Monday, February 11, 2013

Pau Gasol Ruptures Plantar Fascia

Los Angeles Lakers' Gasol sits on the floor with a member of the Lakers medical staff after suffering an injury to his right leg in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn


Pau Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Forward, suffered a plantar fascia rupture on Tuesday night during the game against Brooklyn. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the forefoot to the heel. Injuries to the plantar fascia are one of the most common ailments of the foot. Plantar fasciitis, a strain of the plantar fascia, is much more common than a plantar fascial rupture. Ruptures typically occur when the ball of the foot is forced in an upward direction relative to the heel. In sports this can occur with any events associated with jumping. It is also seen in baseball occasionally when a base runner catches the front of his foot while rounding the bases. It is not uncommon to actually hear an audible pop.
The treatment for a plantar fascia tear is typically 3 weeks of non-weight bearing immobilization. This will be followed by around three weeks of weight bearing in a protective boot. At around six weeks the patient is typically allowed to bear weight in a well-supported shoe. Orthotics, or arch supports, are beneficial. Physical therapy is initiated early on and carried through until the patient is back to normal activities. Physical therapy often includes ultrasound, deep tissue massage and electrotherapy. It is aimed at increasing blood flow to the area and decreasing inflammation.
Primary surgical repair of the plantar fascia is controversial with little data to support this treatment. Therefore, I would not expect to see Pau Gasol back on the court for at least eight weeks.
If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, make an appointment with your Austin podiatrist today.  Waiting to treat heel pain can prolong healing time and may increase the likelihood of a prolonged recovery.  Contact Dr. Jeff LaMour for an immediate appointment.
 

 

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