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Families across the state were disappointed last night as the Texas Rangers beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the third game of the 2011 World Series.  The Rangers won 4-2 now leading overall with 3 wins to the Cardinals’ 2 wins.  Tomorrow’s game will be at Busch stadium so hopefully the Cardinals can excel in their home field.

Baseball is the national pastime in America. From kids to adults, playing baseball is one of the most enjoyable team sports. But as with other sports, it’s important that you keep yourself in good condition and have the right equipment to play safely and enjoy the health benefits of the game. Baseball players are advised to condition their entire bodies and be sure to stretch the leg, ankle, and foot muscles before, during, and after play to avoid injuries.

Baseball can be characterized by lots of stops and starts, lots of running, and, of course sliding. Practice and technique can enhance your competency and enjoyment of the game, but they are also crucial for building up the muscles needed in baseball. The rapid and changing movements associated with the sport place many pressures on your feet and ankles. Inadequate stretching, improper shoes, and repeated motions lead to the most common foot problems that occur among baseball players, such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and bone fractures.

As with most athletic shoes, comfort is the most important element in choosing the right baseball shoe for you. Look for shoes with a roomy toe box that give your toes enough room to wiggle. The widest part of your foot should fit comfortably into the shoe without stretching the upper. Look for a snug heel to help keep your foot stable. Most importantly, remember to replace your baseball shoes after 70 to 75 hours of active wear.

For league play, cleats may be recommended to give you the traction needed for the surface in the diamond. Baseball cleats come in a variety of materials ranging from leather and synthetic materials (plastics) to rubber and metal. Be sure to follow the regulations of your league regarding the material allowed; many leagues no longer permit the use of metal spikes or cleats, particularly on artificial turf. Be sure to give yourself time to adjust to cleats by wearing them on the designated surface.

By Sam Fowler PMAC and Dr. Melissa J. Lockwood
September 09, 2011
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: Sports   Injuries   Baseball  

New York Yankees star Derek Jeter and actress Minka Kelly have ended their relationship after 3 years of dating and dodging engagement rumors.  Kelly will be busy this fall as she stars in ABC’s Charlie’s Angels remake.  Co-star, Ramon Rodriguez, has been spending late nights with the new bachelorette.  

Regardless of the alleged romance between Charlie’s Angels co-stars, Jeter will continue what he does best- play baseball.  Jeter, along with any baseball players, should look out for some common injuries:

  1. Shin Splints– all that starting and stopping while running the bases can really tax your leg muscles.  Make sure you stretch out those muscles for at least 5 minutes before every game and during your team’s ‘at bat’ time if you can.
  2. Turf toe– not just for Football!  Sliding into home plate can cause havoc on those feet and toes.  Be sure not to point your toes into the ground or else you could cause a hyperextension injury like turf toe.  If that happens, ice, elevate, and sit out the rest of the game.
  3. Subungual hematomas– very fancy words for ‘blood blister under the toenail’.  This happens a LOT in baseball when a catch is missed or when the catcher gets your foot as you try to slide into home.  In most cases you can simply watch this bruised area grow out, but if it is painful the best thing to do is come into Heartland Foot and Ankle to have it examined.  Many times the blister simply needs to be drained to relieve the pressure under the nail. 

So whether you’re playing in the big leagues like Derek Jeter for the New York Yankees, or just playing in the back yard, remember to look out for these common injuries.  Stop by Heartland Foot and Ankle to get all geared up to PLAY BALL!