Bad News for Soccer Fans: Neymar Out of Action Due to Foot Fracture

Neymar da Silvos Santos Júnior cried for two days after re-injuring his right foot in a recent French Cup soccer win. Sure, the fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone was painful, but that wasn’t the reason for his tears.

Because his new injury is a repeat of a fracture experienced last year, Neymar knows just how long his recovery will be, and that was the reason for his grief. The superstar forward for French club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team will be out of action for 10 weeks but hopes to be back for a potential Champions League quarter-final in April.

Fifth Metatarsal Bone Breaks Are Common

The fifth metatarsal bone is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to your little toe. One type of fracture or break in this location is an avulsion fracture, where a small piece of bone is broken off by a tendon or ligament, usually the result of an ankle roll. This type of break is common and easier to treat than others.

Another type of fracture in the fifth metatarsal is a Jones fracture which may be either a stress fracture or a sudden break. This injury happens in an area that receives less blood and so is harder to heal.

Both of these fractures have the same symptoms which include pain, bruising, swelling and tenderness on the outside of the foot along with difficulty walking.

If you have any of these signs of a fifth metatarsal fracture, please come in and see us as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis! Before your visit, use the RICE method of care: Rest, Ice the area, use elastic Compression bandages and Elevate your leg above your heart.

Treating a Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal

Although surgeons operated on Neymar’s first metatarsal break, leaving him laid up for 3 months, this time they are trying conservative or non-surgical methods.

Our conservative treatments for this same injury include immobilization with a cast, cast boot or stiff-soled shoe along with crutches to keep the weight off the foot.

If your injury fails to heal or is a more complicated fracture, surgery may be needed as Neymar experienced last year. We will work with you to develop the right surgery for your unique injury.

Come in for a Comprehensive Foot Exam

The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Ryan Donegan is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices conveniently located in Enfield, Windsor and South Windsor, CT.