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If you didn’t hear about Kevin Durant’s serious achilles injury, which will sideline him for the entire 2019 – 2020 NBA season, it was quite a big deal during the NBA Finals.

After missing much of the playoffs recovering from a calf injury, the Warriors made the judgment call to have Durant return in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Already down 3 games to 1 in a best-of-7 series, and facing elimination, the Warriors felt they needed Durant back because of his incredible scoring and crunch-time ability.

However, after playing just 12 minutes, Durant crumbled to the floor. It turned out he has a serious achilles injury, and for many players that has led to the descent of their career.

All sorts of controversy has broken out about the Warriors making a terrible decision, having knowledge that they likely were rushing Durant back.

We don’t know the truth without examining Durant in person and knowing his situation. So we’re not here to give our opinion on exactly what should have been done.

But, you can still learn a couple things from Durant’s situation:

1. Always Err on the Side of Rest After an Extended Break from Intense Activity

Was Durant’s return too soon, which led to his achilles injury? Who knows? After all, it was a calf injury that had sidelined him up until his return.

If you are a highly active type, then suffer a foot and ankle injury, and want to get back to that intense activity ASAP, make sure you take your time.

Slowly work your way up to your old intensity.

You may have external factors that you feel put pressure on you. For example, you’re getting workers’ compensation, which doesn’t cover all of your income.

If you do return too soon, your risk of injury, and being out of commission even longer, skyrockets.

So always give yourself plenty of rest.

2. Let Go of Your Mental Itch to Return and Listen to Your Body and Podiatrist

In our busy Western culture, you’re going to feel the itch to return as soon as you can. That’s just what the human mind says.

There’s no doubt Durant wanted to return and be the hero of the Finals. Because, that’s his livelihood. That’s who he is. He’s the superstar. The winner. It’s not like he was forced to return against his own will.

Your mind will feel the same way. You’ve got to get back as soon as possible. Or, something bad is going to happen. You’ll lose ground at work.

Let that thinking go. Instead, face the facts. How does your foot, ankle, or lower leg feel? What’s your podiatrist telling you about returning to activity?

That’s the stuff to pay attention to and which will keep you healthy and feeling good over the long run.

Being injured is tough in a go-go-go society. But, caring for your body and giving it the rest it needs when hurt is the fastest way to get back to normal.

Putting pressure on your body by getting it back in use can backfire and cause an even worse injury. And it’ll lead to more medical bills and time off.

So, do yourself a favor. Learn from Kevin Durant’s situation. Listen to your body and do the healthy thing for it if something goes wrong.