National Football League Foot Injury Update

Arizona Cardinals
Paris Lenon, LB
Lenon suffered an ankle injury in Arizona's first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. He has been practicing since the injury, but there is no rush to get him back before the regular season starts.
Atlanta Falcons
Corey Peters, DT
Peters has an "undisclosed" foot injury and no timetable has been set for his return to the Falcons. Peters will at best be out only a couple of regular season games.
Baltimore Ravens
Vonta Leach, RB
Sprained ankle, questionable against Jacksonville.
Baltimore Ravens
Laquan Williams, WR
Sprained ankle, questionable against Jacksonville.
Baltimore Ravens
Torrey Smith, WR
Smith suffered a sprained ankle during the Raven's preseason opener, but is likely to return for the regular season. He appeared much better on Monday, not favoring his ankle the way he did on Sunday. Quarterback Joe Flacco said "Torrey brings something to the game that we might not have when he's not in there, but we've got a bunch of good receivers on this team."
Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs, LB
Suggs suffered an Achilles injury while playing basketball during conditioning drills. The linebacker has told ESPN that he plans on coming back this season. Rehab has been going great and he wants to have an impact on the Raven's season. "I like the progress that I'm making. I came out of the boot last week. So I'm just walking right now, doing muscle strengthening, trying to get the muscle back strong. And I like where I'm at right now, loving the process... Y'all will see me play this year," said Suggs.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, WR
Smith missed practice on Wednesday and after a doctor's visit was diagnosed with a foot infection. Following the exam Smith was seen on crutches but will be ready for the Panther's first regular season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The infection will be treated with antibiotics.
Cincinnati Bengals
Benjarvus Green-Ellis, RB
Green-Ellis sustained the injury in the Bengal's first preseason game against the Falcons. Probable for regular season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Leon Hall, DB
Hall injured his Achilles tendon last November against the Pittsburgh Steelers and has been recovering since. Hall was cleared for practice at the end of July, which is a shining light to the injury-laden Steelers. "I have been pretty much cleared to do everything. We are going to monitor how many reps I get in a row, basically, but it is a little easier now because we only have one practice a day. It just makes it easier as far as me practicing as much as I can. I'm pretty much full-go. I set the goal that I wanted and we were able to reach it," said Hall.
Cleveland Browns
Chris Cogong, LB
Cogong went down in practice at the beginning of August, injuring his Achilles tendon. He is likely out for the entire season. Cogong was in obvious pain after crumbling to the ground during morning practice. Covered in sweat, he grimaced as trainers removed his right shoe and gingerly examined his foot. "They're evaluating his ankle and we'll see," said coach Pat Shurmur. "Injuries are an unintended consequence of this game. As safe as you try to be, it sometimes happens and it drives the coach nuts. But for guys who don't play a lot, you learn you are one play from being in there full-time."
Dallas Cowboys
Caleb McSurdy, LB
Rookie McSurdy went down in mid-August during individual drills with an Achilles tendon tear. After he went down, he took off his helmet and slammed it to the ground. He is the sixth Cowboys draft pick to be injured this year.
Denver Broncos
Mario Fannin, RB
Fannin suffered a season ending tear to his Achilles tendon as well. Earlier in the month Fannin went down during practice, the second year in a row that he has had a season ending injury. Last year it was a knee injury.
Detroit Lions
Stefan Logan, WR
Logan was injured in the preseason game against the Ravens and needed crutches to get out of the locker room. X-rays came back negative, but according to coach Jim Schwartz "It didn't look great on film according to our doctors, but Logan's a pretty tough guy. We'll just see how that comes out."
Green Bay Packers
James Starks
Starks has a turf toe so serious the team signed Cedric Benson earlier in the month. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel predicts that Starks will be cut from the final roster. Starks may be ready for the Sept. 9th regular season game against the 49ers.
Green Bay Packers
John Kuhn, RB
Kuhn is still plagued with a troublesome ankle injury that he sustained mid-August during practice and has not returned since. There is no timetable for his return.
Indianapolis Colts
Pat Angerer, LB
Last year's leading tackler Angeler will probably miss six weeks because of a broken foot. He is doubtful for the beginning of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Flowers, DB
Flower's heel injury is the mystery of the Chief's season. Flowers was injured July 31 in a night practice and was carted off the field. It was originally thought that Flowers would return quickly after the injury, but Flowers' status is still unsure. Coach Romeo Crennel said in a report to the media the following on Tuesday: "He's not well enough to be out there. We need him out there. He's trying to get out there, we're doing everything we can, and the doctors have been looking at him to try and figure out how we can get him out there. We'll keep working, he'll keep working, and hopefully it will get done before too long.
New Orleans Saints
Curtis Lofton, LB
Lofton is suffering from a high ankle sprain. Assistant head coach Joe Vitt said "We certainly think Curtis is going to be ready for the first game."
New Orleans Saints
Nick Toon, WR
Rookie Toon has been injured the entire preseason battling a foot injury from practice on August 2nd. It was originally reported that Toon "tweaked" his foot, but he has not been playing since, with some speculating that he may not even make the 53 man roster.
New York Giants
Hakeem Nicks, WR
Nicks is questionable in the August 24th game against the Bears, but has increased his practice load significantly. Nick's fractured right foot has been problematic, but it was the second day in a row he practiced with the team. "I feel good. No setbacks. I'm getting my feet back under me, working on my releases a little bit, trying to get the timing back down and the routes and the plays," Nicks said.
New York Giants
Justin Trattou, DE
Trattou, who only played 6 regular season games last year, suffered ankle and heel injuries early in training camp and was waived from the team.
Oakland Raiders
Jacoby Ford, WR
Ford sprained his left foot last week and underwent an MRI, a day after leaving the team's loss to Arizona. Ford missed six games last season with a sprained left foot, although coach Dennis Allen said "Obviously, it looks like Jacoby is going to miss a little bit of time, don't know exactly to what extent yet. We're still seeing where he's at."
Philadelphia Eagles
Ronald Johnson, WR
Johnson suffered a fractured right ankle at the end of July when he fell awkwardly and his cleat got stuck in the turf. His availability to start the season is questionable, but coach Andy Reid said, "He really had a good chance to do something with our football team. It's tough. This is going to be a setback for him, but he's a battler and he'll battle through it."
Pittsburgh Steelers
Heath Miller, TE
Miller left practice early at the end of July with what was called a minor foot injury. He's probable for the start of the regular season, and coach Mike Tomlin says "We'll see where he is but we don't expect it to be significant."
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger, QB
Roethlisberger was in good form in Sunday's game against the Colts after suffering a mild ankle injury earlier in the month when someone stepped on his foot. He will fine for the start of the regular season.

If you are a barefoot runner and have been experiencing pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

Major League Baseball Foot Injury Update

Baltimore Orioles
Troy Patton, RP
Patton sprained his ankle after tripping in a parking garage in mid August, his third ankle sprain of the season. Placed on 15 day DL and won't be back until next week at earliest.
Boston Red Sox
David Ortiz, DH
Ortiz is still suffering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot and will not return until he feels 100%. But Ortiz isn't giving up on the season: "In my case, I don't think I should take the risk to be injured. If I'm good to go, I'm good to go and I'll play. If not, I want to be out there. There are some days I feel like, man, wish I could do something."
Chicago White Sox
Orlando Hudson, 2B
Hudson fouled a ball off his left foot mid August and was placed on the 15 day DL. He may not be back until September due to the bruised left toe. X-rays show no fracture.
Colorado Rockies
Dexter Fowler, CF
Fowler sprained his ankle Wednesday during the game against the Mets when he ran to second base and touched the bag awkwardly. He collapsed to the ground in pain.
Houston Astros
Jed Lowrie, SS
Lowrie sustained an ankle sprain back in July in a game against the San Francisco Giants. He was hit in the ankle by a sliding Gregor Blanco at second base. Lowrie, reaching for the throw, let the ball get away as he hopped on one foot and then fell to his hands and knees in pain.  He should be off the DL soon.
Houston Astros
Francisco Cordero, RP
Cordero has made progress with his toe injury, throwing from a flat mound. He will begin a rehab assignment soon and return sometime in September.
Milwaukee Brewers
Jean Segura, SS
Segura was out of Wednesday's line-up with a sore foot, and hoped to be back playing today. He hurt his leg running out a ground ball during the eighth inning of Tuesday's game.
New York Yankees
Andy Pettitte, SP
Pettitte, on the 60 day DL, threw 55 pitches off flat ground on Wednesday. The pitcher has been out since June 27th when he fractured his left fibula. "I feel good. I'm trying to draw a fine line here, because obviously I'm not completely healed or else they would tell me I could get on a mound right now, I guess. There's no sense even trying to explain it. I wish I could tell you that I could go out there and run sprints and run around and get on a mound right this second, but I'm definitely not quite there yet," said Pettitte.
Philadelphia Philles
Carlos Ruiz, C
Ruiz took some batting practice with the club on Wednesday, the first time doing so since he got plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He could begin running again next week, but manager Charlie Manuel wants him to be fully healed first: "I expect when he comes back and he runs, I don't want him to have a relapse. Because with what he's got, that can be very possible. He's got to be totally healed, as well."
Philadelphia Phillies
Nate Schierholtz, RF
Schierholtz fractured his big toe last week against the Cardinals by fouling two balls off his foot. He is expected to be out 3-4 weeks with the injury.
Tampa Bay Rays
Jeff Niemann, SP
Niemann took a ground ball to the foot and tried to walk the pain off, but it turned out his right fibula was fractured. He has been on the 60 day DL and will begin his two day rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham soon.
If you believe 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 Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

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Joggers Live Longer

A new Danish survey says that jogging can add six years to your life. "The results of our research allows us to definitively answer the question of whether jogging is good for your health," Peter Schnohr, chief cardiologist of the long-term Copenhagen City Heart Study, said in a news release from the European Society of Cardiology. "We can say with certainty that regular jogging increases longevity. The good news is that you don't actually need to do that much to reap the benefits."
The researchers compared the morality of joggers and non-joggers who took part in the population study of 20,000 people aged 20 to 93 that began in 1976. In making their comparison, they asked 1,116 male joggers and 762 female joggers about their jogging routine, including how fast and how long they jogged weekly.

"With participants having such a wide age span we felt that a subjective scale of intensity was the most appropriate approach," explained Schnohr, who is based at Bispebjerg University Hospital, in Copenhagen.
In the follow-up period of up to 35 years, the study found that 10,158 non-joggers and 122 joggers died. This was a 44% drop in the risk of death for male and female joggers. Researchers concluded that male joggers extended their lives by 6.2 years and women by 5.6 years. Jogging at a slow pace for one to two and a half hours a week provided the most significant benefits.
"You should aim to feel a little breathless, but not very breathless. The relationship appears much like alcohol intakes. Mortality is lower in people reporting moderate jogging, than non-joggers or those undertaking extreme levels of exercise," said Schnohr.
Other health benefits and improvements of jogging researchers noted were: oxygen intake, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, heart function, bone density, immune function, psychological function, lower blood pressure, reduce platelet aggression and prevent obesity. The improved overall mental health may be that people have more social interactions while they're out jogging.

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. 

Related articles

• Run for your life: Joggers live longer, study suggests

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Boxer Jim Miller Back In Gym After Injury

English: Jim Miller (MMA Fighter) at UFC Fight Night 21 at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 31, 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Boxer Jim Miller returned to the gym earlier this month after suffering a serious foot injury in May.
In the UFC main event fight against Nate Diaz on May 5th, Miller tore his extensor muscle, which is the soft tissue that aids in flexing the foot upwards, along with extending the big toe.
Miller was on crutches and in a walking boot for three months while rehabbing the injury. Manager Mike Constantino said that Miller was cleared to return to light workouts, starting with pad work and light jiu-jitsu to see how the muscle reacts. If, after the stresses of a 6 to 8 week training camp, Miller is cleared to compete, Constantino hopes his champ will be back in the ring in November or December.
"I would like to get him back in before the end of the year. He's easing his way back into it all. He had significant time off, so the first step is to get him back into the gym consistently and then we'll try to set something up," said Constantino.
Miller once boasted a seven-fight win streak and is considered one of the UFC's toughest men on the lightweight roster. He's also durable, fighting 13 times since his debut with promotion less than four years ago. His record is 21-4, with all losses coming either at the hands of UFC champions Frankie Edgar or Ben Henderson or other number one contenders. Miller was defeated by Diaz in May.

If you are a boxer who is experiencing foot pain, 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. 

Matt Schaub Cleared For 2012 Texans Season

English: Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After missing six regular season games and the playoffs last year, Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was cleared for the 2012 season. Schaub had a season ending Lisfranc injury to his foot last year during a 37-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was leading the Texans to a 7-3 season when the injury occurred. After that, the team went 4-4, including the playoffs.

Coach Gary Kubiak has Schaub doing agility drills along a side field. The 31 year old quarterback is in the last year of his contract. He was on a career-high in 2011 by averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. Schaub also missed five games in 2007 and 2008. 

A Lisfranc injury is a serious and complicated foot problem which commonly occurs in football players. The Lisfranc joint is the point at which the metatarsal bones (long bones that lead up to the toes) and the tarsal bones (bones in the arch) connect. The Lisfranc ligament is a tough band of tissue that joins two of these bones. This is important for maintaining proper alignment and strength of the joint. 

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint most commonly occur in automobile accident victims, military personnel, runners, horseback riders, football players, and other participants of contact sports, or something as simple as missing a step on a staircase. 

Lisfranc injuries occur as a result of direct or indirect forces to the foot. A direct force often involves something heavy falling on the foot. Indirect forces commonly involve twisting the foot. 

There are three types of Lisfranc injuries, which sometimes occur together:

• Sprains. The Lisfranc ligament and other ligaments on the bottom of the midfoot are stronger than those on the top of the midfoot. Therefore, when they are weakened through a sprain (a stretching of the ligament), patients experience instability of the joint in the middle of the foot.
• Fractures. A break in a bone in the Lisfranc joint can be either an avulsion fracture (a small piece of bone is pulled off) or a break through the bone or bones of the midfoot. 
• Dislocation. The bones of the Lisfranc joint may be forced from their normal positions.

The symptoms of a Lisfranc injury may include: 

• Swelling of the foot. 
• Pain throughout the midfoot when standing or when pressure is applied.
• Inability to bear weight (in severe injuries).
• Bruising or blistering in the arch are important signs of a Lisfranc injury. Bruising may also occur on the top of the foot.
• Abnormal widening of the foot.

Lisfranc injuries are sometimes mistaken for ankle sprains, making the diagnostic process very important. To arrive at a diagnosis, the podiatrist will ask questions about how the injury occurred and will examine the foot to determine the severity of the injury.

X-rays and other imaging studies may be necessary to fully evaluate the extent of the injury. The surgeon may also perform an additional examination while the patient is under anesthesia to further evaluate a fracture or weakening of the joint or surrounding bones.

Anyone who has symptoms of a Lisfranc injury should see a podiatrist right away. If unable to do so immediately, it is important to stay off the injured foot, keep it elevated (at or slightly above hip level), and apply a bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel to the area every 20 minutes of each waking hour. These steps will help keep the swelling and pain under cotnrol. Treatment by the podiatrist may include one or more of the following, depending on the type and severity of the Lisfranc injury:

• Immobilization. Sometimes the foot is placed in a cast to keep it immobile, and crutches are used to avoid putting weight on the injured foot.
• Oral medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Ice and elevation. Swelling is reduced by icing the affected area and keeping the foot elevated, as described above. 
• Physical therapy. After swelling and pain have subsided, physical therapy may be prescribed. 

Certain types of Lisfranc injuries require surgery. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the type of procedure that is best suited to the individual patient. Some injuries of this type may require emergency surgery.

Complications can and often do arise following Lisfranc injuries. A possible early complication following the injury is compartment syndrome, in which pressure builds up within the tissues of the foot, requiring immediate surgery to prevent tissue damage. A build-up of pressure could damage the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the foot.

Arthritis and problems with foot alignment are very likely to develop. In most cases, arthritis develops several months or longer following a Lisfranc injury, requiring additional treatment.

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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Jay Ratliff's Ready For Camp After Torn Plantar Fascia

Cowboy's nose tackle Jay Ratliff is expected to be back at camp tomorrow after suffering a torn plantar fascia.
Ratliff sat out all 11 off-season practice sessions and spent all of the spring and summer recovering. Near the beginning of the offseason strength and conditioning program, he suffered a torn plantar fascia. "I've been rehabbing, even now. Just getting treatment and getting right, getting ready for the season," said Ratliff.
Ratliff will most likely start the seasons on the PUP, where he will be with other players offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernardeau and wide receiver Danny Coale.
Ratliff is not terribly concerned about about the prospect: "There's really no sweat on my brow. My responsibility is just to communicate with my trainers, communicate with the coaches, let everyone know what's going on, keep everyone aware, and do my job. There's no complaints, there's no excuses, there's no anything... In spite of the circumstances I'm going to do my job: Win the fight."
Ratliff hasn't missed a game since 2007, but injuries limited his snap and practice time in recent seasons.
A ruptured plantar fascia occurs on the largest ligament in the body. A rupture is just a rip or tear in a tendon or ligament. Most people who suffer this injury already suffer from arch pain, heel pain, or swelling in the foot.
What makes this condition difficult to diagnose is that its symptoms can mimic those of plantar fasciitis. An injury to the plantar fascia can be from direct trauma, such as a blow to the bottom of the foot. Sudden landings from jumping or falling from a height can also cause the ligament to tear. Running, especially sprinting, can also cause a rupture in the plantar fascia.
However, plantar fascia ruptures are rare and typically have an associated condition that aids the tear. Certain medications, like steroids (prednisone), Cipro, and Levaquin will weaken the ligament. The FDA recently posted a "Black Box" warning about these medications and the risk of tendon rupture.
Symptoms of a plantar fascia rupture may include:

• Pain in the bottom of the foot, even at rest.
• You've had cortisone shots for heel spurs where it hurts.
• Your arch looks like it's collapsing.
• Pain is worse with activity.
• There is swelling in your arch or heel.
• You heard a pop when the injury may have occurred.
• A lump in your arch or heel.
• Limping or gait changes.
• A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis that has not gone away for a long time.

A podiatrist will take an X-ray as well as get a full history of the injury. In some cases you may need to get an MRI for further evaluation.
Treatment for a plantar fascia rupture is through immobilization. Most patients are prescribed a walking boot, which allows the ligament to heal. Sometimes crutches are required to relieve the pain when walking. Pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol make the arch and heel feel better. Surgery is rarely needed in cases of a plantar fascia rupture.
If you are an athlete who thinks you have a plantar fascia rupture, 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. 

Liu Xiang To Have Surgery On Achilles Tendon

It has been confirmed Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang will have surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon in Britain.

Liu shot to fame after he won gold in the 110 meter hurdles in Athens in 2004. He was also the 2011 World Champion silver medalist. 

Oddly enough, an Achilles tendon injury forced Liu out of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as well. Liu stumbled over the first hurdle on Tuesday morning, fell to the track, staying down for a few moments clutching his lower right leg. He got up and tried to head to the nearest exit but was pointed back to the race area. Liu managed to make it to the finish line the only way he could: by hopping on one leg. He hopped along the backstretch on his left leg, the injured right leg under him, then finally made it to the 10th and final hurdle, giving it a kiss. 

Balazs Baji of Hungary held up Liu's hand in the air, as if to signify that he was the true winner of the race. "I respect him. I like him," said Baji, fifth in their heat. "It must be really bad for him. I'm really sorry. I didn't say anything. I just couldn't say anything."

Britain's Andrew Turner and Spain's Jackson Quinonez helped Liu into a waiting wheelchair so he could be taken away from the track. "I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy," said Turner, who won the heat. "I rate him as one of the best hurdlers we've had in the world, ever. I don't like to see that kind of thing." 

In 2008 Liu's Olympics ended in two strides, withdrawing in a preliminary round with right foot and hamstring injuries, disappointing a country of 1 billion people. 

Liu is China's only track and field superstar, endorsing shoes, cars, and other products.
Liu's rivalry with 2008 Olympic champion Dayron Robles of Cuba was supposed to be one of the highlights of the track schedule. Aries Merritt, who won gold in the 110 meters said "In the hurdles, if you hit a hurdle, to recover is almost impossible. Everyone here is so great- this is the Olympic games. Everyone is here to compete. It's just a shame that it happened to Liu. I was looking forward to competing with him." 

Spokesman Du Zhaocai says of Liu's surgery, "The doctor is an expert and has done operations on many famous players like David Beckham." 

If you are a hurdler and have been experiencing pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.