Jay Ratliff's Ready For Camp After Torn Plantar Fascia

Cowboy's nose tackle Jay Ratliff is expected to be back at camp tomorrow after suffering a torn plantar fascia.
Ratliff sat out all 11 off-season practice sessions and spent all of the spring and summer recovering. Near the beginning of the offseason strength and conditioning program, he suffered a torn plantar fascia. "I've been rehabbing, even now. Just getting treatment and getting right, getting ready for the season," said Ratliff.
Ratliff will most likely start the seasons on the PUP, where he will be with other players offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernardeau and wide receiver Danny Coale.
Ratliff is not terribly concerned about about the prospect: "There's really no sweat on my brow. My responsibility is just to communicate with my trainers, communicate with the coaches, let everyone know what's going on, keep everyone aware, and do my job. There's no complaints, there's no excuses, there's no anything... In spite of the circumstances I'm going to do my job: Win the fight."
Ratliff hasn't missed a game since 2007, but injuries limited his snap and practice time in recent seasons.
A ruptured plantar fascia occurs on the largest ligament in the body. A rupture is just a rip or tear in a tendon or ligament. Most people who suffer this injury already suffer from arch pain, heel pain, or swelling in the foot.
What makes this condition difficult to diagnose is that its symptoms can mimic those of plantar fasciitis. An injury to the plantar fascia can be from direct trauma, such as a blow to the bottom of the foot. Sudden landings from jumping or falling from a height can also cause the ligament to tear. Running, especially sprinting, can also cause a rupture in the plantar fascia.
However, plantar fascia ruptures are rare and typically have an associated condition that aids the tear. Certain medications, like steroids (prednisone), Cipro, and Levaquin will weaken the ligament. The FDA recently posted a "Black Box" warning about these medications and the risk of tendon rupture.
Symptoms of a plantar fascia rupture may include:

• Pain in the bottom of the foot, even at rest.
• You've had cortisone shots for heel spurs where it hurts.
• Your arch looks like it's collapsing.
• Pain is worse with activity.
• There is swelling in your arch or heel.
• You heard a pop when the injury may have occurred.
• A lump in your arch or heel.
• Limping or gait changes.
• A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis that has not gone away for a long time.

A podiatrist will take an X-ray as well as get a full history of the injury. In some cases you may need to get an MRI for further evaluation.
Treatment for a plantar fascia rupture is through immobilization. Most patients are prescribed a walking boot, which allows the ligament to heal. Sometimes crutches are required to relieve the pain when walking. Pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol make the arch and heel feel better. Surgery is rarely needed in cases of a plantar fascia rupture.
If you are an athlete who thinks you have a plantar fascia rupture, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington, Kensington, and Middletown, CT
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