Unless you knew Boise State's Beau Martin, you would have never known he was suffering from a crippling case of plantar fasciitis last season.
Martin had offseason surgery to fix the painful condition in his left foot and he hopes to walk without pain during his senior year.
"It was like walking on a butter knife," Martin recalled. "It made things really difficult. At my position, you have to be able to explode with that first step. And I believe that my strength, my get off is big, and when you have an injury like that, it makes it hard with plantar fasciitis, even walking is hard."
Martin was somehow able to make it through the entire season, never mentioning a word of his malady to reporters. He had 21 tackles in 13 games and finished second on the team with seven tackles-for-loss.
Martin, 6-foot-2 and 254 pounds, also finished second on the team with four sacks, two pass breakups, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery. Not bad numbers for a player who was in terrible pain.
"Every step is hard, even waking up in the morning," Martin said. "It was hard during the season because I couldn't stay off my feet. I think the bye weeks helped me, but it was a battle all year long.
"The coaches knew, but the thing with plantar fasciitis, the only thing you can do to heal it is months on months of recovery and staying off it, and that wasn't an option for me. I could still play, but it was just dealing with the pain."
Martin missed the first few practices of spring training to finish his rehabilitation and is now back on the field, lined up for the No. 1 defense.
"It was an issue, but it's taken care of now and I feel 100 percent," Martin said. "I'm such a happy guy right now. I'm loving the game. It's tough playing with something like that, and I love it that much more now and I'm not taking anything for granted."
Martin knows that this is a big season for him and he's ready to play with a healthy and pain-free foot.
"It feels great to be healthy. I feel like my old self... I want to lead and be that guy out there that I know I can be and contribute and be the senior leader they want me to be and take it one day at a time."
Reference: Idaho Press
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Albert Pujols Feeling 100% Better
It's too early in the season to tell how Albert Pujols' plantar fasciitis will hold up, but for right now, signs are pointing in the right direction.
"I feel awesome," said Pujols, who sustained a partial tear to the plantar fascia in his left foot last July. "To be able to do things with no pain or discomfort, to have my legs underneath me, to move around and have the load I want in my swing... that's the biggest difference."
During spring training thus far the Angels have been pacing Pujols in drill, but they have expected he will play first base regularly this season, his normal position. Pujols started 65 of 99 games at designated hitter last season.
They also believe Pujols will regain his form and hitting power, power that when healthy, makes him a threat. Pujols hit .257 with 17 home runs and 64 runs in 2013. In two seasons with Anaheim, Pujols carries a .275/.338/.485 average with 47 home runs and 169 RBIs.
"You use your legs to hit," Pujols said. "I'm not a guy who lunges at the ball. I have a unique stance and a lot of torque in my lower half. When your lower half is not working, you're not able to do the things you need to do to hit."
Pujols is looking to play 150-160 games this year. From what the Angels have seen thus far in spring training, it could be possible.
"Albert looks great taking ground balls, and he has a nice gait as far as moving around," manager Mike Scioscia said. "His legs look strong."
Let's hope for a plantar fasciitis free year, Albert.
Reference: LA Times.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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"I feel awesome," said Pujols, who sustained a partial tear to the plantar fascia in his left foot last July. "To be able to do things with no pain or discomfort, to have my legs underneath me, to move around and have the load I want in my swing... that's the biggest difference."
During spring training thus far the Angels have been pacing Pujols in drill, but they have expected he will play first base regularly this season, his normal position. Pujols started 65 of 99 games at designated hitter last season.
They also believe Pujols will regain his form and hitting power, power that when healthy, makes him a threat. Pujols hit .257 with 17 home runs and 64 runs in 2013. In two seasons with Anaheim, Pujols carries a .275/.338/.485 average with 47 home runs and 169 RBIs.
"You use your legs to hit," Pujols said. "I'm not a guy who lunges at the ball. I have a unique stance and a lot of torque in my lower half. When your lower half is not working, you're not able to do the things you need to do to hit."
Pujols is looking to play 150-160 games this year. From what the Angels have seen thus far in spring training, it could be possible.
"Albert looks great taking ground balls, and he has a nice gait as far as moving around," manager Mike Scioscia said. "His legs look strong."
Let's hope for a plantar fasciitis free year, Albert.
Reference: LA Times.
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Watford's Abdi Still Suffering From Plantar Fasciitis
There is still no timetable for return for English football player Almen Abdi from a severe bout of plantar fasciitis.
Abdi has not played since August 31st and had hoped to be back on the field in mid-September. As so often goes with plantar fasciitis cases, September turned into November with minor setbacks, and November has turned into the distant future.
Abdi has been training most days, but not usually with the Watford players.
Watford stressed in November that the setbacks Abdi suffered meant they would not issue a timeframe for the midfielder's return.
Last Thursday, Marco Cesarini, the Hornet's head of medical, said, "He hasn't had any setbacks, but it's the kind of injury where for two days you can have improvement and then on the third day you have pain again or soreness.
"We have to take it step by step. It's not easy because one day it can be good and the next day it can be worse. But there are some positives around him.
"We cannot predict when he will come back. We are still in the situation where we have to monitor the situation day by day. He can have small sessions but he cannot yet take part in a full session with the squad."
Returning to the team after an extended injury is Tommie Hoban. The Republic of Ireland Under-19 International star hurt his Achilles last January and played one game last year, but missed the rest of the season with the issue.
He made a splash last season, starting 18 consecutive games between late September and New Year's Day.
The Watford Academy graduate visited specialists across the world and decided to have surgery done last April by a physician in America.
Cesarini said of Hoban, "We are very happy about him. We are close and we think in the next two weeks he could join the squad for a full training session."
Reference: Watford Observer
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Abdi has not played since August 31st and had hoped to be back on the field in mid-September. As so often goes with plantar fasciitis cases, September turned into November with minor setbacks, and November has turned into the distant future.
Abdi has been training most days, but not usually with the Watford players.
Watford stressed in November that the setbacks Abdi suffered meant they would not issue a timeframe for the midfielder's return.
Last Thursday, Marco Cesarini, the Hornet's head of medical, said, "He hasn't had any setbacks, but it's the kind of injury where for two days you can have improvement and then on the third day you have pain again or soreness.
"We have to take it step by step. It's not easy because one day it can be good and the next day it can be worse. But there are some positives around him.
"We cannot predict when he will come back. We are still in the situation where we have to monitor the situation day by day. He can have small sessions but he cannot yet take part in a full session with the squad."
Returning to the team after an extended injury is Tommie Hoban. The Republic of Ireland Under-19 International star hurt his Achilles last January and played one game last year, but missed the rest of the season with the issue.
He made a splash last season, starting 18 consecutive games between late September and New Year's Day.
The Watford Academy graduate visited specialists across the world and decided to have surgery done last April by a physician in America.
Cesarini said of Hoban, "We are very happy about him. We are close and we think in the next two weeks he could join the squad for a full training session."
Reference: Watford Observer
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Would Adult Stem Cells Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Adult stem cells in recent years have shown a bright future in the medical world. Examples of how adult stem cells have made a difference include restoring vision to a blind man, growing a human liver, and the potential to regrow fingers and toes.
Embryonic stem cells have a controversial past due to the nature of their procurement via the destruction of a fertilized human embryo. There has been successful research with somatic stem cells, also known as adult stem cells. The difference between embryonic and adult stem cells is that embryonic cells can transform into any type of cell, while adult cells can transform into a limited group of cells.
New plantar fasciitis research has used adult stem cells taken from bone marrow, fat, or amniotic material. the benefit of this treatment is that it not only soothes pain, but can regenerate damaged tissue. The procedure is considered outpatient and has no risks.
Besides plantar fasciitis, adult stem cells have been used to treat arthritis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff symptoms, Achilles tendonitis, and other conditions.
For those who suffer long periods of time with plantar fasciitis, or have recurring bouts, this may be a viable option for their condition. We'll watch and see what the future brings for this treatment option.
Reference: Inquistr
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Embryonic stem cells have a controversial past due to the nature of their procurement via the destruction of a fertilized human embryo. There has been successful research with somatic stem cells, also known as adult stem cells. The difference between embryonic and adult stem cells is that embryonic cells can transform into any type of cell, while adult cells can transform into a limited group of cells.
New plantar fasciitis research has used adult stem cells taken from bone marrow, fat, or amniotic material. the benefit of this treatment is that it not only soothes pain, but can regenerate damaged tissue. The procedure is considered outpatient and has no risks.
Besides plantar fasciitis, adult stem cells have been used to treat arthritis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff symptoms, Achilles tendonitis, and other conditions.
For those who suffer long periods of time with plantar fasciitis, or have recurring bouts, this may be a viable option for their condition. We'll watch and see what the future brings for this treatment option.
Reference: Inquistr
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
New Orleans Saints' Jimmy Graham Playing With Torn Plantar Fascia
New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has a partially torn plantar fascia and is continuing to play despite the injury.
Graham played last week against the Buffalo Bills, scoring two touchdowns.
"He told me it's a pain issue and is heading over to test it early. Felt better Friday, but still a very painful issue. If he can play Saints will put him on pitch count," tweeted Jay Glazer.
Graham was injured in the fourth quarter in the October 13th game against the New England Patriots. He was limping and went to the sidelines to be taped. Graham played a few more snaps before leaving for the locker room.
The Saints had a bye week October 20th, but his injury continued throughout the week. Graham returned to practice that Friday, where he ran routes and practiced in a limited capacity.
Graham had been listed as questionable to play against the Bills and ended up being a game-time decision
after coaches watched him run and cut on the foot in a pregame workout. Graham caught three passes for 37 yards and two touchdowns in under 20 snaps.
"It's gonna hurt. But football hurts. That's just how it is," Graham said after the game. "It's just, 'How much pain can you endure?' And you know, I'm pretty good at that."
Graham and Saints coach Sean Payton say there is no serious risk of further injuring his foot if he continues to play. For Graham it will be a matter of pain management. As we've blogged about before, it is often better for the plantar fascia to tear completely, rather than it be a partial tear, as the pain is worse with a partial than a complete. Graham has not specified if his is completely torn.
"I mean, that's an oxymoron, right?," Graham said. "I've heard a couple different things by a couple different doctors. I've talked to a lot of people, and I'm not sure. I guess we'll see.
"You know me, it doesn't matter how I feel. I'm very competitive, and I want as many opportunities as I can get to help this team. But I'm gonna do what (Payton) asks me to do and what my body allows me to do, and I'm just gonna take it day by day."
In Graham's second touchdown, he had to make an adjustment to his trademark touchdown dance- dunking the ball over the goalpost. But Graham didn't let a silly injury stop him.
"I still dunked it. But I dunked off my right foot because I can do both," Graham said. "So this time I just jumped off the right foot and dunked with the left. There will never be a moment I won't dunk it."
Good for you, Jimmy Graham. Good for you.
References: ESPN
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Graham played last week against the Buffalo Bills, scoring two touchdowns.
"He told me it's a pain issue and is heading over to test it early. Felt better Friday, but still a very painful issue. If he can play Saints will put him on pitch count," tweeted Jay Glazer.
Graham was injured in the fourth quarter in the October 13th game against the New England Patriots. He was limping and went to the sidelines to be taped. Graham played a few more snaps before leaving for the locker room.
The Saints had a bye week October 20th, but his injury continued throughout the week. Graham returned to practice that Friday, where he ran routes and practiced in a limited capacity.
Graham had been listed as questionable to play against the Bills and ended up being a game-time decision
"It's gonna hurt. But football hurts. That's just how it is," Graham said after the game. "It's just, 'How much pain can you endure?' And you know, I'm pretty good at that."
Graham and Saints coach Sean Payton say there is no serious risk of further injuring his foot if he continues to play. For Graham it will be a matter of pain management. As we've blogged about before, it is often better for the plantar fascia to tear completely, rather than it be a partial tear, as the pain is worse with a partial than a complete. Graham has not specified if his is completely torn.
"I mean, that's an oxymoron, right?," Graham said. "I've heard a couple different things by a couple different doctors. I've talked to a lot of people, and I'm not sure. I guess we'll see.
"You know me, it doesn't matter how I feel. I'm very competitive, and I want as many opportunities as I can get to help this team. But I'm gonna do what (Payton) asks me to do and what my body allows me to do, and I'm just gonna take it day by day."
In Graham's second touchdown, he had to make an adjustment to his trademark touchdown dance- dunking the ball over the goalpost. But Graham didn't let a silly injury stop him.
"I still dunked it. But I dunked off my right foot because I can do both," Graham said. "So this time I just jumped off the right foot and dunked with the left. There will never be a moment I won't dunk it."
Good for you, Jimmy Graham. Good for you.
References: ESPN
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Marcus Camby To Have Surgery
Hartford native Marcus Camby was waived by the Houston Rockets Monday afternoon and will have
surgery this week on his torn plantar fascia.
Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said the center may return in a coaching or scouting capacity while he is recuperating from the left foot plantar fascia surgery, which will sideline him for up to three months.
The injury has been bothering him since last season with the New York Knicks, and Camby regrets not taking care of the injury sooner. Kaplan said Camby, 39, hopes to continue his NBA career after the surgery. Camby is the second oldest player in the NBA, behind Lakers point guard Steve Nash.
"He definitely has a thirst to play," Kaplan said.
"I understand the situation," Camby told KRIV-TV in Houston. "They need healthy guys. Once I get healthy, you can expect to see me again."
Camby, a former Defensive Player of the Year in 2006-07, has been in the NBA for 18 years and was signed to the Houston Rockets in the offseason to provide depth and insurance for a team that has Dwight Howard and Omer Asik. The team may check in with Camby later in the season before they have to finalize playoff eligibility on March 1st.
Camby has a guaranteed contract worth $1.4 million and does not plan on retiring any time soon.
"You'll still see me around the organization," Camby said. "I have a great deal of respect for the organization and Coach [Kevin] McHale.
"It's tough. I'm going to try hard to get back out there on the basketball court as quickly as possible. They have been great down here in Houston, and you haven't seen the last of me being down here."
Camby averaged 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds last season for the Knicks. During his career, he averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
References: CBS Sports, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said the center may return in a coaching or scouting capacity while he is recuperating from the left foot plantar fascia surgery, which will sideline him for up to three months.
The injury has been bothering him since last season with the New York Knicks, and Camby regrets not taking care of the injury sooner. Kaplan said Camby, 39, hopes to continue his NBA career after the surgery. Camby is the second oldest player in the NBA, behind Lakers point guard Steve Nash.
"He definitely has a thirst to play," Kaplan said.
"I understand the situation," Camby told KRIV-TV in Houston. "They need healthy guys. Once I get healthy, you can expect to see me again."
Camby, a former Defensive Player of the Year in 2006-07, has been in the NBA for 18 years and was signed to the Houston Rockets in the offseason to provide depth and insurance for a team that has Dwight Howard and Omer Asik. The team may check in with Camby later in the season before they have to finalize playoff eligibility on March 1st.
Camby has a guaranteed contract worth $1.4 million and does not plan on retiring any time soon.
"You'll still see me around the organization," Camby said. "I have a great deal of respect for the organization and Coach [Kevin] McHale.
"It's tough. I'm going to try hard to get back out there on the basketball court as quickly as possible. They have been great down here in Houston, and you haven't seen the last of me being down here."
Camby averaged 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds last season for the Knicks. During his career, he averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
References: CBS Sports, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tennis Champ Shahar Peer Out With Injury
Israeli tennis star Shahar Peer had just returned to the top 100 after struggling for months with form and
confidence. She will now be out the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Peer had a partial tear of the plantar fascia.
Peer had an MRI in Ningbo China where she was playing the WTA $125K Challenge several weeks ago which revealed the injury. The 26 year old won her first round match at the Ningbo tournament but after experiencing pain in her foot she went for the test.
Peer posted on her Facebook page: "As a result of the tear, Shahar decided, based on advice from several doctors, to retire from the rest of the tournament. The decision about her care, as well as future tournaments and the rest of the season, will be made in the upcoming few days with her doctors."
Peer was ranked as high as no. 11 and was just one win away from becoming the first Israeli to break into the world's top 10 a few years ago.
Reference: Tennis World USA
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
Peer had a partial tear of the plantar fascia.
Peer had an MRI in Ningbo China where she was playing the WTA $125K Challenge several weeks ago which revealed the injury. The 26 year old won her first round match at the Ningbo tournament but after experiencing pain in her foot she went for the test.
Peer posted on her Facebook page: "As a result of the tear, Shahar decided, based on advice from several doctors, to retire from the rest of the tournament. The decision about her care, as well as future tournaments and the rest of the season, will be made in the upcoming few days with her doctors."
Peer was ranked as high as no. 11 and was just one win away from becoming the first Israeli to break into the world's top 10 a few years ago.
Reference: Tennis World USA
If you have heel pain, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
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