Due to an injury, LeBron James is currently sidelined from playing. However, even when he is healthy, his feet require a high level of specialized care that comes with a hefty price tag. This includes custom shoes and orthotics, as well as regular visits to a podiatrist. Award-winning podiatrist Marion Yau has revealed that the basketball legend has deformities on his left foot, such as overlapping toes that can lead to pressure, dead skin, and even ulcers over time.
It’s possible that James may have foot pain and struggle with function because of his moderate hallux abductor valgus. Yau thinks that James could be paying roughly $7,000 per month for his foot care, which would add up to $84,000 each year. Despite wearing quality shoes, using orthotics, and seeing a good podiatrist, James hurt his right foot during the second half of a game on February 26. He continued to play on the injured foot, which could have made it worse.
LeBron James will have to take a break for a few weeks to recuperate from his injury. He may need to undergo rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the muscles and ligaments in his right ankle before bringing his team to the playoffs. Yau, who spoke with the U.S. Sun, believes that the injury could have been prevented if James had left the court and sought immediate medical attention. She added that if someone hears a “pop” in their foot, it is advisable to examine whether there is any damage to major tendons or ligaments. Yau highlights the importance of paying attention to James’s left foot deformities, which require regular treatment to reduce thick skin formation that can ultimately lead to skin numbness and ulcers. Yau advises utilizing scalpel therapy to remove hard skin and tattooing the toes to recover lost pigmentation.