the aspirations of Los Angeles Lakers to reach the Playoffs suffered a severe blow when LeBron James with injured the tendon in his right foot.
With less than five weeks to go until the end of the Regular Season, on April 9, Los Angeles still has an uphill battle ahead to earn a spot in the Western Play-In. According to the team, James’ injury will not be reassessed until around March 23and that he is discharged to return after that reassessment is another story.
Before James’ injury, the revamped Lakers showed real potential to pack a punch in the postseason. It is no secret that the roof of the team depends on its 38-year-old star.
For more information on the nature of James’ injury and his possible return, The Sporting News contacted Dr. Michael S. George, from the KSF Orthopedic Center in Houston. He touched on the nature of foot tendon injuries and what can be taken from the information that has been provided by the team.
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Medical analysis on LeBron James’ foot injury and his potential return
What injury does LeBron James have?
“There are multiple tendons in the foot, and it’s unclear which tendon LeBron James injured in his right foot. In general, in a professional athlete, if a tendon in the foot has a significant tear, it’s usually treated with surgery.”
How serious is LeBron James’ foot injury?
“Because they are treating him without surgery, LeBron James is not likely to have a serious injury. The most common injury to the tendons in the foot is tenosynovitis, which is inflammation of the tendon and its lining.”
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What can LeBron James do to get back to playing?
“In [el caso de la tenosinovitis], treatment is rest and immobilization followed by a gradual return to activity. As in tendon problems and other parts of the body, such as Achilles tendons, hamstrings or quadriceps, the return to activity has to be slow and deliberate. Otherwise, the injury can be aggravated.”
When can LeBron James return?
“He’s going to have to be completely pain free to be able to push off that foot and get back to his explosive style of play.”
“With the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship aspirations waning, they will likely proceed with caution and keep him out long enough until he can get back on track, which could mean James is out for the remainder of Regular Season.”
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
