Don't Let Bone Spurs - Like Jadaveon Clowney's - Keep You in Pain
John W. Womack III, M.D.
Foot and Ankle Specialist with Piedmont Orthopaedic Associates
While details of the exact injury Clowney is suffering from have not been shared, it's likely that he has developed bone spurs in the tibiotalar joint, the joint at the top of the foot near the ankle. This is often an overuse injury and can happen to athletes of all kinds.
Bone spurs are small overgrowths of bone that grow into a point. They form when the body tries to repair itself from inflammation nearby by building extra bone. For example, if Clowney had previously sprained his ankle, bone spurs could develop near the injury at the tibiotalar joint.
Symptoms
Many people have bone spurs that never cause any problems. In fact, the majority of those with spurs don't even know they have them until they have an X-ray for another reason. However, other people have significant pain and swelling due to bone spurs. Bone spurs in the foot and ankle can cause pain when walking, tenderness in the foot, and swelling. They are diagnosed with an X-ray or other imaging procedures like an ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment
Like many orthopedic injuries, the first line of treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and icing the painful area. For bone spurs in the foot, shoe inserts also can be helpful. If the pain continues, minimally-invasive surgery to remove the bone spur may be indicated. This involves using surgical tools to shave down the bone spur and smooth the area.
The good news for Jadaveon is that recovery from this type of arthroscopy is relatively quick. In fact, Clemson running back DJ Howard just a similar procedure in August and is already back scoring touchdowns for the Tigers.
We wish Jadaveon all the best during his treatment and recovery. If any of you have similar problems, make an appointment with a Foot and Ankle Specialist today. |