Archive for Joanne Barker
Unstoppable: Flatfoot correction helps Jacob take control
The first time Dr. Susan Mahan examined Jacob’s feet, she pressed on a tender spot near one of his arches. “You see that?” Jacob’s mother, Lucie, remembers her saying. “That bone isn’t supposed to be there.” Jacob was 13 and had spent a frustrating year trying to figure out why basketball, his greatest source of ... Read More about Unstoppable: Flatfoot correction helps Jacob take control
A heavy-medaled gymnast and his close call with leg-length discrepancy
Ask 15-year-old Kaleb what he likes about gymnastics and with a sly smile, he’ll say, “flipping around.” That’s Kaleb: understated, funny. But watch him in action, and you’ll see a focused gymnast who earned two medals in the 2024 Men’s Eastern National Championships. He probably won’t mention that two years ago, a surgeon told his ... Read More about A heavy-medaled gymnast and his close call with leg-length discrepancy
Fuel to be faster: Studying the effects of low energy availability at the Boston Marathon
Like many sports medicine specialists, Kristin Whitney, MD, MA, suspected that many of the issues she treats in runners — bone stress injuries, anemia, decreased response to training, and reduced endurance to name a few — stemmed from insufficient nutrition. Key takeaways Runners with indicators of low energy availability had slower finish times and more ... Read More about Fuel to be faster: Studying the effects of low energy availability at the Boston Marathon
Griffin’s return to the slopes and sea after kneecap dislocation
Whether cruising down a snowy trail or catching a wave, 18-year-old Griffin Srokose loves the adrenaline and freedom he feels when snowboarding and surfing. He used to enjoy lacrosse as well, but after dislocating his left kneecap during a game at the age of 14, his kneecap continued to pop out of place. By the ... Read More about Griffin’s return to the slopes and sea after kneecap dislocation
Emergency department or urgent clinic? Understanding your options if your child is injured
Having an active or adventurous child often means comforting them when they come home with bumps or bruises. But when an injury is more serious, parents don’t always know where to seek the right level of care. The injury may look serious, but a trip to the emergency department may seem over the top — ... Read More about Emergency department or urgent clinic? Understanding your options if your child is injured
Novel procedure may bridge the treatment gap for symptomatic flexible flatfoot
Most children develop arches in their feet by early adolescence. About 20 percent, however, have pes planovalgus (PPV), also known as flexible flatfoot. Most children with PPV can participate in sports and other activities without issue, but others have ongoing pain in their feet that limit function and activities. Until recently in the U.S., children ... Read More about Novel procedure may bridge the treatment gap for symptomatic flexible flatfoot
Born with congenital scoliosis, Thelma looks to the future
Sixteen-year-old Thelma Alemnji probably enjoys student life more than most high school juniors. After all, up until last year, activities like drama club, debate club, and student government were out of reach. Born with severe congenital scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome, Thelma’s childhood and early adolescence were marked by regular hospital visits and frequent surgeries: ... Read More about Born with congenital scoliosis, Thelma looks to the future
In cases of pediatric cervical spine instability, two attending surgeons are better than one
Cervical spine instability (caused by congenital deformity, trauma, or a tumor) can affect children in a number of ways: from chronic headaches to bowel dysfunction to severe mobility limitations. In many cases, misaligned vertebrae compress the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, causing neurological issues, which, if left untreated, can lead to long-term disability. Common indications ... Read More about In cases of pediatric cervical spine instability, two attending surgeons are better than one
Going for gold starts with breakfast: Nutrition advice for athletes
As they speed-climb 49-foot walls or spring across narrow balance beams, athletes rely on nutrition to provide the energy they need to achieve their dreams. Sports dietitian Laura Moretti Reece offers all athletes this simple nutrition advice: 1. Eat enough. Food is fuel, says Reece of Boston Children’s Female Athlete Program. Athletes need fuel for ... Read More about Going for gold starts with breakfast: Nutrition advice for athletes
From injury to backflips: A path to recovery for gymnasts
Gymnasts can create the illusion that gravity doesn’t exist. As they spring from one acrobatic skill into the next, they leave spectators little time to consider the strain they’re putting on their wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Nonetheless, a single back handspring exerts force equal to two to four times an athlete’s weight on their upper ... Read More about From injury to backflips: A path to recovery for gymnasts