Man playing golf in Roanoke with plantar fasciitis foot injury

Because of an amazing healthcare team, technology, and sheer determination, Tiger Woods returned to competitive golf at The Masters after his accident a little over two years ago.

This time marks about a year since Tiger was recovered and able to compete again, and we wanted to take a moment to appreciate how far we have come in technology around healing foot injuries.

In February 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a car accident and it was thought he might never be able to compete in golf tournaments again. 

We’ve learned that the talus bone was broken and has screws in it now. The talus is the bone that connects the foot to the leg. The ankle joint consists of two leg bones, the tibia and fibula, and the talus. The talus sits on top of the heel bone, the calcaneus.

If an injury of this bone involves a joint, on top of it, or under it, there can be long-term consequences. And any time a major joint is involved, long-term pain is a possibility.

What you usually don’t hear much about after a major accident like this is the extent of the soft tissue damage. Soft tissue refers to everything other than bone, such as ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Getting these parts to heal can be even harder than healing bone fractures.

Tiger spent 13 months in rehabilitation.

It would have been easy to say that, at his age, and given his other physical challenges, he may not ever play competitive golf again.

But Here’s the Thing…

Technology has come such a long way that anything is possible and, lo and behold, Tiger was back on the field in April 2022! Although Tiger had to withdraw from the 2023 Masters Tournament with a reaggravated plantar fasciitis foot injury, he has made great strides to get back on the course again. 

Another famous golfer by the name of Ben Hogan was also badly injured in a head-on collision many decades ago. The “experts” didn’t think he’d walk again, let alone win major golf tournaments.

There is no way to forecast what the future holds for anyone, but one thing is clear: We have come such a long way in healing foot injuries and many things that seemed impossible only years ago, are possible now. 

If you or someone you know has experienced a foot or ankle injury, our team is ready to bring the best of technology, years of experience, and determination to help you beat the odds and get back on your feet.

Make Your Appointment With Our Foot and Ankle Doctors at Shenandoah Podiatry in Roanoke Today 

Don’t linger. Call us at 540-904-1458 or fill out our online contact form today to book your appointment. Our team is happy to help with any problems you may have with the skin and nails on your feet.

Dr. Jennifer Keller
Roanoke, VA Foot and Ankle Podiatrist
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