 67 million Americans will suffer from this debilitating disease. Arthritis has now become the number one cause of chronic pain and disability.
As a “senior citizen”, I’m seeing many of my friends unable to enjoy their retirement because of this painful, debilitating disease. Even a round of golf can leave many sore for days.
And what we’re doing clearly isn’t working. There are now more than 13 million Americans taking drugs and many others on supplements, attempting to alleviate their arthritic pain. Although helpful, supplements are like putting air in a leaky tire; treating after the fact; i.e. like pain medications, they do nothing to stop the cause of your arthritis.
When discomfort becomes too much, knees and hips are often replaced. Last year there were over half a million such joint replacements. If you haven’t had one yet, you surely known people who have. And that doesn’t end one’s problems as many complications can occur such as ending up with a leg that is longer or shorter than the other.
Medicine is for the most part still a “fix it” profession. And until more physicians begin to understand that despite current thinking, the major cause of osteoarthritis is not age or excessive weight (although certainly these are important factors) but abnormal alignment, these facts won’t change.
If age and weight were the primary factors, then why do we know people who are ninety and have no knee pain and some teenagers who do? There are also many people who are overweight who have no joint discomfort and others who are perfectly fit and suffer.
The major cause of osteoarthritis of our weight bearing joints (foot, ankle, knees, hips and back) is our abnormal structures, which increase friction on our joints and subsequently wears them out. This occurs in the same way that abnormally aligned car tires wear out unevenly and prematurely.
The latest data from institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, now confirms this; the primary cause of osteoarthritis of the weight bearing joints is improper alignment and not age!
If you want to stop arthritis you have to begin by more perfectly aligning how you function, (on a more permanent basis than just manipulation) and therefore decrease the stress on your joints.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Best Exercise Equipment
Ask the Doc……
“What’s the best type of equipment to use to stay in shape?
February is Heart Health Month so your question is very timely. Elliptical machines, treadmills, rowing machines, and stationary bikes are all good pieces of equipment, each having advantages and disadvantages. While weight bearing exercise equipment is recommended, personal preference is often the determining factor.
I’m a runner and have been for over thirty five years, but I don’t usually recommend a treadmill. It’s very easy to trip and hurt yourself; especially if you’re older and your balance is already compromised.
To avoid tripping and get the greatest benefit from this type of equipment, you have to really pick your feet up. Since most people have tight calf muscles, and usually don’t stretch properly, that can be quite difficult and result in shin splints, calf pain, problems with heel spurs or plantar fasciiits (pain under the arch).
Elliptical machines provide the same weight bearing (standing) stress on your skeletal system (very much needed to prevent osteoporosis) without the pounding that even good treadmills can cause. They also hold your feet in place better than a treadmill, work your arms and upper body, and while doing so give you more to hold on to.
The major problem with elliptical equipment is discomfort on the bottoms of the feet. Some have ridges on the pedals used to prevent you from sliding. These are poorly designed and cause too much friction. For added comfort, I suggest putting a hard, thin piece of rubber (or some other type of cushioning material) on the pedals to eliminate these ridges.
But before beginning any exercise program, get a medical clearance from your physician. And to avoid problems, get a structural evaluation. Since no one is perfect, everyone has structural problems and the older we get the more significant they become.
I cannot begin to tell you how many patients I see who have gotten injured in their attempts to get into shape. For example, if you have a foot that pronates or rolls inward (flattens), it will cause your knee to turn inward too, causing pain. And for those with arthritis, this easily preventable and correctable problem can make exercise quite difficult if not impossible.
I’m all in favor of exercise. But to avoid damage to your joints and improve performance, just make sure you do so in proper alignment. Remember that, “health is something you can go through on the way to fitness.” Don’t become injured trying to get into shape!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc……
“What’s the best type of equipment to use to stay in shape?
February is Heart Health Month so your question is very timely. Elliptical machines, treadmills, rowing machines, and stationary bikes are all good pieces of equipment, each having advantages and disadvantages. While weight bearing exercise equipment is recommended, personal preference is often the determining factor.
I’m a runner and have been for over thirty five years, but I don’t usually recommend a treadmill. It’s very easy to trip and hurt yourself; especially if you’re older and your balance is already compromised.
To avoid tripping and get the greatest benefit from this type of equipment, you have to really pick your feet up. Since most people have tight calf muscles, and usually don’t stretch properly, that can be quite difficult and result in shin splints, calf pain, problems with heel spurs or plantar fasciiits (pain under the arch).
Elliptical machines provide the same weight bearing (standing) stress on your skeletal system (very much needed to prevent osteoporosis) without the pounding that even good treadmills can cause. They also hold your feet in place better than a treadmill, work your arms and upper body, and while doing so give you more to hold on to.
The major problem with elliptical equipment is discomfort on the bottoms of the feet. Some have ridges on the pedals used to prevent you from sliding. These are poorly designed and cause too much friction. For added comfort, I suggest putting a hard, thin piece of rubber (or some other type of cushioning material) on the pedals to eliminate these ridges.
But before beginning any exercise program, get a medical clearance from your physician. And to avoid problems, get a structural evaluation. Since no one is perfect, everyone has structural problems and the older we get the more significant they become.
I cannot begin to tell you how many patients I see who have gotten injured in their attempts to get into shape. For example, if you have a foot that pronates or rolls inward (flattens), it will cause your knee to turn inward too, causing pain. And for those with arthritis, this easily preventable and correctable problem can make exercise quite difficult if not impossible.
I’m all in favor of exercise. But to avoid damage to your joints and improve performance, just make sure you do so in proper alignment. Remember that, “health is something you can go through on the way to fitness.” Don’t become injured trying to get into shape!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Running Faster
Ask the Doc……..
“My son wants to run faster. He has foot inserts but they haven’t helped. Do you have any suggestions?”
There are many factors involved in creating speed, one of the most important components in any sport. Among these are genetic predisposition, conditioning, coaching and determination. So his inserts may not be a factor at all. That said, a really good set of custom foot inserts can make all the difference in the world, but they must be extremely precise and unfortunately, most aren’t.
The normal foot (whether walking or running) hits the ground on the outside of the heel and then rolls inward (adapting to the surface). This motion is called pronation, and a certain amount of it is necessary. The problem is that most people pronate or roll in excessively. This is not only wasted, time consuming motion, but leads to all sorts of injuries.
The goal of a custom performance foot insert is to hold or stop the foot at its ideal position and not let it roll in any further. This allows the foot to be on the ground less time, which translates into faster speeds. The foot will also be a much more rigid, powerful lever, with quicker push off. That’s exactly why sprinters use a starting block; to have a more rigid lever to propel from. So an ideally corrected foot insert is like having a starting block in your shoe for every stride you take!
Studies have shown that if you can decrease the amount of time the foot is on the ground by only five one thousandths of a second, (and remember that a blink is one, one thousandth of a second,) you can decrease a forty yard dash time from 4.8 to 4.6 seconds or less. That’s a significant amount for a competitive athlete, and a really good set of custom inserts can do that.
But saying you have an insert or foot orthotic is like saying you have a car; that could mean just about anything. To work effectively, the foot must be casted in its ideal position and not the position it usually functions in. That means sitting and not standing, when abnormalities are seen. If the foot mold is made while standing, then these abnormalities are captured and the devices cannot be made as accurately.
So if everything else is in place, the reason your son isn’t running faster is probably because his inserts aren’t optimally corrective. There’s a difference in buying a pair of corrective eye glasses at a drug store and having prescription lenses made after seeing a real authority.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc……..
“My son wants to run faster. He has foot inserts but they haven’t helped. Do you have any suggestions?”
There are many factors involved in creating speed, one of the most important components in any sport. Among these are genetic predisposition, conditioning, coaching and determination. So his inserts may not be a factor at all. That said, a really good set of custom foot inserts can make all the difference in the world, but they must be extremely precise and unfortunately, most aren’t.
The normal foot (whether walking or running) hits the ground on the outside of the heel and then rolls inward (adapting to the surface). This motion is called pronation, and a certain amount of it is necessary. The problem is that most people pronate or roll in excessively. This is not only wasted, time consuming motion, but leads to all sorts of injuries.
The goal of a custom performance foot insert is to hold or stop the foot at its ideal position and not let it roll in any further. This allows the foot to be on the ground less time, which translates into faster speeds. The foot will also be a much more rigid, powerful lever, with quicker push off. That’s exactly why sprinters use a starting block; to have a more rigid lever to propel from. So an ideally corrected foot insert is like having a starting block in your shoe for every stride you take!
Studies have shown that if you can decrease the amount of time the foot is on the ground by only five one thousandths of a second, (and remember that a blink is one, one thousandth of a second,) you can decrease a forty yard dash time from 4.8 to 4.6 seconds or less. That’s a significant amount for a competitive athlete, and a really good set of custom inserts can do that.
But saying you have an insert or foot orthotic is like saying you have a car; that could mean just about anything. To work effectively, the foot must be casted in its ideal position and not the position it usually functions in. That means sitting and not standing, when abnormalities are seen. If the foot mold is made while standing, then these abnormalities are captured and the devices cannot be made as accurately.
So if everything else is in place, the reason your son isn’t running faster is probably because his inserts aren’t optimally corrective. There’s a difference in buying a pair of corrective eye glasses at a drug store and having prescription lenses made after seeing a real authority.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Arthritis and Your Weight
Ask the Doc…….
“Is weight the main cause of my arthritic knee?”
The famous Framingham Study found that knees and hips handle loads 2 ½ to 10 times the load of your body weight. So if you are 200 lbs, you may be having as much as 2000 pounds (1 ton) of pressure on your knees when you walk.
But medical facts can be misleading. There are many people who are significantly overweight that have no knee pain, and some who are very slender and have disabling symptoms. I also see many patients who are quite heavy and only have pain in one knee. So again, while it’s fair to say that increased weight is a factor, I don’t believe it’s the major factor, and the nearly 40 years of clinical experience I’ve had, certainly bears this out.
If weight increases joint stress because it puts more pressure on a joint, then logically, anything that increases pressure on a joint would also cause damage. And the factor that causes the most joint damage is not weight but abnormal structure, because the stress caused by abnormal structure is not evenly dispersed. A good example of this would be the tires on your car which obviously have to carry a great deal of weight. When properly aligned, they may last 50,000 miles. But when poorly aligned, they will wear unevenly and far faster, perhaps only lasting 10,000 miles.
A flattened foot or longer leg for example causes a knee to internally rotate (turn inward) and become damaged. Stand on the outside of your right foot and notice that the center of your knee is turned outward. Now flatten that foot, rolling it inward toward your left foot and notice how much this changes the position of your knee. When that knee is turned inward it doesn’t work in the position it’s supposed to and consequently more stress is placed on the inside of it. Now add extra weight and the problem is significantly magnified. This is when additional weight becomes a real factor; when placed on a poorly aligned joint!
So keeping your weight down is advised. But the best thing you can do for your knee pain is to have yourself evaluated structurally. Fixing simple things like a flattened foot or longer leg can make a world of difference in your comfort level. You may even find your golf game improving as well!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc…….
“Is weight the main cause of my arthritic knee?”
The famous Framingham Study found that knees and hips handle loads 2 ½ to 10 times the load of your body weight. So if you are 200 lbs, you may be having as much as 2000 pounds (1 ton) of pressure on your knees when you walk.
But medical facts can be misleading. There are many people who are significantly overweight that have no knee pain, and some who are very slender and have disabling symptoms. I also see many patients who are quite heavy and only have pain in one knee. So again, while it’s fair to say that increased weight is a factor, I don’t believe it’s the major factor, and the nearly 40 years of clinical experience I’ve had, certainly bears this out.
If weight increases joint stress because it puts more pressure on a joint, then logically, anything that increases pressure on a joint would also cause damage. And the factor that causes the most joint damage is not weight but abnormal structure, because the stress caused by abnormal structure is not evenly dispersed. A good example of this would be the tires on your car which obviously have to carry a great deal of weight. When properly aligned, they may last 50,000 miles. But when poorly aligned, they will wear unevenly and far faster, perhaps only lasting 10,000 miles.
A flattened foot or longer leg for example causes a knee to internally rotate (turn inward) and become damaged. Stand on the outside of your right foot and notice that the center of your knee is turned outward. Now flatten that foot, rolling it inward toward your left foot and notice how much this changes the position of your knee. When that knee is turned inward it doesn’t work in the position it’s supposed to and consequently more stress is placed on the inside of it. Now add extra weight and the problem is significantly magnified. This is when additional weight becomes a real factor; when placed on a poorly aligned joint!
So keeping your weight down is advised. But the best thing you can do for your knee pain is to have yourself evaluated structurally. Fixing simple things like a flattened foot or longer leg can make a world of difference in your comfort level. You may even find your golf game improving as well!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Pain in the Ball of the Foot
Ask the Doc………….
“The ball of my foot hurts. I’ve been told I have arthritis and need surgery. Is there any alternative?”
The “ball” refers to the bottom of the foot just behind the toes, and it’s one of the more common areas for foot pain, especially as we age. Usually, surgery can be avoided.
The most common cause of pain in this area is a tight calf muscle. This might seem like a “stretch” (no pun intended) but when the calf muscle is tight (and most people have this to some extent) it becomes difficult to bend or flex your foot at the ankle, bending it upward when walking. So with each stride, instead of flexing at your ankle, you contract your toes bending them upward. When this happens, the bones just behind the toes (metatarsals) are pushed downward. At the same time, the natural fat pad is moved forward leaving those bones unprotected.
As the toes become more contracted and pressure continues, a painful bursitis as well as calluses can develop on the bottom of the foot. If left untreated and unprotected, ulcerations or sores may occur in those with compromised circulation (like Diabetes).
In addition, as the toes become rigid and fixed in this contracted state, painful corns (areas of hardened thick skin) may occur on tops of the toes. These can be as problematic as the symptoms on the balls of the feet.
You may have a tight calf muscle and not even realize that you are functioning this way. But if you think about it, you may have noticed that you trip sometimes or drag your feet more than you used to. This might be especially noticeable when wearing rubber soled shoes and walking on carpet. So this isn’t always simply due to old age or being clumsy, but again, to an inability to flex or bend at your ankle.
You may also notice that the ends of your shoes sit up off the ground and that the very ends of your shoes (on the bottoms near the toes) are worn excessively.
Stretching tight calf muscles and padding just behind (not on) the painful area on the bottom of the foot is often very helpful. In severe cases, injections of small amounts of cortisone into the area can be quite effective. And the use of fully custom foot inserts to redistribute the weight is often very beneficial. The combination of these therapies can often allow you to avoid the surgery you mentioned.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc………….
“The ball of my foot hurts. I’ve been told I have arthritis and need surgery. Is there any alternative?”
The “ball” refers to the bottom of the foot just behind the toes, and it’s one of the more common areas for foot pain, especially as we age. Usually, surgery can be avoided.
The most common cause of pain in this area is a tight calf muscle. This might seem like a “stretch” (no pun intended) but when the calf muscle is tight (and most people have this to some extent) it becomes difficult to bend or flex your foot at the ankle, bending it upward when walking. So with each stride, instead of flexing at your ankle, you contract your toes bending them upward. When this happens, the bones just behind the toes (metatarsals) are pushed downward. At the same time, the natural fat pad is moved forward leaving those bones unprotected.
As the toes become more contracted and pressure continues, a painful bursitis as well as calluses can develop on the bottom of the foot. If left untreated and unprotected, ulcerations or sores may occur in those with compromised circulation (like Diabetes).
In addition, as the toes become rigid and fixed in this contracted state, painful corns (areas of hardened thick skin) may occur on tops of the toes. These can be as problematic as the symptoms on the balls of the feet.
You may have a tight calf muscle and not even realize that you are functioning this way. But if you think about it, you may have noticed that you trip sometimes or drag your feet more than you used to. This might be especially noticeable when wearing rubber soled shoes and walking on carpet. So this isn’t always simply due to old age or being clumsy, but again, to an inability to flex or bend at your ankle.
You may also notice that the ends of your shoes sit up off the ground and that the very ends of your shoes (on the bottoms near the toes) are worn excessively.
Stretching tight calf muscles and padding just behind (not on) the painful area on the bottom of the foot is often very helpful. In severe cases, injections of small amounts of cortisone into the area can be quite effective. And the use of fully custom foot inserts to redistribute the weight is often very beneficial. The combination of these therapies can often allow you to avoid the surgery you mentioned.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Leg Length
Ask the Doc………
“I have one leg longer than the other. Should I be concerned?”
Although certainly not on a par with cancer or heart disease, the importance of equalizing leg lengths is greatly underestimated, usually not evaluated, and if found, left uncorrected; especially if less than a quarter of an inch, which is considered normal.
But “normal,” means what the average person has. The average person also has high cholesterol, weighs more, and is less active and more stressed than a healthy person should be. So I don’t think we really want to be average.
Unequal leg lengths can be due to structural or functional causes. It’s important to differentiate these causes and treat them appropriately.
Now, after treating arthritic patients for thirty five years, I am still amazed at the powerful, positive impact of equalizing leg lengths. For example, when a patient with an arthritic hip or knee does a simple squat with the proper amount of correction under their short leg, often there is an immediate decrease in pain.
That’s because abnormal alignment causes excessive wear on the joints, which results in destructive arthritic changes and subsequent pain. By equalizing leg lengths, arthritic patients can often be made to function on the part of their knee or hip joint that still has cartilage. This occurs in the same way that realigning the tires on your car enables you to ride on the tread that is still there, thus improving ride quality and extending the life or your tires.
Although often overlooked, it’s even more important after a knee or hip replacement because this type of surgery very often results in a leg length that is longer or shorter than it was before the joint was replaced! This causes additional stress on the new joint, as well as the other weight bearing joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hip and back.
Unequal leg lengths have the same powerful affect in sports. In golf for example, equalizing leg lengths can increase performance and decrease injuries.
So if you’re interested in preventative health, decreasing the stress on your weight bearing joints, or improving sports performance, equalize your leg lengths. And sometimes it’s as simple as putting a lift in your shoe on the shorter side!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Ask the Doc………
“I have one leg longer than the other. Should I be concerned?”
Although certainly not on a par with cancer or heart disease, the importance of equalizing leg lengths is greatly underestimated, usually not evaluated, and if found, left uncorrected; especially if less than a quarter of an inch, which is considered normal.
But “normal,” means what the average person has. The average person also has high cholesterol, weighs more, and is less active and more stressed than a healthy person should be. So I don’t think we really want to be average.
Unequal leg lengths can be due to structural or functional causes. It’s important to differentiate these causes and treat them appropriately.
Now, after treating arthritic patients for thirty five years, I am still amazed at the powerful, positive impact of equalizing leg lengths. For example, when a patient with an arthritic hip or knee does a simple squat with the proper amount of correction under their short leg, often there is an immediate decrease in pain.
That’s because abnormal alignment causes excessive wear on the joints, which results in destructive arthritic changes and subsequent pain. By equalizing leg lengths, arthritic patients can often be made to function on the part of their knee or hip joint that still has cartilage. This occurs in the same way that realigning the tires on your car enables you to ride on the tread that is still there, thus improving ride quality and extending the life or your tires.
Although often overlooked, it’s even more important after a knee or hip replacement because this type of surgery very often results in a leg length that is longer or shorter than it was before the joint was replaced! This causes additional stress on the new joint, as well as the other weight bearing joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hip and back.
Unequal leg lengths have the same powerful affect in sports. In golf for example, equalizing leg lengths can increase performance and decrease injuries.
So if you’re interested in preventative health, decreasing the stress on your weight bearing joints, or improving sports performance, equalize your leg lengths. And sometimes it’s as simple as putting a lift in your shoe on the shorter side!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Latest Research on the Cause of Arthritis
Ask the Doc…….
“What does the latest research show is the real cause of osteoarthritis?
Like most physicians I was taught that osteoarthritis was primarily due to ageing; like gray hair and wrinkles. But the fact that it primarily occurs when we are older doesn’t necessarily mean it’s due to age but rather that it, like heart disease, takes a long time to develop.
My work over forty years in this area has shown that contrary to what is currently believed, that abnormal structure wears out our joints in the same way that poorly aligned tires wear out sooner. Now more and more credible data is substantiating my premise.
A recently published arthritis textbook of the latest research was reviewed by Dr. Hunter, a preeminent rheumatologist. He said that arthritis should now be viewed as being “primarily due to mechanical factors” and that by physicians “focusing more on this, we have the opportunity to help millions of patients with arthritis.”
Dr. Jason Theodosakis is considered one of the foremost authorities in the world on osteoarthritis. In his book, The Arthritis Cure,” he continually emphasizes the important role that abnormal function plays in osteoarthritis. Dr. T states that, it is critically important to control how we walk and function if we really want to treat arthritis.
In 2001, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association reported that “abnormal alignment of only five degrees (as measured from the ankle to the hip) increased the progression of osteoarthritis four to five times!”
Most recently the famed Mayo Clinic’s study showed that for “each degree of abnormal alignment there was a 53% increased risk of the progression of arthritis of the knee,” and that “increasing age was only weakly associated with an increase risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.” They now consider poor alignment as “one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis.”
We are not born perfect. Any degree of abnormality (like a flattened foot or longer leg) increases joint friction and over time causes arthritis.
The best way to prevent arthritis of the weight bearing joints of our feet, ankles, knees, hips and neck is to be structurally evaluated and fix (on a permanent basis) the problems found. Optimizing how we function, especially after knee or hip joint replacement, is critical to staying active without pain as we age.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
“What does the latest research show is the real cause of osteoarthritis?
Like most physicians I was taught that osteoarthritis was primarily due to ageing; like gray hair and wrinkles. But the fact that it primarily occurs when we are older doesn’t necessarily mean it’s due to age but rather that it, like heart disease, takes a long time to develop.
My work over forty years in this area has shown that contrary to what is currently believed, that abnormal structure wears out our joints in the same way that poorly aligned tires wear out sooner. Now more and more credible data is substantiating my premise.
A recently published arthritis textbook of the latest research was reviewed by Dr. Hunter, a preeminent rheumatologist. He said that arthritis should now be viewed as being “primarily due to mechanical factors” and that by physicians “focusing more on this, we have the opportunity to help millions of patients with arthritis.”
Dr. Jason Theodosakis is considered one of the foremost authorities in the world on osteoarthritis. In his book, The Arthritis Cure,” he continually emphasizes the important role that abnormal function plays in osteoarthritis. Dr. T states that, it is critically important to control how we walk and function if we really want to treat arthritis.
In 2001, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association reported that “abnormal alignment of only five degrees (as measured from the ankle to the hip) increased the progression of osteoarthritis four to five times!”
Most recently the famed Mayo Clinic’s study showed that for “each degree of abnormal alignment there was a 53% increased risk of the progression of arthritis of the knee,” and that “increasing age was only weakly associated with an increase risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.” They now consider poor alignment as “one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis.”
We are not born perfect. Any degree of abnormality (like a flattened foot or longer leg) increases joint friction and over time causes arthritis.
The best way to prevent arthritis of the weight bearing joints of our feet, ankles, knees, hips and neck is to be structurally evaluated and fix (on a permanent basis) the problems found. Optimizing how we function, especially after knee or hip joint replacement, is critical to staying active without pain as we age.
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Dr. Pack's Credentials
Dr. Pack has been a physician for over 35 years. Involved in teaching his entire professional career, he is a nationally known lecturer and author and has done presentations abroad as well. Dr. Pack has had a keen interest in sports performance since he began running in 1972. As he’s aged, he has become more interested in helping older people with arthritis stay active. He believes we all have structural abnormalities (a flattened foot, longer leg etc.) and that these cause decreased performance, an increased risk of injury and later, arthritic changes. In almost all instances, these performance decreasing problems remain undiagnosed until pain occurs. He believes he can take almost any athlete in any sport and help them perform better, and at times, help older patients perform better than they ever have. “Arthritis is not something you have to get as you age but is preventable to a large extent.” With a background in pharmacy, Dr. Pack is:
Founding Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology
Past Clinical Instructor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery
Fellow of the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Diplomate of the National Board of Podiatric Examiners
Former Director of Residency Training and Post Graduate Education, Atlanta Hospital
Director of Certification, Functional Foot Orthotics, Division of Enhanced Performance, United States Sports Academy
Visiting Clinical Instructor, MSPO Program, GA Tech
In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helped the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). Dr. Pack has worked with eight world record holders in different sports as well as many professional athletes, including a British Open and Master’s Champion. Dr. Pack’s prominence in the medical community has led him to extensive involvement with the media as well. He has written numerous newspaper columns and has been a frequent guest on many radio and television shows throughout his career. For many years Dr. Pack did the medical tips on the number one prime time show in Atlanta, P.M. Magazine, and was interviewed by Mike Wallace for 60 Minutes. For further information see his web site at www.drloupack.com.
Founding Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology
Past Clinical Instructor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery
Fellow of the American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Diplomate of the National Board of Podiatric Examiners
Former Director of Residency Training and Post Graduate Education, Atlanta Hospital
Director of Certification, Functional Foot Orthotics, Division of Enhanced Performance, United States Sports Academy
Visiting Clinical Instructor, MSPO Program, GA Tech
In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helped the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). Dr. Pack has worked with eight world record holders in different sports as well as many professional athletes, including a British Open and Master’s Champion. Dr. Pack’s prominence in the medical community has led him to extensive involvement with the media as well. He has written numerous newspaper columns and has been a frequent guest on many radio and television shows throughout his career. For many years Dr. Pack did the medical tips on the number one prime time show in Atlanta, P.M. Magazine, and was interviewed by Mike Wallace for 60 Minutes. For further information see his web site at www.drloupack.com.
Can You Increase Sports Performance As You Age?
Ask the Doc…..
“Can you really increase your sports performance as you age?”
Although we can’t stop the actual aging process, that doesn’t mean we can’t perform better in sports as we age. One of the fastest and most powerful ways to do that is usually the most often overlooked, and that’s to increase one’s balance and stability through structural analysis.
We’re all born with structural imperfections that we seem to “get away with” until we age. Fixing these abnormalities can at times, partially compensate for the aging process. Just ask javelin thrower Roald Bradstock, who at almost 50 became the oldest man ever to compete in his event in the Olympic Trials. Or ask any of the senior golfers and tennis players we’ve been privileged to work with.
The key is to find the structural abnormalities we all have and not just negate them, but optimize them. For example, everyone has one leg longer than the other. This means that a right handed golfer or tennis player will have a much harder time getting through their swing if they have a longer left leg, and a much harder time bringing their club or racket back with a longer right leg. If you’ve been playing sports like these for 40 years, your swing has always been restricted. Now with age, you can’t compensate as easily. But often by simply putting a lift in your shoe on the shorter side, you may be able to rotate easier than you could when you were 20!
Accurately correcting a flattened (pronated) foot and eliminating tight muscles (especially one’s calves) are also important. Such structural problems not only cost you in terms of performance, but can increase injuries. Not all the soreness we get as we age is due to arthritis. The reason tour players need an entourage of physical therapists and massage specialists is not because they’re swinging a golf club, but because they’re swinging in poor alignment.
If you wish to be the very best you can be, and enjoy being active without some of the aches and pains that accompanies aging, (and perhaps even increase your sports performance), you may want to consider having a structural analysis. Fixing the bent frame we all have is a much better starting point than buying a new driver or tennis racket!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
“Can you really increase your sports performance as you age?”
Although we can’t stop the actual aging process, that doesn’t mean we can’t perform better in sports as we age. One of the fastest and most powerful ways to do that is usually the most often overlooked, and that’s to increase one’s balance and stability through structural analysis.
We’re all born with structural imperfections that we seem to “get away with” until we age. Fixing these abnormalities can at times, partially compensate for the aging process. Just ask javelin thrower Roald Bradstock, who at almost 50 became the oldest man ever to compete in his event in the Olympic Trials. Or ask any of the senior golfers and tennis players we’ve been privileged to work with.
The key is to find the structural abnormalities we all have and not just negate them, but optimize them. For example, everyone has one leg longer than the other. This means that a right handed golfer or tennis player will have a much harder time getting through their swing if they have a longer left leg, and a much harder time bringing their club or racket back with a longer right leg. If you’ve been playing sports like these for 40 years, your swing has always been restricted. Now with age, you can’t compensate as easily. But often by simply putting a lift in your shoe on the shorter side, you may be able to rotate easier than you could when you were 20!
Accurately correcting a flattened (pronated) foot and eliminating tight muscles (especially one’s calves) are also important. Such structural problems not only cost you in terms of performance, but can increase injuries. Not all the soreness we get as we age is due to arthritis. The reason tour players need an entourage of physical therapists and massage specialists is not because they’re swinging a golf club, but because they’re swinging in poor alignment.
If you wish to be the very best you can be, and enjoy being active without some of the aches and pains that accompanies aging, (and perhaps even increase your sports performance), you may want to consider having a structural analysis. Fixing the bent frame we all have is a much better starting point than buying a new driver or tennis racket!
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Is Arthritis Inherited?
Ask the Doc…….
“My mom and dad both have arthritis and I’m starting to get joint pain. Is there anything I can do to prevent my children from getting it?”
While there is some limitation to what can be done to prevent certain types of arthritis (like Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is inherited)), osteoarthritis (the most common form) can be prevented to some extent.
There is a misconception that osteoarthritis, is due to old age and will happen to us regardless of what we do. While age will wear out some of our cartilage, most of the damage that occurs (and is preventable), is due to poor alignment which increases joint friction. Abnormal friction and pressure wears out joints in the same way that poorly aligned car tires wear out sooner.
A recent study by the famed Mayo Clinic showed that even one degree of abnormal knee alignment (not even noticeable to the human eye) will increase the progression of arthritis 52%! And if you are carrying a few extra pounds that abnormal alignment becomes even more important.
Many times what we really inherit is the abnormal structure our parents had and not the arthritis itself. A long leg for example, can cause arthritis in the knees and hips. So symptoms in these areas may be due to our inheriting a longer leg and not an arthritis gene.
Even in the case of an inherited joint disease, abnormal structure plays a role. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis may cause flattening of the arch. This in turn causes excessive pressure on the insides of the knees. By controlling the flattening of the foot, knee problems can often be improved, despite the fact that the cause was inherited.
So the best thing to do to prevent arthritis is to be structurally evaluated and aligned as ideally as possible. This will serve to decrease stress and pain on the weight bearing joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. And if an inherited form of arthritis does occur, repeat the evaluation to control the deformities that disease has caused.
In his book, “The Arthritis Cure,” Dr. Jason Theodosakis says that the importance of having yourself structurally evaluated and correcting abnormalities such as a longer leg or flatted foot “cannot be overemphasized.” As he says, “if you don’t correct the underlying problems, you can’t rid yourself of the disease.”
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
“My mom and dad both have arthritis and I’m starting to get joint pain. Is there anything I can do to prevent my children from getting it?”
While there is some limitation to what can be done to prevent certain types of arthritis (like Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is inherited)), osteoarthritis (the most common form) can be prevented to some extent.
There is a misconception that osteoarthritis, is due to old age and will happen to us regardless of what we do. While age will wear out some of our cartilage, most of the damage that occurs (and is preventable), is due to poor alignment which increases joint friction. Abnormal friction and pressure wears out joints in the same way that poorly aligned car tires wear out sooner.
A recent study by the famed Mayo Clinic showed that even one degree of abnormal knee alignment (not even noticeable to the human eye) will increase the progression of arthritis 52%! And if you are carrying a few extra pounds that abnormal alignment becomes even more important.
Many times what we really inherit is the abnormal structure our parents had and not the arthritis itself. A long leg for example, can cause arthritis in the knees and hips. So symptoms in these areas may be due to our inheriting a longer leg and not an arthritis gene.
Even in the case of an inherited joint disease, abnormal structure plays a role. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis may cause flattening of the arch. This in turn causes excessive pressure on the insides of the knees. By controlling the flattening of the foot, knee problems can often be improved, despite the fact that the cause was inherited.
So the best thing to do to prevent arthritis is to be structurally evaluated and aligned as ideally as possible. This will serve to decrease stress and pain on the weight bearing joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. And if an inherited form of arthritis does occur, repeat the evaluation to control the deformities that disease has caused.
In his book, “The Arthritis Cure,” Dr. Jason Theodosakis says that the importance of having yourself structurally evaluated and correcting abnormalities such as a longer leg or flatted foot “cannot be overemphasized.” As he says, “if you don’t correct the underlying problems, you can’t rid yourself of the disease.”
A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Pack practices at MCG Medical Associates, Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist and helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see his web site at www.drloupack.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.
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