News from Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist

VITTORI FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALIST'S MONTHY NEWSLETTER

Welcome to my newsletter!

This newsletter includes information regarding American's favorite pastime, baseball, and how to avoid foot and ankle injuries. You will find information on purchasing cleats, valuable coupons, and what do to if you incur an injury.

Did you know I specialize in surgical and non-surgical treatment of athletic injuries? Feel free to contact my office for a consultation and treatment of any type of sports related injury.

Also, if you have friends or family who could also benefit from our services and information, please feel free to forward this newsletter by using the forward this email button below.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Christopher Vittori

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Baseball: America's Favorite Pastime

Baseball is America's favorite pastime. Most American kids begin playing organized baseball at the age of 6 or 7 years old, which is a relatively safe age to being playing as long as the child does not have any preexisting physical conditions. Baseball is intriguing to the general public since it is not as physically demanding as some other sports. But this doesn't mean that injuries can't occur. Improper preparation and technique can lead to injury, especially to the lower extremities of children and adults.

It is important to stretch and loosen up prior to playing baseball or softball because it involves quick starts and stops. Even running and playing catch prior to the game can avoid muscle pulls or other problems. Another tip prior to the start of the game is to have someone check the field for any debris or hazards that may be on the field. Check for things like holes on the base path, rocks, or sticks since they could cause foot or ankle injuries.

Sliding is one of the most fun parts of the game. Be sure that in practice that sliding is covered as one of the fundamentals so that one avoids foot and ankle injuries. Make sure that the bases are secured properly before sliding into it; you don't want to cause a sprain or a fracture if the base moves improperly.

The pitcher has an increased risk of foot and ankle injuries. The repetitive motion of pitching off of the elevated mound should be watched for stress fractures. The catcher is also at an increased risk because they spend most of the game squatting. They need to be taught the proper way of shifting their weight.

Tips on Baseball Cleats

Younger baseball players should wear molded cleats instead of steel spikes.
Break in a new pair of cleats by wearing them prior to practice or a game.
Cleats improve traction, but they leave the ankle more susceptible to twists and turns.
Do not use hand me down cleats.
When purchasing a new pair of cleats, try on cleats with game day socks to insure a proper fit.
If a child has a preexisting foot condition, see Dr. Vittori prior to wearing cleats.

Baseball Lower Extremity Injuries

Contusions: It is inevitable that a ball or possibly a bat will come into contact with the foot or ankle at some point in a season. This could result in a contusion which can be treated by ice packs and a few days' rest.

Sprains and fractures can occur from running bases, sliding into a base, or a number of other ways. Sprains and fractures need to be seen by a Podiatrist right away. Fractures may require a cast.

Shin splints are also common in baseball due to running the bases. Shin splints are an inflammation of the muscle and tendon attached to the shin. After the game, use an ice pack to reduce swelling. To help prevent shin splints, stretch prior to the game or practice.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation on the bottom of the foot which causes arch pain. Catchers are very susceptible to this condition. Orthotics can help alleviate the pain.

Free Initial Foot Consultation or $25 off out of pocket expenses	Please notify staff regarding this coupon upon scheduling the consultation. Consultation excludes Treatment and X-Ray.
Offer Expires: July 30, 2010