We finally know what the injury to Terence Newman is, plantar fasciitis.
Newman was originally diagnosed with a bruised right heel, but after attempting to practice Tuesday, he was re-examined and it was determined he has plantar fasciitis.
I’m no doctor, and I didn’t sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I don’t like the sound of this. I immediately did some research and the most common treatment mentioned was rest or inactivity. Well, that won’t happen in this case. And the time frames for curing said plantar fasciitis are given in terms of months. Again, this is just stuff I’ve read at a few medical sites in the last 15 minutes or so. Maybe Newman has a very mild case that won't bother him after getting a few weeks rest. But it does have that sound of a nagging injury that Newman will just have to play through.
Here’s how the Mayo Clinic describes it:
Most commonly, heel pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia — the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. The condition is called plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis).
Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing or burning pain that's usually worse in the morning because the fascia tightens (contracts) overnight. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.
And treatments:
For most people, the condition improves within a year of beginning conservative treatment. Nonsurgical treatments that may promote healing include:
• Night splints. Your doctor may recommend wearing a splint fitted to your calf and foot while you sleep. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight so that they can be stretched more effectively.
• Orthotics. Your doctor may prescribe off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly.
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can instruct you in a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles, which stabilize your ankle and heel. A therapist may also teach you to apply athletic taping to support the bottom of your foot.
OK, enough of all that negative thought. Like I said yesterday, I’m trusting the Cowboys’ trainers to get him through it, and I’m praying that he’ll make it to the opener in good condition.
Former Cowboys Bob Hayes and Chuck Howley were not among those chosen Thursday for the two senior slots on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2008 ballot.
What is it with these people? The guy changed the way the game is played. Cowboy bias?