Lakers' Bazemore To Have Surgery On Torn Tendon

Los Angeles Lakers are down to a bare bones bench after a season of losses. 
The latest to go down with an injury is Kent Bazemore, who left during the first half of Sunday's game during the Los Angeles Clippers with a right foot injury. The team is now working with just eight healthy players for the rest of the season. 
X-rays taken at the time were negative, and the guard underwent an MRI on Monday. 
Turns out Bazemore has more than a simple right foot injury- he tore a tendon in his foot. 
Bazemore will miss the final five games of the season and is scheduled to undergo surgery on the torn tendon. A timetable for his return will be given after surgery. 
The 24 year old guard fell to the floor on Sunday with 10:03 left in the second quarter. It was a non-contact injury and after a timeout, Bazemore had to be helped from the court by teammates Robert Sacre and Jodie Meeks to the locker room to see Lakers trainer Gary Vitti.
Bazemore was acquired at the trade deadline from the Golden State Warriors for Steve Blake and has averaged 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22 games with the Lakers. Prior to injuring his foot, he had two points and four assists in 12 minutes on Sunday. 
Since we do not know specifically which tendon Bazemore tore (it could be his Achilles tendon, peroneal tendon, or posterior tibial tendon) it is difficult to comment on his condition. 
In general, tendon tears, or ruptures, are extremely painful and can cause disability to the foot or ankle. Common causes of a tendon tear include:

• Tendonitis or an overuse injury
• Injury to the foot
• Laceration of the tendon
• A fall
• Steroid use
• Sudden deceleration or stopping motions
• Weakness of the surrounding musculature. 

Symptoms of a torn tendon may include:

• Pain and swelling in area of injury
• An audible pop when the tendon is torn
• Prior history of tendonitis
• Difficulty moving or walking around

In complete tears treatment typically includes surgical intervention. Following surgery complete immobilization of the foot is necessary. Physical therapy may be prescribed to regain function and flexibility in the injured foot.
References: LA Times and ESPN.
If you are a basketball player with a foot or ankle problem, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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