The second video is for lower back pain and is an updated version of our SI Joint application. If you’ve ever tried the the SI Joint app and liked it then you’ll love this one. We’ve added an extra strip of tape to this application which provides greater relief of pressure and pain, greater proprioceptive support, and increases circulation to promote the healing process. Relief is generally felt immediately and allows the body to return to a healthy posture and normal function.

The third video is for arch pain which is an improved version of the plantar fasciitis application. We basically beefed up the application to provide extra strength support. Using KT Tape for this condition has shown tremendous results in alleviating pain and promoting the healing process. KT Tape provides comfortable and conformable support for the arch serving to relax the foot and reduce inflammation. Reduced activity, stretching the calves, massage therapy, weight loss in overweight individuals, foam rolling, ice, and NSAIDs can all serve to help alleviate symptoms and treat plantar fasciitis. Stretch the calves and plantar fascia before going to bed and before getting out of bed.

We’ll continue posting new applications daily and all of the applications will be available on the instructions page soon. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!

Welcome to a brand NEW KT Tape Application- not available anywhere else except here on the blog and on our Facebook Fan Page!

What Are Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition in athletes and non-athletes alike, affecting approximately two million Americans each year. This condition is characterized by medial or midline heel pain in the instep and ranges from sharp, achy and burning, to stabbing. It is usually worst in the mornings on the first few steps and improves with activity, although prolonged activity like standing can also provoke pain.  

 How Does KT Tape Work for Plantar Fasciitis?

KT Taping in particular has shown to dramatically reduce pain and prevent compensation injuries. The proprioceptive lift on the plantar fascia approximates the tissue and returns the affected anatomy to a more natural state. Studies support the theory that the surface sensation also appears to increase blood flow and therefore reduce inflammation. Whatever the mechanism of pain reduction, the decreased pain allows the athlete and non-athlete alike to avoid limping or other movements associated with pain compensation that often lead to additional problems in the biomechanical chain. Addressing the issue with KT Taping in combination with the above techniques is highly recommended. 

For more information on plantar fasciitis by KT Tape provider and Airrosti clinician Dr. Billy Kuykendall, DC, click here.  

Let us know what you think of this NEW application by leaving your comments here on the blog or by posting on our Facebook page!

The most popular KT Tape application requested at the expo was for that nagging knee pain, but we also taped a ton of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and IT Bands! 

Congratulations to all the athletes who finished the race despite the record cold temperatures- we’ll see you there next year!

If you were a registered participant of the race, click on this link to take the 2011 NATIONAL MARATHON POST RACE SURVEY.

To view the preliminary race results, click here.

To find the Nova Pain and Rehab Clinic nearest you, visit the KT Tape Clinic Locator or visit the Nova Pain and Rehab website.

KT Tape provider and Airrosti clinician Dr. Billy Kuykendall, DC explains the causes, symptoms, and best treatment practices for Plantar Fasciitis, with a specific focus on how KT Tape works to alleviate pain and enhance the healing process.  

What Are Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition in athletes and non-athletes alike, affecting approximately two million Americans each year. This condition is characterized by medial or midline heel pain in the instep and ranges from sharp, achy and burning, to stabbing. It is usually worst in the mornings on the first few steps and improves with activity, although prolonged activity like standing can also provoke pain.  

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

In athletes, plantar pain is most commonly caused by sudden changes in the intensity, volume, or modality of the training program, or changes in the training surface or footwear. In non-athletes, the most common root of plantar pain lies within the level of conditioning of the patient. Increased weight, abrupt increases in physical activity, and insufficient conditioning for desired activity are all factors to be considered and may lengthen the overall treatment plan due to the chronic and degenerative nature of this condition.

Athletes of all levels can typically look at the appearance of plantar pain as a symptom of biomechanical dysfunction in the lower limb. This means that other problem areas along the same functional chain must be assessed and accounted for to fix the problem. Reducing the mechanical stress on the plantar fascia may also include addressing previous injuries to and tension imbalances around the ankle, knee, hips, and low back.

 Current thinking suggests that the problem is more complex than simply an inflamed site of origin for the plantar aponeurosis, the central portion of the plantar fascia (Plantar Aponeurosis). Spasms deeper in the foot, along with tension imbalances between the posterior and anterior calf muscles, are both common causes. The resulting tension imbalance in the foot and calf increases fatigue, stress, and strain on the soft tissues and joints and must be addressed for the prevention of pain recurrence.

 What Are Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?

Manual therapy, KT Taping, arch supports, and gait training are all effective ways of managing this condition. Self management includes ice therapy after activity, stretching, and myofascial release tools like foam rollers, lacrosse balls, and sticks. Experienced athletes, especially runners, can always benefit from working on their overall mobility between races with strength and flexibility training. The same goes for the less conditioned patient with a higher percentage of time being spent on weight management, establishing proper mechanics, and core stability.

 How Does KT Tape Work for Plantar Fasciitis?

KT Taping in particular has shown to dramatically reduce pain and prevent compensation injuries. The proprioceptive lift on the plantar fascia approximates the tissue and returns the affected anatomy to a more natural state. Studies support the theory that the surface sensation also appears to increase blood flow and therefore reduce inflammation. Whatever the mechanism of pain reduction, the decreased pain allows the athlete and non-athlete alike to avoid limping or other movements associated with pain compensation that often lead to additional problems in the biomechanical chain. Addressing the issue with KT Taping in combination with the above techniques is highly recommended. 

For instructions on how to tape for Plantar Fasciitis, click here.  To find a KT Tape provider near you, visit our Clinic Locator.

Billy Kuykendall DC, is an Airrosti Certified Provider practicing in Carrollton, TX. Dr. Kuykendall completed undergraduate studies in biology at Austin College before attending Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas. Careers in personal training and pharmaceutical sales allowed Dr. Kuykendall to develop a unique approach to healthcare while studying at Parker. He joined Airrosti due to its outcomes based diagnostic and treatment model based on correcting acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. He now lives in Dallas with his three children and enjoys Crossfit as well as Russian Kettlebell exercise programs.

We had a blast last month at the Walt Disney World Marathon Expo.   Over 60,000 fans visited the expo and we taped non-stop through the whole race weekend!   Here are a few of our favorite taping experiences- including the most unusual and most popular injuries we witnessed…

Favorite Quote from a New Customer: “I have not felt this good in ten years!” –Yoram, after applying KT Tape on his Achilles Tendon for the first time.

 From Pam, Goofy Challenge Finisher:  “I ran the Goofy (39.3 miles within 24 hours) with Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur… had a WONDERFUL experience and am recovering better than ever because of my KT Tape.  Thank you for the team’s incredible (and hard!) work at the Expo.  You all were wall-to-wall both days.  Grateful.”

 From Andy, a devoted KT Tape user:  “Thanks for running with me and supporting my right ankle throughout the race.  Couldn’t have made it to this point without you!  …I look forward to seeing you all… for sure at next year’s Disney Marathon! (and everytime I look in my gym bag!! LOL ”

 From Mike, a first-time KT Taper:  “I met you this past weekend and you taped up my IT Bands!  I finished my first Marathon and I don’t think I could have done it without your help!”

 From Ron, a frequent KT Taper:  “Thanks for taping my foot both days at Disney. It made a huge difference and I may have not finished the marathon without it. You helped me a lot and a felt like I was getting personalized service which is amazing considering how many people you taped that weekend. You helped a lot of people that weekend. Good job.” From Chelsea, after her first self-application of KT Tape:  “You taped up my dad’s ankles and showed me how to tape my hip yesterday at the Disney running expo.  I just wanted to thank you!  I taped up last night and do not feel any pain in my hip as of yet since the marathon!  My dad also said his ankles and knees feel the best they have after running a long distance!  Thanks for all your help.”

 Most Unusual Injury:  “We met at the DisneyWorld race expo.  I am the girl with the 2 inch sewing needle in her foot.  Just thought I would drop you a note to tell you that the weekend went great.  Got through both the 1/2 and the full marathons without any pain.  Yipee!  Between the KT tape and some acupuncture, it made all the difference between what would have been complete agony and a fun Disney experience.  I will definitely be trying the KT tape again in the future and have already recommended it to some of my running friends.  So, thanks for taping up my toe and foot!  Super grateful!”

 Most Popular Injury Taped at Disney Marathon Expo: 

As many of you guessed, it’s RUNNER’S KNEE!

This image captures it all- with her daughter on one side, her friend on the other, and KT Tape on her ankle, Blair crossed the finish line victorious in her first marathon ever.

Can you see her KT Tape?  Here is a hint- it’s in her favorite color- hot pink!

Blair explains, “I had my foot/ankle taped at the KT Tape booth at the expo. The tape kept my pain at bay for 26.2 miles. This was my first marathon. I love your product- and the fact that the tape is available in hot pink! Thanks!”

Thank you, Blair!  Your determination and success are an inspiration to us all!

Scientists have discovered the fountain of youth—it’s running. Studies continue to find that hitting the roads improves health and well-being. “The biggest benefits come from vigorous exercise like running,” says JoAnn Manson, M.D., chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Here are the latest reasons to lace up.

LOOK AHEAD: People who run more than 35 miles a week are 54 percent less likely to suffer age-related vision loss than those who cover 10 miles a week.

KEEP THE BEAT: Runners who log a weekly run of 10 miles (or more) are 39 percent less likely to use high-blood-pressure meds and 34 percent less likely to need cholesterol meds compared with those who don’t go farther than three miles.

FUNCTION WELL: Men who burn at least 3,000 calories per week (equal to about five hours of running) are 83 percent less likely to have severe erectile dysfunction.

BUILD BONE: Running strengthens bones better than other aerobic activities, say University of Missouri researchers who compared the bone density of runners and cyclists. Sixty-three percent of the cyclists had low density in their spine or hips; only 19 percent of runners did.

THINK FAST: British workers were surveyed on a day they worked out and a day they didn’t. People said they made fewer mistakes, concentrated better, and were more productive on the day they were active.

STAY SHARP: A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that women who were active as teenagers were less likely to develop dementia later in life.

SLEEP TIGHT: Insomniacs fell asleep in 17 minutes on days they ran, compared to 38 minutes on days they didn’t. They also slept for an extra hour on days they exercised.

SNEEZE LESS: People who exercise for an hour a day are 18 percent less likely to suffer upper-respiratory-tract infections than those who are inactive, according to a study from Sweden. Moderate activity boosts immunity.

BREATHE EASY: Researchers had asthmatics do two cardio workouts and one strength session a week. After three months, they reported less wheezing and shortness of breath.

LIVE LONGER: A review of 22 studies found that people who work out 2.5 hours a week are 19 percent less likely to die prematurely than those who don’t exercise. A separate study found that active people have a 50 percent lower risk of premature death.

So there you have it.  And don’t forget to treat ailments like runner’s knee or plantar fasciitis with KT Tape to keep your body in motion and so you can take advantage of all those health benefits.

Stay in the loop with other like-minded fitness folks and become a fan of KT Tape on Facebook.

Active.com, Movescount.com and RunnersWorld.comhave marathon training programs that could work for you, and Competitor.com offers several great training tips.  Click  here to see Active.com’s program, click here to see the Movescount programs, here for RunnersWorld.com, and here for training tips from Competitor.com.  Each are a little different so it’s up to you to see which one would be the best for your needs.

You can also choose to join a local running club that trains specifically for a marathon event.  There are many clubs that meet and train for the sole purpose of getting ready for a marathon.   A lot of marathon sites have training programs you can download as well.

You can also consult your physical therapist, sports med doctor, athletic director or coach for advice in training for a marathon.  Use all the available resources you have to properly get ready for the event in order to perform in top shape and injury free.

Training for a marathon is no smooth road and KT Tape is here to help make it as painless as possible.  Taping running injuries like plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee and ankle sprains are our specialty. Our online kinesiology therapeutic taping instructions make it easy for anyone to tape up and get back to training.

Feel your best as you train and race your marathon with KT Tape.

Whether it’s your runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff pain or any other injury that has you frightened, KT Tape has an application for that.  Plus with a variety of standard colors available at retail stores nationwide and team colors available now in single boxes through KinesioAthletics.com, even the pickiest of goblins can find a color to suit their needs.

So there’s no reason to be limping around like a zombie this Halloween season; with KT Tape you can be out there on the playing field with all the other boys and ghouls.

For taping instructions click here.

For a retail provider near you click here.

For professional application click here.

I use KT tape on my ankle and it does everything I need it to do!! I also love that I can get it in my favorite color- NEON GREEN! I’m buying another roll to send to my husband for his runner’s knee, I can’t wait for him to try it! –Krystal Smith Johnson

I tape my knee for ITBS, and let me tell you… I went from not able to run at all to pain free long runs!! This stuff is AWESOME! –Steph Kitzman

Had a motocross get off last weekend, messed up both of my shoulders pretty good, had heard of KT tape but never used it till now, your tape ROCKS!!, it has help the pain and gave good support, thanks! –Chris Bowers

So after golfing sense i was 8 and marching on the drumline sense I was a freshman in high school (im now a freshman in college) I have royal screwed up both of my knees! My surgeon would not let me play college golf unless i wore these huge knee braces that were itchy, hot, and sweety and I hated them. Then my PT told me about KT tape and I tried it. I was a little scared at first because i am allergic to tape but i tried a little part of it on my skin and thankfully it was just fine. KT Tape saved my college golf career and a lot of hot itchy skin. sadley i do have to have surgey but that is due to genetics, KT tape saved me a lot of pain thank you KT Tape! –Katlyn J. Anderberg

So I am soo not a runner but I tore my foot and injured my neck in high school (color gurad) and I now work in an er. After many years of running around the er and failed attempts of pt I was really fed up. One of our OCC health girls said to try kt tape. (thank you stacy). This has really saved my life. I also use it for my wrist. I really look like I am going to war going into work every morning but my family thanks kt tape in the end because I am not crying at the end of the 12 hour shift. Thanks KT tape you really saved my feet, neck and wrist from more surgery!! –Karri Anderberg

KT Tape has saved me….So Thank you!!!!! –Carly Brent

Love this KT Tape. First morning in a long time I havent woken up to a stiff, sore, painful SI joint in the lower back. Good purchase, Josh. Good purchase. –Josh Blake

Thanks for all the love!  KT Tape fans are truly the best!

To follow KT Tape on Facebook and share your KT Tape story click here.

What is KT Tape?

It is a strong, elastic athletic tape that reduces muscle pain, increases mobility, and enhances athletic performance. KT TAPE is pre-cut so that it is fast and easy to apply. Just tear off a strip and apply it to the injured area. KT TAPE provides relief and support for muscles and joints and can be used to prevent or treat hundreds of sports injuries.

How Does it Work?

By applying KT Tape over affected tissue, athletes experience an external support which helps to prevent further injury and allows the body’s damaged tissue to rest and heal naturally despite continued activity. KT Tape also reduces inflammation and increases circulation which prevents muscle cramping and lactic acid buildup.

Most of my runner friends know that I’ve always had a problem with my ankles.  I always feel a pinching pain in my Achilles tendon and posterior tibial tendon area.  I was able to somehow alleviate this by getting the right running shoes for my gait.  I over-pronate you see. And lately, I’ve been feeling pain in the heel and arch of my feet.

When I run long distances, I always, ALWAYS feel that familiar pain which I somehow learned to pay no attention to.  Short of saying — I got used to it.  Not good.  So I chanced upon this sport tape while I was surfing the web and immediately went to the sports store to see if it will work for me.

Here’s how it went down…

I was scheduled to do my long run (19 Kilometers) today, so last night, I asked Mike to tape my right foot.  Yes —JUST the right one.  Just an experiment.  I wanted to see if there will be any difference between the one that was taped and the one that wasn’t.

And there was!  At 13K my left ankle (no KT Tape) started “acting up.”  The  KT Taped right ankle — still okay.  I was completely PAINLESS on my right ankle until I finished my 21K run.  Yeah you read correctly.  I was just supposed to do 19K but ended up doing 21K!  I still had some energy and my right ankle took me all the way up to a half marathon distance — pain-free!

I am pleased to announce…Yes, IT WORKED for me!

Additional Review

FABRIC

Light-weight, Durable, Breathable, Water-proof

DESIGN

Comes in cool colors: black, blue, pink, beige, red and green.

OTHERS

Includes step by step instructions on how to apply the tape

Pre-cut strips (no cutting required!)

So, if you suffer from ITBS, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, knee pain or you just need the extra support, may I suggest you give this a try.  See if it works for you as it did for me and these awesome athletes!  Uh-huh…this tape is not only designed for runners but can be used for every sport that you can think of (Swimming, Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, Water Polo, etc.).  I think it will even be good for dancers!

GIVEAWAY

And now for the giveaway!  First, thank you KT Tape for sponsoring this giveaway.  Second, I will choose two lucky readers who will win this giveaway from random.org on October 11, Monday, 11:59 PM (PST)  You will each get one box of KT Tape. Yey!

WHO CAN JOIN?

This is open to all residents of the U.S. and Philippines only.  For Philippine residents, please read this before joining.

HOW DO YOU JOIN?

*remember to leave separate comments on this post for EACH of the things below.  The more entries, the more chances of winning!

Mandatory

1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I’m doing this because it’s my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting on my comments.  I am always happy to see new people following.

2.  Let me know which color you would like. Post it on my comments again.

Extra Credit

1.  Follow me on Twitter (hanagirl28) and leave a comment that lets me know you already do.

2.  Follow KT Tape on Twitter (kttape) and leave a comment that lets me know you already do.

3.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do.

4.  Like KT Tape on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do.

5.  Subscribe to KT Tape here and leave a comment that lets me know you already do.

6.  Share this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, Facebook.  Let me know when you’ve spread the word.

For more on KT Tape click here.

For taping instructions click here.

For retail store locations click here.

I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I’ve been so lucky and blessed to have enjoyed a healthy and strong body for most of my days. Aside from a few shoulder surgeries, some busted ankles, a bad back here and there, and two pregnancies, I’ve managed to maintain a high fitness level and a healthy weight throughout my athletic career. I am truly grateful for this!

Now that I’m 32 and still fighting my way back into fighting shape (and into my favorite jeans!), I no longer take my health and fitness level for granted — to put it simply, I can’t! The comeback trail, thus far, has been riddled with good times and positive strides, but also with newfound aches and pains and knick-knacky injuries. I’m still carrying some extra weight, which is humbling and has taken some of the figurative and literal pep out of my step.

To see how Kerri’s taking care of herself, keep on reading.

I need to get my mojo back, and here are some things I’m doing daily to make that happen:

Laying off the sugar: I’m trying to kick the unusually strong sweet tooth I have these days and I’m doing it one choice, one day at a time. Twenty-eight days to create or break a habit?! One day at a time!

Weight lifting: I’ve been working really hard on the beach and in the gym cardio wise, but I haven’t made lifting weights a priority until now! I love the feeling of gaining muscle and I love that having more muscle mass leads to a higher metabolism and more fat burned… Just what my body and mind needs!

Sleep: Aside from feeling sluggish and grumpy when I’m tired, my constant sleep deprivation hasn’t allowed my body to reap the rewards of all my hard work on the sand and in the gym. I’m trying my best to get as much sleep as possible at night. (Sundance is slowly getting to five hours straight at night!) And when my nighttime sleep is compromised, I try to make sure to get a lil’ nap in. A well-rested body is a healthier, more efficient, more capable one. This could be the hardest thing to accomplish on my to-do list, but it always makes a difference.

KT tape: I think I’ve mentioned this ridiculously wonderful product to you before, but I must mention it again because it’s literally saving my body! I’ve had some foot issues and swelling problems with various body parts, and it’s been KT tape to the rescue every time. Feet, shoulder, back, knee — you name the body part and it’s been aided by the tape.

Ice, ice, ice: As an athlete, I’ve learned how to deal with chronic pain. Ever since returning to the beach and returning to my daily aches and pains, I’ve been reminded of the power of a good ice bag. It doesn’t take long. I’ll ice for 10-12 minutes, but it ALWAYS does the trick. With some injuries it’s better to stay away from ice or to use heat, so make sure to check that out before icing. If icing is called for, DO IT! It’s such an easy way to feel better.

For more on Kerri Walsh visit her website here.