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
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Showing posts with label albert pujols injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label albert pujols injury. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Albert Pujols Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis
Manager Mike Scioscia said after the game that "The foot is giving him more trouble right now than the knee. But the fact that his knee is OK give us more comfort than anything else."
Pujols has dealt with plantar fasciitis on and off for seven years, playing with it during the 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons and never going on the disabled list. During those three seasons he hit .330 and averaged 45 home runs and 125 RBIs.
"I've had it for the last seven years; it that a problem? It's one of those things that comes and goes," Pujols said.
Pujols is wearing custom orthotics for the first time in his career and is spending more time in the training room.
"I think the whole reason it flared up this spring is because of my knee. I tried to protect the knee and put more pressure on my left side. But it's nothing that will keep me from being in the lineup. I've played whole seasons with it," Pujols said. "It gets sore, but nothing really dramatic to where I say, 'Man, I can't play.'"
Pujols even phoned up Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who is also suffering from heel pain, for tips on playing DH.
"I'm too young to be a DH, but if I have to do it, I'll do it. I just want to be in the lineup and help the team win," Pujols said.
Reference: LA Times and LA Times
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
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Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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