Scott Wells Placed On IR After Foot Injury

Saint Louis Rams center Scott Wells was placed on the injured reserve after suffering a broken foot in the season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Wells was brought in the offseason to anchor the center of the offensive line. He was signed to a four year, $24 million deal that the team hoped would pay off right away in Week 1 against the Lions. But Wells underwent knee surgery in the spring and has been less than 100%.
It's likely this move is to take advantage of the NFL's new injured reserve rule, which allows teams to place players on the reserve and activate them later in the season when they are healthy. Teams can only use this rule once a season. Previously if a player was placed on the injured reserve, they would be out for the entire season.
Robert Turner moved to Wells' position with rookie Rokevious Watkins taking Turner's place at guard.
If you participate in football and have a foot problem, 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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UCONN's Shabazz Napier to Have Foot Surgery

UCONN announced Monday that men's basketball leading returning scorer Shabazz Napier will be sidelined for several weeks as he recovers from surgery to correct a stress fracture in his right foot.

"One day my foot would feel great. One day, not so good. I was starting to worry that I wouldn't be 100% going into the season," said Napier.
It was decided last week Napier would undergo surgery for the stress fracture. On Friday screws were inserted to help his right foot heal. He will be in a cast and boot for several weeks, but is expected to be ready for the start of practices on October 13.
"At least now I know I'm going to be OK. That's the good thing," said Napier.
Napier began to have problems with his foot at South Florida on December 28. On February 20, he was held out of the starting line up with foot trouble, but came off the bench, eventually hitting a game winning shot in overtime.
He was to make Puerto Rico's Olympic basketball team, but his foot was still bothering him, so Napier did not play. The plan to treat Napier was conservative, including rest and rehab. He was in a walking boot most of the summer and tried to play some pick-up games this month.
But last week Napier was seen limping around Gampel Pavilion and he went to a podiatrist. The surgery was performed at the UCONN Health Center and stabilized his fifth metatarsal. Knowing the location, it may have been a Jones fracture he was suffering from.
On Monday Napier watched pick-up action from the sidelines, using a crutch. After the games, he dropped his crutch and sank three free throws.
"It felt weird," he said. "They say the first stage of recovery is always the hardest."

If you are a basketball player with a 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.

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Training Tips For Marathons

2009 Baltimore Marathon runners (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sometimes when beginning to train for marathons, you'll make rookie mistakes. Safari Charles of Owing Mills, MD learned some hard foot lessons after running in her first half-marathon last fall. As Charles runs in her first full marathon at the Baltimore Running Festival in October, she believes that she has learned from her prior mistakes. "I was kind of lackadaisical about training for the half. I didn't prepare as best I could. You can't run a full marathon without training properly," said Charles.
Things Charles learned include: wear shoes that fit, or your toenails will turn black. Run with a group for motivation and support. Carry water and stay hydrated. Charles now has bigger shoes and trains with the group Black Girls Run, making sure to stay hydrated.
With a little bit of knowledge and proper training, you can avoid making mistakes that can become costly injuries. "It's the only sport where you have to plan months in advance what you eat, what you wear, when you're going to run. It takes a lot of thought and planning. People who get hurt usually aren't the ones who follow a program. They are the ones who train haphazardly," said Dr. John Senatore, veteran marathoner and chief of podiatry at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
When you decide that you are going to do a marathon, you are probably very excited and anxious to get out and run. Many people sign up for the half-marathon, 13 miles, and will try to go out immediately and do all 13 miles. However, you're setting yourself up for failure.
Coaches suggest following a training program that involves three to four short runs during the week and one long run on the weekend, with the latter increasing in distance each week. Try not to train by yourself, as training with a group keeps you motivated and on track. Those who train alone often run too fast and get bored by themselves.
Long runs will get the runner accustomed to being on their feet for long periods of time. These runs should be at a slower pace than on race day. Senatore suggests running your last long run three weeks before the marathon to allow your muscles to recover.
Senatore recommends using training programs to help you ease into running, such as New York Road Runners training programs, or those created by nationally known marathon runner Jeff Galloway, who promotes a combination of running and walking to be injury free.
DeNita Morrison, who trains with Charles in Black Girls Run follows the program designed by Hal Higdon, whose plan gradually gets people into running. "He starts you off very slowly and builds you up so you don't feel overwhelmed," said Morrison.
Cross-training should be an integral part of your training to help prevent wear and tear of the same muscle groups and help with conditioning. Runners should mix bicycling, swimming, and weight training.
Runners should also pay attention to what they are wearing on the day of the race. Shoes need to be replaced every 300 to 500 miles, and shoes that are too tight, short, or ill-fitting can cause blisters, knee pain, and toenails to turn black and fall off. Cotton clothing should be avoided as cotton absorbs sweat and can weigh the runner down. Look for performance apparel that absorbs and wicks the sweat away. That goes for socks as well. Some runners may need insoles to keep their feet stable.
Eating right and hydrating is key to keeping your energy up throughout the race. During a long run runners should carry water and drink every 15 to 20 minutes. Dehydration can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke in severe cases. Try out different kinds of food, since when you're running your stomach can handle only certain types of fuel.
"Once you're running and you're thirsty, then you're done. You're going to tank out. When you have nothing left in the tank, that's called hitting the wall. If you prepare and do what you're supposed to, you shouldn't hit the wall," said Senatore.
Most importantly, listen to your body. When you are in pain, it may be a sign to stop the race. Better to stop the race early on than run the entire marathon and further injure yourself.

If you are a runner who gets a 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.

National Football League Foot Injury Update

Long list this week!
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, WR
Smith returned to practice on Sunday, after recovering from a foot infection that kept him out for two weeks. "He went back to his normal practice mode- 100 percent, all the time," said coach Ron Rivera. "So it was a lot of fun watching Steve back on the football field." Rivera expects Smith to be back for Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Stewart did not participate in the team's official practice Wednesday, but coach Rivera is optimistic he'll be able to play Week 1. Stewart hasn't practiced since spraining his ankle in a preseason game on August 26 against the Jets.
Cincinnati Bengals
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB
Green-Ellis is ready for Week 1's game against the Raven, expected to carry most of the carries. Whatever the coaches have in mind for him though, Green-Ellis is ready. "That might not be the gameplan. Whatever it is, that's what I'm going to do. If they want me to run, I'm going to run. If they want to pass, I'm going to block."
Cincinnati Bengals
Leon Hall, CB
No further update on Hall.
Cleveland Browns
Chris Ogbonnaya, RB
Ogbonnaya has an ankle injury and has had limited practice. He is questionable for Week 1 against Philadelphia.
Dallas Cowboys
Jay Ratliff, DE
Ratliff can't seem to catch a break. The high ankle sprain he suffered and was recovering from is still lingering, and most likely will throughout the season.
Detroit Lions
Chris Houston, CB
Houston left a preseason game against Oakland with an ankle injury and has not been practicing. It is questionable whether he will be ready for Week 1 against St. Louis.
Green Bay Packers
Jamari Lattimore, LB
Lattimore has an ankle injury, but there is no further information.
Green Bay Packers
B. J. Raji, NT
Raji has an ankle injury, but there is no further information. He sustained the injury in the last preseason game against Kansas City. Raji hasn't missed a game since 2009.
Green Bay Packers
James Starks, RB
Starks was ruled out for Week 1 against San Francisco.
Indianapolis Colts
Pat Angerer, LB
Angerer has still not practiced and is questionable for Week 1 against Chicago.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Justin Blackmon, WR
Blackmon was back to full practice on Thursday after being limited in practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury. He is expected to make the start against the Vikings in Week 1.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Austen Lane, DE
Lane is questionable for Week 1 because of a foot injury. No further information is available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Allen Bailey,  DE
Bailey is questionable in Week 1 with an ankle injury. No further information is available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Anthony Toribio, DT
Toribio injured his ankle in the Chief's third preseason game against Seattle and hasn't practiced since. Questionable Week 1.
Miami Dolphins
Jason Trusnik, LB
Trusnik has an ankle injury and has been limited in practice. Questionable Week 1 against Houston.
Minnesota Vikings
Marvin Mitchell, LB
Mitchell has been held up with an ankle injury and has engaged in limited practice. Questionable for Week 1 against Jacksonville.
Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson, RB
His status is still up in the air, but Peterson hopes to play against the Jaguars. Peterson is working his way back from a torn ACL last season and says "I feel good. I've been working hard since the injury to get back to this moment. So me and the coaching staff, we're on the same page. So when I come out Sunday, hopefully I get the nod to go."
Minnesota Vikings
Andrew Sendejo, DB
Sendejo has a sprained ankle, has not practiced, and is questionable for Week 1 against the Jaguars.
Minnesota Vikings
Marcus Sherels, CB
Sherels has an ankle injury and has been limited in practice. Questionable for Week 1.
Minnesota Vikings
Jarius Wright, WR
Rookie wide receiver Wright had a big preseason game against the Texans, but ended up with an ankle sprain. He has not been practicing.
New England Patriots
Shane Vereen, RB
Vereen did not participate in practice on Wednesday and has been out of practice since suffering a foot injury in a preseason game against Tampa Bay. He will likely be a game-time decision against the Titans.
New Orleans Saints
Marques Colson, WR
Colson hit the practice field Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Practice was limited as the team prepares for Week 1 against the Redskins.
New Orleans Saints
Curtis Lofton, LB
Lofton is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and is still limited in practice. He may miss the season opener against the Redskins.
New York Giants
Prince Amukamara, CB
Amukamara did not play against Dallas. He suffered a minor ankle sprain during a preseason game and was carted off the field.
New York Giants
Jayron Hosley, CB
Hosley played against Dallas in the season opener, but had been suffering with a toe issue.
New York Giants
Hakeem Nicks, WR
Nicks appeared less than 100 percent healthy in the season opener against Dallas and had an underwhelming first game back.
New York Jets
David Harris, LB
Harris has just a slight sprain, not a high ankle sprain, and is probable for Week 1 against the Bills.
New York Jets
LaRon Landry, DB
Landry has been suffering with an unspecified heel injury, but has been through full practice and is probable against the Bills.
New York Jets
Chaz Schilens, WR
Schilens has been suffering with an ankle injury, but is probable for Week 1.
New York Jets
Brian Thomas, LB
Thomas had torn his Achilles tendon last October and has been recuperating since. He has been doing limited practice and is questionable for the game against the Bills.
Oakland Raiders
Jacoby Ford, WR
Ford still has a sprained left foot and sat out the preseason finale against the Seahawks. According to head coach Dennis Allen, Ford has not been able to run on his injured foot, but has been able to catch some balls from the machine.
Philadelphia Eagles
Casey Matthews, LB
Matthews missed the last two preseason games with a high ankle sprain. "I'm almost there, there's just a little stiffness in it, they're just trying to get it out. I should be ready by Week 1," said Matthews. He has been doing full practice and should be ready for game 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Larry Foote, LB
Foote's ankle was just tweaked, and practiced on Thursday. He should be fine for Sunday's game against Denver.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Brett Keisel, DE
Keisel did not play in the final preseason game against the Panthers, but has been at practice and should be ready for Week 1.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Isaac Redman, RB
His ankle may be a concern the entire season, but has done full practice and should be ready for Week 1.
San Francisco 49ers
Ted Ginn, WR
Ginn has not practiced all week, so it is doubtful he will play in Week 1.
St. Louis Rams
Michael Brockers, DT
It is likely Brockers will play in the first game since he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and should miss the entire first month of the season. Brockers was carted off the field in the Ram's final preseason game last Thursday. An MRI on Friday revealed the injury.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
E. J. Biggers, CB
Biggers has a foot injury and is questionable against Carolina in Week 1.
Washington Redskins
Chris Baker, DE
Baker has an ankle injury and has been participating in limited practice. Questionable for Week 1 at New Orleans.

If you participate in football and have a foot problem, 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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Major League Baseball Foot Injury Update

Baltimore Orioles
Troy Patton, RP
Patton threw off mound for the second consecutive day on Wednesday and will throw a rubber today for the first time. Manager Mike Showalter said there is no timetable for his return however and said Patton has a pretty severe strain on his right ankle. Patton has had this type of injury before and each time the area is injured it gets weaker.
Boston Red Sox
David Ortiz, DH
Manager Bobby Valentine is still anticipating Ortiz to return sometime this season, even though the Red Sox are completely out of playoff contention.
Cleveland Indians
Roberto Hernandez, SP
Hernandez missed Saturday's game against the Rangers and was seen in a walking boot. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer Hernandez will miss another start in the rotation. Manager Manny Acta said "Ideally, the best thing for him would be to make every one of his starts, so the front office could evaluate him, but that's not going to happen now. We'll have to wait until he comes out of that boot and go from there."
Houston Astros
Francisco Cordero, RP
Cordero's toe is doing better, but he is still on the DL because his shoulder is feeling "cranky".
Houston Astros
Marwin Gonzalez, SS
Manager Terry Defrancesco will not place shortstop Gonzalez on the DL because he is confident the player will return to play before the end of the season. Gonzalez has a torn ligament in his ankle after tripping over first base during a pinch-hit appearance and is wearing a protective boot.
Houston Astros
Jed Lowrie, SS
Lowrie should be making a Double-A Corpus Christi start by the end of the week. "We're pleased with Jed," said Defrancesco. "Jed took batting practice off me (Sunday) and was fielding some ground balls. We're hoping by mid-September we'll see him in more games up here. I know it's real positive with him. I think he's turned the page on his rehab and head trainer Nate Lucero is trying to push him a but more. That's what will help us down the road."
New York Yankees
Andy Pettitte, SP
Pettitte threw about 15 pitches in a  live, simulated game on Wednesday night before the Yankees' game against Tampa Bay. "I felt like I threw the ball well. I felt like I was pushing off full. I almost tried to make it like a game, so it was a good day. For me, it's a good way to ramp up pretty quick," said Pettitte. Manager Brian Cashman said of Pettitte, "We will add him when we feel he can contribute to our efforts at this level. I can't give you that date yet. Obviously, today, he's not ready to do that, but today was an important day to get us closer to that date."
Philadelphia Phillies
Carlos Ruiz, C
Ruiz still wants to return this season and is running every other day, testing his partially torn muscle in his right foot. However, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. doesn't believe it's the best idea to rush Ruiz back this season. "I hope we can activate him. Really, it depends on what the risk is," said Amaro. "I get his point," said Ruiz. "At the same time, I feel like I have to try. I have to try until the last day. It's not like I'm going to give up. But yeah, I get his point. We'll see."
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jose Tabata, RF
Tabata was scratched off Wednesday's line-up because of a foot contusion. He fouled a ball off his left foot Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Gustavo Nunez, SS
No further update on Nunez.

If you are a baseball player suffering from a 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.

Related articles

• Major League Baseball Foot Injury Update

Turf Toe Injury

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint resulting from injury during sports activities. The injury usually results from excessive upward bending of the big toe joint. The condition can be caused from either jamming the toe, or repetitive injury when pushing off repeatedly when jumping or running. Although this injury is most commonly reported in football players, participants in soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and dance are also at risk.

The name turf toe comes from the fact that this injury is especially common among athletes who play on artificial turf. When playing sports on artificial turf, the foot can stick to the hard surface, resulting in jamming of the big toe joint. There has also been some indication that less-supportive flexible shoes worn on artificial turf are also to blame.
The signs and symptoms of turf toe can include pain, swelling, and limited joint movement.
If turf toe is caused by repetitive actions that cause injury, the signs and symptoms will usually begin slowly and gradually worsen. Turf toe can also be caused by a direct injury leading to damage of the bone beneath the cartilage. If direct injury is the cause, the signs and symptoms may begin suddenly and get worse over a 24 hour period.
To arrive at a diagnosis, the podiatrist will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. X-rays are typically ordered to rule out any broken bone. Other advanced imaging studies may also be helpful for proper diagnosis.
Initial treatments include R.I.C.E., as well as a change to less-flexible footwear. Operative treatment is reserved for individuals with severe cases and prolonged pain.
If you are an athlete suffering from turf toe or any other 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.

National Football League Foot Injury Update

Atlanta Falcons
Corey Peters, DT
Peters has missed all of training camp and preseason with a left foot injury. The earliest Peters can return is October 28 against Philadelphia. He must sit out the first six games.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, WR
Smith is expected to play in the Panther's first regular season game against the Bucs. Smith had been recuperating from a foot infection.
Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Stewart was taken off the field during the Panther's second preseason game against the Jets with an ankle injury. He suffered the injury on a 7 yard run when he was knocked out of bounds and immediately grabbed his leg. Stewart stayed on the ground for a few moments before being attended to by the team's trainers and heading to the locker room. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Stewart's x-rays came back negative.
Chicago Bears
Julius Peppers, DE
Peppers has been playing through plantar fasciitis in one of his feet. Peppers doesn't believe the injury to be a problem for the beginning of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB
Green-Ellis has been practicing in full pads since Sunday when the media was there, but his status for the preseason finale was up in the air.
Cincinnati Bengals
Leon Hall, CB
No injury update on Hall.
Dallas Cowboys
Jay Ratliff, DE
After suffering with plantar fasciitis for the offseason, Ratliff was spotted Sunday after the game against the Ram with crutches. Ratliff suffered a high ankle sprain.
Denver Broncos
Mario Fannin, RB
Fannin is out for the season with an Achilles tendon tear.
Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith, RB
Smith attempted to clear rumors about his ankle injury Monday and said he would definitely be ready for the Lion's season opener against St. Louis on Sept. 9th. Smith left Saturday's game with a right ankle injury. "No doubt. I feel better. I wasn't in a walking boot or anything like that. I've got all my movement," Smith said.
Detroit Lions
Stefan Logan, WR
Logan's status is still unknown.
Green Bay Packers
Jason Starks, RB
Stark's progress has been slow. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday that Starks is not healing as quickly as hoped and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the regular season. Starks has been sidelined since the Packer's preseason openers with a lingering turf toe injury. "James Starks, just talking to the medical staff, is coming along slow. So we'll just continue to treat him. He hasn't made a whole lot of progress here of late," said McCarthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Pat Angerer, LB
Angerer is likely not to be back until the third week of the regular season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Aaron Ross, DB
Ross exited last Thursday's game against the Ravens after suffering an ankle injury in the first half. The extent of the injury is not known.
Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Flowers, CB
No update on Flower's injury.
New Orleans Saints
Nick Toon, WR
Probable for start of season.
New York Giants
Hakeem Nicks, WR
Nicks got his feet wet Wednesday night in the preseason finale against New England. Nicks said he had no problems with his foot and that he is ready to start the regular season against Dallas. "It was exactly what I needed to know that I'll be ready for next week. It was pretty much what I expected," said Nicks.
Oakland Raiders
Jacoby Ford, WR
Ford is questionable for the start of the season with a sprained left foot.
Philadelphia Eagles
Ronald Johnson, WR
No update on Johnson.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Brett Keisel, DE
Keisel left Saturday's last preseason game with a left ankle injury and his status is questionable.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Heath Miller, TE
No update on Miller's injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger, QB
Roethlisberger was in fine form in last Saturday's game against Buffalo, finishing 17 for 24 for 169 yards passing and two touchdowns. He is probable for the start of the season.
San Diego Chargers
Vincent Brown, WR
Brown underwent surgery to repair a broken ankle several weeks ago and is expected to miss at least eight weeks. He suffered the injury in the third quarter against the Cowboys.
San Francisco 49ers
Ted Ginn, WR
Ginn limped off the field Sunday against Denver with a right ankle injury and did not return. Ginn had missed several games at the end of last season as well.
San Francisco 49ers
LaMichael James, RB
James injured his ankle against the Texans and missed Sunday's game. He has been practicing with the team however.

If you participate in football and have a foot problem, 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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