A week ago the Los Angeles Chargers diagnosed star Quarterback Justin Herbert with a plantar fascia injury to his right foot, leaving him in a walking boot. Following two weeks in a walking boot, the team doctors have revealed their plan for Herbert to follow a gradual return-to-play program with the expectation of him being fully healthy by Week 1. However, ESPN’s top NFL insider Adam Schefter had a conflicting outlook on the situation, “This is the type of injury that stays with a player for a long period of time. He may be back for the regular season opener, that may be the expectation. But he’s going to be playing through some discomfort in that foot I think, potentially, for the whole season.”
So What is The Plantar Fascia? How Painful is It?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. The plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains we place on our feet when walking, running, and doing other activities like playing sports. But, sometimes, too much pressure damages or tears the tissues. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain on the bottom of the heel. The body’s natural response to injury is inflammation, which results in heel pain of a stabbing nature and stiffness.
So How Does A Boot Help With Plantar Fasciitis?
A boot provides support to the arch of the foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. It also immobilizes the foot, allowing the plantar fascia to rest and heal. This is particularly beneficial in cases of plantar fascia rupture, where the tissue has torn. With the boot offloading the plantar fascia the hope is for the inflammation to settle.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fascia Injury
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Rest: Decreasing/stopping the activities that make the pain worse is the first step in reducing the pain. You may need to stop high-impact activity or use a walking boot or crutches for a short period of time
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Stretching: Plantar fasciitis is aggravated by tight muscles in your feet and calves. Stretching your calves and plantar fascia is the most effective way to relieve the pain that comes with this condition.
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Ice: Rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle or ice for 20 minutes is effective. This can be done 3-4 times a day. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation.
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Physical therapy: Your doctor may suggest that you work with a physical therapist on an exercise program that focuses on stretching your calf muscles and plantar fascia
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Supportive shoes and orthotics: Shoes with thick soles and a supportive arch are best. Pre-made or custom orthotics (shoe inserts) are also helpful.
Avoid unsupportive and worn-out shoes: Make sure to replace your old athletic shoes before they wear out and no longer support your feet. Also, it is important to rotate shoes.
