The Health Nut Blog

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Trauma: Fractures are the result of trauma. Vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries and violence are common trauma-related causes of fracture. Traumatic fractures can be displaced or nondisplaced. If the fracture is displaced, the bone is broken in such a way that it has changed in position (dislocated).

Metatarsal fractures range from very minor to severe injuries. It depends on the pattern of injury and the amount of displacement of the fracture. Metatarsal fractures are also common, especially the base of the 5th metatarsal. They usually heal well without the need for surgery, however, there is an area of the 5th metatarsal which is notorious for non-healing. Metatarsal fractures are the most common foot injury, with many sufferers in professional sport every year. Many famous athletes have suffered metatarsal fracture, with David Beckham and Wayne Rooney leading the list in the ranks of professional footballers.

Jones fracture : These fractures sometimes take a longer time to heal. A stress fracture can be treated with a removable cast boot or cast worn for 6 to 8 weeks. Jones fractures occur in a small area of the fifth metatarsal that receives less blood and is therefore more prone to injury. A Jones fracture can be either a stress fracture (a tiny hairline break that occurs over time) or an acute (sudden) break. Jones fracture , on the other hand, involves the shaft of the fifth metatarsal and usually does not heal well. Jones Fracture is of this type and requires surgery to position the bones. Bone scans are helpful in this situation. Recognition of fracture is crucial to guide appropriate management and to prevent complications. Bone stimulators are sometimes used to heal fractures once they are diagnosed as delayed or nonhealing, your doctor will have to decide whether or not you will be a candidate for that specific modality.

Metatarsal stress fractures may not be visible on initial x-rays and it may be necessary to perform a further investigation such as a CT or bone scan. Stress must be re-introduced gradually. Stress fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal must be distinguished from proximal avulsion fractures ("pseudo-Jones" fractures) and Jones fractures. The proximal avulsion fracture is usually associated with a lateral ankle strain and occurs at the insertion of the peroneus brevis tendon.

Metatarsalgia of the 2nd metatarsal bone and predislocation syndrome in general are terrible problems. There are no easy solutions if a cortisone injection or two do not help you. Metatarsal stress fracture may not become apparent on x-rays until a few weeks after the injury. Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot (the area just before the toes, more commonly referred to as the ball-of-the-foot). This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball-of-the-foot.

Metatarsal stress fracture may not become apparent on x-rays until a few weeks after the injury. Metatarsalgia is used as a catch all term for pain in the ball of the foot. Although faulty foot mechanics is considered the most common reason for development of pain in this area, trauma, infection, repetitive stress, arthritis and previous foot surgery could also contribute to pain in this area. Metatarsalgia is a common overuse injury described as pain in the forefoot associated with increased stress over the metatarsal head region. Metatarsalgia often is referred to as a symptom, rather than as a specific disease.

# posted by NeilG @ 11:43 AM