Most likely Yao will seriously contemplate retirement. It looks like another season ending injury. Here is some info on stress fractures of the medial malleolus. http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/8129842/physioadvisor-ankle-pain-ankle-injury-treatmen.htm (Also known as Medial Malleolar Stress Fracture, Stress Fracture of the Tibia, Tibial Stress Fracture) What is a stress fracture of the medial malleolus? The bony lump on the inside of the ankle is known as the medial malleolus. This arises from the lower end of the shin bone (tibia – figure 1). During weight bearing activity compressive forces are placed through the medial malleolus. When these forces are excessive or too repetitive and beyond what the bone can withstand, bony damage gradually occurs. This initially results in a bony stress reaction, however, with continued damage may progress to a stress fracture of the medial malleolus. Causes of a stress fracture of the medial malleolus Stress fractures of the medial malleolus typically occur over time with excessive weight bearing activity such as running. They often present following a recent increase in activity or change in training conditions. Signs and symptoms of a stress fracture of the medial malleolus Patients with a stress fracture of the medial malleolus typically experience localised pain on the inner aspect of the ankle that increases with impact activity such as running or jumping. In severe cases, walking may be enough to aggravate symptoms and may cause the patient to limp. Other symptoms may include night ache or pain on firmly touching the affected bone. Diagnosis of a stress fracture of the medial malleolus A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist may be sufficient to diagnose a stress fracture of the medial malleolus. Investigations such as an MRI, CT scan or bone scan are usually required to confirm diagnosis. Treatment for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus Treatment for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus typically involves an initial period of rest from weight bearing activity. This may include the use of crutches, a protective boot, an air-cast brace or plaster cast immobilization. This initial period of reduced weight bearing may be for up to 6 weeks. Following this, a gradual increase in weight bearing activity and exercise can usually occur provided symptoms do not increase. This should take place over a period of weeks to months with direction from the treating physiotherapist and will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Alternative exercises placing minimal weight bearing forces through the affected bone should be performed to maintain fitness such as swimming, cycling, and water running. Exercises to maintain flexibility, strength and balance are also important to ensure the ankle and lower leg are functioning correctly. The treating physiotherapist can advise which exercises are most appropriate and when they should be commenced. Contributing factors to the development of a stress fracture of the medial malleolus There are several factors that may contribute to the development of a stress fracture of the medial malleolus. These should be assessed and where possible corrected with direction from the treating physiotherapist and may include: * poor foot biomechanics * inappropriate or excessive training (particularly on hard or uneven surfaces) * muscle weakness * poor flexibility * joint stiffness * inappropriate footwear * poor balance Physiotherapy for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus Physiotherapy treatment is essential for all patients with a stress fracture of the medial malleolus to hasten healing, prevent recurrence and ensure an optimal outcome. Treatment may comprise: * soft tissue massage * joint mobilization * electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound) * taping or bracing * the use of crutches or a protective boot * biomechanical correction * exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility * education * a graduated return to activity plan Other intervention for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus A review with a podiatrist may be indicated for appropriate orthotics and footwear advice. Occasionally, a specialist review may be indicated in patients who are not progressing adequately. The treating physiotherapist can advise if either of these is required. Exercises for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with a stress fracture of the medial malleolus. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms. Foot and Ankle Up and Down Move your foot and ankle up and down as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 2). Repeat 10 - 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms. Exercises for a Stress Fracture of the Medial Malleolus- Foot & Ankle Up & Down Figure 2 – Foot and Ankle Up and Down (left leg) Foot and Ankle In and Out Move your foot and ankle in and out as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 3). Repeat 10 - 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms. Exercises for a Stress Fracture of the Medial Malleolus - Foot & Ankle In & Out Figure 3 – Foot and Ankle In and Out (right leg) Foot and Ankle Circles Move your foot and ankle in a circle as large as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 4). Repeat 10 times in each direction provided there is no increase in symptoms. Exercises for a Stress Fracture of the Medial Malleolus - Foot & Ankle Circles Figure 4 – Foot and Ankle Circles Physiotherapy products for a stress fracture of the medial malleolus Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapist to hasten healing and speed recovery in patients with a stress fracture of the medial malleolus include: 1. Crutches 2. Protective Boots 3. Ankle Braces 4. Ankle Supports 5. Ice and Heat Packs 6. Wobble Boards (for rehabilitation) 7. Dura Discs (for rehabilitation) 8. Resistance Band (for strengthening) 9. Sports Tape (for protective taping)
info has already been posted in the injury thread...really i dont think this is even the big problem. It'll heal, whether its through surgery or leaving it alone, but the real issue is whether yao wil continue to get injury after injury. Since i think the answer is yes, then treatment/rehab time for this injury should be irrelvant to fans at this point. I want to know whether we're trading him, letting him expire, etc.
Agreed - the point is his bones are soft, his frame is too large, these injuries are never going to end .....even if Zydrunas Ilgauskas made a comeback at 7'3" ( )
thats the problem.. we are not crappy enough to be in the lottery yet not good enough to compete.. we are stuck in basketball purgatory.
Dude I'm 6'5 1/2 and about 268lbs. I don't have the skill to make in basketball nor the discipline. But What I do have is light footedness. Yao comes across to me as a guy with a heavy foot.. Most ppl that issues with how much stress they put to their legs foot usually are the ones that don't have the proper flexibility to along their legs, back and overall frame the proper muscular extensions to absorb impact. The forefoot to heel is like the lever of the foot when engaged properly absorbs impact sufficient regardless of body weight. If you have a weak core (abs and lower back) it affects how the mechanics of shock absorption work within the body.
If I were Yao, I would just rest it, No more surgery, and then slowly strengthen the muscles and give it a go next year.... DD
well i meant the bigger, biggest or the big problem compared to potential injuries down the road. Doesn't matter if he can come back from this later, or even if he can do it quickly, if he keeps getting injured after that.
