Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Details & Prognosis Surrounding Plantar Fasciitis

Nagging injuries resulting in missed time is nothing new for the Trail Blazers. The latest hiccup has come in the form of plantar fasciitis. This ailment has led to Damian Lillard missing his last two games, which has also played directly into two consecutive Portland losses. RCP will now attempt to brush up on the facts surrounding this painful and frustrating injury.

"“Plantar fasciitis (say “PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus”) is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.” – WebMD"

WebMD later details it further with:

"“Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling….”"

The article also points out that this is an injury common to athletes. Lillard is an explosive athlete, and this injury has become a common occurrence among NBA players. Notably, Joakim Noah of the Bulls has found himself in the injury headlines on multiple occasions due to his heel problems. Noah first missed time leading up to the Bulls playoff series against the Nets in 2010. Rest is the only real cure for plantars fasciitis, thus presenting major problems for a playoff bound team.

“It feels like you have needles underneath your foot while you’re playing. You need to run, you need to jump (and) you need to do a lot of things while you’re playing basketball. So you don’t want needles on your feet, right?” – Joakim Noah USA TODAY April 24, 2013

Luckily for the Trail Blazers the playoffs are far off in the distance (if they even qualify). This will give Lillard and the medical staff the luxury off treating this injury with the care it needs. It is hard to point to the positives of the Blazers being with out their all-star, but one silver lining could be the further advancement of C.J. McCollum. Serving as the primary ball handler, McCollum racked up seven assists against the Pelicans with Lillard on the sidelines.

After an 0-5 roadtrip, serious contention might be on the back burner for Portland. It will be important to treat this injury with the rest it deserves. This roster is built around Lillard, so it is obvious to treat his ailments with the up most care. A little rest and a return to Portland will have Dame back to normal in no time.