Rasheed Wallace Retires Again after Persistent Foot Pain

The New York Knicks have lost some valuable players this season to injuries.  Rasheed Wallace, will be retiring for the second time after failing to recover from a foot injury back in February. Wallace underwent surgery for a left foot fracture that he endured due to repeated strain to the area (often referred to as a stress fracture) which is a common injury in team sports.

Stress fractures are due to an abnormal amount of force being applied to the bone in a repetitive manner. The bones of the foot may very well be healthy and of normal density, but the added stress being applied to the area causes the bone to fracture.

Athletes are especially susceptible to stress fractures because of their repetitive, strenuous routines. However, non-athletes can get stress fracture.  Most patients that present with this problem usually have had some change in activity or routine lately, for example, starting a new fitness program, adding more miles to their daily runs, training for a marathon, or changing their shoe type.

Despite a surgical attempt in February to repair the fracture, Wallace was unable to perform with the pain and was forced to retire once again from the game. Knick’s coach, Mike Woodson, explained that Wallace had been having trouble dealing with the aching pain he felt from the injury and it was something they had been cautious about for some time. Woodson warmly expressed that although sorry to lose the veteran, Wallace is a winner and a true professional on and off the court.

These injuries are a fairly common occurrence in podiatry clinics and surgery is not usually necessary. When changing any daily routine, it is important to be aware of the aches and pains that come along with physical activity. Don’t ignore prolonged foot pain and don’t “run through the pain”! It’s important to get checked out before the fracture progresses to a more serious injury, in which case you will have to stay off your feet for much longer. Be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Purdy at The Foot Clinic for any new foot pain that accompanies a new routine!

Dr. Jonathan Purdy, DPM