Goose..fractured Metatarsal - explained

[saintsRrising]

Goose Out for year. Fractured Metatarsal bone in foot.

(ed..initial reports indicated it wasa different foot but later reports say it is different bone in the same foot

SEE down a few posts for definitions, diagrams, likely recovery periods, etc).


Baker just has a jarred knee.

Confirmed from Saints

[saintsRrising]

Roo 3 to 4 weeks.


Injury listed as a strained knee.


From Club Website:

Injury Update
Jayden Attard – ACL reconstruction, 6-8 weeks.
Steven Baker – Knee (jarred), expected to play next round.

Xavier Clarke – Hamstring, 3 weeks.

Glenn Chivers – Foot, 4-6 weeks.

Sam Gilbert – Shoulder (grade 3 displaced AC joint), 4-6 weeks.

Max Hudghton – Hamstring (strain), 2 weeks.

Steven King – Hamstring (strain), 2 weeks.

Matt Maguire – Foot (fractured fourth metatarsal), season.
Luke Miles – Stress fracture in fibula, 1-2 weeks.

Nick Riewoldt – Knee (strained medial ligament) 3-4 weeks.

Luke van Rheenen – Foot, season.

[The_Dud]

well i suppose thats better news than we were being lead to believe, on the Baker front

i suppose thats not too bad regarding Roo, hopefully he gets back to 100% soon

tradgic news for Goose tho, may never get back to being anywhere near his best

[saintsRrising]

and they said weeks...so hopefully that is weeks and not games..

[plugger66]

Got to say taking it with a grain of salt. I think people on here will get more accurate info than what comes out of the club.

[saintsRrising]

Got to say taking it with a grain of salt. I think people on here will get more accurate info than what comes out of the club.

I think particularly for any short term injuries yes....as RL obviously like to play media games with injuries.

Goose I think we can safely assume is accurate.

[plugger66]

Got to say taking it with a grain of salt. I think people on here will get more accurate info than what comes out of the club.

I think particularly for any short term injuries yes....as RL obviously like to play media games with injuries.

Goose I think we can safely assume is accurate.

Yes agree on that one.

[borderbarry]

I dont know about Matt. When I was 16 I fractured the 4th Metatarcil of my right foot. As soonas it was out of plaster I went to footy training, kicked, and did it again. Back in plaster. I still managed to get some games in towards the end of the season. No, it was not quite AFL level. What I am thinking though is this his only injury?

[danners]

I dont know about Matt. When I was 16 I fractured the 4th Metatarcil of my right foot. As soonas it was out of plaster I went to footy training, kicked, and did it again. Back in plaster. I still managed to get some games in towards the end of the season. No, it was not quite AFL level. What I am thinking though is this his only injury?

he could have another injury. or it could just be that every person would have different reactions to injuries

[saintbrat]

it is his opposite foot to the original

borderbarry- were you adviced on what to do to assist with recovery and strengthening.?

[saintsRrising]

I dont know about Matt. When I was 16 I fractured the 4th Metatarcil of my right foot. As soonas it was out of plaster I went to footy training, kicked, and did it again. Back in plaster. I still managed to get some games in towards the end of the season. No, it was not quite AFL level. What I am thinking though is this his only injury?

As I understand it....this is his other foot.

(ed..initial reports indicated it wasa different foot but later reports say it is different bone in the same foot).

[saintsRrising]

. I still managed to get some games in towards the end of the season. No, it was not quite AFL level. What I am thinking though is this his only injury?

I guess it might depend on the severity of the break.

It may be that wearing a protective boot he could come back later in the year.

[spert]

Would that bad news mean the door is open for McQualter to go on the list, off the rookie list??

[Richter]

Would that bad news mean the door is open for McQualter to go on the list, off the rookie list??

Yes, although I suspect that Eddy might be first cab off the rank.

[saintsRrising]

Goose has a fractured fourth metatarsal in his foot.

Such injuries are common in Soccer.

From BBC sport
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/health_ ... 283136.stm

Pic


What are metatarsal injuries?



The dreaded metatarsal curse has struck some of the Premiership's top footballers in recent years.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney fractured the base of his fourth metatarsal before his miraculous recovery for the 2006 World Cup.

So what exactly are metatarsals, and how long do they take to heal?


WHAT?
Metatarsals are the five long bones in the forefoot which connect the ankle bones to those of the toes.

The first is linked to the big toe and the fifth, on the outer foot, links to the little toe.

The five metatarsals act as a unit to help share the load of the body, and they move position to cope with uneven ground.

Injuries usually occur as a result of a direct blow onto the foot, a twisting injury or over-use.


WHO?
Rooney has broken his metatarsal two times but there are many players who have suffered.

Others include Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ashley Cole, Ledley King, David Nugent and Michael Owen.

But damage and recovery time depends on the extent of damage and which of the five metatarsals is affected.


HOW?
The middle metatarsals - which are the longest and narrowest - are usually injured as a result of wear and tear (stress fractures).




Impact (eg: someone stamping on your foot) and twisting can also result in fractures.

The first, second and fifth metatarsals are the most commonly injured in sport.

The first links to the big toe and is shorter and wider than the others. It is estimated this bears up to one third of the body weight.


SYMPTOMS
Pain in the bone during exercise, bruising, swelling and tenderness in the foot when weight-bearing.


TREATMENT
Rest. The immediate response is a big "no" to all exercise and sport for 4-8 weeks.
The patient may be asked to wear walking boots or stiff-soled shoes to protect the injury while it heals.

If the cause is over-use, then treatment can vary hugely. Training habits, equipment used and athletic technique should all be investigated.

Guide to broken bones
With a bone fracture, the bone can often have a pin or screw inserted to speed up the recovery.

RECOVERY
It all depends on the damage and which metatarsal bone is involved. It is impossible to put a timescale on recovery from a stress injury.

RECOVERY TIMES
Michael Owen (2006): Fifth metatarsal - predicted 6-8 weeks returned 17 weeks later
Wayne Rooney (2004): Fifth metatarsal - predicted 8 weeks returned 14 weeks later
David Beckham (2002): Second metatarsal - predicted 6 weeks returned 7 weeks later
Gary Neville (2002): Fifth metatarsal - predicted 6-8 weeks returned 21 weeks later
Ashley Cole (2005): Fifth metatarsal - predicted 6-8 weeks returned 12 weeks later
Scott Parker (2004): Second metatarsal - predicted 8 weeks returned 34 weeks later
Danny Murphy (2002): Second metatarsal - predicted 6 weeks returned 21 weeks later
Steven Gerrard (2004): Fifth metatarsal - predicted 6-8 weeks returned 10 weeks later

After initial rest, the training techniques or body mechanics may need minor tweaking or a major haul to avoid a repeat injury.

With an impact fracture, after the plaster and protective boot is not needed (usually after 4-6 weeks), it will be a case of exercise and increasing weight-bearing activities.

Ice packs, strapping and even the use of oxygen tents can be used to assist recovery.

Full return to action can be anything from another four weeks and upwards - depending on the extent of initial damage. Young bones heal quicker.

One factor that also helps is if the broken bone is one of the three inner metatarsals. As was the case with Rooney.

This means that the fourth metatarsal is aided by the 'splint effect' of the bones on either side.

Preston's David Nugent broke his fifth metatarsal in March 2006 and returned to action after being sidelined for just six weeks.

His remedy? Drink plenty of milk.


WHY SO MANY INJURIES?
The breaking of a metatarsal seems to be increasingly common among England's top stars.

There are many theories being put forward to explain why so many players have fallen foul over the last few years.

Some believe it is the number of games played at the top level, some say training is more intensive, and others argue that training on artifical surfaces has a higher impact the body.

Evolving designs of boots have also come into question.

Many boots are now much lighter and more flexible, with a variety of new studs and blades available.

Some suggest that players' feet are less protected and supported than a few years ago.


So there you have it....Goose could be out for an "uknown" period.

[sunsaint]

No disrespect to goose but lets hope one of the kids has stepped up and earnt his place in the backline by the end of the year.

[saintsRrising]

Many boots are now much lighter and more flexible, with a variety of new studs and blades available.

Some suggest that players' feet are less protected and supported than a few years ago.


.

For those into boot design...the foot flexes more in most modern boots and the skin of the boot is also thinner.

Kangaroo skin is very popular for modern boots as it can be used very thinly. This makes for a lighter boot......and some would say providesa better "feel".

[GrumpyOne]

This is what I posted on 11th March:

Don't be surprised if the next time Maguire breaks down in his comeback attempt, he calls it quits for the rest of the season, and re-evaluates his career from then on.

The current scenario appears to fit that prediction.

[saintsrus]

This is what I posted on 11th March:

Don't be surprised if the next time Maguire breaks down in his comeback attempt, he calls it quits for the rest of the season, and re-evaluates his career from then on.

The current scenario appears to fit that prediction.

Good prediction BUT its his other foot so partly accurate

Lets see this for Mini to ressurect his bone we have given him, its now or never (if elevated)

[derby Street]

History shows that what injury info the club dishes out is suspect at best.
Hope Roo is only 3 - 4 weeks but lets wait and see, Bakes jarred knee ???,

[GrumpyOne]

This is what I posted on 11th March:

Don't be surprised if the next time Maguire breaks down in his comeback attempt, he calls it quits for the rest of the season, and re-evaluates his career from then on.

The current scenario appears to fit that prediction.

Good prediction BUT its his other foot so partly accurate

Knew that, but it still is a breakdown in his recovery, and he is out for the rest of the season. Redistribution of weight and change in running style can cause such injuries to the other foot.

The third part is that he will retire at the end of the year. I hope it doesn't come to that, but don't be surprised if that eventuates either.

[WinnersOnly]

Lets hope we do see MAGUIRE back this year! I think it will be important for his mind set to play again this year after all that he has been through!

Remembering everyone that players have be listed as long term injuries before we can upgrade a rookie listed player. This may be the reason they have placed injured for season alongside MAGUIRE. It will also take the pressure off him to return early.

[Megamaguire]

Disappointed to see 'X'-man get another injury - hope it's fixed in 3 weeks or less. He has been pretty useful for us lately and his speed/ burst will be missed.

I see Attard is 6-8 weeks away. Look forward to seeing him back pushing for selection with Gilbert.

Where is Geary? This could be the perfect time to give him more games if he is in form.

G O S A I N T S !

[saintsRrising]

Here is an interesting discussion and is very releavant as we playa lot of games on Docklans which is a sand base. In addition alos remember that Moorabbin was relayed to replicate it!!!




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/health_ ... 970176.stm

Metatarsals - a football fad?

The agony began for England's Wayne Rooney against Chelsea
Wayne Rooney is on crutches and the word metatarsal is being uttered yet again across the country ahead of a World Cup.

It was David Beckham in 2002 and now Man United's star striker is the subject of hourly medical updates after breaking bones in his foot.

So what is all the fuss about, why does it seem to be happening more and is it an injury than can be prevented?

BBC Sport asked Professor of Sports Science Tom Reilly, Sport Specialist Richard Higgins and Reading physio Jon Fearn.


IS THIS A NEW PHENOMENON?
Fearn: It has always been around and used to be called a broken foot. After all the Beckham analysis in 2002 the metatarsal word came up and has been used ever since.

I've been at Reading for five years and we've never had one, but I have never known so many England players to suffer.

Higgins: It's a phenomenon of modern sport and has been increasing over the last 15 years.

Many of these metatarsal fractures are because of stress or over-use. There have always been stress fractures in sport, but training and the intensity of training has increased hugely.

Reilly: It has always been traditionally recognised. There has always been a combination of breaks due to over-use and impact fractures.

There are not necessarily more or less metatarsal injuries now but we all certainly know more about it.

Over the last four years because of high profile injuries, there is better knowledge in the game and it is being commented on more in the public domain.


IS IT A COMMON FOOTBALL INJURY?
Reilly: Most football injuries are in the lower limbs, although the shoulder is a common one, especially for goalkeepers.

So the knee, ankle and feet bones are often on the receiving end due to contact and changing body posture when trying to avoid other players.


WHY IS IT HAPPENING MORE?
Higgins: Pitches are harder these days and players at the top are fitter, faster and stronger.

The stresses players' feet endure are hugely different to 20-25 years ago.



Grass pitches are often sand-based to improve drainage. These will be watered to increase speed, and not necessarily to make them softer.

It can be like running on concrete. Today's boots are probably less supportive and lighter, which will add to the stresses on the bones.
Fearn: The pitches are a major factor. Metatarsals often break due to increased stress levels and these stresses change with differing playing surfaces.

Premiership stars play on gorgeous surfaces day in, day out and any slight change in conditions will mean their feet may not be conditioned for that surface. Playing on a variety of surfaces creates different stresses and this is beneficial.

Bones respond to load and if you don't provide the high load the bones can become weaker and vulnerable.

However, if the workload is intense without rest or players just work on soft surfaces they again become susceptible to fracture.

Boots have become very cosmetic. Blades, for example, have been banned by some clubs and I advise against them. They make the lower limbs very vulnerable.

They are like crampons in mountaineering. We recommend a more conical stud so if a player spins, they spin on a cylindrical point rather than having something that just grips.

The upper part of a boot used to be a lot stronger for protection. Now they are made of flimsy plastic that feels like paper, but many players seem to want that lightweight feel of the boot.


CAN THIS INJURY BE PREVENTED?
Higgins: All these metatarsal breaks are stress fractures and you only really see it with players who train intensively at the highest level.

The benefit of oxygen tents has never been proven, but if there is a chance it may work it has got to be worth trying



Improving your bone density will hugely help a player avoid this kind of fracture and bone density responds to training.

When beginning training, I always advise a gradual start over the first 6-12 months and then slowly build this up.

Fearn: It sounds simple, but jumping up and down on a concrete surface will really help.

Research many years ago into osteoporosis for old people involved getting sheep to jump up and down! Over time their bones strengthened tremendously!

And when buying boots, don't always look at fashion. You need to combine comfort with what is right for the playing surface.

Reilly: Players are totally at the mercy of what happens around them and many injuries are unavoidable.

But many injuries are associated with being anxious. So when tackling, for example, it is important to be committed.

Jumping provides stimulus for bone growth and there is a need to build your calcium intake - drinking milk is not an old wives' tale.


WHAT HELPS RECOVERY?
Fearn: Rooney will need to be fit, be able to train and feel match sharp to be ready for the World Cup. It is a massive risk if any player is rushed back.

Firstly, you need to maximise the healing. An Exogen device using low intensity ultrasound sends a pulse through the bone and stimulates growth.


Rooney picked up a similar injury at the 2004 Euro Champs
The benefit of oxygen tents has never been proven, but if there is a chance any facility like this may work then it has got to be worth trying.

Aqua belts in the swimming pool enable players to run without bearing weight on their lower limbs so this is beneficial to improving aerobic fitness.

Higgins: Using ultra sound waves can really speed up healing. It is used three times a day, 25 minutes each time.

With a metatarsal break the legs are not put in plaster and you will see players in removable air cast walkers.

This allows full treatment to the foot when needed. The load on the foot is then built up as the pain resides.

Tom Reilly is a Professor of Sports Science at Liverpool's John Moores University.
Jon Fearn is a physiotherpist at Reading Football Club.
Richard Higgins is a specialist in sport and muscular medicine.




As an aside..having looked at this for a few years...these injuries can be minimised by wearing a boot that protects the bones.

But you will have to wait till later in the year to see it....unless you happen to note the boot that the Victory goalkeeper is wearing.

[To the top]

I recall Miles game in the pre-season comp. - a dashing, rebounding display as a mid-sized defender.

I also note he has been on the injured list since, now listed as close to a return.

I would be looking at him before McQualter, who would, in my opinion, only add more of what we have got to the mid-field list.

Maguire upsets our balance in defence dramatically, so we are looking to replicate Sam Fisher on a half back flank = Miles on what he showed?