Last week Woods had to back out of a tournament secondary to Left Achilles tendon pain.  This problem was the cause of two missed majors last year.  It was the second time in 10 months that Woods had to withdraw from a tournament because of his Achilles. 

Woods is scheduled to play the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, which starts March 22.

Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band that starts out as the calf muscle and twists as it passes the behind the ankle joint and inserts into the back of the heel bone.

Pain and swelling is relieved by rest and sometimes immobilization in a removable cast boot.  Other treatment includes, ankle taping, ice, oral anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching. 

Please click on the link below for additional information and stretching exercises from the University of Illinois.

 http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/achilles_tendinitis/achilles_tendinitis.html

 

Tags: Achilles tendon stretching, Achilles tendon, Tiger Woods, Achilles tendinitis

Phillies fans are not only dealing with the devastating loss to the Cardinals in game 5 of the NLDS this past Friday,  but they are now left with the uncertain future of power-house player Ryan Howard who was injured on the final at-bat. 

"I was trying to run and I felt this pop and the whole thing went numb, like it was on fire," he said.  "it literally felt like I had a flat tire.  I tried to get up and I just couldn't go."

MRI has confirmed that Howard ruptured his Achilles tendon.  Surgery is planned to repair the tendon once the swelling subsides.  Recovery from an injury such as this can take 6-9 months, and in some instances can be career ending.  The next big question will be if Howard can make it to Spring training.  Only time will tell.

 

Tags: Achilles tendon rupture, Philadelphia Phillies, Achilles tendon, Ryan Howard

With the recent end of the N.F.L. lockout, players jumped right back into training camp, many without having completed supervised workouts during the off-season.   This has lead to a considerable rise in injuries. 

There have been reports of at least 10 players with Achilles' tendon tears.  This is a season-ending injury for most.

Sports medicine specialists believe that the number of injuries will taper off as the season continues, and as players achieve improved physical fitness and strength.

For those "weekend warriors" out there, be sure to stretch properly prior to any physical activity (tennis, basketball, softball, flag football or running). 

Simple Achilles stretch:  Place the balls of your feet on the steps leaving your ankles hanging of the steps. Holding onto a railing or putting your hand on a wall as a guide, allow your weight to drop your heels below the level of the stairs.  Hold for 20 seconds. Then slowly raise yourself back up. Repeat this exercise 10 times.  Repeat 3 times a day.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Achilles pain or may have injured the Achilles tendon, please call 856-691-2152 to make a preferred appointment.

Tags: NFL, football, sports, Achilles tendon

While chasing a burglar in his San Fransisco hotel this early this morning, Alex Trebek ruptured his Achilles tendon.

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.  When the calf muscle contracts the tendon pushes the foot downward.

Causes of injury include overuse, trauma, poorly fitting shoes, and certain medications. 

In some cases the patient may be immobilized after rupture, but the best results as far as healing and decreasing the chance of re-rupture are with surgical repair.  Mr. Trebek is scheduled for surgery this Friday.

Tags: Alex Trebek, Achilles tendon, burglar