Monthly Archives: March 2010

How can I prevent spraining my ankle?

March 28, 2010

Ankle sprains are becoming common.  Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched and pulled beyond their capacity.  This sometimes leads to partial tears or complete tears in the foot.  In 85% of ankle sprains, the Anterior Talofibular ligament is damaged by someone planting their foot, then rolling over the outside of their foot.  This inside of the foot is only sprained about 15% of the time.

In a total tear, stabilization of the foot is necessary along with R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, elevation) for regrowth and restoration of the tissues.  The foot can still be checked for proper movement and can be manipulated safely but with caution.  Partial tears require R.I.C.E and stabilization is not normally necessary.  Exercises after the inflammation is gone along with getting the foot and ankle in their proper position helps and gets patients back walking normally quickly.

People with chronic sprains sometimes think it is normal to keep spraining their ankle.  This in NOT true!  The reason why someone sprains their ankle many times can be because of balance issues, pathological gait patterns and improper foot position.  Learning balance exercises, proper gait and getting the foot in the proper position can prevent future sprains and keep patients healthy and active for a lifetime.

We are extremity experts at Precise Moves Chiropractic.  We can help with any sports injury or extremity problem.  Please call us today to make an appointment for an exam and consultation!

Precise Moves Chiropractic has been serving the San Carlos, CA area since 2007!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Bursitis in our joints

March 27, 2010

Bursitis definition:
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa.   The bursa is an area of fluid around a joint which functions like grease on a machine.  It helps our joints glide properly and protects us from unnecessary friction causing injury. Technically, there are 160 different bursae in our body.  Most common areas where bursitis occurs is by large joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hips and knees.  These are complex areas that are commonly flared up by most athletes who train hard.

Over the years there may be flare ups of the bursae because of added joint pressure, crystal accumulation or degeneration in the joint space. Infection affiliated with Rheumatoid Arthritis can also cause Bursitis.

Symptoms of Bursitis is pain, swelling and tenderness in the joint space.

How can this be treated?
In the case of an infection, a visit to your primary care physician may be necessary for inflammatory medication.  In the majority of cases, rest, ice and making sure the joint is moving properly to prevent unnecessary friction is recommended.  Once your body is moving correctly, the bursae can now go back to functioning normally.

We take great pride in helping people through this debilitating problem.  Proper treatment and rehabilitation can prevent future flare-ups.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Tips for Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

March 24, 2010

Causes:

The bones, ligaments and tendons around your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule swells and thickens tightening the shoulder joint, restricting its movement and causes pain.

Frozen shoulder is often initially ignored when symptoms first occur because the pain subsides within a few days so people think it is just a short term problem.  It will come back and when it does it is more painful and lasts longer.  Scar tissue and inflammation re-occur and continue to restrict the shoulder from moving properly.

This problem takes a long time to see full results but it can be alleviated.

Frozen shoulder has three stages:

  • Stage one: The “freezing” or painful stage, which may last from six weeks to nine months, and in which the patient has a slow onset of pain. As the pain worsens, the shoulder loses motion.
  • Stage two: The “frozen” or adhesive stage is marked by a slow improvement in pain but the stiffness remains. This stage generally lasts four months to nine months.
  • Stage three: The “thawing” or recovery, when shoulder motion slowly returns toward normal. This generally lasts five months to 26 months.

Risk Factors:

  1. Age: People 40 or older are at risk
  2. Repetitive jobs especially jobs which require raising the arms over the head
  3. Injuries to the shoulder which causes improper movement of the shoulder adding to inflammation.

Treatment:

Inflammation must be decreased before exercises can really be beneficial.   Scar tissue must be broken and new healthy tissue must take its place.  Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization can decrease scar tissue and increase mobility.  We can also train your shoulder to move properly to prevent further injury.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

2010 Census: Get Counted!

March 22, 2010

The Census Bureau is preparing for the upcoming Census that will be conducted throughout the United States in 2010.  Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census is taken every 10 years and is a count of everyone living in the United States, citizen or not.

Everyone must be counted, including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and non-citizens.  The Census is conducted to apportion Congressional seats and determine the distribution of Federal funds to local and State governments, affecting the daily lives of residents through funding for essential services.

Everyone is required by law to participate and the Census form only takes about 10 minutes to complete.  Federal law protects the personal information you share during the Census count from being used for any other purpose.  The confidential information provided in the Census on the new shorter questionnaires will provide an accurate picture of the community in the year 2010.

San Carlos, RedwoodCity, Belmont, and the County of San Mateo need YOUR help to ensure everyone is counted in the next Census.  A questionnaire will be sent to your address for you to fill out and mail back by April 2010.  It is safe, easy, and critically important for every city in San Mateo County, the County, and the United States.

Information and assistance is available!

Each city is working with agencies in the region including the U.S. Census Office, San Mateo County, and the State of California to ensure that all residents are counted.  Information and Census questionnaire assistance is available in a variety of forms and languages.  For more information, stay tuned to www.cityofsancarlos.org, call (650) 802-4263, or visit the following websites:

Census 2010 Website (the Official U.S. Census Bureau):
http://2010.census.gov

“Be Californian, Be Counted.”  California Complete Count:
http://www.census.ca.gov

San Mateo County Census 2010:
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/census

By admin | Posted in San Carlos California | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

iPhone and iPod ergonomics!

March 19, 2010

Everyone has an iPhone, ipod, Blackberry or high tech phone these days.  Texting, internet searches and long periods of time are spent on these tiny gadgets.  Technology is great, but problems with fingers, wrists, forearms,  neck and back are becoming common place because of bad ergonomics and posture when using our new technology.

Go to any cafe or restaurant at lunchtime and you will see people on their cell phones or reading,  looking down for long periods of time and texting without taking a break. This can lead to neck, shoulder, arm and wrist pain.

Having your head down for long periods of time starts to put an added burden to your neck muscles, ligaments and bones! It is a good idea to place your phone at a level where your eyes are even with the screen and you are not looking down.

When tweeting, SMSing or emailing, take a break once in a while and stretch your forearms, fingers and neck.  Every 20 minutes is recommended.  This is going to help you prevent long term stress leading to problems later on.  While taking this break practice looking far and near to exercise your eyes and keep your lenses in shape.

At Precise Moves Chiropractic, we can help you with any problems you may have with your neck, back, hands, forearms and any joint in your body!  We will provide proper exercises and ergonomic advice to keep your body healthy and functioning properly.  Don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment today. 650.353.1133. We’ll help show you how to make the most out of new technology while remaining pain free.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

San Carlos California Activities for March 2010

March 9, 2010

Spring/Summer Recreation Activity Guide Available March 12th!

Our biggest issue of the San Carlos Active Guides  of the year is coming soon! The Spring/Summer Recreation Guide will have all the spring session classes (April-June), plus our huge array of summer classes and camps (June-August). There will be so many choices that you’ll wish the summer were twice as long!  Youth Adventure Camps (Wee Woodsmen, Burton Adventure Camp and Arguello Adventure Camp), Youth Sports Camps, and Club Ed Specialty Camps are back, including many old favorites as well as exciting new offerings. We have plenty to keep the adults busy, too.

Resident registration begins Tuesday, March 16th at 9:00am. Non-resident registration begins Tuesday, March 23rd at 9:00am. Register is on-line at www.RecConnect.net. Call the Recreation office at (650) 802-4382 for your PIN and BARCODE number to access the system.

San Carlos Children’s Theater Spring Production

San Carlos Children’s Theater presents “Comic Book Artist”, written by Pat Lydersen and directed by Eron Block.  Cheer and laugh out loud as Superheroes come to life to battle the dreaded Doctor Shock Clock.  Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6 at 7:00pm; Sunday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Performances are held at Central Middle School Auditorium, 828 Chestnut St., San Carlos. Tickets are available online at www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com or at the Youth Center at Burton Park weekdays 8:30am-5:00pm.

Adult Center Hosts Great Bunco Roll Off

Everyone is invited to the San Carlos Adult Community Center on Friday, March 19, 2010 for an evening of food, drink, conversation and friendly competition.  You don’t even have to know how to play this exciting game of dice and luck.  Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Adult Center.  For more info, call 802-4384.

San Carlos  March Activity Calendar

  • March 5-7, 2010:    ‘Comic Book Artist’ presented by SC Children’s Theater.  (650) 594-2730
  • March 10, 2010:      Pathfinder Hike to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve.  (650) 802-4384
  • March 12, 2010:      St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at Adult Center. (650) 802-4384
  • March 13, 2010:      Special Needs Shamrock Dance at Laureola Park.  (650) 802-4383
  • March 13, 2010:      Challenge Hike Purisma Creek Redwoods Grand Loop.  (650) 802-4382
  • March 16, 2010:      ‘Mood & Behavior’ Lecture at Adult Center.  (650) 802-4384
  • March 20, 2010:      3-on-3 5th-8th Grade Basketball Tourney at Youth Center. (650) 802-4471
  • March 23, 2010:      Ironstone Vineyards Trip from Adult Center.  (650) 802-4384
By admin | Posted in San Carlos California | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Trigger finger…not just a cowboy’s problem

March 8, 2010

What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger is when your digits “snap” when opening and closing your hand. It is also called stenosing tenosynovitis.

What are symptoms of trigger finger?
Symptoms occur when trying to flex or extend your hand to grip. Instead of a smooth open and close action, your finger(s) shutter and then snap open or closed.

What causes trigger finger?
Inflammation or scarring around the tendons of the hand cause this problem.

What is the treatment for trigger finger?
Stretching, ice, and anti-inflammation treatments can be helpful. If this does not alleviate the problem, bones may be out of place and need to be moved back into place for better and efficient movement of the hand. Also, Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization does wonders for this condition and can be done in our office!

If you have this problem and would like it solved without the use of cortisone shots or medication. We at Precise Moves Chiropractic can help!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, Redwood City Chiropractor, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Can Nail Salon fumes be dangerous?

March 2, 2010

When passing by or entering a nail salon, you may notice there may be a toxic smell. Think this is just an hallucination? No, your nose is correct, there are toxic fumes and you and the salon staff are could be breathing them in.

The products applied to your toes that make them fire-engine red or make your fingernails luxuriously long and shapely can contain chemicals that are suspected or known to cause cancer and birth defects. There are also studies that are concerned with long-term effects which can occur 5, 10, even 20 years after exposure.

There are no requirements for ventilation or protective gear for these salons. There are suggestions regarding health and safety which is included Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), but they are suggestions to the industry not a requirement. The government does not mandate regulations for nail polishes, removers and acrylic nail products to check safety before they are painted to your digits, that’s up to the manufacturers discretion.

When frequenting a salon, see if they have a copy of the MSDS on premises, this usually means they are concerned about fumes and exposure.

Here are some suggestions for proper ventilation and reduction of fumes for salons:

# Proper ventilation: Ventilate room to the outdoors; manicure tables should have well-maintained charcoal filters or ventilation leading outdoors.

# Personal safety devices: Odor masks with charcoal filters protect from some vapors; protective gloves specific to the chemicals should be used.

# Safe storage: Store chemicals with tight lids; open containers for short periods of time.

# Cleanliness: Dispose of solvent-saturated tissues and cotton balls in plastic bags and metal, lidded garbage cans, which should be emptied daily.

# Products: Select products that contain fewer toxic ingredients; read Material Safety Data Sheets for ingredient and safety information. Recent research has identified polishes and removers from Honeybee Gardens, Sante Kosmetic and en Vogue Sculptured Nail Systems as safer alternatives.

CHEMICALS OF CONCERN

Acetone: Solvent in nail polish remover, polish; can cause nose, throat and eye irritation, headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and possibly coma, and shortening of the menstrual cycle.

Dibutyl phthalate: Plasticizer in nail polish; easily absorbed through the skin and intestinal tract and can cross the placenta into the fetus; can cause development problems in the male genitals of humans and rats; exposed pregnant rodents have fewer live pups and smaller offspring.

Toluene: Solvent in nail polish remover and nail treatments; low levels can cause tiredness, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss; high levels can cause birth defects in children including retarded mental abilities and growth.

Ethyl methacrylate: Used to form artificial nails; can cause eye and skin irritation, vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.

Sources: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; Environmental Protection Agency; Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; New Ecology Inc.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

San Carlos City Budget Meeting

March 1, 2010

City Council – 2010-11 Budget Study Session – March 13th at Noon

The City Council will hold their annual budget study session on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from Noon to 5:00 pm. in the Community Room, 2nd Floor, San Carlos Library, 610 Elm Street.

This meeting will include a presentation by the City Manager and City Department Heads on the proposed 2010-11 City Budget.  The meeting will also provide time for City Council questions and discussion on the proposed budget.

It is also anticipated that there will be time for public comments on the proposed budget.  Individuals who are unable to attend this meeting will be able to comment on the proposed budget at the second budget study session to be held on the evening of March 22nd starting at 6:00 pm.

By admin | Posted in San Carlos California | Tagged , | Comments (0)