AboutDr. John H. Park, DC, CSCS Expertise Dr. Park is the founder of clinic director of Progressive Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation in Rockville, MD. As an athlete and former competitor in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Dr. Park has extensive knowledge in treating sports-related injuries. He has been featured in Men's Fitness Magazine and has lectured on topics related to ergonomics, exercise, health, and fitness. With his knowledge as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, he has helped professional athletes including players in the NFL and NBA, professionals on the PGA tour, and several of the nation's best Mixed Martial Arts and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitors. He has also worked with some of the top NCAA athletes in the Midwest rehabilitate injuries and return them to competition. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you can be sure Dr. Park and his staff will get you back to doing the things you enjoy the most. For more info visit www.ProSpineRehab.com or www.yourMMAdoctor.com
Experience Nine years of clinical experience in private practice and group practice along with post-graduate training in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Dr. Park has lectured and written on various topics in health, exercise, ergonomics, and fitness and has treated amateur and professional athletes throughout the country
Organizations ACA, MCA, NSCA
Publications http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_5_20/ai_n6011840
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/The_ART_of_Pain_Relief_11_07_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/When_Its_More_Than_Just_a_Pain_in_the_Neck_11_30_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Knee_Injuries__Part_1_12_12_2007.html
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http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Shoulder_Pain_and_Mixed_Martial_Arts_10_30_2007.html
Education/Credentials Doctor of Chiropractic (National University of Health Sciences)
B.S., Biology (National University of Health Sciences)
B.S., Biology (University of Maryland)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with NSCA
Certified Active Release Techniques Provider
Past/Present Clients Amateur athletes, non-athletes, and professional athletes in the UFC, NFL, NBA, and PGA.
Question My daughter is a 16 year old volleyball and track athlete. In Feb. of 2007 she got a stress fracture in her left foot, second metatarsal. After numerous months in a boot, she was still experiencing some pain when the Doctor pressed on the injured area. She attempted to return to volleyball in August and then again in October with the same result-pain after one week. She was then put in a cast for five weeks. She resumed gradual activity and then began track practice in Feb. 2008. After two days of practice she began experiencing similar pain in her right foot and a stress response in the second metatarsal was confirmed with an MRI. She was then put in a boot for 5 weeks,a stiff shoe for four more weeks. She has been gradually resuming some activity (walking, then light jogging). After one week she now says that her left foot is beginning to hurt again. We have seen four doctors, an endocrinologist, and a physical therapist who recommended customized orthotics for her, which she used the past few weeks. Do you have any suggestions? She is a very good athlete, loves sports, and has been very frustrated!
Amy
Answer I can imagine you and your daughter's frustration. It sounds like you have been doing all the right things. A few things to consider - does your daughter have an underlying bone density problem that is predisposing her to the recurrent stress fractures, or is she carry too much body mass that is putting excessive force on the bones in her feet. If the endocrinologist has done the appropriate blood work and has ruled out any systemic conditions, then we have to assume the latter. Perhaps she is putting too much strain on the lower extremities due to high body mass combined with the impact nature of the sports she is participating with. The other factors to consider are any underlying biomechanical issues in the lower extremity. The orthotics should address those possible problems. If she has moderate to severe overpronation or an extremely rigid foot (both of which are known to cause stress fractures in the metatarsals), then the orthotics may help distribute the force of impact more evenly.
Another factor that should be taken into consideration is her flexibility. Tight gastroc/soleus/Achilles can place a lot of force through the metatarsals as well so she should have the physical therapist assess her flexibility and work on improving that if necessary. She also needs to be doing specific balance and proprioception exercises with the therapist as well. Wobble board and balance board exercises along with single limb balance exercises on an Airex pad or Bosu ball should all help strengthen the smaller intrinsic foot muscles that stabilize the foot.
Lastly, consider your daughter's nutritional habits. Her diet may be lacking certain nutrients that her body needs to recover from all the demands she is placing on her body. The best bet would be to check with a registered dietician to see if there is anything she is missing or needs to supplement with.
