Reddit reviews Cryocup Ice Massage Therapy Tool
We found 3 Reddit comments about Cryocup Ice Massage Therapy Tool. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Treats strains, sprains, muscle spasms, pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditionsReusable; add water and freeze repeatedlyComfortable, cold retardant handleContoured base for easy applicationApplies ice to the injured site, thus minimizing joint stiffness and muscle weakness
I've had knee pain for the past 4 years now (patellar tendonitis or patellofemoral pain syndrome depending on which of my PTs you ask). I simply cannot ride without a knee strap, within a few miles I will have too much pain. I've found that icing my knees (with e.g. this) helps minimize the pain. It never goes away but I can ride still. I don't know what else to do, I've had bike fits and been to PT five times and taken two years off the bike and everything anyone ever suggests.
Anyway... I just also wanted to say NEVER ride with the help of ibuprofen. I know it sucks but the pain is telling you to STOP RIDING and you want to know when you need to stop. I've made the same mistake before and the pain only gets so much worse.
I have been told by a chiro and by a massage therapist to do an 'ice cup massage' rather than 20 min of icing with a cold pack. It is exactly what it sounds like - put water in cup, freeze cup, massage self with the resulting ice. Styrofoam or paper make it pretty easy as you can just tear away the material, although there is also this thing: http://www.amazon.com/Cryocup-Ice-Massage-Therapy-Tool/dp/B000VGFY04 .
They suggested just 3-4 minutes, repeat as needed throughout the day with around an hour between sessions at least. However I've seen suggestions elsewhere for up to 10 minutes.
> what specifically, should I be looking for with shoes and inserts?
You need a shoe that has a thick sole that isn't too flexible. A thin, flexible sole will transfer a lot of impact into your feet and allows you to over-pronate, which will worsen your symptoms. Never wear flip flops or Vans for any reason. For insoles, you want something with a little bit of cushion and a substantial amount of arch support. The Walking Company has a lot of shoes and insoles that are great for PF. When it comes to pairing shoes with insoles, you need to makes sure the shoe can be tightened enough so that your foot stays in constant contact with your insole as you walk. If your feet are slipping around and coming off your insole with every step, you won't get any benefit from wearing the insole.
> does this sound like PF to you guys? if so, what specifically could you recommend?
You mentioned that your pain is mostly in the arches and balls of your feet. This is where my PF presents, so your symptoms are definitely consistent with some types of PF. In addition to getting good footwear and insoles, I recommend improving the strength and flexibility of your feet.
Everyone is different, but I'll share my routine for managing my PF.
This seems like a lot, but none of these exercises are intense. You don't need to change into gym clothes because you won't be working up a sweat. You can do all of this while you watch TV. Ice your feet and stretch every day. How often you can do the calf raises and toe curls depends on your body. Some people can do them every day, but you might need to do them every other day, so your body has some time to recover. In any case, stick with the routine for at least 2 weeks before you give up on it. Eventually (around 2 months) you'll get to the point where you only need to do the full routine once or twice a week to maintain good foot health.
I hope this helps.
(Edit: I find toe curls with the Foot Gym substantially more effective than toe curls with a towel. With the Foot Gym, you don't have to readjust after every few curls like you do with a towel, and the bands provide resistance in both directions, so you're working your arch muscles as you hold or slowly release instead of only during the pulling motion.)