Report: Saints’ Drew Brees has torn plantar fascia in right foot
By John Hendrix
ESPN’s Ed Werder is reporting that an MRI shows New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a torn plantar fascia in his right foot.
Drew Brees sustained the injury last night after scrambling to evade a sack, and then planting on his right foot to make a throw. It looked awkward, and Brees was clearly affected by it in terms of his body language. Shortly after the drive, Brees’ has his foot taped and he was able to finish the game.
#Saints QB Drew Brees MRI that revealed torn plantar fascia in right foot. Awaiting opinion of Dr Robert Anderson, also treating P Manning.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 22, 2015
Source tells me #Saints QB Drew Brees hopes to play final 2 games but injury is to foot he plants when throws. Expected to be day-to-day
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 22, 2015
Despite the injury, it seems that Brees wants to tough things out. He’s now day-to-day, per Ed Werder’s report.
From the Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Troy Watson describes the injury like this:
"Plantar fascia rupture is characterized by an acute pain in the arch of the foot following a dynamic activity. It is a relatively uncommon injury. It is often associated with long standing flat feet deformity. Treatment is non-operative, with pain control, relative rest, gentle stretching and a gradual return to activities over a period of weeks to months.The injury is usually quite painful and therefore initial treatment is generally oriented towards pain control with ice, crutches and limited activity. As the symptoms begin to settle, often 4-10 days after the original injury, it may be possible to do more weight bearing, provided that stiff soled comfort shoes or a protective walker boot is used. At this point, gentle plantar stretching can be done. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) or pain medication can help with the symptoms. Return to reasonably normal standing or walking can occur relatively quickly in a few weeks. However, return to high level sports requiring sudden change of direction or explosive power through the plantar fascia region can be quite prolonged, in the order months."
If you recall, Jimmy Graham suffered a similar injury during the 2013 season. It’s an injury that can get worse, and the options are to have surgery or let it get worse and heal on its own.
The Saints finish the season hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, and travel to take on the Atlanta Falcons in the Week 17 finale.