Sports Injuries

It didn't happen at work, school, or exercise, and there haven't been any trips and/or falls, but you can't pinpoint what is causing foot and ankle discomfort and sensations. However, the cause could be originating in the lumbar spinal region. Sciatica is a set of symptoms that refer to pain, numbness, and tingling radiating down the leg from the lower back, affecting the legs, hips, buttocks, and feet. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can release the compressed nerve, massage circulation back into the nerve, and restore mobility and function.

Sciatica Foot and Ankle

Sciatic nerve sensations can run down the back of the leg down into the foot.

• Compression or irritation to any nerve roots can present with symptoms in the hip, thigh, calf, and foot.
• Sciatica foot and ankle symptoms can accompany numbness and muscle weakness.
• Sciatic nerve irritation mostly causes symptoms on the outside of the foot but can spread to other areas.

Nerve Roots

One or more of the lower spine's sciatic nerve roots are being compressed or pinched. The foot symptoms location depends on which nerve root is affected.

• If the S1 root is affected, symptoms will radiate to the sole and side of the foot.
• If L5 is affected, symptoms will radiate to the top of the foot and the big toe.
• If the L4 root is affected, symptoms can radiate to the medial or inside the ankle area.

Chiropractic Care and Relief

Foot Massage

A foot massage can be helpful.

• A massage therapist finds points around the ankles that are tender.
• Tenderness indicates a lymphatic blockage or muscle tension that needs to be worked out.
• They will apply varying pressures to massage the muscles and get the circulation flowing.
• The therapist will loosen the tarsal and metatarsal bones to loosen the muscles and nerves.
• Moving the bones resupplies the joints, forces out inflammatory metabolic waste, opens the space for the nerves, and allows improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow to expedite healing.

Nerve Flossing

Nerve flossing exercises can help stretch and maintain the released nerve.

• A chiropractor will perform and train the individual on targeted stretches to the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
• They will stretch, release, and open the ankle and sciatic nerve.

Injections

A cortisone injection where the nerve is affected can help in certain cases.

• Injections of a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory medicine, can offer relief for up to three months and are given under local anesthesia.
• The medicine reduces the inflammation and swelling around the nerve roots.

Foot Orthotics

• Custom foot orthotics can help support a postural foot or ankle problem.
• Overpronation is when the ankles collapse inward, which creates an imbalance of leg lengths that affects the hips, pelvis, and spine.
• Orthotics can help provide symptom relief.

Nutrition

Part of a treatment plan will include an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutritional plan.

• A professional nutritionist will make recommendations based on the individual's case.
• Magnesium-rich foods are generally recommended for sciatica as this nutrient aids the body in releasing muscle contractions.
• 99 percent of the body's magnesium is stored in the bones, muscles, and soft tissues, with only 1 percent concentrated in the blood.

Foods rich in magnesium include:

• Avocado
• Bananas
• Apricots
• Dried pumpkin seeds
• Dairy
• Dark chocolate
• Dried figs
• Black beans
• Brown rice
• Fish
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Yogurt

Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Davis, David, et al. “Sciatica.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 6 May 2022.

Ge, Phillip S et al. “Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the superior gluteal artery presenting as pelvic mass with foot drop and sciatica: case report and review of the literature.” Vascular and endovascular surgery vol. 44,1 (2010): 64-8. doi:10.1177/1538574409351990

Hughes, Michael S et al. “Post-traumatic catamenial sciatica.” Orthopedics vol. 31,4 (2008): 400. doi:10.3928/01477447-20080401-15

Mayo Clinic. “Sciatica.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435?p=1

National Institutes of Health. “Sciatica.” https://medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html

Pan, Hung-Chuan, et al. “Magnesium supplement promotes sciatic nerve regeneration and down-regulates inflammatory response.” Magnesium research vol. 24,2 (2011): 54-70. doi:10.1684/mrh.2011.0280

The piriformis muscle extends to the top of the femur around the sciatic nerve. The femur, as previously mentioned, is the large bone in the upper leg. The piriformis muscle functions by helping the thigh move from side to side. A piriformis muscle spasm, or any other type of injury and/or condition along the piriformis muscle, can place pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort. The result is piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis Syndrome Causes and Symptoms

Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is one of the most prevalent symptoms of piriformis syndrome. The pain and discomfort, however, may be felt in another part of the body. This is known as referred pain. Other common symptoms of piriformis syndrome include tingling sensations and numbness; tenderness; difficulty sitting along with pain while sitting and pain in the buttocks and thighs with physical activities.

The piriformis muscle can easily become damaged or injured from periods of inactivity or an excessive amount of exercise. Some common causes of piriformis syndrome include overuse; repetitive movements involving the legs; sitting for lengthy periods of time; lifting heavy objects; and extensive stair climbing. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries can also harm the piriformis muscle and cause it to compress the sciatic nerve.

Bowling is a fun physical activity that is enjoyable for all ages. Today, there are college bowlers, recreational bowlers, amateur, semiprofessional, professional leagues, and tournaments worldwide. Although it might not be the first sport that comes to mind when thinking of injuries and chronic pain conditions, it can place significant stress on the muscles and tendons of the upper and lower body. It is important to know and understand how to avoid injuries. 

How Bowling Injuries Happen

There are two main causes of injuries and chronic pain related to bowling. The first is poor mechanics, and the second is repetitive over-use. Both cause/develop painful symptoms that can turn into injuries that become chronic conditions. Many injuries are caused by:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Players dropping the ball on their feet
• The majority of injuries come from overuse/repetition and improper body mechanics.
• Overuse injuries result from repetitive and/or strenuous actions/movements that place profound stress on the body’s musculoskeletal system.

For example, a semi-pro and professional bowler will play fifty or more games a week. This means throwing a sixteen-pound ball for ten frames per game. When consistently repeated over and over, this can cause serious wear and tear to the body. With amateur and recreational bowlers, they don't play as much, so they don't experience overuse injury as much, but what they do experience is improper/poor form techniques that shift the body in non-ergonomic ways, wrong equipment like oversized/too-small shoes that can cause awkward postures and body motions, a ball that is too heavy causing an individual to overthrow and strain their arms, backs, hips, and legs. Or a ball with small finger holes that get stuck or too large, causing finger, hand, arm, shoulder pulls strains, and sprains.

Common Bowling Injuries

The most common injuries and conditions associated with bowling include: 

• Hand pain
• Finger sprain
• Trigger/bowling finger
• Wrist Tendonitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Medial epicondylitis
• Annular ligament sprain
• Shoulder Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Shoulder Instability
• Low Back Pain
• Hip Bursitis
• Piriformis Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Herniated Disc
• Low back strain and sprain
• Spondylolysis
• Knee ACL injury
• Knee LCL injury
• Knee MCL injury
• Knee PCL injury
• Knee Meniscus Tear
• Patellofemoral Syndrome
• Illiotibial Band Syndrome
• Arthritis

Many of the injuries can lead to tendonitis or arthritis later in life.

Trigger/Bowler's Finger

Symptoms include:

• Hand pain after bowling, specifically in the fingers
• A clicking or popping when moving the fingers
• A finger gets locked in a bent position

Rest, and no bowling is recommended. How long a rest depends on how long the symptoms have been presenting. Physical therapy, along with chiropractic exercises, can help improve finger strength. Splinting the finger could be required to improve the condition. If all fails or does not generate adequate relief, hand surgery could be optioned with a trigger finger release. The surgery allows the finger to move more freely.

Bowler’s Thumb

This usually happens to bowlers that want to generate a lot of spin on the ball. If the thumb’s hole is too tight, it can pinch the ulnar nerve inside the thumb. If the thumb injury is not serious, rest and getting the correct ball size can correct the issue. This is where purchasing a personal bowling ball can help.

Finger Sprain

This is an injury to one or more of the ligaments in the fingers. It most often takes place in the collateral ligaments along the sides of the fingers inside the ball. The ligament/s gets stretched or torn when the finger is forced beyond its normal range of motion. Common symptoms of a finger sprain include swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and pain in the affected finger. This usually occurs from:

• The weight of holding the ball with the fingers alone
• A poor release
• Using a ball that doesn’t properly fit the fingers
• A finger sprain falls into grades on the severity of how much the ligament is stretched or torn:

Grade 1

Stretching or microscopic tearing.

Grade 2

Less than 90% of the ligament is torn.

Grade 3

More than 90% of the ligament is torn. Grade three sprains can be accompanied by joint instability and immobility.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is when the discs get injured/damaged from overuse, wear, and tear, or a traumatic injury to the spine. The disc can dry out, become less flexible, bulge out, or rupture. Bowlers are constantly:

• Bending during the final approach and throw
• Carrying a heavy ball
• Shifting, twisting, and releasing, increasing the pressure within the discs

In bowling, the majority of herniated discs happen in the low back. The most common symptom is backaches and back pain. Lumbar herniated discs left untreated can cause sciatica.

Avoid and Prevent Injury

The best way to prevent injury is to stay aware of body position, mechanics, equipment, and what the body says.

Stretching

Stretching is one of the best things to avoid injury before practicing, competing, or just playing. Stretching will increase flexibility, especially in the wrist, hand, arm, and low back.

Improving technique

Continually using poor techniques over and over is a perfect set-up for injury. Working with a coach will ensure the proper form. This is important when it comes to generating spin on the ball, as well as, making sure the grip does not place too much strain on the hands.

Using the right ball

The ball being used might not be the right fit for your hand or strength. The holes could be too far apart, causing strain on the fingers. Get as much information as possible and try out different styles and weights to get a comfortable feel for the right ball.

Bowling less

Hard-core bowlers could be overdoing it. Cutting back, and creating a balance will allow the body to recover thoroughly and not cause flare-ups.

Getting in shape

Studies show that individuals who bowl and do not exercise significantly increase the risk of a back injury than those who exercise their back and core. Bowling is not as strenuous as other sports, but it still requires the body to be able to handle the stress.

Body Health

Test Body Composition

Testing body composition regularly is the best way to ensure the body stays healthy. Tracking body composition tracks Lean Mass and Fat Mass gain or loss. The information provided allows the individual to make the necessary changes to ensure they stay fit and healthy.

Diet adjustment

Diet needs to be adjusted to match the individual's current activity level, or risk running a caloric surplus. A great way to optimize diet is to use Basal Metabolic Rate which will make sure the body is getting enough nutrients to fuel muscle growth, and lose belly fat.

Physical activity that fits the new lifestyle

Increase physical activity levels that work with current lifestyle. This does not mean performing at high levels every day. Be active on a schedule that works for you. Two days of strength training a week offer great physical and mental benefits. The key is to maintain the balance between food consumption and exercise/physical activity that fits your current lifestyle.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Almedghio, Sami M et al. “Wii knee revisited: meniscal injury from 10-pin bowling.” BMJ case reports vol. 2009 (2009): bcr11.2008.1189. doi:10.1136/bcr.11.2008.1189

Kerr, Zachary Y et al. “Epidemiology of bowling-related injuries presenting to US emergency departments, 1990-2008.” Clinical pediatrics vol. 50,8 (2011): 738-46. doi:10.1177/0009922811404697

Kisner, W H. “Thumb neuroma: a hazard of ten pin bowling.” British journal of plastic surgery vol. 29,3 (1976): 225-6. doi:10.1016/s0007-1226(76)90060-6

Miller, S, and G M Rayan. “Bowling related injuries of the hand and upper extremity; a review.” The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association vol. 91,5 (1998): 289-91.

Sciatica is generally described as a set of symptoms, primarily characterized by pain and discomfort, along with tingling sensations and numbness. Athletes frequently report experiencing symptoms of sciatica, however, there are many factors as well as a variety of injuries and conditions which can manifest these well-known symptoms. Piriformis syndrome is a disorder that is frequently confused with symptoms of sciatica.

The piriformis muscle is commonly known among athletes and healthcare professionals as a significant muscle in the posterior hip. This muscle functions to control hip joint rotation and abduction and it is also a distinguishable muscle due to its inversion of action in rotation. The piriformis muscle also raises awareness as the various causes of piriformis syndrome, a condition suspected to be a potential source of pain and dysfunction, not only in athletes, but in the general population as well.