As you may have heard, it was a downer weekend for two well-known NFL players who are suffering from foot injuries.
Denver Broncos star QB Peyton Manning has a plantar fascia tear and New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman fractured his 5th metatarsal bone and was scheduled to undergo surgery yesterday. Ouch!
Is Plantar Fasciitis Common?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. It often causes intense arch and heel pain. Those who have had it know that it can be a stubborn problem that likes to linger on for months or even years. Several athletes have had plantar fasciitis before such as Albert Pujols and Pau Gasol. Even Peyton’s younger brother, Eli, has suffered from it. Plantar fasciitis can affect people of all ages, foot types, and activity levels.
How Do You Treat It?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond to aggressive conservative treatment, with surgery rarely needed. Typical treatment includes rest from activity, immobilization in a boot, ice, anti-inflammatories, stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy. Immobilization in a cast may also be an option for quicker recovery.
How Did Peyton Get The Tear?
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can weaken the plantar fascia to such an extent that a sudden push-off force, even if a mild one, can cause a rupture or tear of the plantar fascia, as in the case of Peyton Manning.
Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis may also weaken the plantar fascia, if done repeatedly over too short a period of time, causing it to tear as well.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis or have even had it in the past, don’t get off on the wrong foot, make an online appointment with Lexington Podiatry or call (859) 264 – 1141 today!