Injury-prone Anthony Davis (AD) is in his third year of a five-year, $190 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His latest injury, a stress injury to his foot, has kept him out of the Lakers’ lineup since December 16. Over the last month, AD has been rehabilitating his injury and has recently ramped up his activity on the Court. AD continued to make pain-free progress, and there’s optimism to his return against the Boston Celtics on January 28, ESPN’s Adrian Wognarowski reports.
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, or severe bruising. The majority of stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity. They are most commonly seen in runners and athletes such as soccer and basketball players.
Stress fractures occur when people change their activities, such as trying a new exercise, suddenly increasing the intensity of their workouts, or changing workout surfaces. In addition, if osteoporosis or other disease has weakened the bones, just doing everyday activities may result in a stress fracture.
The most common symptom of a stress fracture in the foot or ankle, is pain. The pain usually develops gradually and worsens during weight-bearing activity. Other symptoms may include pain that gets better during rest, pain that gets worse with activity, swelling, point tenderness, and bruising.
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and allow the fracture to heal so you can return to your activities Most stress fractures are treated nonsurgically. The RICE( Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol and anti-inflammatory medication are the main stay treatments for stress fractures. Use of a boot or crutches to keep weight off your foot may be prescribed. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for a stress fracture to heal. Lower weight bearing activities are best during this time. Wearing protective footwear such as a stiff soled shoe will reduce stress on your foot and leg. Casting may be necessary for more rigid stabilization. We can prevent stress fractures by eating a healthy diet rich in Vitamin D, use proper equipment, wear rigid sneakers that support your arch. Come to see our great doctors at Brucato Foot and Ankle Surgery if you are concerned for possible stress fracture.