Hakeem Nicks of the NY Giants Breaks Fifth Metatarsal Bone of the Foot

During voluntary workouts, Hakeem Nicks of the NY Giants suddenly felt extreme pain in his foot. He broke his fifth metatarsal bone of the foot and will have surgery to place a screw in this bone. He will not return to the field for at least 12 weeks. Fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone, especially close to the base of the bone, are very serious injuries. The blood supply to this portion of the bone is not very strong, and this usually results in slow healing. In my experience, many patients do well with immobilization and rest if the bone is properly approximated (not dislocated and out of position). Some people, especially athletes, respond better and faster with the placement of a screw into the bone to stabilize the fracture. A device called a bone stimulator is often employed for this type of fracture to assist with proper healing. Normal bone healing takes 6-8 weeks, and after surgery and/or immobilization, patients often need a course of physical therapy to get them back to their normal activity level. If you have questions about this condition or any other foot issue, please schedule your appointment! Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 708-763-0580