![]() ![]() Discomfort and difficulty walking accompany the injury. FAQs How painful is a 5th metatarsal fracture?Ī defining symptom of a 5th metatarsal fracture is pain on the outside of the foot. Learn how our Sports Physical Therapy service can help. A full return to sports often occurs in three or four months. Physical therapy may help the patient recover mobility in the foot and ankle and speed the resumption of normal activities. Weight-bearing activities are significantly reduced for six weeks following surgery. How long does a fractured 5th metatarsal take to heal?Ī 5th metatarsal fracture often heals in six to eight weeks, whether treated by immobilization or through surgery. 5 th metatarsal surgery involves inserting a pin, screw, rod or plate to secure the bone in the desired location. Surgery is common for mid-shaft or dancer's fractures and for Jones fractures if more conservative treatments, like immobilization, prove unsuccessful. When bones are displaced, or there are multiple breaks, a 5th metatarsal surgery may be the best treatment option. When Does a 5th Metatarsal Fracture Need Surgery? This treatment is most common in a Jones fracture but can also be used to assist any immobilization treatment. This is an external device that can help promote bone growth. In some cases, a bone stimulator is used to accelerate the healing of a 5th metatarsal fracture. This treatment typically runs six to eight weeks. Crutches may also be used to keep weight off the foot. A first treatment step, commonly used for an avulsion fracture and potentially for a Jones fracture, immobilizes the foot in a cast or boot. Immobilizationįollowing an injury, a patient should practice RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) until they are able to visit a doctor. A patient's age, activity level and health factor into any treatment decisions. Some fractures may heal with nonsurgical treatments, while others require 5th metatarsal fracture surgery for a full recovery. The treatment of a 5th metatarsal fracture can vary based on the severity and type of fracture. CT or MRI: If a Jones fracture is suspected, detailed scans can provide additional information.X-ray: A common diagnosis tool for a fracture of the 5th metatarsal, the X-ray can show the location and type of fracture, although Jones fractures don't always show clearly.To get a more detailed analysis, foot imaging may be ordered. A physical examination can help determine the location of the possible fracture. Our caring providers will ask questions about injuries to the area and any history of pain in the foot. How Are 5th Metatarsal Fractures Diagnosed? ![]() The location of the symptoms may indicate where the fracture has occurred and which type of 5th metatarsal fracture you have. Symptoms are generally the same regardless of fracture type. 5th Metatarsal Fracture Symptomsĥth metatarsal fracture symptoms are often noticeable on the outside of the foot and include: Fifth metatarsal shaft fracturesįractures to the shaft of the 5th metatarsal are often referred to as "dancer’s fractures." They can appear to look severe on x-rays, but most are treated nonoperatively. Athletes may consider surgical treatment to improve the speed and strength of healing. This area of the bone has a poor blood supply, and therefore, these breaks and stress fractures take longer to heal. They can also occur after increased pressure on the feet due to weight gain. These are often seen in athletes, since they can result from increased training regimens and foot stress, rapid side-to-side movements, and from dancing en pointe (ballet). When a break occurs slightly more distal on the 5 th metatarsal, away from the ankle, it is called a Jones fracture. In rare cases, surgery is needed to fuse the fractured bone properly. Most are treated nonoperatively with ice, rest and use of crutches, a cast or a walking boot. These kinds of breaks typically occur after an ankle sprain or roll. Avulsion FracturesĪn avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal happens at the end of the bone closest the ankle, the part of the bone attached to the tendon. Identifying the fracture location and severity is essential in determining treatment, and imaging such as X-rays are important for making an accurate diagnosis.Īnkle injuries and trauma injuries can cause a fracture of the 5th metatarsal, but the bone is also prone to stress fractures. Traumatic foot and ankle injuries, including stress fractures, can cause a the 5th metatarsal to crack or even break. Fractures of the 5th metatarsal are fairly common and can happen in different locations along the bone. The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the small toe. Billing, Insurance & Financial Assistance. ![]()
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