Tim Redding Back on the Mound

LAKELAND, Fla. - Tim Redding threw off a mound Saturday for the first time since being shut down with discomfort in the back of his right shoulder. The right-hander reported no difficulty and said he remained on track to pitch in his first spring game a week from Sunday.

 Redding, who is expected to claim a job as either a long reliever or the No.5 starter, believes the shoulder issue arose because he tried to ramp up activity too quickly upon arriving in camp. He was idle for much of the winter because of Nov.28 surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left, landing foot.

 DR’S RESPONSE:  A stress fracture is essentially a very small incomplete fracture.  It typically is created by repetitive micro trauma.  In this athlete’s case, it is most likely due to the constant barrage created by the planting of the left foot on the turf as the ball is released from his right hand.  By repeatedly stamping down his left foot, he has created an environment where the bone has been injured. 

 Another consideration is which particular bone is injured.  Although the article doesn’t specify the bone, it is important to understand that different parts of the foot heal differently.  This is most often due to the differences in blood flow to different parts of the foot.  For example, the outside of your foot receives less blood flow than the heel.  A fracture on the outside of the foot would normally take longer to heal than a fracture in your heel. 

 Stress fractures are treated in a variety of ways.  The most common method of treatment involves rest and immobilization.  The thought is that removal of the offending repetitive injury will allow the bone in question a good chance to heal.  By maintaining a non weight bearing foot, the body’s ability to heal is accelerated significantly because the bone surfaces are not being constantly disrupted, as they would be in normal walking. 

 Another treatment option is the use of a bone stimulator.  This fancy contraption sends micro amounts of voltage several times a day to the bone fracture site.  The proven theory behind this is that electricity stimulates the cells in the area of the fracture to respond with more potential. Small amounts of electricity “excite” these cells and spur them into action.  By increasing the productivity of these cells, the length of time for a fracture to heal is reduced. 

 Another treatment option is surgery.  Although this is rare, there are a few indications where a surgical approach would be most appropriate.  An athlete who has a limited time schedule due seasonal commitments would be a prime example.  Other reasons to consider surgery include worsening of the fracture or gaping at the fracture site and lack of improvement secondary to previous treatment methods.  

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com