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Your achin' foot

Sporting News, The, June 10, 2005 by Stan McNeal

Some medical terms are difficult to grasp simply because of their actual names. Consider plantar fasciitis. It's tricky to spell--heck, it's not even in most dictionaries--and not easy to pronounce. It sounds like a weird plant, not a medical condition that can sideline professional athletes for weeks.

Coming to terms: Plantar refers to the bottom of the foot. Fascia is a sheet of tissue beneath the surface of the skin that encloses muscles and separates muscular layers. Itis means inflammation. Therefore, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of an area inside the bottom of the foot. Still confused? Look at it like this: Plantar fasciitis is to plantar fascia as tendinitis is to tendon.

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Causes: For NBA players and elite runners, it's often a result of continuous pounding of the feet. For the rest of us, there also are other possibilities: high arches, lack of flexibility in the calf muscles, being overweight or wearing shoes with inadequate support. Basically, anyone who puts undue stress on an arch when walking or running is susceptible. Memphis Grizzlies trainer Scott McCullough says it's possible to strain the plantar fascia with one sudden movement, though overuse is the most common cause.

Symptoms: If you get out of bed, put your feet on the floor and feel a pain in your heel as you take your first few steps, beware. You very well might have plantar fasciitis, In the early stages, the pain subsides once the blood is moving and your feet have loosened up. The good news: The pare rarely strikes both feet at the same time.

Treatment: Fitted orthotics add arch support and cushioning that can alleviate the symptoms. Ice is great for reducing the pain and inflammation, and--if you have access to a professional trainer's room--so is electric muscle stimulation. The only sure cure is rest, but who has time for that?

NBA plantar fasciitis victims in 2004-05

Kobe Bryant, Lakers Greg Buckner, Nuggets Doug Christie, Magic Francisco Elson, Nuggets Pau Gasol, Grizzlies Christian Laettner, Heat Rashard Lewis, Sonics Moochie Norris, Rockets James Posey, Grizzlies Peter John Ramos, Wizards Michael Ruffin, Wizards Maurice Taylor, Knicks Dajuan Wagner, Cavaliers Kevin Willis, Hawks

Your achin' foot

Sporting News, The, June 10, 2005 by Stan McNeal

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