Ruptured my plantar fascia, what to expect.

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
I am pretty sure I ruptured my plantar fascia yesterday, felt a pop with pain in the arch after hitting a running backhand, and will try to me a podiatrist appointment first thing tomorrow morning. Not sure if its a partial or complete tear but wondering if anyone has dealt with this injury, the treatment and duration for cure. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.
 

movdqa

Talk Tennis Guru
I've never heard of someone with a complete tear - just partials. I'll be watching to see how this turns out.
 

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
I hope it is a partial tear but I will provide updates on the prognosis tomorrow evening. I have gotten in tremendous shape and now this. Darn!!!
 

r2473

G.O.A.T.
http://www.bsmpg.com/Blog/bid/96191/Plantar-Fascia-Rupture

Plantar fascia ruptures more often occur in athletes who run, jump and cut as part of the activity in their sport. Most ruptures, partial or complete, occur with forced plantar flexion of the foot. Repeated stress, and / or minor trauma to the fascia can cause a rupture as well, and spontaneous ruptures that happen are often associated with recent local steroid injections, (6,7,8). Plantar fascia rupture does not seem to be tracked regularly, but during this NBA season it would seem to be numerically on track with ACL injuries of the knee.



Plantar fascia ruptures usually present with the sound of a “pop”, acute pain, bruising and swelling, and inability to push-off of the foot or to fully weight-bear without significant pain. Once the fascia is ruptured, little can be done to repair it and it usually is left to form scar tissue to bridge the gap created.

Usual treatment after rupture consists of the use of a removable walking boot and crutches for the athlete to remain non-weight bearing for 1-2 weeks.
Once the athlete can bear weight pain free in the walking boot, they may dispense with the use of the crutches and continue with the boot, finally transitioning to shoes when able. Daily therapy treatments, stretching exercises and OTC or custom foot orthoses are usually instituted immediately as tolerated. Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP injections are being used often now during treatment, but no long term studies have been done specifically regarding plantar fascia rupture. One study presented at the AAOS meeting in 2012 showed earlier improvement and longer lasting improvement in comparing a single injection of steroid in a group of patient’s vs a single PRP injection in a group of patients, (8). A study by Saxena and Fullem 2004 (9), looked specifically at plantar fascia rupture in athletes. They estimated a total recovery time of 9.1 weeks +/- 6 weeks. In the NBA this could translate into a loss of 10-30 games or more.



The implications of plantar fascia rupture can be significant in the foot and lower extremity. Once the fascia is healed it is almost always longer, at the medial or central band, than it was prior to rupture. While this may decrease local medial and plantar heel pain, the decrease in tension of the fascia in stance and propulsion phases of gait can prolong pronation forces in the foot, flatten the longitudinal arch and increase pressures in the forefoot, (10). Lateral column pain is not uncommon after surgical plantar fascia release, and can occur in traumatic release as well. This occurs because the medial column will now be less stable and the neuromuscular feedback will seek stability, by shifting the center of force in the foot to either the stable lateral or central metatarsals. This can lead to a higher risk of metatarsal stress fracture and potential worsening of hammer toe deformities as the toes seek to grip the ground to stabilize a hypermobile first ray, (11). To properly analyze the problem, a functional and structural scoring system must evaluate the foot to see root problems. Treating only the symptoms can manage the pain, but compensations will occur if there is not a thorough assessment of the mechanics of the foot.
 

SteveI

Legend
Thanks but does anyone have any personal experience with this injury.

I had PF in my right foot for about 6 months. This injury is very painful and takes dedicated and constant work to overcome. There are a bunch of threads here to research and I know I have posted on the subject. Expect to be in pain for some time and know your tennis playing days this season will be quite limited if you expect to heal this injury. I did not have a complete rupture or tear as you suspect. I did hear or feel any pop as you did.
 

treblings

Hall of Fame
i experienced it about 17 years ago and it was a slow healing process. don´t think it was a rupture, but am not quite sure.
the one thing that helped me was a particular taping technique that brought pain relief and i believe also assisted in the healing process.
it´s been a long time ago, so i don´t really remember exactly how to tape it, but the internet being what it is, it is probably easy to find
 

SteveI

Legend
i experienced it about 17 years ago and it was a slow healing process. don´t think it was a rupture, but am not quite sure.
the one thing that helped me was a particular taping technique that brought pain relief and i believe also assisted in the healing process.
it´s been a long time ago, so i don´t really remember exactly how to tape it, but the internet being what it is, it is probably easy to find

The internet is your pal in this case. Yes the method is on line. The only problem is you really need someone to do it. If you are certified athletic trainer you might be able to do your own.. but not me to be sure.

You need to stretch your calf muscles as much as possible and make sure the 1st you do before you hit the floor in the morning with the bad foot you stretch that foot so as not to re-tear it. Those were the 2 keys for me. Once I understood how to threat the condition, it took about 3 months to heal. I also did my best to limit my tennis. BTW.. it important to wear shoes as much as possible while you are trying to heal.

Good luck... this injury sucks.. big time!!!
 

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
Thanks guys. Well, my doctor has confirmed a complete tear. Total bummer! 4 to 6 weeks in air cast then hard boot for about 2-3 months followed by 2-4 months of rehab. A big issue is the liver transplant medicine I take, rapamune, since it may inhibit the healing process. Headed tomorrow to see my hepatologist for a battery of blood tests to determine what affect the rapamune may have, hopefully none. Keep you guys posted. Thanks again and please keep the wisdom coming since I really do appreciate it.
 

r2473

G.O.A.T.
Thanks guys. Well, my doctor has confirmed a complete tear. Total bummer! 4 to 6 weeks in air cast then hard boot for about 2-3 months followed by 2-4 months of rehab.

Basically an entire year to fully recover. That really sucks. Good luck.
 

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
Looks that way. And if the rapamune slows the process down then possibly longer. Before all this, I committed myself to get into great shape. At the gym 5 times a week for Pilates, power yoga, high intensity cardio, weight lifting, and medicine ball training. I am 51 and last week did 14 pull ups and can pump out 60 push ups in one minute. Anyway, lots of swimming now.
 

sm01

Rookie
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I only had plantar faciitis and it was a year! Take it easy and follow the doc and PTs instructions to the T-is my best advice.
 

Chas Tennis

G.O.A.T.
Some anti-biotics have been associated with the side effect of tendon injuries. I took Levaquin, a fluoroquinolone, and became aware of more than the usual side effect warnings, especially regarding tendon injuries. I don't know the incidence of side effects.

You might research the issue of side effects.

Another thought is that the calves-Achilles-heel-plantar fascia (ligament, tendon, ??) are all connected and tensional forces transmit along the chain from calf to toes. Tight/short calves might put added stress on the plantar fascia. You might research what could have caused your injury, unusual stresses to your plantar fascia, etc..

There are threads here with information on plantar fasciitis.

NCBI database of full, free reports-
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=plantar+fasciitis+rupture

Good luck with you recovery.
 
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Stanimal

Rookie
I tore my Achilles and it took about 3 months for me to start exercising comfortably and doing light hitting. Now I'm battling bursitis in my right hip instead. I'm injury prone since I didn't start tennis until age 25 and skateboarded almost every day from age 8-23. My legs have already taken so much abuse and tennis doesn't make it much easier
 

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
Update: Can you believe I have been back playing competitive tennis about two months ago? The healing process and physical therapy went extremely well. Now some horrible news. I have been diagnosed with colon cancer again, had most of my colon removed 2 years ago, and now the the last foot of my colon/rectum which I kept in order to totally avoid an ileostomy has to be removed. Unfortunately, can't avoid an ileostomy now. My best case scenario is j-pouch construction with a temporary ileostomy since I am terrified by having a permanent ostomy bag. I have an appointment with one of the top j-pouch doctors at Emory University Hospital tomorrow and I hope to be on the table by early September. As you can imagine I am totally distraught. This is the fourth time in my life dealing with cancer. The first was 13 years ago where the prognosis was 8 months terminal - primary sclerosing cholangitis with cholangiocarcinoma but treatment at the Mayo Clinic and liver transplant saved me. Then, first colon cancer followed by kidney cancer last year, and now colon cancer again. Anyway, I am working out and eating as much as I can. I want to be in the best shape possible, I just turned 52, with added bulk before the surgery since the recovery is usually quite difficult. I really don't post much here but I do log on daily in order to read up on racquet & instruction reviews as well as seeing what my buddy Jackb1 is up to. Got to keep an eye on that infamous fellow. Anyway, I'll keep you fine fellows updated after my appointments. Keep playing and stay healthy.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
Update: Can you believe I have been back playing competitive tennis about two months ago? The healing process and physical therapy went extremely well. Now some horrible news. I have been diagnosed with colon cancer again, had most of my colon removed 2 years ago, and now the the last foot of my colon/rectum which I kept in order to totally avoid an ileostomy has to be removed. Unfortunately, can't avoid an ileostomy now. My best case scenario is j-pouch construction with a temporary ileostomy since I am terrified by having a permanent ostomy bag. I have an appointment with one of the top j-pouch doctors at Emory University Hospital tomorrow and I hope to be on the table by early September. As you can imagine I am totally distraught. This is the fourth time in my life dealing with cancer. The first was 13 years ago where the prognosis was 8 months terminal - primary sclerosing cholangitis with cholangiocarcinoma but treatment at the Mayo Clinic and liver transplant saved me. Then, first colon cancer followed by kidney cancer last year, and now colon cancer again. Anyway, I am working out and eating as much as I can. I want to be in the best shape possible, I just turned 52, with added bulk before the surgery since the recovery is usually quite difficult. I really don't post much here but I do log on daily in order to read up on racquet & instruction reviews as well as seeing what my buddy Jackb1 is up to. Got to keep an eye on that infamous fellow. Anyway, I'll keep you fine fellows updated after my appointments. Keep playing and stay healthy.

bradsm01, I'm really sorry to hear that the cancer came back. I wish I could find better words that encourage you, but the only that come to my mind in this situation are to try to stay positive. you went through it 3 times. you are going to make it again.
I will keep you in mind in my prayer
 

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
Just a quick update since it has been awhile and had a serious condition to deal with. Can't believe it is 2 years later since my last post on my second colon cancer struggle. Well, I recently turned 54 and I am doing great. J-Pouch is working great and even though I lost 30 lbs from the 7 months of dealing with an ostomy bag, which was the worst part of my recovery, today I am 180 lbs, the heaviest I ever weigh but 20 lbs of extra muscle, been working out hard to regain my strength. I just joined an A4 ALTA team, and can't wait to start competing again. Took my 9 yr old son to the BB&T and we watched some great tennis, we post some pics later this week. Anyway, it has been a long journey with lots of ups and downs but wanna thank everyone for the well wishes, especially JackB1, my local friend and tennis buddy.
 

Bender

G.O.A.T.
Just a quick update since it has been awhile and had a serious condition to deal with. Can't believe it is 2 years later since my last post on my second colon cancer struggle. Well, I recently turned 54 and I am doing great. J-Pouch is working great and even though I lost 30 lbs from the 7 months of dealing with an ostomy bag, which was the worst part of my recovery, today I am 180 lbs, the heaviest I ever weigh but 20 lbs of extra muscle, been working out hard to regain my strength. I just joined an A4 ALTA team, and can't wait to start competing again. Took my 9 yr old son to the BB&T and we watched some great tennis, we post some pics later this week. Anyway, it has been a long journey with lots of ups and downs but wanna thank everyone for the well wishes, especially JackB1, my local friend and tennis buddy.
Congrats, mate!

I'm going to be seeing the physio for a wrist injury and was frustrated that I may have to take a month or more off, but your struggles have really put me in my place.

On the plus side, that is one incredible H2H you have with cancer. 4:0 is quite a convincing lead! :D
 

bradsm01

Semi-Pro
Thanks phnx90, I truly appreciate your kind words. I am sure you will be back on the court very soon hitting awesome shots. :)
 

peakay

New User
Hi there, sorry to revive this and I truly hope @bradsm01 is in recovery and back on the court.

My wife popped her plantar fascia in a tennis tourney labor day weekend. Pop, then pain. We waited until Tuesday given the holiday weekend and when a specialist examined her, he said the fascia was completely ruptured/snapped and "she did her own surgery." Treatment was rest, walking boot and a fairly vague estimate of recovery time as it varies for everyone.

She's a week in an not close to being able to put any weight on it. For those that have experienced it, how long did it take to heal and what if any treatment helped (PT, orthotics, etc.)?

Thanks! The doctors was extremely busy and not a lot of information was given to us.
 

Chas Tennis

G.O.A.T.
Hi there, sorry to revive this and I truly hope @bradsm01 is in recovery and back on the court.

My wife popped her plantar fascia in a tennis tourney labor day weekend. Pop, then pain. We waited until Tuesday given the holiday weekend and when a specialist examined her, he said the fascia was completely ruptured/snapped and "she did her own surgery." Treatment was rest, walking boot and a fairly vague estimate of recovery time as it varies for everyone.

She's a week in an not close to being able to put any weight on it. For those that have experienced it, how long did it take to heal and what if any treatment helped (PT, orthotics, etc.)?

Thanks! The doctors was extremely busy and not a lot of information was given to us.

I have no medical training.

I don't understand how a completely ruptured plantar fascia can reattach to the bone or reconnect to the other part of the plantar fascia. I would look into it so that I thoroughly understood how the healing was taking place.

What imaging was done? You can get a copy of the written report from the Radiologist from the imaging lab or the Dr.
 

Erice

New User
During a 150 meter sprint I felt a pop about halfway through. Finished the sprint, but knew something was wrong. Instantly my entire foot was numb up to my ankle. Went to a walk in an hour later. Diagnosed as a sprain. Gimped around for several days and went to the VA where an MRI determined a 2.5cm separation in my PF. Doc said there’s no fixing that, 6-12 months after 3 months in a boot and physical therapy and I’d be walking 100% again. PT said running again may not be a realistic goal. This was August 1 of 18 for the injury. As of now I’m walking fair to middling. One of the biggest problems was when the PF went my arch fell and exposed a bone spur right where my shoes would lace. Surgery for that wasn’t too bad, but the spur grew back, and now it swells if I walk too much or too long. I’m doing my darndest, as I have a 4 and 7 year old, and I need to be able to be fully mobile for them. I have custom orthotics in both shoes, as the fallen arch wrought havoc on knee and hip alignment. This all started 9 days before turning 40. Growing old isn’t fun, but the alternative probably isn’t either.
 

Chas Tennis

G.O.A.T.
This does not seem to make sense to me.

"Doc said there’s no fixing that, 6-12 months after 3 months in a boot and physical therapy and I’d be walking 100% again."

Have you researched that if the plantar fascia is "completely ruptured" it can't be repaired?

Unclear Medical Terms. I am still confused about the terminology for my shoulder rotator cuff injury. I had a 'full thickness tear' of the supraspinatus tendon. I believe that a full thickness tear is from outer surface to bone, but it was never clear if it also meant the full width of the tendon. I don't think in my case it meant the full width because I retained a lot of function of my shoulder and it even felt much better just before my surgery.

If you had a 2.5 cm "separation" observed on MRI I would assume that meant the tendon was 2.5 cm from the bone or tendon still on the bone and required surgery or it would not reattach. Why would you be told that you would be '100%' in a year?

Request the written report from the radiologist that evaluated your MRI. The radiologist is a separate Dr, a specialist for imaging.
 
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Erice

New User
I was told that I would be walking at 100% within a year. The PF was irreparable as the doctor stated. It was fully ruptured and the gap was 2.5cm separated, so he said that there was no fixing that.
 

Erice

New User
I was told that I would be walking at 100% within a year. The PF was irreparable as the doctor stated. It was fully ruptured and the gap was 2.5cm separated, so he said that there was no fixing that.
There is no surgery to repair a full rupture.
 

Erice

New User
This does not seem to make sense to me.

"Doc said there’s no fixing that, 6-12 months after 3 months in a boot and physical therapy and I’d be walking 100% again."

Have you researched that if the plantar fascia is "completely ruptured" it can't be repaired?

Unclear Medical Terms. I am still confused about the terminology for my shoulder rotator cuff injury. I had a 'full thickness tear' of the supraspinatus tendon. I believe that a full thickness tear is from outer surface to bone, but it was never clear if it also meant the full width of the tendon. I don't think in my case it meant the full width because I retained a lot of function of my shoulder and it even felt much better just before my surgery.

If you had a 2.5 cm "separation" observed on MRI I would assume that meant the tendon was 2.5 cm from the bone or tendon still on the bone and required surgery or it would not reattach. Why would you be told that you would be '100%' in a year?

Request the written report from the radiologist that evaluated your MRI. The radiologist is a separate Dr, a specialist for imaging.
The Dr. did not say I would be 100% in a year, he said I would be walking 100% in a year as I stated.
 

Erice

New User
I would run jog 5 miles and finish with 150 meter sprint. Same for years now. Alternating days.
I can walk well enough if I don’t over do it. Occasionally there is bruising under the arch and a pins and needles sensation with a little pain. Honestly the spur is more of an issue. I’m afraid to run on it, if I’m to be frank.
Fortunately tennis wasn’t as important as running was to me. My wife is more into it than I am. I actually stumbled across this thread and site altogether while searching for other people in this boat.
 

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
I just turned 47. I had a plantar fascia release surgery at the very beginning of 2018. I’m 100% now without any problems.

Before the surgery I was nearly unable to walk and definitely couldn’t run.
 
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