NY Giants Bradshaw playing with fractured foot

It's been reported this week that Ahmad Bradshaw, running back for the NY Giants, has been playing with a stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal in his right foot. This is a problem he has had for several months. Earlier this week he was cleared to continue playing on Sundays, but during the week he wears a boot to immobilize the area and limits his activity.

The 5th metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of the foot. A stress fracture, or hairline break in the bone, develops from repeated stress to the area. Athletes that run or repeatedly pivot are susceptible to this type of injury. Pain, bruising and swelling to the outside of the foot are all signs of a possible fracture. When these symptoms are present a thorough podiatric exam is key to a correct diagnosis. Sometimes a stress fracture is not visible on x-ray and other imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, are necessary.

Treatment options for the fracture include rest to decrease the chance of further damage, as well as ice, compression and elevation to decrease swelling. Often the fractured foot will be placed in a cast or boot to immobilize it with the use of crutches. When the fracture occurs in an area of the bone with decreased blood supply it is more difficult to heal. These fractures may result in surgery to place a screw across the fracture and aide in healing. Hopefully the fracture Ahmad Bradshaw has been battling remains stable and surgery can wait until the end of the football season.