Metatarsal Fracture & Football
May 13 2008 | Articles
Metatarsal Fractures Explained
One of the most common injuries in football is the metatarsal fracture. This kind of injury has been very common in football in the past 5 years. Several high- profiled footballers suffered from the same injury- David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, and Steven Gerrard. The anatomy of the foot will however help us understand this injury better.
Metatarsal bones are long and slender bones found in between the Tarsal bone and the Phalanges. There are 5 Metatarsal bones in each foot. These bones act like a rigid lever in the propulsion of the ankle and the foot. It also acts like a flexible structure that will help in balance and holding up the entire body.
Metatarsal fractures are caused by direct trauma from a tackle, overuse and excessive rotation. Bone injuries like this are very common since there is only very little soft tissue that protects the top of the foot.
Four anatomic segments divide the fifth metatarsal. These are the base, the junction, the shaft, and the neck. Several fractures can be made out of these segments.
A fracture of the fifth metatarsal is the most common of metatarsal injuries. This results from the twisting of the ankle. This kind of fracture doesn’t need to be surgically repaired. Walking immediately in a removable plastic cast is usually advised.
Metatarsal fractures can be caused by overuse. It is common in younger footballers. A stress fracture will eventually turn into a full fracture when the pain in the foot region worsens. The stress fracture of the 2nd metatarsal heals well while the healing of the stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal can cause severe problems.
How Do We Know It’s Metatarsal Fracture?
Severe foot pain and difficulty to walk usually entails a metatarsal fracture. Swelling may also be evident and bruising will appear after1-2 days.
How Do We Treat Metatarsal Fracture?
The patient should head directly to the emergency room for treatment if a metatarsal fracture is suspected. The doctor will confirm the diagnosis with an X-ray. Ice therapy and medication is ideal to reduce swelling and limit pain.
View Reusable ice packs for metatarsal fractures
The terminal treatment for this injury varies on the type and condition of the fracture. Alignment and treatment with an immobilization cast is greatly recommended with fractures caused by direct trauma.
A removable plastic cast is used for stress fractures of the 2nd metatarsal and rotational fractures of the 5th metatarsal. However, many orthopaedist advocates surgically repair the fracture. This method will allow the patient to resume football activities possibly after 6 weeks.
How Do We Prevent A Metatarsal Fracture?
Not much can be done for a metatarsal fracture, especially when force is applied to the foot during a traumatic injury. Yet, it is very necessary to wear suitable footwear to provide protection to the foot.
Football Rescue Recommends
Aircast Walkers are used in the treatment of foot injuries or ankle injuries such as an ankle fracture and Metatarsal fractures.
High profile players such as Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard have all used Aircast Walkers successfully following a foot or ankle injury.
What are they?
The Aircast Walker features a lightweight removable plastic cast with a durable, semi-rigid shell which provides far greater protection compared to a conventional plaster cast.
The aircast shell is lined with four air cells for pneumatic support and increased comfort. These air cells can be custom inflated using the hand bulb for a ‘total contact’ fit. This unique method of compression supports the swollen ankle or foot, which helps to reduce swelling. For this reason, they are commonly used in the treatment of Metatarsal fractures and other conditions such as a broken ankle.
One of the main benefits of the Aircast Walker is that it is much lighter than a plaster cast and allows a greater level of mobility, making it much more comfortable and convenient to wear. This allows the patient to be active and get back to work (depending on your profession).
The Walkers’ rocker sole reduces pressures through the sole of the foot which allows earlier partial weight bearing. Controlled weight bearing as instructed by your doctor also greatly enhances healing and reduces rehabilitation time, allowing you to get back to your sport.
The other advantage of using the Aircast Walker compared to the plaster cast is that the patient can take the cast off and undergo physiotherapy and exercise to prevent stiffness and reduce healing times. You can also wash your feet which makes it a much more hygienic and a convenient method of immobilization following a metatarsal fracture.
Many elite athletes such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham have used the Aircast Walkers following a foot or ankle injury but they can be used by anybody who has suffered from a metatarsal fracture or ankle injury.
Mend it like Beckham! – Significantly improve your recovery time and your quality of life following a metatarsal fracture.
View the Removable cast protection and support for metatarsal fractures