As many of you footy fans have heard in the news recently, in particular Melbourne Demons supporters, your co-captain Jack Viney is out of action again with another foot injury. This time around he has stress reaction in his big toe. You’re probably sitting there wondering what that even means and praying that he’s back in time for finals (that’s IF Melbourne make it)!
Our Football mad Podiatrist Dion Vallianos has geared up to give you some info on Viney’s latest injury:
What is a stress reaction?
It is a combination of swelling and inflammation in the bone prior to an actual stress fracture being present (which is more serious). The injury is caused by repetitive stress to a specific area of the foot so it’s also commonly seen in runners but also footballers, dancers and people who are overloading certain bones in their body.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain in the bones of your foot
- Pain with pressure on the affected bone
- Pain when walking or running in the bone
- Sometimes there may be swelling and bruising around the affected area
What does the treatment involve?
Offloading and rest over 4-6 weeks is most effective when treating a stress reaction.
This can be done via:
- Adding padding in footwear
- Wearing a CAM walker (moon boot) for a certain period of time
- Modifying training loads
Sound familiar? Got an ache that isn’t giving up and feel like this could be what is giving you grief?
For individual advice regarding your feet, feel free to contact us or book an appointment online.
I hope this provides some clarification around Viney’s recent spell on the sidelines. Fingers crossed for you Demons supporters that he’s back soon!
Picture from: AAP
Written by Dion Vallianos – Podiatrist at the Diamond Valley Foot & Ankle Clinic
