UTD Timmins Back After Foot Injury

University of Texas at Dallas senior guard basketball player Mike Timmins landed awkwardly after going a loose ball in the second game of last season and knew something was wrong with his foot.
"I just remember feeling hurt. But I really didn't know what it was at first," Timmins recalled.

Timmins sought medical attention and doctors diagnosed him with a stress fracture, advising him to stay off his foot, but he couldn't- "I couldn't rest it because it was go-time for the season," Timmins said. A too often lament we hear from athletes, who eventually end up with an even more serious foot problem.
Which Timmins did. He kept playing, 26 games in total, until the last game of the season, when his foot finally gave out on him. "I heard a pop," Timmins said.
The navicular bone at the top of his foot had been fractured, and what doctors had thought would keep him out for 6-8 weeks ended up with a recovery time of 12-16 weeks. Timmins was frustrated he couldn't get back out on the court soon . "I had three screws put in my foot on May 9th. I'm just really trying hard to get the natural range of motion back before the season starts." If Timmins had listened to his doctors and stayed out just for a couple of games, perhaps a week, the accumulated damage over those 26 games would not have been as severe.
During those 26 games he had 38 assists, fourth best, and 24 steals, tied for second.
This was the first time Timmins had to deal with an injury that kept him sidelined for a length of time. "This was the first time that I had to sit out for a long period of time. It's been tough, but I think the break I've had all summer is really going to help me this season," Timmins said.
Timmins is close to being back to 100 percent, but feels the area he needs to work on the most is getting physical with other players. Watching from the sidelines has given him a new perspective: "I think this experience is going to benefit me as a player and a leader of this team."
He still has a ways to go in the month that is left before the season starts, but is confident in his abilities and believes he can be a leader. "I will be the starting point guard. I've not thought twice about me not playing this season. I've been extra cautious coming back because I don't want any regrets. Come opening night, I will be on the court."
Timmins goal is to help UTD be the conference champions this year. "I just want this year to be our best year ever as a unit. Sure, there is going to be adversity, but as long as we work hard and stay together, then we'll be fine."

If you are are suffering from a basketball related foot 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.

Cal Poly Maliik Love Has Broken Foot

Early last week junior guard Maliik Love went down in workout with a broken bone in his left foot.

According to Joshua D. Scroggin of the San Luis Obispo Tribune, head coach Joe Callero says there's a 60 percent chance that Love, who probably won't be back until Christmas time, will red shirt this season.
"The biggest thing when people come back from this type of injury may be playing too early, not giving it enough time. All I have to do is stay focused on my foot and not coming back too early," said Love.
Love is one of five Cal Poly players who have sustained injuries in the preseason. Junior point guard Jamal Johnson landed on his head driving to the lane and has a concussion. He will likely be out for the next several weeks. Senior Drake U'u was sporting a walking boot on his left foot. He's not expected for another week while he recovers from a sprained ankle. Reese Morgan had a setback recovering from his knee surgery from last year, and Zach Allmon has an ankle sprain as well.
If Love is sidelined for the season, it would make it three straight seasons that Cal Poly has lost a player before the season even started. In 2010 it was Amaurys Fermin who had a torn ACL and last season Chris O'Brien had the same injury.
This injury trend troubled Callero, who sought advice from other coaches and trainers at the college level to see if there were changes he could make to keep his players healthy. "I talked to probably eight, nine people just looking at injuries as a whole. It's happening at every level and every team in every sport. Kids, not only are their bodies better, they're more explosive, they're stronger, they're quicker, which is the mathematic equation for things to break more," said Callero.

If you are are suffering from a sports related foot 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.