(picture by MLB.com)

X-rays showed no broken bones, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Nova left the game after his ankle sprain while fielding a Wilson Betemit grounder in the sixth inning. Earlier in the game, Nick Markakis hit a ball off Nova’s foot.

Nova had allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 1/3 inning before leaving and was replaced by lefty Clay Rapada, who left after two batters because of a viral infection.

Nova had been hit hard in his outing, surrendering five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. One of the hits was Nick Markakis’ third-inning smash off Nova’s right foot, which accounted for the bruise.

Nova said the ankle sprain felt much worse than the foot bruise, and the pitcher is hopeful he will be able to take his next turn in the rotation. Girardi said missing a start is a possibility.

“I don’t want to miss any of my starts,” Nova said. “I hope I can feel better and pitch next time.”

Foot and ankle injuries are common among baseball players. Ankle sprains may occur while running, fielding balls, stepping on or sliding into bases. Sprains should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon to determine the extent of injury, including possible peroneal tendon injuries or fractures.

The foot and ankle doctor will develop a treatment plan: failure to fully treat and rehabilitate a sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and recurrent sprains

Here are some of the more common causes of foot and ankle injuries while playing baseball:

• Overuse or excessive training may sideline some athletes with Achilles tendinopathy or heel pain in children and adolescents.
• Injuries may occur from impact with the ball or contact with other players.
• Cleats may pose problems in the forefoot.

Of course, you don’t to play for the Yankees to suffer a foot and ankle injury. To stay at the top of your game, make sure that your cleats are fitted properly and have any injuries evaluated by a foot and ankle doctor.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

Unfortunately, outdoor activities can also mean more toe, foot and ankle injuries.

Before you take a fall, here are some tips on how to avoid foot and ankle injuries.

(image by coloradofootnadankle.com)

Do not walk barefoot in areas such as streets and parks where you have an increased risk of stepping on an object.

Use a rubber mat to stand on if your work requires you to stand on hard surfaces. This will help to reduce stress on your feet.

Buy new running shoes often. Experts recommend getting new athletic shoes every 3 months or after 500 miles of wear. Over worn shoes may not absorb shock well or provide traction or protection

Reduce your risk of injury by wrapping your foot or ankle or wearing a supportive brace during activities or exercises where injury is a risk.

Do heel cord stretching exercises. This is especially important for athletes before they participate in sports. It is also helpful for people who are not involved with sports.

Wear good athletic shoes, such as shoes with cushioned soles (especially heels) and good arch support. Physical therapists, orthopedists, podiatrists, and sports medicine health professionals can advise you.

Avoid rapidly increasing the number of miles you run, running or training uphill, and running on hard surfaces, such as concrete.

Avoid excessive sprinting (short, rapid bursts of running).

Never cut calluses and corns with a razor or a pocketknife.

Wear protective gear during sports or recreational activities, such as roller-skating or soccer. Supportive splints may reduce your risk for injury.

Avoid overusing your foot and ankle with repeated movements that can injure your bursa or tendon. In daily routines or hobbies, examine activities in which you make repeated movements.

If you feel that certain activities at your workplace are causing pain or soreness from overuse, talk to your human resources department for information on alternative ways of doing your job or to discuss equipment modifications or other job assignments.

If you have diabetes, always check your feet regularly for cuts and abrasions.  This is important because sometimes people with diabetes may lack the nerve feeling in their feet.  If you have trouble seeing your feet, ask someone to do it for you.

And, most importantly…

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

With jump shots, lay-ups, slam dunks, pivoting and rapid changes in direction the forces on the ankle can be extreme.

If you’re looking to buy the right basketball shoe and avoid foot and ankle injuries, read the following steps.

(picture by shoespalace.net)

Laces help to keep the foot back in the heel counter of the basketball shoes. This allows the forefoot to function properly and reduces forward pressure onto the toes.

A broad toe box is essential to prevent squeezing of the toes. If the basketball shoes are too shallow, this can cause pressure on the toes which may lead to blisters, the formation of corns, callus, ingrown toe nails and/or bruised toe nails.

Always try the shoes on when standing as feet elongate and spread to check the toe room.  lack of toe room can result in nail problems. Make sure that the shoe fits the longer of your two feet and approximately 1/4″ to 1/2″  inches of room beyond the longest toe.

If purchasing your shoes over the internet, be sure to check your size. Measure your longest foot with your socks on while standing using the size charts.

Basketball shoes should bend only at the ball of the foot, where the toes bend, but not through the arch.

The heel counter should be firm and feel snug as this helps to keep the heel and the foot stable.

Leather uppers are preferred for their durability and ability to breathe. Avoid synthetic man-made materials unless the upper is an open weave fabric similar to that which exists in many sneakers.

Basketball shoes with flat soles can help to accommodate sudden stopping and rapid directional changes. Outer basketball shoe soles are designed for superior traction in various different directions.

Torsion should be minimal. Only a small amount of twisting motion should be available in a stable basketball shoe.

A shoe with a low heel elevation of approximately 4 to 5mm is typical in basketball footwear.

The heel base is generally broad. The smaller and narrower the heel base is, the less contact you have with the ground thereby increasing your instability.

Get your shoe fit right by measuring your right length and width otherwise your game and your foot will suffer.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was leading a fast break early in the third quarter, when he turned an ankle by accidentally stepping on Andre Iguodala’s foot.

In short, Noah’s foot went parallel to the floor. It was a brutal ankle sprain, and it left Noah yelling in pain.

How did Philadelphia Sixers fans react? They actually began cheering as soon as Noah began rolling around the ground in pain from his ankle injury.

Philadelphia fans were even scolded by announcer Mike Tirico who called it a “very unfortunate reaction from the fans.”

In the past, Philadelphia Sixers fans have made a player’s fiancee cry and thrown beer at opposing teams.

Joakim Noah is likely out for Game 5, as he was out for Game 4.  Most of the 76ers players struggled in Game 4, but Philadelphia still got the win. In Game 5, without Noah’s shot-blocking presence, a blowout win by Philadelphia should be expected.

We don’t know exactly which kind of ankle sprain that Joakim Noah suffered, but there are two major types of sprained ankles: high ankle sprains and lateral ankle sprains.

Pain, swelling, limited motion, and bruising in the entire ankle region can occur in both high ankle sprains and lateral ankle sprains. The difference lies in where the injury occurs and which ligaments are involved.

In diagnosing an ankle sprain, it’s important for a foot and ankle doctor to understand how the injury occurred. Lateral sprains are caused by the foot turning inward, whereas high ankle sprains are the result of the foot being forced outward.

Nowhere is this difference in motion more evident than in the world of sports. Foot and ankle surgeons see more high-ankle sprains during football season and in the basketball season.

Considering that ankle sprains vary so widely in severity, what’s a good rule of thumb for when to seek medical care? People with ankle injuries should see a foot and ankle doctor any time there’s bruising or the inability to bear weight on that foot.

The key message regarding an ankle sprain is to have it correctly diagnosed and treated by an experienced foot and ankle doctor to achieve the best recovery.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

(picture by diabeticperformanceathlete.com)

Warm up prior to any sports activity. Lightly stretch or better yet, do a slow jog for two to three minutes to warm up the muscles. Don’t force the stretch with a “bouncing motion.”

The amount of time spent on the activity should be increased gradually over a period of weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. Cross training by participating in different activities can help build the muscles.

Choose athletic shoes specifically for your foot type. People should choose shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. The heel and heel counter (back of the shoe) should be very stable.

Replace athletic shoes when the tread wears out or the heels wear down. People who run regularly should replace shoes every six months, more frequently if an avid runner.

Try to be careful on rocky terrain or hills with loose gravel. Holes, tree stumps and roots are problems if you are trail running. If you have problems with the lower legs, a dirt road is softer than asphalt, which is softer than concrete. Try to pick a good surface if possible. However, if you’re racing, be sure to train on the surface you’ll eventually run on.

Running uphill is a great workout, but make sure you gradually build this up to avoid injuries. Be careful when running downhill too fast, which can often lead to more injuries than running uphills!

Athletes who have experienced ankle injuries previously may benefit from using a brace or tape to prevent recurrent ankle injuries.

Treatment for these foot and ankle injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Most strains and sprains can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Moderate to severe cases, however, may require a brace or a cast. Certain injuries may require surgery.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for foot and ankle injuries, especially if it is causing you to limp or there is swelling. Prompt and appropriate treatment and rehabilitation ensures the best possible recovery.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

(picture by AP)

Celtics coach Doc Rivers has expressed concern about the slowness with which Allen’s injured ankle has healed: “It’s the same. We don’t know anything. It’s a concern, like I said, but other than that, we just have to wait and see.”

After Allen returned from his ankle injury the first time, in early April, the Celtics hoped to incorporate him into the rotation off the bench, but it didn’t last.

Allen, who was shooting 45.3 percent on 3-pointers, played four games as sixth man before his ankle became too painful to play on again.

The Celtics have found a surprise in Ray Allen’s replacement Avery Bradley, who has scored over 20 points three times since Allen’s ankle injury, including a five-of-six performance from three-point range against New York.

Allen has missed game 1 and will probably miss game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. In addition to Allen’s injury, other Celtics’ injuries include Kevin Garnett (hip flexor), Rajon Rondo (back), Greg Stiemsma (foot) and Mickael Pietrus (knee).

Rivers said: “We’d play them because they will be rested. Except for if a guy is injured, he’s injured. Ray couldn’t play in that game. I am hoping (Pietrus) will be able to play. But they’re all should and woulds, but there’s no definites. That’s just the way it is right now.”

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said that, even if Rajon Rondo is suspended for Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks, he will not be tempted to rush the ailing shooting guard Allen back into the lineup.

Without examining Allen, it’s hard to say whether or not he will return for the playoffs. However, it sounds as if Allen would be well-served to seek out an experienced foot and ankle doctor to check out his ankle injuries.

Ankle injuries most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion (including basketball players). In addition, people with higher arches are at risk for developing anle injuries.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

This bump can become red and swollen and rub against the side of a shoe, which can cause considerable pain when standing, walking or running. In some cases, the bump can be so large and painful that a person is unable to wear shoes. A bunion doesn’t improve on its own; instead it only worsens over time, and can result in severe arthritis.

There are treatments available that can eradicate the painful deformity, but not all treatments are good ones.  In fact, people should avoid what is called “tightrope bunion surgery.”

Tightrope bunion surgery is when two small holes are drilled into the metatarsal bone through which fiberwire is threaded through to bind the first and second metatarsals together, pulling the first metatarsal into proper alignment. The idea is that tension of the wire will pull and hold the bones correctly.

While it sounds good on paper, what many foot surgeons or even hospitals don’t tell patients is that complications from tightrope bunion surgery can include loss of correction, loosening of the wire and fracture of the 2nd metatarsal during the surgery.  Now, you have a bunion and a broken bone.

Also, there are no long-term studies to validate tightrope bunion surgery, only loud marketing claims of a “miracle cure.” Don’t believe the hype.  The bottom line is that tightrope bunion surgery is a very bad procedure because the “tightrope” can pull on the metatarsals and cause them to fracture.

Does that mean people with bunions simply have to suffer?  Of course not.

An experienced foot and ankle doctor will recommend trying non-surgical remedies before having bunion surgery. Orthotics (in shoe orthopedic devices), changing shoe sizes and changing shoe styles may relieve bunion pain.

Only chronic bunion pain and/or bunions that interfere with daily activities are reasons to consider surgery.

An osteotomy is the most common type of bunion surgery. In this procedure, the foot and ankle surgeon makes an incision near the toe joint and returns the bones to their original position. At the same time, the ligaments surrounding the toe joint may be brought into balance.

Remember, any type of foot, leg or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet, leg or ankle and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot, leg or ankle needs.

(picture by buzzle.com)

Most running injuries happen when you push yourself too hard.

Adding distance or speed to your running routine, running up hills, and interval training are just some of the reasons running injuries occur.

Here some of the more common foot and ankle injuries:

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that causes pain and discomfort. It typically affects runners in the shin and feet.   Stress fractures are like a hardboiled egg. The shell is cracked and next stop is a full-fledged fracture. If this happens to you, then see a foot and ankle doctor who specializes in treating running injuries.

Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon that attaches the calf to the back of the heel. Achilles tendonitis is a running injury that typically occurs from an abnormal foot stroke in push-off and too-tight calf muscles.

An ankle sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments surrounding the ankle. It often happens when the foot twists or rolls inward. Sprains typically get better with rest, ice, compression, and elevating the foot. Ankle sprains occur because runners don’t always watch where they are going.

Also known as pain in the middle of arch of the foot, plantar fasciitis is most often caused by an abnormal motion of the foot or too-tight calf muscles.  The plantar fascia is a  thick band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel to the toes. People with tight calf muscles and a high arch are more prone to plantar fasciitis.

Some general rules to avoid foot and ankle injuries while running include:

• Warm-up and stretch. Many injuries occur as a result of inadequate stretching. Before and after you run, stretch your muscles thoroughly, especially your calf, hamstrings, groin, and quadriceps.
• Mix up your fitness routine. Don’t only run. Try swimming, biking, tennis, or some other activity. This helps prevent overuse injuries that more commonly occur when you do the same type of exercise over and over again.
• Wear proper-fitting socks and shoes with good support. If the soles of your running shoes have worn thin or are angled, it’s time to get a new pair.
• Run on a flat, smooth surface and avoid steep hills until your body gets used to the activity.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

The ankle injury occurred at the end of the game when Rose stepped on Jamal Crawford’s foot, turning his ankle. Rose went down and had to be helped off the court by trainers.

(picture by pippenainteasy.com)

Later, Rose said: “Don’t know [what happened], just came over, tried to steal the ball. Twisted it somehow.”

The ankle Rose sprained was the exact same ankle he sprained against the Indiana Pacers.

While much of Derrick Rose’s injury-plagued season can be blamed on simple misfortune, some of his ankle injuries could have been avoided, according to a source close to Rose.

Among those issues is the claim that Rose’s sprained right ankle and sore right foot-were made worse by the team’s training staff’s insistence on taping his ankles, a practice Rose has consistently fought against, opting instead for ankle braces.

Rose has suffered fluid build-up in his ankles, which the player himself acknowledged before the team’s Wednesday morning shoot-around in Charlotte, but the cause is reportedly his ankles being taped too tightly.

That information was confirmed to CSNChicago.com by a source familiar with the situation, but when asked about the report following Thursday’s loss to the Miami Heat, Bulls Coach Thibodeau replied, “I haven’t heard that. I don’t know where this stuff comes from. We’ve got a great medical staff, I can tell you that.”

Rose subsequently returned to the lineup this past Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the three previous games with a right foot ankle injury.

Rose, last season’s MVP who has missed 26 games this season with an assortment of injuries, is averaging 22.5 points. He has also been sidelined this season with toe, back and groin injuries.

Without examining Rose, it’s hard to say whether or not the medical staff of the Chicago Bulls made any mistakes.  However, it sounds as if Rose would be well-served to seek out an experienced foot and ankle doctor to check out his ankle injuries.

Ankle injuries most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion (including basketball players). In addition, people with higher arches are at risk for developing anle injuries.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

(image by ABC-TV)

The most common overuse injuries of the foot and ankle are stress fractures that can cause damage to the bone. If this stress continues and the bone is not able to repair itself fast enough, a fracture may occur.

Repetitive stress can lead to fractures in the small bones of the foot. Even a piece of steel will break if it is subject to sufficient repetitive stress,  and the bones in the foot are no different.

The stress on the foot can exceed 500,000 pounds during a few minute dance routine. Cushioned soles on practice shoes can help prevent injury. Stay away from hard dance surfaces. If the pain is already present, however, don’t ignore it, as the problem can only get worse.

Treatment options include rest, immobilization, and avoiding roo much pressure on the foot. You can’t dance for long on a broken foot without making it worse.

The typical symptom of a stress fracture is pain, which may occur suddenly or increase over several days. Swelling in the foot and lower leg is also common.

Treatment for a stress fracture of the foot includes rest and use of a stiff-soled shoe for approximately 2-4 weeks after injury. Depending on the location of the fracture, a cast or use of crutches may be needed.

Red flags to watch for after any workout include:

•     Pain in the foot or lower leg that persists more than 72 hours
•     Swelling of the foot or leg that persists for more than 24 hours
•     Pain which increases with exercise or walking
•     Pain at rest or with elevation of the legs

Here are some ways to avoid a stress fracture of the foot when starting a dance or exercise program:

•     Select the proper footwear for the specific type of exercise
•     Start out slowly when beginning a dance or exercise program following a layoff period
•     Walk and stretch to warm up gradually before dancing or running
•     Focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles in the calf
•     Increase running or walking distance and speed gradually, in increments no greater than 10% per week
•     Avoid unaccustomed strenuous sprinting
•     Take the time to cool down properly after dance and exercise

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 310-551-1711 (Century City) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.