Not the end of the World for NFL Draft Prospect Julio Jones

With not much good news coming from the NFL these days, draft prospect Julio Jones made headlines with his impressive showing at the 2011 Scouting Combine. With his performance, he may very well be the first wide receiver picked in this years draft. He ran under 4.40 in the 40 and did all this with a fracture in his foot. This fracture was picked up on x-rays during the medical examination at the Scouting Combine. Julio was diagnosed with what is called a Jones fracture while performing at the combine.

A Jones fracture is a injury towards the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is the long bone behind the 5th toe. This injury can occur as a result of a twisting injury or an ankle sprain. In fact, this type of fracture can often be missed during initial examination for an ankle sprain. Due to the location of this fracture, (see figure below), there is limited blood supply to the bone in this area making this a difficult fracture to heal. Often conservative measures, such as a cast, walking boot or crutches are not enough to heal this fracture alone.

As in Julio Jones' case or any athlete that cannot have afford the luxury of a lengthy recovery, this type of fracture often needs surgery to assure healing of this injured site. A titanium or stainless steel screw is often placed across the fracture site to help speed up the healing process. Often times, a bone stimulator would also be used as an adjunct to treatment. A bone stimulator uses ultrasound or electrical waves to increase healing across bone fractures. Even with these techniques it will take 4-6 weeks to heal. The good news is with proper care these go on to heal without future consequences. The key to these injuries is early intervention. When you suspect this type of injury or sustain a severe ankle sprain, it is important to get examined by your podiatrist as soon as possible. Early intervention is essential. For Julio Jones, having immediate treatment will result in his remaining a first round pick in the 2011 draft.

Sandie Grulke, DPM

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Shaquille O'Neal has Achilles Tendinitis

Looks like Boston Celtics Center, Shaquille O'Neal has another injury. Years ago he had surgery on his big toe joint to clean up a lot of his cartilage. Now Doctors are saying he has tendinitis or even tendinosis of his Achilles tendon. Ok so whats the difference? Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. Tendinosis is an abnormal condition of a tendon. It can also be caused from an overuse syndrome and there are different types of healing cells that occur with tendinosis. Anti-inflammatories may not work with tendinosis conditions. With both conditions, if he is too active, he may rupture the tendon. Currently, he is wearing a Cam Boot to help offload the area. Stay tuned for updates on his progress.

http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/

Can Toenails Indicate If You Have Lung Cancer?

A recent study has shown that men with high levels of nicotine in their toenails are 3.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those with lower levels of nicotine, regardless of their smoking history.

Toenail clippings were used because they grow slowly and are relatively stable compared to other things such as salivia and urine. With the toenail clippings, there is less chance for error.

In 1986 a health questionnaire was filled out by men and followed up every 2 years. 33,737 men provided toenail clippings.  210 men developed lung cancer between 1988-2000. Clippings were used to to assess men's tobacco exposure over a year. Whats also interesting is that 10% of men who had the most levels of nicotine in their toenail clippings had never smoked. With this group it was possibly from second hand smoke.

This may provide a valuable tool for us in the future. We may not only be checking toenail clippings for fungus and other nail diseases, but also for nicotine levels.

 
http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/
Original article can be found here
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/03/07/toenails-risk-lung-cancer/