Top ranked golfer, Rory McIlroy, completely ruptured the ATFL (the anterior talofibular ligament) in his left ankle while playing soccer with his friends. McIlroy was unable to defend his title at the British Open. It was the first time in 61 years that the defending champion did not play. McIlroy’s injury would be considered a […]

It is not the Academy Awards, but being selected by peers to present research at professional medical meetings and conferences, or have your research published, is as close as it gets for physicians. Like the Oscar, getting one selection a year is outstanding, but to receive six—as in the case of Dr. Steven Chudik this […]

When Kevin Love joined Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, the bar was set high for the Cavaliers with the NBA’s newest “Big 3.” The Cavs struggled early last season, as expected, but got better with each game. They blew through the playoffs and got to the finals where they lost to the Warriors. It was […]

The Chicago Cubs had a major scare when, on July 8th against the Cardinals, pitcher Jason Hammel exited the game early. Hammel said he felt sharp pain in the back of his thigh, creating concern for a hamstring strain. Hammel had an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and, fortunately, for Jason and the Cubs, it didn’t […]

Last season, Kobe Bryant watched his Lakers miss the playoffs for a second year in a row because of his third consecutive season-ending injury. He was throwing down a two handed dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans when he tore his right shoulder rotator cuff. He tried to continue playing, heavily favoring his left hand, […]

As midseason approaches for major league baseball, Chicago White Sox pitcher Nate Jones is trying to get back into the rotation. Jones had Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) elbow reconstruction or “Tommy John surgery” in July of 2014 and is rehabilitating his throwing arm. He recently threw a simulated game, and the Sox are hoping he […]

When temperatures drop and snowflakes fall, many runners leave behind the roads, trails and tracks for the treadmill, elliptical and other indoor workout activities. However, for those who do not want to give up running outdoors, being properly prepared can make a cold weather run both safe and enjoyable. Runners need to make sure they […]

How do you know when you are ready to play after an ACL injury? Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, I have my athletes complete a specific return-to-play program consisting of a number of quantitative and qualitative physical challenges. These challenges let me know when the injured knee is ready and that we corrected the […]

Athletes and even weekend warriors are always looking to improve their strength and performance to give them a competitive edge. Plyometrics (aka plyos) might just be the key. Used by track and field athletes in Europe since the 1920s, plyometrics today are incorporated into many sports and fitness workout programs in varying levels of intensity […]

Chicago Bulls fans rejoiced as they saw Derrick Rose step on the court at the beginning of the season. He was making layups, hitting jump shots and slam dunking again after a lengthy recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Most athletes return to sports within six months following ACL reconstruction surgery, but […]

More than 4 million people in the U.S. seek medical treatment every year for shoulder problems that account for more than 1.5 million visits to orthopedic surgeons, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common shoulder problems. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that […]

For many youngsters, Little League Baseball is paradise. It is a great opportunity to unwind, have fun and play the game they love. However, an increasing number of young athletes are experiencing a shoulder injury known as “Little League Shoulder”—an injury to the growth plate in the upper arm that can lead to stress fractures […]