Sunday, March 30, 2014

Hockey Players Out With Foot Injuries

So it turns out that the sore ankle Nail Yakupov was suffering from is not just a sore ankle. 
Yakupov has missed the last few Edmonton Oilers' games because of an ankle fracture. Coach Dallas Eakin told reporters Tuesday morning before the game against the San Jose Sharks the change in player's status. 
Yakupov took a shot off his ankle on February 27th against the Minnesota Wild and missed the next game on March 1st against Calgary. He was able to play the next seven games in a row, but missed games against the Nashville Predators, the Buffalo Sabres, the Calgary Flames, and the San Jose Sharks in the six-game homestand. 
Following the team's morning skate on Monday Eakin said, "Yak might start skating Friday."
Yakupov has had a stellar second season, scoring 11 goals and a -.33plus/minus rating just a year after his rookie year that boasted 17 goals in 48 games. 
Yakupov even played solid minutes through the pain, averaging 17 to 18 minutes per game while injured. 
While Yakupov is out, Anton Lander is filling in, on line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will likely be without Evgeni Malkin for two to three weeks after the star injured his foot. 
The team's official Twitter account tweeted on Tuesday, "Per Coach Bylsma: #Pens Evgeni Malkin has a foot injury and will be out 2-3 weeks."
This is potentially a season-ending injury, as the Penguin's final game is on April 13th, which is roughly three weeks away. There is concern this close to the playoffs is a concern for a team that does not have a lot of depth. However, the team is used to it this year, having suffering injuries to star players throughout the season.
Malkin has already missed 11 games this season, but is still the team's second-leading scorer with 72 points. In the last 10 games the Penguins are 5-4-1 and are unlikely to catch the Boston Bruins for the top slot in the Eastern Conference. 
References: Edmonton Journal and CBS Sports
If you are a hockey player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Oklahoma State Guard Bias Vows To Play In Today's Game

Oklahoma State point guard Tiffany Bias must overcome a left ankle injury sustained during Monday's 73-66 victory over Purdue to play in today's Sweet Sixteen game against Notre Dame. 
"I haven't missed a game," Bias said. "I'll be there on Saturday."
The Cowgirls' point guard has played at least 40 minutes in 38 games and with just one more game will be the school's career leader in games played (133) and games started (132). Bias is determined to play in today's game against the undefeated Notre Dame.
"I anticipate she'll play," said coach Jim Littrell. "I know she's a young lady who will go through every minute of therapy she can. We got back at 3:30 in the morning and she was at therapy at 8 o'clock (Tuesday morning) because she wants to play. 
"She's got some work to do over the next few days to get ready, but I know if there's any way possible for her to play, she'll play."
Bias severely rolled her ankle in the second half when she stepped on another player's foot. She was on the court for several minutes in clear pain before being helped to the training room. She returned to the bench later in the game. 
"I knew she was hurting," Littrell said. "She throws her body around and goes down at times, and I never go out on the floor because I don't want to take her out of the game.
"I could see that it was different this time, and I went out. I knew she was hurt, and she's one of those kids who's been fortunate her whole life to never be hurt. I think it was a little bit scary for her."
Freshman Roshunda Johnson took her place and the Cowgirls were able to hold on to their lead. Bias was able to overcome the pain, relying on adrenaline, and came back with three minutes left in the game. 
"Before I went off the floor to the training room, I told the girls just to finish the game," she said. "If they needed me, I was going to play. If not, I was going to cheer my team on either way."
Bias has been a team player through tough times. She stayed at Oklahoma State after the terrible plane crash that took the lives of head coach Kurt Budke and assistant Miranda Serna in November 2011. 
That toughness has been a positive for Bias, who became the team's career assists leader. She has a nonstop motor during sprints in practice and it should be no surprise to her fans that as soon as her ankle was taped up she requested to go back on the court. 
"She went out in the last game and came back in within 10 minutes," Johnson said. "She's really tough. She never quits."
We wish Tiffany the best of luck in their game against Notre Dame- but if Oklahoma goes against UCONN, we're UCONN all the way!
Reference: Tulsa World

If you are a basketball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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Friday, March 28, 2014

Cubs' Ruggiano Out With Swollen Ankle

Chicago Cubs player Justin Ruggiano has been scratched from the past few games because of a swollen left ankle. He woke up Tuesday morning with the ailment.
If this had been the regular season, Ruggiano says he would be in the lineup, but he decided to be cautious with his ankle. He was scratched from the lineup against the Angels and does not think the problem is serious. 
"I just woke up a little swollen, not comfortable to run around on now," Ruggiano said. "Given the fact that we're a week out (before the season starts), I want to give it one day. I'll be fine tomorrow."
Ruggiano received treatment for the inflammation in his ankle on Tuesday and was in the batting cages getting some hitting in before his appointment. 
"I think what I did was break up some old scar tissue," he said. "There was no (ankle) roll, nothing that happened.
"It felt good yesterday," he said. "I did it before the game. Played the whole game, felt good, went home, you sleep for 12 hours, 10 hours, and then it has time for the swelling to set it. That's all it is now, it's just swollen." 
If this was the regular season, Ruggiano said he would "definitely" be in the lineup. 
Inflammation is the body's normal protective response to an injury, irritation, or surgery. This natural "defense" process brings increased blood flow to the area, resulting in an accumulation of fluid. As the body mounts this protective response, the symptoms of inflammation develop. These include swelling, pain, and increased warmth and redness of the skin. 
Inflammation can be acute or chronic, and it sounds as though Ruggiano's inflammation is chronic. When it is chronic, the inflammation reflects an ongoing response to a longer-term medical condition, such as arthritis.
Although inflammation can be caused by an infection, they are not the same and are treated differently. Your foot or ankle surgeon can best determine the cause of your inflamed tissue. 
To reduce inflammation and the resulting swelling and pain, injured tissue needs to be properly treated. The earlier you start treatment, the better. 
Initial treatment will include the R.I.C.E. therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), as well as an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen . The symptoms of inflammation typically go away after two or three days. If your pain or discomfort do not improve after three days, call your doctor or go to an emergency room to determine whether a more serious problem exists. If Ruggiano's swelling has not gone down by today, he should seek further medical attention to determine if there is a more severe problem. 
Reference: MLB
If you are a baseball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Atlanta Falcons' Jones Progressing

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is progressing nicely from his season-ending foot surgery. Coach Mike Smith spoke with reporters yesterday morning at the owners' meetings in Orlando and said the team will proceed with caution with their star.
"He's ahead of schedule," Smith told the group. "Julio's started his running program with the athletic performance department. We anticipate he'll be ready to go 100 percent. We'll get him going at some point in time here in the offseason. We'll be very careful. Our no. 1 goal is to have him ready to participate in training camp."
Jones has not been seen on the field since sustaining a broken foot running a "go" route in a loss to the New York Jets on October 6. In that game Jones had eight catches for 99 yards, including a one-handed reception for a 46-yard gain in the fourth quarter. At the time Jones led the NFL in receptions and ranked second in receiving yards to New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham. He was also the first player in NFL history to have a reception of at least 80 yards in each of his first three seasons with the league.
Jones had surgery on October 14 and was on crutches for two months.  In five games Jones had 41 catches for 580 yards and two touchdowns, on pace for 130 catches and 1,800 receiving yards. He has not spoken to the press since his injury.
"Injuries are part of the game," Smith said. "You gotta be able to overcome them. That was one of the things that I don't think we did very well. Julio, I think, is a special receiver. I think he had 41 catches in five games, so he was on pace to have a monster season at that point in time when he went down. His skill set is very special. There's very few guys in this league that can do the same things he can do in terms of his route-running, speed. He competes for the ball when the ball's in the air."
Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith told ESPN.com regarding Jones and his return, "Whenever you talk about a special player in the division on a team, things change automatically. You just look at all that Julio brings to the table. Look at his toughness. Yeah, it's easy to talk about him as a receiver, catching the ball and all that. But man, this is a tough guy. He's just a special talent. There are some special receivers in the league. Of course, Calvin Johnson is special. But Julio is big, fast, strong, tough. He's got everything you're looking for. Atlanta's automatically a lot better just based on him being back on the field."
The Falcons reached the NFL championship in 2012, but slipped to 4-12 without Jones last year.
References: ESPN and AL
If you are a football player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
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Friday, March 21, 2014

Padres Outfielder Dickerson Lands On DL

All it took was a simple misstep in a warmup drill and Padres outfielder Alex Dickerson has found himself on the disabled list for the beginning of the season. 
An MRI done on Monday revealed a Grade 2 ankle sprain. Dickerson and the rest of the team were going through daily warmups on a practice field when the new outfielder injured himself. 
"It was just a freak accident. We were doing bounding and I went up and when I came down, I came down with my toe down and it caught a little divot in the grass," Dickerson said. "I guess it caught wrong with all my weight going in the wrong direction. It folded in and cracked. It was painful.
"I don't think I could do that again if I tried."
Dickerson had severe pain on Saturday, which lessened by Monday, and is hoping the injury won't keep him out long. 
Monday he said, "As long as the MRI comes out clean, hopefully it's just a sprain. Hopefully it heals quickly," he said. "... That's all I can do at this point."
A grade 2 ankle sprains usually indicates that a ligament in the ankle has been significantly damaged, but there is no overall instability. There is typically moderate swelling and tenderness, with a decreased range of motion. Treatment is usually an air cast or splint, followed by strengthening and stretching exercises. 
Dickerson had a slow start to his season but has raised his average to .280 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 25 at-bats. He has been working slowly with hitting coaches Phil Plantier and Alonzo Powell to maximize his left-handed swing. 
"It's been slowing myself down and making sure my head was staying back was a real big key," Dickerson said. 
"Once I did that, everything else fell in after that, was seeing the ball better. When I get back, l'll focus on those same things and hopefully the swing will come with it."
Reference: MLB
If you are a baseball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Carolina Panthers' Newton Out 4 Months

Yesterday afternoon Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton underwent surgery to repair the ligaments on his left ankle.
The recovery timeframe for this surgery is four months, which would bring Newton to the start of training camp, but in the meantime, he could be throwing on a limited basis before then.
Newton rolled his ankle in the Week 16 win against the New Orleans Saints, but was able to play in the regular-season finale at Atlanta and in the NFC divisional playoff loss against the San Francisco 49ers without any noticeable pain.
The team had hoped rest would clear up the injury,  but the pain persisted and it was decided that Newton have the surgery now so he would not miss any games in the fall. 
Newton has a history of injury with his left ankle. He sustained a high ankle sprain late in the 2012 season and rest during the offseason helped. Newton then aggravated the ankle late in the 2013 season, suffering low ankle damage during the season. 
Multiple strains and sprains to the ligaments in the ankle can lead to continued problems and reinjury. While the athlete may feel better with rest and rehabilitation, often the ankle ligaments will heal with scar tissue, decreased elasticity, and chronic ankle instability. That's why when someone suffers their first ankle sprain, it is crucial to visit a podiatrist and follow the recovery regimen prescribed. 
When rest, physical therapy, or rehabilitation does not work, surgery is an option. The goal with ligament surgery is to clean up the debris and remove any spurs. Soft tissue is tightened up and a rehabilitation plan is put in place. If all goes well with the surgery, recovery time for this type of surgery is 12 to 16 weeks. 
According to head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion, "Dr. (Robert) Anderson did not find anything unexpected in the procedure and the surgery went well."
Newton will miss most, if not all, of the offseason workouts and working with a new team of wide receivers. The team released Steve Smith and had three others leave via free agency. 
Reference: ESPN
If you are a football player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
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Monday, March 17, 2014

Arthurlie Skipper Jordan Done For Season

Arthurlie skipper Ryan Jordan played his final game of the season yesterday in the relegation battle against Largs Thistle. 
This week the 28 year old central defender will undergo surgery to rebuild his left ankle. 
"I have next to no ligament in my ankle because of long standing damage and I'm now paying the price for continuing to play games through the years while injured.
"The surgeon had said I'll be six weeks in plaster and a further six weeks in a protective boot before getting down to a period of recuperative therapy. It's looking like six months on the sidelines at the very least which I know will drive me loopy.
"I'm not the best of spectators and it will be even worse to be looking on with Arthurlie battling to stay up and I'm absolutely gutted to be missed out.
"I have kept the gaffer, Gavin Duncan, and club officials informed of my predicament and we had agreed to delay the surgery on two previous occasions in the belief that Arthurlie's fate would be defined one way or another by March time.
"But the rash of weather-enforced postponements has worked against us and now I have to go ahead with the procedure at the worst possible time."
Jordan is looking to prove doubters wrong, who believe he will never play the same again after his surgery. 
"The whispers have come to my attention but I'm determined to make a comeback not least of all to pay back Gavin and the Arthurlie people for their fantastic backing ever since I broke the devastating news to them.
"Initially I had the option of waiting until May but they knew the constant pain I was in and also took into consideration the fact that I would then miss out a large chunk of next season so they gave their blessing for me to proceed next week.
"But we had a lot more defensive cover when they made that call and now only Kevin Green and Jamie Lyden as recognized centrebacks, I just worry we might be caught short-handed for our run-in games.
"I'll be lending my support as soon as able but before then I hope to do my bit to hand over a leaving present of three points from the Largs game."
Reference: Evening Sun
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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Rugby Star Paul Gallen Out After Serious Injury

New South Wales and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen is out for the next six games and potentially the start of May's State of Origin opener after sustaining a serious ankle injury. 
Gallen had scans Tuesday to officially diagnose what appeared to be a high ankle sprain. The scans found a grade two sydensmosis ligament injury to his right ankle. 
Gallen injured his ankle during Monday's 18-12 loss to the Gold Coast Titans. The 32 year old was held in a tackle by Titans duo Luke Bailey and Matt White and was helped from the field at the end of the first half after indicating he was in pain. 
It was supposed to be a milestone night for the back-rower, who played his 223rd NRL match for the team, moving just ahead of David Peachy as the second most-capped Sharks players in the club's history. 
He was presented with his shirt pre-game by Sharks great Andrew Ettingshausen, who holds the team record of 328 appearances. 
In 2009 Sydney Roosters full-back Anthony Minichiello sustained a similar injury in round-two against Canberra and did not return until round 20, after he had surgery. NSW center Michael Jennings missed just eight games, including two Origin games when playing for Penrith in 2011. 
Gallen hopes to have a similar recovery as Ben Barba, who returned after just five weeks last season, when he played in Canterbury's final game against Newcastle. 
His 2013 season was plagued with foot injuries, playing just 16 NRL games and missing the State of the Origin deciding game in July after failing to recovery properly. He joins teammates Todd Carney, Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan on the bench.
The question the Sharks will face in the coming future is whether they should trade Gallen or not. He has a high risk of injury and his scoring levels have been down. The next six weeks will prove crucial for Gallen as he recovers.
References: ABC News and Sydney Morning Herald
If you are a rugby player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Sabres' Stewart Out Rest Of Season

It didn't take long for Chris Stewart to get injured at his new team. 
Stewart had been playing for the Buffalo Sabres for just two games and is likely done for the rest of the season with an ankle sprain. The former St. Louis Blues forward had been traded in a mega deal for Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and forward Steve Ott. The other acquisition, Jaroslav Halak, has already been traded to Washington. 
Stewart injured the ankle last week against Tampa Bay and according to Sabres head coach Ted Nolan he will be out the remainder of the season. 
"Stewart doesn't look good right now," Nolan told the Buffalo News. "There are only five weeks left in the year and his injury is four-to-five weeks."
In his first two games for Buffalo Stewart saw a regular shift, but had no points. At St. Louis Stewart had 15 goals and 26 points in 58 games. He has another year left in his contract, with a potential value of $4.15 million, and the Sabres aren't losing out on the value of the return for the Miller trade.
Stewart, at 6-feet 2-inches and 231 pounds, can be a threat at the goal line, but his effort and consistency can be questionable at times. Between 2009-11 he scored 56 goals and has a 28 goal season on record. At just 26 Stewart has the talent and potential to rebuild the Sabres. 
The Sabres' season is gone and they have no reason to rush Stewart back from his injury. Nolan has a history of lighting a fire in his players as well, so we'll look forward to next season to see how Stewart shines. 
References: CBS Sports and NBC Sports
If you are a hockey player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
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Friday, March 14, 2014

Cardinals Prospect Oscar Taveras Still Doubtful

Defending National League champion St. Louis Cardinals have had a decent Spring Training thus far. The team doesn't have a lot of holes they need to fill, but they are anxiously waiting for the debut of top hitting prospect Oscar Taveras.
Taveras has graced this blog before when he injured his ankle last summer. He later required surgery on his ankle in August. At the time the team decided to take things slowly with his recovery, and Darius Austin reported on February 14th that Cardinals' general manager John Mozeliak said that Taveras is "100 percent cleared" resume baseball activities. 
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Dispatch later reported that Mozeliak changed his mind about Taveras returning to the field. He had plans to meet with the rookie outfielder and the team trainer to discuss the best course of action. 
Taveras told Cardinals skipper Mike Matheny that he didn't believe he was ready to play again. Matheny said to the press, "I would imagine what's going to happen now over the next few days, is they're going to try and push him to give him more confidence in what he's capable of doing. I know he desperately wants to get into games. I spoke to his agent last night about where (Oscar) is, because he wanted me to know that Oscar wants to play. And I said, 'Just know that there might be a little disconnect here in what I'm hearing and what you're telling me.'"
Now Taveras is having hamstring issues in the same leg and at this point the Cardinals have all but ruled him out for making the team. 
Matheny told Derrick Goold of the Dispatch that Taveras "needed for everything to go right" to make the team out of spring training and his injuries have made it impossible for him to see Opening Day. 
Taveras is just 21 years old and can get healthy with proper rest. He will likely benefit from more time in Triple-A Memphis and is still considered one of the top prospects in the game. Last season at Memphis he was .306 in 46 games. Overall he is .320 with 45 home runs and 275 RBIs in 374 Minor League games.
References: Sports Injury Alert and NBC Sports
If you are a baseball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Victoria Azarenka Withdraws From Sony Open

For the second year in a row No. 4 Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from the Sony Open with a foot injury. 
Azarenka was doubtful after she lost her opening match to American Lauren Davis 6-0, 7-6 (2) at Indian Wells. When asked at the time about Miami, Azarenka said, "I don't know."
"It's tough to say, because, you know, this problem is something that is not easy to get rid of."
The latest foot injury occurred three days before the Australian Open and left her in a walking boot for three weeks. She had less than a week to practice before Indian Wells and the foot has continued to be a problem. 
Early in her match against Davis, the pain flared up. "It was just one of the wide shots. My foot twisted a little bit," she said. 
She describes her injury as "inflammation that is nerve damage" and admits that she returned to the court "maybe a little bit too early."
Azarenka said in a statement about withdrawing from competition, "I am very sad not to be able to compete at this year's Sony Open in Miami. I love playing in the U.S. and my results in the past were great. But it's been now over a year that seems that bad luck has been following me. I couldn't play in Miami last year with a problem in my ankle and now this with my foot. It is time for me to think about my recovery and will work hard for that."
References: Sports Illustrated and Tennis
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Blue Jays' Reyes Says He's Back To Form

The Toronto Blue Jays were without star shortstop and leadoff man Jose Reyes for a majority of last year because of a broken ankle. It was a blow neither the Blue Jays nor Reyes truly recovered from.
Last month Reyes announced that he was ready to start over and bring a winning season to the Blue Jays.
"Last year was a tough year, not just for me but for the whole team," said Reyes. "This year, I feel like I'm 100 percent and back to normal. I can't wait to get out on the field and do what I do best to help this ball club to get to where we need to go."
When faced with the facts the he stole as many bases last year as he did in one week in 2007, Reyes has to laugh.
"That wasn't me. That was just someone else playing," Reyes said a week ago Friday. This year, he promises, "they'll see the real Jose Reyes."
The last of the "real" Jose Reyes the Blue Jays saw was on April 12th, when he changed the fate of not only his season, but his team's season as well. At the time he was hitting .395/.465/.526, with five steals in five tries in just 10 games, and looked like he was heading for another stellar year.
Reyes went in for a steal, and couldn't decide if he wanted to go in head-first or feet-first. He made the wrong decision when he went in feet-first, got his left ankle tangled underneath him, and was left with a severely sprained ankle.
"When it happened, the first thing in my mind was that I was going to miss the whole year," Reyes said. "When the trainer (asked) me, 'Can you move your ankle?' I said, 'I can't even FEEL my ankle.' I wasn't crying. But a tear was coming down my eyes. I said, oh man, I come to a new team, with high expectations, and now, 10th game of the season, I went down for who knows how long? Oh man. That was tough."
Reyes returned to the lineup within three months, a miraculous return that was too quick.
"It's tough because you come here with the expectation of spring training but in baseball you never know what is going to happen," Reyes said. "No matter what people say, you have to believe as a player. After that, you have to put it in the past. This is a new year and hopefully everybody can stay on the field... Bautista, me, Melky, and all the other guys. We need to win a lot of games for this ball club."
Reyes' ankle finally got the rest it needed to heal 100 percent during the offseason. He went home and rested for a month and a half and spent the winter doing stretching and strengthening exercises. He comes back at his fullest potential.
"I had to do some new exercises for my ankle to get it stronger but that was nothing," he said.
As for his ankle- will it ever be the same? "It's never going to get normal," Reyes said. "You're always going to feel something. But that's something I just have to deal with."
Reyes will have to deal. He's in his third year of a $106 million contract he thought was going to be in sunny Miami. The first two years of that contract were less than satisfactory, and he has high hopes for this season.
References: ESPN and Toronto Sun.
If you are a baseball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Rugby Player Kelly Dealing With Rare Foot Problem

Titans player Albert Kelly revealed he is week-to-week with a rare foot problem that is affecting his ability to play for the Gold Coast. 
Kelly is scheduled to play in Monday night's season opener against former club Cronulla, but says he has a rare vein condition that is causing tremendous pain in his left foot. 
The 22 year old was unable to run for a month in the preseason and hoped 16 injections would clear up the varicose veins in his foot. 
But with Monday night's game looming, Kelly admits he will either have to play with the pain or be on the sidelines for an extended period of time if he decides to have surgery. 
"It's a week-by-week thing (and) it's going to be like that for a while," Kelly said. 
"I have had a few injections. It's been working OK but it's still an ongoing process. 
"I have to keep checking in with my doctor and I have to work on it. It is something I'm going to have to stay on top of for the rest of the year. 
"I can have an operation, but I'm trying to avoid that. That (an operation) is really my last resort."
Kelly is trying to manage as best he can, coming through the Auckland Nines Tournament with no more pain than usual. He also showed nine touches in the Titan's final trial against the Cowboys in Toowoomba two weeks ago. He will partner Aidan Sezer in the halves at Remondis Stadium on Monday. 
The Titans are hoping Kelly will be able to play, even though back-up player Christian Hazard has a high rating, the 19 year old South Sydney recruit was unproven in his first grade. 
Even with sternum and knee problems last season, Kelly played 21 of 24 games at halfback. He is a definite threat when on the field. 
While the injections have staved off Kelly's veins from swelling to the point of severe pain, this treatment option is not a guarantee. 
"It's a hard decision, a high-risk operation, so I'd rather maintain it for the year and see how it goes," Kelly said.
"My preseason has gone alright. Hopefully I'll get through  but at least we've got some depth in the halves. 
"I've been working with Aidan Sezer. He is very composed and I'm energetic, so that kind of suits me. We will keep working on our combination each week."
Utility forward Paul Carter has also partnered well with Kelly, especially in Toowoomba, and he has his fingers crossed the halfback will avoid surgery. 
"He's one of those guys who can create something out of nothing," Carter said. "Alby's an integral part of our team and watching him last year with what he did in the NRL, he's an awesome talent.
"Hopefully he stays fit for the whole year."
Reference: Herald Sun.
If you are a rugby player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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Friday, March 7, 2014

Red Sox's David Ross Dealing With Foot Injury

Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross was supposed to start Tuesday's spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays, but was scratched from the game due to a foot injury. 
"He's got a left foot issue he's dealing with," Red Sox manager John Farrell said before the game at JetBlue Park. "The MRI (Monday) showed that there's nothing structurally going on here. He's got some inflammation in a tendon, so we've got to back him off a couple of days. It's likely and everything projects him to being on the plate on Friday."
Ross had this explanation for his foot problem on Tuesday: "I think I wore some shoes. I put my orthotics on the wrong way. I had my insoles on with my orthotics, which I'm not supposed to do. Just something aggravated it and now the more I'm on the worse it was getting. There is a little tendon in there that's aggravated.
"It was bothering me in the offseason," he said. "It got a little better, but as I was running... It's one of those things where I can run straight, but I can't really turn really good. The ligament in there has been kind of aggravated. I've been running funny on my foot.
"They told me to hold off today, but it feels 100 percent today. I'll probably hit and throw tomorrow and hopefully Thursday, and Friday, I'll be in the game."
"It's not one occurrence that something was felt," Farrell said of the 36 year old's foot problem. "It's been aggravating him a little bit and we just felt like we needed to get ahead of it right now."
Ross missed a majority of last season because of concussions, but was a team leader when he was healthy and playing. He shone during the postseason when he replaced Jarrod Saltamacchia as the Red Sox's starting catcher. Farrell has said several times during the offseason and camp that Ross could possibly start 50-60 games, more than a backup catcher typically plays.
Ross is in injury company with starting catcher A. J. Pierzynski, who signed in the offseason to a one year contract. He rolled his ankle for the second time this spring during Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
References: NESN and WEEI.
If you are a baseball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, follow my tweets on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Celtics' Wallace Has Ankle Surgery

Boston Celtics forward Gerald Wallace had arthroscopic surgeries in both his left knee and left ankle on Tuesday morning at New England Baptist Hospital and will be out the rest of the season.
Wallace had bone spurs removed from his ankle and surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The surgeries were performed by team physician Brian McKeon and assisted by Mark Slovenkai. Wallace was scheduled for postseason surgery on his ankle to remove the bone spurs that had been present since last season, but a recent MRI on his aching knee revealed the torn meniscus that required immediate attention.
"The report that I got from (team trainer) Ed Lacerte was that they did both, the ankle and the knee, and that both went well," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
This was the first time in Wallace's 13- year NBA career that the forward will be out for surgery. Stevens said Tuesday that the ankle alone will sideline Wallace for at least three to four months before he gets medical clearance to resume basketball activities. Wallace hopes to be back 100 percent by training camp next season.
Wallace was acquired in the swap that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets. In his first season with the Celtics, Wallace has averaged 5.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 24.4 minutes per game over 58 games. Wallace had initial reservations about joining a team that was in the process of rebuilding, but looked fondly back on the season.
"The experience has been fun," Wallace remarked on Saturday. "Losing sucks. It always does. I feel like we're a lot better than what our record shows. We've had ups and downs, some learning curves, not only from the players, but from the coaching staff as well. Everybody learning everybody was an adjustment. But I think, for the most part, it's been a great season.
Reference: ESPN
If you are a basketball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, follow my tweets on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook.