Metatarsal Fracture Explained
One of the most common injuries in the history of sports is the metatarsal fracture. This kind of injury has been very prevalent in football in the past 5 years. Several high- profiled footballers suffered from the same injury- David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, and Steve Gerrard. The anatomy of the foot will however help us understand this injury better and deeper.
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, overuse and excessive rotation. Bone injuries like this are very common since there is a 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.
Fracture of the fifth metatarsal is the most common 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 new army recruits and athletes. A stress fracture will eventually turn into full fracture when the pain in the groin region worsens. The stress fracture of the 2nd metatarsal heals well while the healing of the stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal can be a lot of problem.
How Do We Know Its Metatarsal Fracture?
A severe foot pain and difficulty to walk usually entails metatarsal fracture. Swelling may also be common and bruising will be evident after1-2 days.
How Do We Treat Metatarsal Fracture?
The patient should be headed directly to the emergency room for treatment if metatarsal fracture is suspected. The doctor will confirm the diagnosis with an X-ray. Ice therapy is a good help in dealing with pain and pain medications are necessary. The Aircast Ankle and Foot Cryo/ Cuff is the best way to give ice packs effectively by providing continuous compression for 6 hours.
The terminal treatment for this injury varies on the type and condition of the fracture. Alignment and treatment with an immobilization cast is greatly appreciated in fractures caused by direct trauma.
A removable plastic cast is used for stress fractures of the 2nd metatarsal and rotational fracture of the 5th metatarsal. However, many orthopedist advocates surgical repair of the fracture. This method will allow the patient to resume sports activities possibly after 6 weeks.
How Do We Prevent Metatarsal Fracture?
Very little thing can be done to this kind of injury 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.
