Duane Brown Injury Needs a Steel-toed Boot!

Once again, the newest podiatrist in The Woodlands is salivating to treat this simple injury. Duane Brown, offensive lineman for the Houston Texans injured his big toe joint last week while playing the Tennessee Titans.

The injury sustained is known as a “turf-toe”. Turf-toe occurs when the big toe joint is forced backwards and up on the foot. The strong ligaments on the underside of the big toe joint began to stretch and eventually rupture. This rupture of the underside of the big toe joint causes a significant amount of pain and swelling. Even the slightest movement to the big toe joint can re-aggravate the injury. The big toe is important as it is the last part of the toe to propulse off of the ground. The body is driven forward from the big toe joint which makes running painful.

Brown’s injury occurred as another lineman fell down on his leg and foot, causing his toe to bend backwards. Brown’s movements as an offensive tackle require him to make quick steps backward and drive forward. Linemen are not required to take long, sprinting strides down field. Because of his work requirements, Brown should be able to get back on the field quickly-if they would take my simple advice.

In Podiatry we have what is called a Morton’s extension. This adaptation to Brown’s shoes is like a carbon-fiber shank that extends underneath the big toe joint. This prohibits the big toe from flexing upward and causing pain to the ball of the foot. A simple foam top over the carbon-fiber shank makes the rigid device more comfortable to wear.

At Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands we provide traditional and diverse treatment for athletic foot injuries. For more information regarding Duane Brown’s injury, turf toe or any other foot problems, please contact:

Dr. Marcin N. Vaclaw

Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands

9191 Pinecroft Dr Suite 150

The Woodlands, TX 77380

281.909.7722

info@FASthewoodlands.com

www.FASthewoodlands.com