Ease Life’s Aches & Pains from Sports, Dance, Pregnancy, Work, Walking and Running
“Dancing with the Stars” shines spotlight on the problem
CEDAR RAPIDS (March 27, 2009) – Nancy O’Dell and singer Jewel found out the hard way: Women are more vulnerable than men to knee and ankle injuries.
The two celebrities were forced to leave the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars” before competition even began, due to knee injuries suffered during rehearsals. And America took notice: “Is ballroom dance really that dangerous?”
Not really. But the popularity of the show brought into focus the fact that active women need to take greater care than men to support their joints during physical activity and protect themselves against injury related to sports… or dancing.
“Men and women are built differently,” notes Megan Barclay, a physical therapist in New York. “That’s why treatment for orthopedic injury needs to take gender into account.”
There are, in fact, ankle, wrist and knee supports specifically designed for women to help speed recovery or limit the chances for further injury.
“Women’s biomechanics are unique, and they need supports that fit their measurements,” says Barclay, who adds many women don’t realize they are more vulnerable to certain types of injuries. For example:
- Torn Knee Cartilage and Ligaments. A meniscus torn in two places is what forced Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell off the current season of DWTS. And women are up to four times more likely than men to injure the anterior cruciate ligament in their knees when playing basketball, soccer or skiing, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons says. These injuries often require surgery, as it will for O’Dell. But women can limit the risk of an ACL or meniscus tear with a combination of strength training and knowing how to land on a leg. They can also use knee supports during high-impact sports. Wellgate’s Gel Comfort Knee Support, which is made specifically for women, uses stabilizers to keep the knee steady and allow the kneecap to maintain its natural groove.
- Runner’s Knee. This is the pain felt around or below the kneecap while walking, running or using stairs. It’s caused by abnormal movement of the kneecap, and a British study found women are twice as likely as men to have the condition. Among the reasons: a broader pelvis to accommodate child-bearing; a less-developed oblique muscle and weaker hips. All that can put additional pressure on the kneecap and cause pain to flare up. Among the treatments doctors may recommend for the symptoms is a knee support. Wellgate’s UltraLite Knee Support is available in a variety of sizes, including Queen, and is comfortable enough to wear all day.
- Ankle Sprains. High-heeled shoes and ankles are not meant for each other. To be sure, women have more footwear-induced ankle sprains than men, and the female contestants of DWTS are often required to wear high heels during their dance routines, making them more susceptible to injury. But even when women go flat-footed, their ankles aren’t necessarily safer. A report from Oregon Health and Sciences University found women athletes have a 25 percent better chance of injuring ankles than men. Even worse, once an ankle is sprained, it’s more likely to become sprained again. What to do? Strength and balance exercises can help. Also, wearing ankle supports, such as the Wellgate Slimfit Ankle Support, can support ligaments.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Women are three times more likely to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than men, according to the National Women’s Health Information Center. The pain or numbness in the hands and wrist associated with the condition can be caused by repetitive motions, such as typing. But it can also be triggered by hormonal changes linked to pregnancy and menopause. One of the most common non-surgical treatments is wearing a brace at night to keep the wrist in a natural position. A Slimfit Wrist Support made by Wellgate can also be worn during the day to ease symptoms caused by tendonitis, arthritis and sprains.
For more information, visit www.wellgateproducts.com. Wellgate products can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, and K-Mart stores nationwide.
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Contact:
Suzy Ginsburg
713-721-4774
suzy@gcomworks.com