Metatarsal Fractures

Between the base of the toes and the ankle in each of your feet sit five metatarsal bones. Long and strong, these bones give your foot its arch and serve as a natural springboard to cushion and support all manner of movement. Although your feet will adapt to most surfaces while bearing the weight of your body and helping you maintain balance, the metatarsals are vulnerable to fracture from either repetitive stress or acute trauma.  

Metatarsal fractures account for 5 to 6% of all fractures and are among the most common injuries to the foot. While acute metatarsal fractures are the immediate result of direct trauma such as a heavy object dropping on the foot, getting stepped on, kicked, landing awkwardly from a jump, or twisting the foot and ankle, stress fractures tend to develop as the result of overuse and emerge over a more extended period of time.

What does a fractured metatarsal feel like?

A traumatic fracture of a metatarsal bone typically exhibits the following signs and symptoms: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Discoloration, bruising
• Difficulty walking

However, stress fractures typically feel a bit different. Although initially, your discomfort may be intermittent, diffuse, and alleviated with rest, the pain gradually becomes more localized and continuous. If left untreated, a hairline stress fracture can significantly worsen, progressing to a full-thickness fracture.  

Diagnosis and treatment

Whatever the case may be, it's essential to contact our office for care. Proper diagnosis and treatment from an experienced foot and ankle surgeon are required to restore alignment, promote optimal healing, protect the foot from further injury, and reestablish healthy function.  

Treatment of a fractured metatarsal depends on the type and extent of the break. Once diagnosed and evaluated, many cases can be treated with a walking cast or rigid shoe to correctly immobilize the hard and soft tissues in the foot to allow healing. However, in certain situations, a surgical procedure may be required. If the fracture occurs in an area where the blood supply is poor, or the bones are displaced, surgery often provides the best course of care. 

Your trusted partner in care

Whether it's a matter of a period of rest and immobilization or surgery, our foot and ankle surgeon is with you every step of the way. In addition to providing detailed instructions on how long to keep weight off your foot, and follow-up care, we'll also recommend the appropriate physical therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation to help ensure a healthy return to your daily activities.  

Personalized Care

From an Experienced Orthopaedist