Jan 29, 2015Tale of the Toe
Check out this video from Duke University for a behind-the-scenes look at men’s basketball phenom Kyrie Irving’s rehab from a tricky toe injury.
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(NOTE: Scroll to bottom of this entry to view video of Irving’s rehab.)
Irving, who many project as the top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, injured his right big toe during a game in December. Though it has no official diagnosis, Duke officials said the injury is a form of turf toe involving bone and ligament damage.
“It’s been hard to explain in layman’s terms,” Duke Assistant Coach Chris Collins told the Fayetteville Observer. “But because it’s in the ball of his foot, that’s a really dicey area. That’s where you do all your cutting and your jumping. And that’s where you do all of your pushing off from.”
Before the injury, Irving was considered one of the most explosive players in college basketball and a key component to the Blue Devils’ national championship hopes. In his brief time on the court, Irving averaged 17.4 points and 5.1 assists per game.
Meanwhile, he’s spent the last couple months in a walking boot, providing updates on his rehab. With many following his progress through mainstream and social media, it’s safe to say Irving’s injured Hallux is the most famous digit in college basketball.
It’s unknown whether Irving will return in time Duke’s NCAA Tournament run, though he did have his walking boot removed last week and Tweeted, “I’m definitely op(toe)mistic.” He has been cleared to resume basketball-related activities, but coaches have said they will bring him along slowly and are doubtful he will return this season.
Wondering what rehab for such a unique injury looks like? Check out this excellent video featuring Nick Potter, Assistant Director of Athletic Rehab at Duke.
