Rugby Player Kelly Dealing With Rare Foot Problem

Titans player Albert Kelly revealed he is week-to-week with a rare foot problem that is affecting his ability to play for the Gold Coast. 
Kelly is scheduled to play in Monday night's season opener against former club Cronulla, but says he has a rare vein condition that is causing tremendous pain in his left foot. 
The 22 year old was unable to run for a month in the preseason and hoped 16 injections would clear up the varicose veins in his foot. 
But with Monday night's game looming, Kelly admits he will either have to play with the pain or be on the sidelines for an extended period of time if he decides to have surgery. 
"It's a week-by-week thing (and) it's going to be like that for a while," Kelly said. 
"I have had a few injections. It's been working OK but it's still an ongoing process. 
"I have to keep checking in with my doctor and I have to work on it. It is something I'm going to have to stay on top of for the rest of the year. 
"I can have an operation, but I'm trying to avoid that. That (an operation) is really my last resort."
Kelly is trying to manage as best he can, coming through the Auckland Nines Tournament with no more pain than usual. He also showed nine touches in the Titan's final trial against the Cowboys in Toowoomba two weeks ago. He will partner Aidan Sezer in the halves at Remondis Stadium on Monday. 
The Titans are hoping Kelly will be able to play, even though back-up player Christian Hazard has a high rating, the 19 year old South Sydney recruit was unproven in his first grade. 
Even with sternum and knee problems last season, Kelly played 21 of 24 games at halfback. He is a definite threat when on the field. 
While the injections have staved off Kelly's veins from swelling to the point of severe pain, this treatment option is not a guarantee. 
"It's a hard decision, a high-risk operation, so I'd rather maintain it for the year and see how it goes," Kelly said.
"My preseason has gone alright. Hopefully I'll get through  but at least we've got some depth in the halves. 
"I've been working with Aidan Sezer. He is very composed and I'm energetic, so that kind of suits me. We will keep working on our combination each week."
Utility forward Paul Carter has also partnered well with Kelly, especially in Toowoomba, and he has his fingers crossed the halfback will avoid surgery. 
"He's one of those guys who can create something out of nothing," Carter said. "Alby's an integral part of our team and watching him last year with what he did in the NRL, he's an awesome talent.
"Hopefully he stays fit for the whole year."
Reference: Herald Sun.
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Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
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