I used this list of questions to understand a reoccurring pain on outside of my legs. After a little research and a trip to my local running specialty store, I learned pain was IT Band Syndrome. The IT Band is a long fibrous muscle, located on outside of leg. When it becomes inflamed, pain is felt at a point near knee joint. I knew pain usually happened when I was hiking downhill for long periods of time and it went away after a few days of rest. This signified several areas of my body that needed work: weak leg muscles, a tight IT Band, and not enough arch support to stabilize my knee during an activity. I have incorporated following positive measures to help strengthen my body’s weak points: 1. Wearing well-fitted running and hiking shoes with strong arch support. 2. Adding leg strengthening exercises to my daily routine. 3. Wearing neoprene knee braces on a long hike with a lot of downhill climbing. 4. Increasing my daily stretching routine, with particular stretching for IT Band. 5. Doing stretching and warm-up exercises before a strenuous hike or run. 6. Cross-training: running, walking, hiking, biking, weight lifting and using elliptical trainer to provide a variety of exercises to all leg muscles. 7. Using ice therapy immediately after a hike if I feel pain. 8. Working up to a strenuous hike by doing shorter hikes on hilly terrain weeks before big day. 9. Maintaining a normal weight so as not to place added stress on my legs.

Don’t let pain, or your fear of it, be a factor in whether or not you are an active person. Not exercising will result in far worse consequences. Use pain as a guide to become a stronger, more aware and healthier person.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in event of a serious injury.

IHPC is currently utilized by oncologists throughout 8 centers Nationwide, with treatment of an average of 40-50 cases annually. According to Dr. Shen, one study was performed in Europe of a randomized differential of Systemic (traditional) Chemotherapy as opposed to IHPC, and found favor towards Intraperitoneal Heated Chemotherapy. Dr. Shen optimistically explained that more cases could be substantially helped if caught in early stages. (3) Dr. Perry Shen is Assistant Professor in Department of General Surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC.

As with all medical breakthroughs, health hope of mankind rests in hands of researchers and medical communities across globe. While modern technology is steadily improving overall life expectancies, it is also important to remember that if we choose to live healthier, happier lives - prevention is key. In closing, I commend Dr. Shen and his medical research staff for advancement and hopeful promise of enhancing patient's lives through committed research and human compassion.

© C. Bailey-Lloyd 2004 © Lady Camelot

C. Bailey-Lloyd / Lady Camelot currently serves as Public Relations' Director and a Staff Writer for www.holisticjunction.com To contact Ms. Bailey-Lloyd, email her at ladycamelot@holisticjunction.com

References:

1) Ann Surg Oncol - 2004; 11(2):178-186 - Factors Predicting Survival After Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy with Mitomycin C after Cytoreductive Surgery for Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis - Perry Shen, MD, Edward A. Levine, MD, Jason Hall, MD, Doug Case, PhD, Greg Russel, MS; Cytoreductive Surgery - © 2003 American Medical Association

2) Ann Surg Oncol - 2004; 11(2):178-186 - Factors Predicting Survival After Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy with Mitomycin C after Cytoreductive Surgery for Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis - Perry Shen, MD, Edward A. Levine, MD, Jason Hall, MD, Doug Case, PhD, Greg Russel, MS; Cytoreductive Surgery - © 2003 American Medical Association

3) Shen, Perry MD., Biography: Clinical Interests: Surgical Oncology, Hepatic Tumors, Radiofrequency ablation, Sarcoma and Melanoma Surgery - Research Interests: Metastic Liver lesions, radiofrequency ablation, intraoperative ultrasound.

4) Wake Forest University - Academic Medical Center & School of Medicine www.bgsm.edu/school/ 5) American Medical Association

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