Kevin Williams, the All-Pro defensive tackle of the
Minnesota Vikings, said that he will play through his plantar fasciitis in the
opening day matchup against San Diego.
“It’s a situation where I feel it’s not going to go away until maybe the
offseason,” Williams said to the press.
“We’re just going to deal with it and try to grin and bear it”. It sounds as though Williams knows that his
left foot won’t be feeling much better any time soon, but he’s willing to shake
it off and continue on with practice and with the beginning of the season.
Amongst athletes both professional and amateur, this
reaction to plantar fasciitis is quite common.
Many people will chose to perform through the pain, and eventually it
may even stop.
The plantar fascia is a strong piece of fibrous tissue,
organized into an aponeurosis, that runs along the bottom of the foot. It attaches the heel bone (calcaneus) to the
digits. An increase in pressure and
force along the plantar fascia can often create a painful sensation, most
commonly in the bottom of the heel. The
pain is especially strong with the first few steps out of bed in the morning,
or after a long period of sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is extremely common, and accounts for
approximately 15% of all podiatry visits.
It is the most common cause of heel pain in adults, and accounts for
roughly 9% of all running injuries.
Between 1995-2000, there were over 1 million patient visits to U.S.
hospitals and hospital-based outpatient centers that were diagnosed with
plantar fasciitis. It is easy to see
that professional football players and other athletes are not the only ones
affected by plantar fasciitis. It is
also commonly associated with obesity, flat feet, poorly fitting shoes, and
excessive periods of walking, standing, or running.
The vast majority of plantar fasciitis cases are treated
conservatively. This will generally
includes such things as rest, ice, various taping methods, orthotics, steroid
injections, and night splints, as well as a change in shoegear. Rarely do these cases go on to surgical
intervention.
As for Mr. Williams, it may be quite accurate that his heel
pain does not totally resolve until the season is over. Will it hinder his ability on the field? That is something for Vikings fans to wait
and see. However, it is quite possible
that with aggressive conservative therapy, which he is likely already
receiving, he will be just fine to continue with the season.
Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com
