FOR ZO, REST IS THE PRESCRIPTION.  TIME IS
THE BEST HEALER FOR PLANTAR FASCIA INJURIES

Miami Heat Magazine, April 1997

Foot and ankle problems are among the most common injuries encountered in sports medicine practice, particularly one involving the treatment of basketball players.

Earlier this season, Alonzo Mourning was treated for a condition known as plantar fasciitis.  This is an inflammation of the arch where it attaches to the heel.  Most individuals with plantar fasciitis will get better with treatment.  Most methods of treatment include:

• modification of activities
• rest
• anti-inflammatory medication
• physical therapy
• neuromuscular therapy
• injection
• arch supports
• orthotics

In rare circumstances, despite the usual effective treatment methods, an athlete will further injure the arch.  In Alonzo's injury, he actually tore the arch where it attaches to the bone.

His treatment plans included a brief period of cast immobilization followed by bracing, physical therapy and agility and conditioning exercises followed by return to full basketball competition.

In college at Georgetown, Alonzo sustained a nearly identical injury to his justify plantar fascia that required approximately six weeks of healing before he was able to return to competition.

Alonzo's injury last season of a partial tear of his peroneus longus tendon beneath the cuboid bone in the foot was unrelated to his present injury and had healed completely.

For the average athletic individual who develops pain in the arch, the usual conservative treatments are likely to be effective.   In addition, proper warmup and stretching prior to an activity, proper foot wear and no sudden increases in activity level are likely to avoid most athletic injuries to the arch and heel.

In summary, this is a brief overview of a relatively rare injury in the highest-level competitive athlete.  For an athlete like Alonzo, with his record of hard work and the natural history of his conditioning, a quick healing process is likely.