Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Olympic Gymnast McKayla Maroney Competes on Broken Toe

SAN JOSE, CA - JULY 01:  McKayla Maroney compe...
SAN JOSE, CA - JULY 01: McKayla Maroney competes on the balance beam during day 4 of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials at HP Pavilion on July 1, 2012 in San Jose, California. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
United States Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney aggravated an injury to her right big toe by kicking a beam during practice, shortly after the Americans arrived in London. The original injury occurred in Chicago in May, which she broke during competition.
The 16 year old Maroney is the reigning world champion on the vault and last Thursday she looked fine during podium training on Thursday, drilling a series of complex Amanar vaults that give the United States an edge over the competition.
Maroney will compete on the vault, but will be replaced by Kyla Ross on the uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. "Vault is what I'm here for. I knew I was going to do vault no matter what," said Maroney.
She is getting comparisons to Kerri Strug, the 1996 US Olympian who fought through the pain and helped the United States win the Olympic gold.
Before the games Maroney was kept out of training, spending most of her time behind a small protective wall with her feet hidden from view. "Bad things happen, you just have to make the best of it. It does hurt. It's broken. How is it not going to hurt? I just try to ignore it and I have worked so hard to get here. I can ignore the pain for a little bit," said Maroney.
And ignore it she will have to do. The only thing for Maroney to do right now is to rest her foot as much as possible and grit her teeth as she performs her vault exercise in the biggest moment of her life.

If you are an athlete who thinks you have a sports injury, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
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Barefoot Running: Not For Everyone

Like so many people across the nation, ultramarathoner Ryan Carter ditched traditional running sneakers for those that mimic running barefoot. When he first tried it two years ago, he ran 1/3 mile on grass. Within three weeks he had built up and was running six miles on road.
While out on a run in a picturesque bike path through downtown Minneapolis, Carter could suddenly run no farther. His foot was throbbing in pain. "It was as though someone had taken a hammer and hit me with it," he recalled. After convincing his friend to run on without him, Carter hobbled home to rest his foot. Several days later, when the pain was still intense, he went to a doctor who diagnosed him with a stress fracture.
With more experienced and casual runners experimenting with this new craze, podiatrists across the country are seeing many barefoot injuries, including Achilles tendonitis and metatarsal stress fractures, mainly in people who worked too hard too fast. In serious cases these athletes are laid up for several months.
This barefoot running fad caught the attention of the running community in 2009 with the publication of Christopher McDougall's best-seller Born to Run. McDougall's book focuses on an Indian tribe in Mexican whose members run long distances, mostly pain-free, with just sandals.
Although this is a growing trend, barefoot runners are among the minority. Devotees swear they are less prone to injuries after switching from traditional running shoes, but there is no medical evidence that this is true. Podiatrists are seeing injuries arising from the transfer to barefoot, which uses different muscles. Shod runners have a longer stride and strike with their heels, as compared to barefoot runners who have a shorter stride and land on their midfoot or forefoot. The injuries occur when people transition too fast and exert too much pressure on their calf and foot muscles, don't shorten their stride, and land on their heel without any padding.
Podiatrist Paul Langer used to see one to two barefoot running injuries a month at his practice, Twin Cities Orthopedics in Minneapolis, but it's now up to three or four injuries a week. The problem he's found is "Most just jumped in a little too enthusiastically," said Langer, an experienced runner and triathlete who trains in his barefoot shoes part of the week.
Bob Baravarian, chief of podiatry at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, CA, said he's seen a "fair number" of heel injuries and stress fractures among first-timers who are not used to running in a different manner. "All of a sudden, the strain going through your foot is multiplied manifold" and problems occur when people don't ease into it.
Running injuries in general are very common: between 30 to 70 percent of runners will suffer from repeated stress injuries every year. Barefoot running to some was an antidote that seemed more natural, while some have demonized running sneakers.
Our ancestors walked and ran for millions of years without any shoes or supportive devices on their feet, but researchers know little about the science of barefoot running. The modern running shoe was not developed until the 1970's with its padded heel and stiff sole, and in parts of Africa and other countries, running barefoot is a part of the culture.
This surging interest in barefoot running has the medical industry asking questions. Does barefoot running result in fewer injuries? What kinds of runners will benefit most from switching over? What types of injuries do transitioning runners suffer and how do we prevent them?
Some runners have completely tossed their running shoes while some wear the somewhat oxymoronic "barefoot running shoes", which act like a glove for the feet to protect them from glass and other debris on the ground. Superlight minimalist shoes are a cross between barefoot shoes and traditional sneakers: there's almost no arch support and they have a lower profile.
Greg Farris decided to try barefoot running to ease the pain on the outside of his knee, more commonly known as runner's knee. He started completely barefoot but switched to barefoot running shoes after three months and after he developed calluses. Halfway through a 5K in January Farris felt his right foot go numb. Like many athletes, he pushed through to the end of the race. When the pain did not go away he saw a doctor and got a steroid shot. The pain still lingered, and after an X-ray of his foot, another doctor diagnosed him with a stress fracture. Farris was in a foot cast for three months and only recently began running again- in sneakers. "I don't think my body is made to do it", Farris said, referring to barefoot running.
The key is to break in slowly, starting with losing the laces on your sneakers and walking barefoot. Run no more than a 1/4 mile to mile every other day in the first week. Gradually increase the distance, but stop if bones or joints start to hurt. Know that making the transition from sneakers to barefoot will take several months.
Dr. Jeffrey Ross, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the Diabetic Foot Clinic at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston says "Don't go helter skelter at the beginning." At the beginning of the craze, Ross saw a steady stream of between 3 to 6 barefoot runners a week, all with various aches and pains. It's decreased to about 1 a month now. Ross isn't sure why it's tapered off. It could be that fewer people are trying it or those who are trying it are getting better at adapting to barefoot running.
Those who should absolutely stay away from barefoot running are diabetics, since they have diminished sensation in their feet and will not know when they have injured their foot or have something like glass embedded in it.
Harvard evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman runs a lab devoted to studying the effects of running form on injury rates. He believes that form matters more than footwear: as long as you have a good stride, posture, and land gently, you can avoid injuries. A 2010 study written by Lieberman and his colleagues found that striking the ground with the heel first sends a shock up the body while striking with the forefoot first provides a springy step.
"The long and short of it is that we know very little about how to help all runners- barefoot and shod- prevent getting injured. Barefoot running is no panacea. Shoes aren't either," said Lieberman, who runs barefoot, except during New England winters.
Carter blames himself for his injury. Before he switched to barefoot running, he never had a problem. In April he ran his fourth 100 mile race, with shoes. The barefoot running shoes are collecting dust in his closet.
If you are a barefoot runner and are experiencing pain, please call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-05-22/barefoot-running-injuries/55137118/1?bctid=1649401266001
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Vibram FiveFingers Lawsuit

A federal class action lawsuit civil was filed in Massachusetts at the end of March against Vibram FiveFingers, LLC and Vibram USA, Inc. The company makes minimalist running shoes which feature a pod for each toe. The plaintiffs' claims exceed $5 million.
The lawsuit says the manufacturer makes false claims about its product's health benefits. The complaint says there is no proof that running in Vibram's running shoes will improve posture and foot health, promote spine alignment, strengthen muscles, or reduce injury risk. It also alleges that running in the footwear, which costs between $80- $125 a pair, may actually increase the injury risk as compared to running in traditional sneakers or barefoot.
Vibram's website reiterates that moving from traditional running sneakers to minimalist shoes takes time. They believe that running in their shoes makes you healthier, happier, and more connected to your body. Vibram FiveFingers lists the following recommendations in using their product:

  • Listen to your feet. Switching will take some time, whether it be a matter of weeks, or even a year. Much is dependent on your foot type, the activities you're using the shoes for, and whether you pronate or not. Improving those muscles will increase both endurance and strength (proof?). 
  • Stop if your arches or the top of your foot is hurting. Discomfort should diminish after one to two weeks. Pain can sometimes occur when you land too far forward from your hips and pointing your toes too much. As well, pain can also happen from landing on too rigid a foot and not letting your heel drop gently. 
  • Let your body heal if you've experienced pain. Tired muscles are normal. Bone, joint, or soft-tissue pain is not. See a podiatrist if you are suffering.
  • Bring your traditional running shoes in the beginning as a back-up. You can switch shoes if you need to stop. 
If you are having pain from running barefoot and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Newington, Kensington, and Middletown office to make an appointment.

Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter
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Thursday, July 19, 2012

David Ortiz Injures Achilles Tendon

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz limped after the game on Monday against the Chicago White Sox, a result of stepping on second base incorrectly during the 8th inning.
His Achilles tendon is injured, but fortunately not ruptured. He will likely be out for a week resting his sore tendon and will not have to be placed on the disabled list. Ortiz was walking around the clubhouse in a walking boot and said that he was in "A lot of pain. Lots of pain. Today was worse than yesterday when it comes down to soreness. But it's not torn, which is good."
Last year Ortiz had right heel bursitis, but said of this recent injury, "This is different. It's the same area, but a bit more soreness initially." When he didn't feel his tendon pop, Ortiz was relieved. "It was the first thing that I thought," he said.
It's been a rollercoaster season for the Red Sox, with people coming on and off the disabled list almost every week. Ortiz injured his foot the same day Crawford returned to the lineup and less than a week after Jacoby Ellsbury came back. "It's crazy. One comes out, another one goes in. It's like a roller coaster. But we'll see. Hopefully it doesn't take too long," said Ortiz.
If you are an athlete who has injured their Achilles tendon, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Ross Fisher Stubs Toe, Painful Golf Game

Who knew that a stubbed toe could cause so many problems? Golfer Ross Fisher revealed that he played through the pain at the Wales Open after stubbing his toe in his hotel room. The 31 year old Englishman said his game suffered after he bonked his toe: "I had a bit of an accident when I walked out of the bathroom and kicked the stone flowing. There were a few expletives and it was extremely painful," said Fisher.
"One of the toes on my left foot is as purple as anything and it was extremely painful to walk on. I couldn't put any weight on it and contemplated playing in trainers (sneakers). I iced it for a couple of hours and again this morning and as soon as I got my socks and shoes on it was actually bearable to walk on. For some shots it was causing me discomfort, although it eased as the round went on. I'm a bit accident prone so I have to suck it up and do the best I can while also being more careful," Fisher said.
A stubbed toe is rarely a serious injury, but the shock of a sharp blow to a sensitive part of your body can make you say expletives like Fisher did. Treating a stubbed toe is simple in most cases, but you need to be careful the toe is actually not broken.
First, you should clean the toe to make sure there are no cuts or open wounds and apply an antibacterial cream if there are any cuts. Then ice the toe for 30 minutes if the pain is severe. Take ibuprofen. It may hurt a lot now, but it may hurt more later. Wear open toed shoes until the swelling has decreased.
Signs of a broken toe would be:
  • The crack of a bone at impact.
  • Pinpoint pain at the place of impact immediately following and for several hours afterwards.
  • Crooked or abnormal appearance of toe.
  • Bruising and swelling of toe the next day (maybe Fisher doesn't have a simple stubbed toe!)
  • Bruising and discoloration of toenail.
  • Blood or bone protrusions.
  • Just because you can walk on it doesn't mean it's not broken. MYTH!

If you are an athlete who has a sports injury, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter
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Saturday, July 7, 2012

Summer's Best Running Shoes

From Runner's World Magazine
Best Update: Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 14 $140
When a shoe has been around long enough to boast a double digit number at the end of its name, any updates are usually minor tweaks. Naturally, you don't want to turn away the faithful. But Saucony boldly overhauled the Hurricane. The 14 is 1.2 ounces light than its predecessor, is more flexible, offers more cushioning, and is more stable. And Saucony lowered the heel-to-toe drop to 9.2 mm, down from 11.4 mm. Such dramatic changes could have gone horribly wrong, but Saucony came out with a winner, and wear-testers loved the update. The Sauc-Fit feature in the upper helps lock the foot into the shoe.
Bottom Line: A go-to shoe for injury-prone or heavier runners needing solid footing.

Brooks Vapor 10 $90
Never heard of the Vapor? The shoe was known as the Switch in the past three years, but that didn't resonate with runners, so Brooks has returned to the name that launched the shoe a decade ago. By any name, it has a budget-friendly price tag and packs in a lot of stability features- a plastic shank and firm medial post that extends to the midfoot lend support for low-mileage runners who have flat arches or are injury-prone. Even though the Vapor was the stiffest shoe we tested for this guide, testers raved about its lightweight ride.
Bottom Line: Delivers a lighter-than-expected feel- on your foot and wallet.

Asics GT 2170
Testers loved the 2170's protective features and comfort. "The cushioning was intense throughout the entire foot," says Mindi Tiraboschi, a 25 mile a week runner from East Lansing. This should come as no surprise: The previous version of this shoe was awarded the International Editor's Choice by the editors of the 15 versions of Runner's World around the globe. The 2170 has the same foot-hugging, plush fit that fans of the GT 2000 series have come to love.
Bottom Line: Affordable support for high-mileage runners.

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 7 $130
Where has all the plushness gone? That's what some long-time Vomero wears were asking. "They could use more cushioning and support if used for daily training," Kara King, a 98 pound runner from East Lansing. Lab tests show the Vomero is lower to the ground, dropping 1.5mm at the heel, likely contributing to the firmer ride.
Bottom Line: Still a well-cushioned everyday trainer for light- or medium-weight runners.

Brooks Ravenna 3 $100
The Ravenna sits higher than the previous version; Shoe Lab results show the heel and forefoot heights rose by 3mm. This led some testers to feel it was "bulky", but even those runners appreciated its lightweight and fast feel. Deep flex grooves in the forefoot help the Ravenna remain flexible enough for everyday training.
Bottom Line: Can pull double-duty as an everyday trainer and marathon-racing shoe.

Best Buy: Mizuno Wave Nexus 6 $95
The Nexus is focused on what exactly it's supposed to be: a lightweight, stable, everyday trainer. A roomy but firm forefoot and a fairly steep ramp angle- the shoe drops 14.8mm from heel to toe- give the Nexus a "fast" feeling that wear-testers liked. "The shoe felt quite snug," said Mike Mooney, 55, of Jackson, NJ, who has been running for 42 years. "Along with the roominess in the toebox, it made for a perfect match. It is my shoe of choice for long runs of 8 to 12 miles." To slow down the roll of an overpronating foot, the Nexus includes stability features such as a beveled crash pad in the heel and firm posting that runs through the arch on the medial side. A shorter heel tab minimizes rubbing on the Achilles. Another nice feature: Its price tag puts it within the budget of most runners.
Bottom Line: Supportive high-mileage option for women or lighter and faster men.
For more of this article, visit Runner's World.
If you are an athlete who has a sports injury, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter
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