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Everyone around here is excited about the NBA season starting, but what does that mean for the Oklahoma star Kevin Durant?!

If you’re not familiar with Kevin Durant, then you will definitely recognize him as the last season’s MVP trophy owner. Sadly, he sustained a right foot injury during practice earlier this month. His injury known as a Jones fracture brings with it a very long recovery which means that this Oklahoma City Thunder star will be missing a great part of the season in 2014.

Jones fractures are seen in the base of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot and are notorious for poor blood supply and delayed/non healing. They are most common in athletes such as Football, Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball players, however, can also be seen in non-athletes. They can be extremely painful and are often misdiagnosed as a foot sprain or an avulsion fracture. Due to the complications that they can present with, management in a timely manner is crucial. Signs and symptoms include redness, bruising, inability to bear weight on the affected extremity, as well as swelling. X-rays and sometimes MRI’s are needed along with a proper clinical exam for proper diagnosis. Treatment can be conservative or surgical depending on the amount of displacement and the nature of the fracture as well as the patient’s lifestyle. In most cases a surgical correction is warranted to avoid long term complications.

As for Durant, he recently underwent surgery with the hopes of returning within six-eight weeks which means he should be back to playing by early December.

So, the next time that you think you may have sprained your feet or sustained a foot fracture, please do not take it lightly and call your local podiatrist for the proper evaluation and treatment.