What are metatarsal injuries?
The dreaded metatarsal curse has struck some of the Premiership’s top footballers in recent years. Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney fractured the base of his fourth metatarsal before his miraculous recovery for the 2006 World Cup. So what exactly are metatarsals, and how long do they take to heal? WHAT? Metatarsals are the five long bones in the forefoot which connect the ankle bones to those of the toes. The first is linked to the big toe and the fifth, on the outer foot, links to the little toe. The five metatarsals act as a unit to help share the load of the body, and they move position to cope with uneven ground. Injuries usually occur as a result of a direct blow onto the foot, a twisting injury or over-use. WHO? Rooney has broken his metatarsal two times but there are many players who have suffered. Others include Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ashley Cole, Ledley King, David Nugent and Michael Owen. But damage and recovery time depends on the extent of d
