Plantar Fascia Rupture Cancels Season for Carolina Panther Tight End
Carolina Panther tight end Greg Olsen has had a tough season this year, following a partial 2017 season due to a foot fracture. After re-fracturing his foot in this year’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, Olsen recently ruptured his plantar fascia, placing him on injured reserve status and ending his season.
What Is the Plantar Fascia?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue, or ligament, that connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue has two important jobs: it supports the arch of your foot and also acts like as a spring when you walk to help conserve energy.
Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury. This inflammation of the plantar fascia causes pain which is usually worse first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. Those with excessive pronation, where the feet roll inward too much, are susceptible to plantar fasciitis as are individuals who stand on their feet for long periods, have flat feet or high arches, are overweight or have tight Achilles tendons.
A plantar fascial rupture or tear is a different and more painful injury and is usually caused by sudden trauma or injury as Greg Olsen experienced. The rupture can be identified by a painful snap and even a popping sound. Often the bottom of the foot swells and appears bruised.
How Is a Ruptured Plantar Fascia Treated?
First, we will confirm our diagnosis with an examination and MRI if necessary.
A plantar fascia tear is a serious injury and it may take up to 12 weeks for complete healing. Rest is essential as is icing and elevating the leg. The foot must be immobilized with a walking boot for the first few weeks. An anti-inflammatory medication injection can help ease the pain.
This does not mean, however, that the foot must remain motionless. Flexibility must be maintained with simple foot and calf stretches to lessen the chance of re-injury. We’ll prescribe physical therapy as the plantar fascia recovers to correct any gait patterns and help stabilize the ankle.
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to release the ruptured ligament to allow for complete healing.
For now, Greg Olsen, who has been selected for the Pro Bowl three times and is the only tight end in NFL history with three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, is sitting on the bench.
Let Us Know If You Have Heel Pain
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices conveniently located in Enfield, Windsor and South Windsor, CT.