Apr
17
2012
The ‘Dancing with the Stars’ ankle injury curse has now struck William Levy. The dancing heartthrob sprained his ankle in rehearsals over the weekend.
(video by ABC-TV)
Levy is the third star to get injured this season. Maria Menounos has been performing with two broken ribs and a fractured foot, while Melissa Gilbert suffered a mild concussion and whiplash last week.
William’s triumphant ballroom performance, with a sprained ankle, earned he and his partner Cheryl Burke a score of 29 out of 30.
After Levy’s dance on Monday, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ co-host Brooke Burke brought up Levy’s ankle injury.
Burke asked what the doctor said after giving the star an MRI earlier in the day.
“He said my ligament was ripped up… ‘You need to rest.’ But, I said to him that tonight was no resting,” William told Brooke, brushing aside talk of his condition.
Because a ligament was involved, this as definitely an ankle sprain. An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are like rubber bands that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability.
Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments.
Sprained ankles often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. Ankle sprains commonly occur while participating in sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, or walking or running on an uneven surface.
In evaluating an ankle injury, a foot and ankle doctor will ask for a thorough history of symptoms and examine the foot. X-rays or other advanced imaging studies may be ordered to help determine the severity of the injury.
As William Levy has shown, anyone is at risk for an ankle injury. Hopefully he will rest his ankle for as long as his foot and ankle doctor advises and not participate in ‘dancing with the Stars’ until he gets a green light from his physician. He could cause serious permanent damage if he continues to dance on a fractured foot.
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.
Apr
12
2012
A foot tendon injury has forced the mid-round withdrawal of Australian golfer Jason Day from the US Masters.
After his opening round 76, Day revealed he had taken mild painkillers and the injury would take “two to six weeks to heal” properly.
(picture by dailytelegraph.com.au)
Day said: “I’m obviously disappointed to be forced to withdraw from the Masters. My ankle has been bothering me since last week but I wanted to give it a try. Unfortunately the pain made it difficult to walk and near impossible to compete. The Masters is my favorite event and I look forward to returning in the future.”
He confirmed he would miss the Heritage Golf event starting in Hilton Head, South Carolina from next Thursday but the concern is that he may be sidelined for longer after further medical advice.
Reports say that the tendon damaged is on the outside of the left foot near the ankle, which sounds like the peroneal tendon.
Two peroneal tendons, in the foot, run side-by-side behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon attaches to the outer part of the midfoot, while the other tendon runs under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch.
Peroneal tendon injuries may happen suddenly or develop over a period of time. They most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion. In addition, people with higher arches are at risk for developing peroneal tendon injuries.
To diagnose a peroneal tendon injury, a foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot and look for pain, instability, swelling, warmth, and weakness on the outer side of the ankle. An x-ray or other imaging may be needed. A foot and ankle surgeon will also look for signs of an ankle sprain and other related injuries that sometimes accompany a peroneal tendon injury.
Non-Surgical treatment includes immobilization (cast or splint), medications (oral or injected anti-inflammatory drugs) physical therapy, or a foot and ankle surgeon may provide a brace to use for a short while or during activities.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon or tendons and perhaps the supporting structures of the foot. A foot and ankle surgeon can determine the right surgery for the patient’s condition and lifestyle. After surgery, physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation.
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.
Apr
10
2012
Maria Menounos has previously competed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with broken ribs, but this past Tuesday she danced with a fractured foot.
(video by ABC-TV)
Menounos, who works as an ‘Extra’ co-host, injured her foot earlier in the season, danced against her foot and ankle doctor’s advice on Monday’s show, performing an intense routine with partner Derek Hough.
Their dance earned the couple the second-highest score of the night (26 out of 30), but was it worth the price? How serious is a fractured foot?
Approximately 10% of all fractures occur in the 26 bones of the foot. These bones support our weight and allow us to walk and run. Certain activities or injuries can cause a fracture or a break. Pain, swelling, redness, and even bruising are signs of a possible fracture.
Fractures in the foot are very common. Our feet are very vulnerable to slipping and twisting. Usually (but not always) the pain is so bad that you are unable to walk. Broken bones in the toes cause less pain, and you may be able to walk with a broken toe.
It is important to see a doctor any time you think you may have broken a bone in your foot. If you think you have broken your foot, and your foot and ankle doctor is not available, then go to the emergency department to be examined. Have someone bring you to the doctor or emergency department. Do not attempt to drive with a broken foot.
An experienced foot and ankle doctor will ask you about the injury and examine you. X-rays and other images of the bones of the foot (such as a bone scan, CT, MRI, or ultrasound) may be performed to diagnose broken bones in the foot.
Treatment for a fractured bone in the foot depends on which bone is broken and how it is broken. Often rest, icing, and immobilization are the treatments. Some broken bones in the foot can be treated with crutches and flat-bottom shoes, others require splints or casts, while others require surgery to repair the bones.
As Maria Menounos has shown, anyone is at risk for a foot injury. Hopefully she will rest her foot for as long as her foot and ankle doctor advises and not participate in ‘dancing with the Stars’ until she gets a green light from her physician. She could cause serious permanent damage if she continues to dance on a fractured foot.
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.
Apr
5
2012
Skechers footwear is facing a class action lawsuit over allegedly exaggerating the health benefits of their Skechers Shape Up rocker bottoms shoes and making millions of dollars with misleading marketing claims.
(photo by ABC News)
One claim of Skechers Shape Ups rocker bottoms is that they automatically exercise your pelvic and leg muscles as you walk, so using them is a simple way to stay in shape. The company claims “you can get in shape without ever setting foot in a gym.”
Beyond advertising issues though, a more important question is: can Sketchers Shape Ups cause ankle and foot injuries?
The idea of rocker bottom footwear actually started in the 1970s, when doctors placed their patients with a broken foot or leg in a leg cast with a rocker bottom platform, which made it easier for patients to walk a leg cast.
The assumption was made that if the rocker bottom works well in a cast, then it would also work in a shoe. In the 1990s, the first rocker bottom shoe was marketed to the public and since that time many brands, such as Skechers Shape Ups have become popular.
Normally, you use your foot and leg muscles to move the weight of your body from your heel to your toe as you walk. But with rocker bottom shoes (such as Skechers Shape Ups), the rolling action is done for you, reducing the need to use your muscles and making it easier to walk.
This sounds good, but the result is that your foot and leg muscles can actually get weaker the longer you use the shoes.
In fact, try walking in your rocker bottoms and pay attention to how hard you are using your leg and foot muscles. Then walk barefooted in soft sand. Which gives your muscles a better workout?
A 2009 study, by researchers Albright B.C. & Woodhull-Smith, suggested that rocker bottom shoes may increase the risk of falls. This may be because there is no structural support of the ankles and because the muscles in the leg and feet are not being used as they would normally be, so they become weaker and prone to injury.
Rocking in your shoes may seem like a fun and easy way to get fit. But a safer and even simpler way to get in shape “without setting foot in a gym,” is by walking barefoot in soft sand, which can strengthens your ankles and tones your entire body.
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.
Apr
3
2012
When asked about her foot and ankle injuries on Dancing with the Stars, contestant Sherri Shepherd said: “My feet are killing me! Even with boots are that have no heels, they’re hurting. I never knew it would be this hard.”
(video by ABC-TV)
“I love my husband because he comes home and puts candles in the bathroom, he runs the tub full of Epsom salt — with some lavender scent in there so I don’t smell like an old lady — and I’m in the tub every night soaking my feet and my tired body.”
While we don’t know exactly which foot and ankle injuries that Shepherd is experiencing, hopefully she is consulting a foot and ankle doctor, in addition to her husband. While rest is important to injuries, she may develop some serious foot injuries on the celeb dance show.
Dancing injuries are common, among amateurs and pros alike. This is because dancing places more physical demand on the foot and ankle.
Ballet dancers, especially, have an added risk of foot and ankle injury because of positions like ‘on pointe’ and ‘demi-pointe,’ which can add stress to the toes and ball of the foot.
Common dancer’s injuries include:
Dancer’s Fracture or fifth metatarsal fracture can happen when a dancer lands awkwardly on the outside portion of the foot or twisting the ankle.
Lateral Ankle Sprain is a common injury that may happen when a dancer lands awkwardly from a jump or twisting the ankle
Bunions (Hallux Valgus). A Lateral Ankle Sprain does not usually develop because of dancing, but may be exacerbated by tight fitting shoes and repetitive pain to the big toe joint.
Stress Fractures may happen from too much repetitive activity of the foot which causes the bones to weaken. Stress Fractures cause pain and swelling.
Ankle Impingement Syndrome may be on the front or back of the ankle. This injury is related to bone structures that pinch the soft tissue when the ankle is pointed in one direction or the other.
Trigger Toe/Flexor Hallucis Longus Tenosynovitis happens when the tendon is unable to move within its canal, causing it to get stuck. When this happens, the big toe is not able to move freely and sometimes gets stuck in one position.
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.
Mar
30
2012
Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard Daniel Gibson will probably miss the rest of the season due to a torn tendon in his ankle. This was not the news the Cavaliers were hoping for as injuries continue to tear the team up.
Initially, x-rays were negative and the Cavaliers listed Gibson as “day-to-day with a sprained ankle” after his right ankle ankle during the Cavaliers game against the New Jersey Nets on March 19th.
(picture by cleveland.sbnation.com)
When Gibson did not progress as expected, a MRI revealed the torn tendon in his right foot and ankle.
From the reports, we don’t know exactly what kind of torn tendon Daniel Gibson suffered. there are two types of tendon injuries.
The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon helps us to walk by helping to raise the heel off the ground.
An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear is what happens when the tendon is stretched too far. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running (which basketball players do in every game), can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.
Besides basketball players, Achilles tendon ruptures are also seen in “weekend warriors,” who are often middle-aged people who participate in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures.
Gibson could also have suffered an injury to the peroneal tendons, which is is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The two peroneal tendons in the foot run side-by-side behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon attaches to the outer part of the midfoot, while the other tendon runs under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch. Peroneal tendons stabilize the foot and ankle and protect them from sprains.
Peroneal tendon injuries may happen suddenly or can develop over a period of time. They 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 peroneal tendon 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 310-551-1711 (Century City) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.
Mar
27
2012
New York Yankees’ pitcher Joba Chamberlain recently suffered a painful right ankle injury while playing with his son earlier this month on a trampoline at a kids recreation center in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Chamberlain endured an open dislocation of his ankle and lost a potentially life-threatening amount of blood. He has already had surgery and will remain in the hospital for several more days.
(picture by nydailynews.com)
Yankee GM Brian Cashman said in a statement: “Keep him in your prayers, because obviously he’s facing a lot right now.”
“My heart goes out to him,” added Joe Girardi. “We’re behind him, we’re going to take care of him, we’ll get him back, but right now he’s going through a hard time.”
Chamberlain, 26, was a fist-pumping sensation when he first reached the major league in 2007. His arrival was so anticipated fans were chanting his name before he’d even thrown a pitch in the big leagues.
He inspired T-shirts with slogans (“The Joba Rules”) and a set of pitching restrictions designed to limit the stress on his right arm. The Yankees treated him as if he were made of delicate crystal, yet he got hurt anyway, requiring elbow ligament-replacement surgery last year.
An open dislocation ankle injury means that bone pierced the skin, which can add dangerous complications. When the skin is intact, it’s much easier to heal.
So this type of ankle injury makes it not only a career-threatening injury, but a limb-threatening injury. There are a small percentage of people, if the skin envelope doesn’t heal, ware ho susceptible to infection and that can lead to amputation. These days, that’s less likely to happen because we have antibiotics.
Chamberlain probably won’t be able to put weight on the ankle for two or three months, which means he won’t start baseball-related activities anytime soon.
Chamberlain had made remarkable progress in his attempt to return from Tommy John surgery on his arm. He had worked so hard that he had actually moved up the timetable for his return. While the Yankees believed he’d be back by August, Chamberlain was shooting for sooner. The team was definitely counting on his “power arm” in the bullpen this season.
Even with likely long odds, Girardi won’t give up on Chamberlain: “You can only look forward, you can’t think, ‘What if?’ You’ve got to move forward and we’re going to get you healthy and you’ll be the pitcher you’re meant to be.”
This type of ankle injury was not only painful, but life-threatening. Fortunately, Chamberlain was seen by medical professionals, most likely, including a foot and ankle surgeon.
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.
Mar
23
2012
Americans will be glued to the NCAA basketball playoffs this month, rooting for their favorite college team. March Madness coverage inspires many teens and kids to try to imitate their heroes on the basketball court.
However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 3.5 million children and teens get hurt annually playing organized sports. Foot and ankle injuries account for one third of these numbers.
(picture by fit.webmd.com)
Common foot and ankle injuries in youth sports include: ankle sprain, stress fracture, foot and ankle tendonitis, Achilles Apophysitis and Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis.
In basketball, additional foot and ankle stress happens with excessive and sudden acceleration, deceleration, lateral movements, pivoting, jumping and landing. All of this can take its toll on young growing bones and tendons.
Although some injuries are less severe than others, there is always the potential for lifelong medical problems if youth ankle injuries are not initially treated properly by an experienced ankle and foot doctor.
Parents and children should recognize that foot and ankle pain during athletics is not normal and, when persistent, medical evaluation by an expert ankle and foot specialist. is critical. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the majority of foot and ankle injuries from lingering longer than necessary and, in some cases, help avoid the need for future surgery.
Most foot and ankle injuries in children and teens can be treated effectively with rest, activity modification, physical therapy and bracing. Other foot and ankle injuries may need to be treated surgically when necessary.
Here are some tips for children, teens and parents to reduce foot and ankle injury risk in sports:
- Warm up prior to any sports activity, include thorough stretching
- Select the proper footwear for the specific type of exercise
- Start out slowly following a layoff period from sports
- Wear protective equipment appropriate for that sport
- Listen to your child if he/she complains about persistent pain
- Reduce overuse injuries by taking a break from repetitive activity
Red flags or ankle injury warning signs:
- 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
While prevention is always the first line of defense against an ankle and foot injury, sometimes these injuries are unavoidable.
Remember, any type of foot 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.
Mar
20
2012
The New York Yankees’ David Robertson might be ready to start the season on time after a second round of tests revealed a bone bruise on his right foot.
Last Wednesday evening in his St. Petersburg, Florida apartment, Robertson missed a bottom stair while carrying an empty box for recycling and suffered a right foot injury.
(picture by northjersey.com)
X-rays taken on last Thursday morning were negative, but an MRI proved inconclusive. Robertson was sent to a Tampa hospital for weight-bearing X-rays and a CT scan. The results were sent last Friday to a foot specialist.
There was no swelling associated with the bruise atop the mid foot. The new test results also ruled out any serious condition such as a Lisfranc fracture.
Last Friday Robertson entered the clubhouse on crutches and said: “I’m feeling better today. I’m hoping it’s something that will pass in a week or so and I’ll be right back out there.”
Yankees’ manager Joe Girard stated: “It’s a huge relief. This is as good as it gets for us.”
Girardi said Robertson ’s injured foot will remain in a protective boot for a few days and the pitcher won’t return to the mound until he’s completely healed: “You don’t want him favoring it at all. We’re not going to throw him in a game until he feels good.”
Girardi added: “When they tell you there’s a cause for concern [after the original MRI] you’re thinking there could be something broken, or who knows what it could’ve been. And I wasn’t real encouraged when I saw him walking.”
Robertson said: “It’s always good to get a second opinion. I’d rather be like, you know, I tripped over a chair in the clubhouse or something than tell you I fell down the stairs in my house. It’s not like [it was] a full flight of stairs – just one stair.”
As it turned out, Robertson’s positive vibe about his condition proved correct: “It feels better today, that’s all I can tell you. I’m hoping it feels even better tomorrow.”
Fortunately, David Robertson consulted a foot and ankle specialist soon after his foot injury, diagnostic tests were run and the news was good. Robertson just needs to rest up his foot and give it time to heal.
This incident is another reminder that even Major League baseball players are not immune from foot injuries. If it can happen to them, it can also happen to you.
Remember, any type of foot 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.
Mar
15
2012
Childish Gambino a.k.a. Donald Glover won’t be taking the stage tomorrow, or any of his 11 scheduled tour dates after that, reports Exclaim.com.
The actor-rapper has been forced to reschedule several shows after a foot fracture while performing in Florida over the weekend.
(picture by spinner.com)
His official website states: “This past Saturday I fractured my foot on stage in Tampa during a performance and was rushed to the emergency room. The doctors say that if I stay off of my foot for a couple weeks and wear this boot, there’s a good chance they can avoid surgery and start performing again soon.”
Gambino is not the first musician this year to suffer a foot injury, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ front man Anthony Keidis endured a right foot injury.
Gambino is not specific about what part of his foot that he fractured, it could actually be quite a few maladies. Of the 26 bones in the foot, 19 are toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot).
Ankle fractures can range from the less serious injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both.
Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones require evaluation by an experienced foot and ankle surgeon who can give the right diagnosis and treatment, even if initial treatment has been received in an emergency room.
Fractures are common in the fifth metatarsal, which is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. Two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal are avulsion and Jones fractures.
In an avulsion fracture, a small piece of bone is pulled off the main portion of the bone by a tendon or ligament. This type of fracture is the result of an injury in which the ankle rolls. Avulsion fractures are often overlooked when they occur with an ankle sprain.
Jones fractures occur in a small area of the fifth metatarsal that receives less blood and is more prone to problems in healing. A Jones fracture can be either a stress fracture (a tiny hairline break that occurs over time) or an acute (sudden) break. Jones fractures are caused by overuse, repetitive stress, or trauma.
Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward. Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. They sometimes occur simultaneously.
All types of foot and ankle fractures should be seen by a foot and ankle doctor who can treat the injury.
Remember, any type of foot 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.