Metatarsal Fractures

In the US, there are approximately 206,000 metatarsal (toe) fractures every year! 5th metatarsal fractures represent 68% if all metatarsal fractures.

For the Jones Fracture, a common type of 5th metatarsal fracture, the non-union* rate may be as high as 28%! (*Non-union means the fracture doesn't heal)

There are many fractures that lead to 5th metatarsal non-unions:

• Lack of blood supply
• Nutrient artery disruption
• Muscle/tendon overdistraction

If you believe you might've fractured your metatarsal (toe), please make an appointment to be examined! There are many treatment options we can offer to ease the pain.

- Dr. Kate



compliments of Exogen

Virginia Tech is Going Green

After VT's wide receiver, D.J. Coles, PCL ligament heeled the team had their hopes up. Soon after however, linebacker, Tariq Edwards, suffered a stress fracture in his shin which hasn't been healing well after the mishap earlier this year. The hopes for an injury-free season starter diminished even more after left guard, David Wang, sprained his left ankle.

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Wang received surgery and was placed in a green jersey (no contact) for a recent closed mini-scrimmage. Last season Wang was named most improved offensive player only to break his foot in the second game of the season!

Although Wang seems to be doing better, a number of other players were in green jerseys which several are suffering from a hamstring injury.

Good luck, Hokies! We hope your injuries heal correctly and quickly!!

VT's Bruce Taylor Still Injured

Last November, Bruce Taylor, a Hokie Football Player, suffered a Lisfranc Sprain which is common for football players.

"After 12 weeks in a walking boot, a limited spring practice schedule that kept him out of contact drills and a second planned surgery in April that removed one of two screws inserted into his foot, Taylor was fully cleared to start running again just before players dispersed for the summer." - Roanoke Times

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Taylor says at first he didn't want to believe he had an injury and fortunately after surgery has been told his foot is fine and "he can do anything."

To read more about Lisfranc injuries (which ranges from sprains to fractures) head on over to our website!

Foot Fractures May Signal Osteoporosis

A small foot fracture may be the first sign of osteoporosis, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University researchers. The study also demonstrated that several men studied as part of the research showed signs of osteoporosis, previously considered a woman’s condition. Researchers studied 21 patients who had suffered a metatarsal insufficiency (non-traumatic) fracture. Nine patients were found to have osteoporosis despite having shown no other sign of the degenerative, progressive bone-thinning condition.

Another 10 patients displayed significant bone loss. Because many patients do not discover they are osteoporotic until they break a hip, the study offers hope or earlier diagnosis and treatment. It also reinforces the importance of caring for feet and not neglecting foot pain.

People sometimes don’t realize that their feet mirror the state of their body’s health. Some of the first signs of osteoporosis, for example, are seen in foot and ankle fractures.

 

Dedicated To Your Healthy Feet,

Dr. Jennifer Feeny

P.S. Experts estimate that more than 1.5 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year.

To learn more visit http://www.shenandoahpodiatry.com/