Charlotte Bobcats’ center Al Jefferson injured his foot while playing against the Miami Heat in Game 1 earlier this month. He told reporters that he heard something rip, but was only off the court briefly. He took some painkiller shots, and finished the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
As usual, twitter circulated news of the injury: Jefferson clarified: he needed two painkiller shots to continue to play today. Then added: “I don’t like needles.”
Jefferson was diagnosed with a strain (which is actually a mild tear) to his plantar fascia, the connective tissue that runs between the heel and toes. Injury to that tissue is known to be incredibly painful, and its impact on Jefferson’s performance was visible. Miami ended up winning the game 99-88.
Playing sports with foot and ankle injuries often makes the injury worse. For injuries sustained on the court or field, seek medical attention from a podiatrist like Dr. Andrew H. Cohen, D.P.M., of the Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Cohen will assess your condition and create a treatment path that is right for you.
Playing Sports with Foot Injuries
Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it is important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:
- Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
- Stress Fractures
- Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
- Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
- Strains
There are many types of treatments that are necessary to keep the injury from becoming more serious. Ice is often used to reduce swelling and inflammation while applying a compression bandage can help reduce pain and stress on the foot. For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require surgery.
For more information about Playing Sports with Foot Injuries, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our offices in Saginaw or Essexville, MI. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
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