Football Players Deal with Jones Fracture

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While many fans wonder about the fate of the fall football season because of the coronavirus, at least two NFL players are unsure about the startup for a different reason. A receiver, Deebo Samuel, and rookie Colby Parkinson are both undergoing surgery for Jones fractures, an injury that we at Goldsmith Podiatry also see in some of our Manhattan patients.

Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal

Your fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of your foot that connects to your little toe. A Jones fracture can occur near the base of this bone due to a sudden injury. It can also manifest as a stress fracture, a tiny crack that occurs over a long period of repetitive action.

The second type of fracture to the metatarsal is an avulsion fracture. It typically happens when a small piece of bone is pulled off the main part of the bone by a tendon or a ligament. Usually, avulsion fractures occur in conjunction with an ankle sprain. They may go undetected initially after a rolling ankle injury.

Telltale Signs

Both Jones and avulsion fractures have similar symptoms:

  • Pain

  • Swelling, tenderness on the outside of the foot

  • Bruising

  • Difficult walking

If you have any of these signs, it’s important that you make an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling: (212) 877-1002. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia will want to examine your foot and also take x-rays. Jones fractures may not show up in an x-ray, however, and other imaging studies may also be needed.

Treatment Options

Both Parkinson and Samuel required surgery to repair their Jones fractures. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the healing process after surgery can take anywhere from 6-16 weeks. For less severe fractures, the foot doctor may try immobilizing the foot with a cast or boot and having you avoid placing any weight on the foot for a period. Bone stimulation may also be used to speed healing.

If you have unexplained pain in your foot, don’t delay getting it evaluated. Contact us today.

broken footGoldsmith PodiatryJones Fracture, avulsion fracture, foot pain, Athletic Injury