what treatment for broken metatarsal bones

What do they do for a broken metatarsal?

Apr 01, 2022 · Relieving Your Symptoms. Do not put the bag of ice directly on your skin. Cold from the ice could damage your skin. Ice your foot for about 20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 48 hours, then 2 to 3 times a day.

How to tell if I broke a metatarsal bone?

Jan 01, 2016 · If your injury involves multiple breaks or a displaced bone, or if the healing process is not moving forward, your doctor may perform a surgical procedure to fix your metatarsal. How Can I Prevent Metatarsal Fractures? Preventing metatarsal fractures can be tricky, especially if you’re involved in high-impact activities such as sports.

What is the best pain medication for broken bones?

Jan 04, 2022 · Non-surgical treatment for a metatarsal fracture includes: Rest Anti-inflammatory medication. Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be taken to reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid the offending activity. Because stress fractures result from repetitive stress, it is important to avoid the activity that led to the fracture.

How long is recovery from metatarsal surgery?

Treatment for a Metatarsal Fracture While you’re waiting to see a doctor, try to rest as much as possible and elevate your foot above your hips. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice doesn’t make direct contact with your skin to avoid ice burn and don’t apply it for more than 15 minutes.

Can you walk on a broken metatarsal?

A patient with a broken metatarsal may be able to walk, depending on how painful the injury is. Despite this, the patient with a metatarsal fracture is advised to avoid excessive walking, especially on uneven ground, to eliminate the risk of displacement.Feb 26, 2021

What do doctors do for a broken metatarsal?

Your doctor may have put your foot in a cast or splint to keep it stable. You may have been given crutches to use to keep weight off your foot. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again.

Do you need a cast for a broken metatarsal?

Definitive Treatment Most nondisplaced metatarsal shaft fractures require only a soft elastic dressing or firm, supportive shoe and progressive weight bearing. 4,6 A postoperative shoe or cast boot may be necessary if the foot is too swollen for ordinary shoes.Sep 15, 2007

Can a broken metatarsal heal on its own?

Fortunately, metatarsal fractures usually heal completely and patients are typically able to resume their pre-injury activities without problems. Sometimes they do not heal and may require surgery, bracing, or modification of activity.

How do I know if I broke a bone in my foot metatarsal?

SymptomsImmediate, throbbing pain.Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest.Swelling.Bruising.Tenderness.Deformity.Difficulty in walking or bearing weight.

Is a walking boot better than a cast?

Short-leg walking boots (WBs) have been reported to be an effective alternative to plaster casts (PCs) that could shorten this postoperative recuperative period. The aim of this study was to compare the functional recovery of a conventional PC with that of a WB after surgery for ankle fractures.

What does a 5th metatarsal fracture feel like?

The most common symptoms of an acute fifth metatarsal fracture include pain, swelling and tenderness on the outside of the foot, as well as difficulty walking. In some cases, bruising may occur.

Can you move your toes with a broken metatarsal?

Broken bones in the foot cause pain and swelling. Usually (but not always) the pain is so bad, you are not able to walk. Broken bones in the toes cause less pain, and you may be able to walk with a broken toe.Nov 1, 2021

How painful is a metatarsal stress fracture?

The most common symptom of a stress fracture is pain, which can progress from a dull ache to a sharp pain when untreated. In the early stages, pain diminishes with rest, but later it can occur at rest and during the night. Swelling and bruising of the foot may also be present.

What is the fastest way to heal a metatarsal fracture?

Immobilization: Keeping bone fragments from moving is an important factor in fast and safe healing. A cast is often used to immobilize the bone, and in some cases, your surgeon may rely on other options including screws, plates or wires to keep the bone in place.

Will walking on a fractured foot make it worse?

When recovering from this injury, it is suggested that you avoid walking excessively, as this can push the broken bone out of proper alignment and cause poor healing and foot deformities. Resting the broken foot can help the recovery process, which may take six to eight weeks.Mar 15, 2021

How do you know if you broke your metacarpal?

Symptoms of a metacarpal fracture usually include one or more of the following:Hand pain and tenderness to touch (over the back of the hand or palm)Hand swelling.Hand bruising.Hand pain / grinding when making a fist.Hand deformity (fingers may not line up normally when making a fist)

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How long does it take to recover from a broken metatarsal?

Recovery periods range from four to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture or break. The most commonly injured metatarsals are the second and the fifth—the one that leads up to the pinky toe. Your foot doctor will more than likely prescribe you plenty of rest and immobility.

What are the two types of metatarsal fractures?

Different Types of Metatarsal Fracture. There are two types of metatarsal fractures: acute and stress fractures. Acute fractures, also called traumatic fractures, happen instantaneously and are caused by an impact, such as when a heavy object falls on the bones. Stress fractures are caused by repetitive actions or impacts to the bones.

What is Jones fracture?

This fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled off the main portion of the bone by a tendon or ligament. Jones fractures are less common than avulsion fractures and they are more difficult to treat due to their location in the small area of the fifth metatarsal base, which receives less blood supply.

How many metatarsals are there in the foot?

Each foot has five metatarsal bones, which are collectively referred to as the metatarsus, and none of them have individual names. Instead they are numbered, starting with the big toe, which is known as the first, then continuing with the second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals (the fifth is the pinky toe).

Which metatarsal is most prone to stress fracture?

They worsen over time and are sometimes not evident on x-rays until the bone has started to heal. The second, third, and fourth metatarsals are most prone to stress fractures. In fact, they are second only to the tibia, which is the most common place for a stress fracture.

How to prevent foot injury?

However, you can still do things to prevent a significant injury, such as: Wear the proper type of footwear; this footwear should protect and support your feet. Limit activities during your recovery to prevent further problems. At the first sign of injury, have your foot looked at by a medical professional.

What to do if you have a foot injury?

If you are experiencing intense pain, swelling, discoloration, or an inability to walk, stand or move, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you are unsure about the severity of the injury and still have function in your foot, call your doctor or a doctor at the emergency room for advice .

How to treat metatarsalgia pain?

To help ease your metatarsalgia pain, try these tips: 1 Rest. Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it. Elevate your foot after standing or walking. You might need to avoid your favorite sport for a while, but you can stay fit with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling. 2 Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel. 3 Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation. 4 Wear proper shoes. Avoid too-tight or too-loose shoes and limit your wearing of high heels. Wear shoes appropriate to the sports you play. 5 Use metatarsal pads. These off-the-shelf pads are placed in your shoes just ahead of the metatarsal bone to help deflect stress from the painful area. 6 Consider arch supports. If insoles don't help, your doctor might recommend arch supports to minimize stress on the metatarsal bones and improve foot function. You can buy arch supports over-the-counter, or they can be custom fitted.

What to do if your foot hurts while waiting to see a doctor?

What you can do in the meantime. While you're waiting to see your doctor, rest your foot as much as possible and wear properly fitting shoes. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help ease your discomfort. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

How to protect your foot from injury?

Protect your foot from further injury by not stressing it. Elevate your foot after standing or walking. You might need to avoid your favorite sport for a while, but you can stay fit with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling. Ice the affected area.

How long does it take for a metatarsal fracture to heal?

Metatarsal fractures usually take six to eight weeks to heal, but sometimes it can take longer. Recovery will include follow-up X-rays to make sure the bone has healed correctly, and your foot may continue to be swollen for a few months.

What is a fracture in the metatarsal bone?

A metatarsal fracture is a break or crack in one of the five long metatarsal bones in the middle of your foot. It’s one of the most common foot injuries and can be caused by either a sudden injury or repeated stress over time. Fractures of the metatarsal bones account for 35 percent of all foot fractures [1].

Why do metatarsal bones crack?

Activities like running and jumping can put repetitive stress on your metatarsal bones and can cause them to crack over time. Read more about stress fractures. Metatarsal fractures are more common among younger people because they’re more likely to engage in sports and activities that can fracture the metatarsal bones.

What percentage of metatarsal fractures are Jones fractures?

It accounts for 68 percent of all metatarsal fractures [2]. When the fracture occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal, it’s known as Jones fracture. In children the most commonly fractured metatarsal is the first one, which connects to your big toe. Each metatarsal bone has a big job.

How many metatarsal bones are there in the foot?

There are five metatarsal bones in each foot and when one breaks or cracks, it’s called a metatarsal fracture. Any of the five bones can break but the fifth metatarsal, which runs along the outer part of your foot and connects to your little toe, is most susceptible in adults. It accounts for 68 percent of all metatarsal fractures [2].

What percentage of foot fractures are metatarsal?

Fractures of the metatarsal bones account for 35 percent of all foot fractures [1]. In most cases, surgery isn’t necessary and treatment involves wearing a cast, walking boot or special shoe, and also resting the injury. If left untreated, metatarsal fractures can become more severe and may cause long-term problems, ...

Can metatarsal fractures be long term?

If left untreated, metatarsal fractures can become more severe and may cause long-term problems, so it’s important to get your injury properly diagnosed . This article explains more about metatarsal fracture causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery time. Your Guide to Recovery.

Overview

A fifth metatarsal fracture is a broken bone on the outer edge of your foot and one of the most common foot injuries. Your fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of your foot that connects to your little toe.

Symptoms and Causes

Trauma to your foot causes a fifth metatarsal fracture. This trauma may result from:

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider will ask about when and where the pain started. Your provider will also press gently on your foot to find the location of the pain. They may also request some imaging tests:

Management and Treatment

Treatment for a fifth metatarsal fracture depends on whether the broken bones have moved out of place. Treatment also depends on your:

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of a fifth metatarsal fracture by maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes if you have it. People with diabetes and obesity are at higher risk for complications associated with metatarsal fractures.

Living With

See your provider if you develop a fever or have any of the following symptoms in your foot or leg:

What is the best way to treat a fractured foot?

Protecting the fracture is the primary treatment; stay away from the activity that triggered the injury or any activity that causes pain at the fracture site. Usually the foot will be protected with a short leg walking cast, a brace or a flat-bottom shoe.

What is the most common fracture in the foot?

The metatarsal bone s are some of the most commonly fractured (broken) bones in the foot. The two main types of metatarsal fractures are acute fractures, which are due to a sudden injury like dropping something heavy on your foot or a fall; and stress fractures, which are due to overuse or repetitive injury to a metatarsal bone, ...

How many bones are in the foot?

The feet contain nearly one-forth of all the bones in your body, which provide you with support and movement. There are 26 bones in one foot: 14 toe bones, five long metatarsal bones and seven tarsal bones. The metatarsals are the bones that connect your toes to your foot.

How long does it take for a metatarsal fracture to heal?

Acute metatarsal fractures generally take around six to eight weeks to heal. However, it may be longer than this before a sportsperson is fully back in action. Stress fractures normally heal without any complications and, in time, people are able to return to their previous activities fully.

What is metatarsal fracture?

Metatarsal Fractures. A metatarsal fracture occurs when one of the long bones of the midfoot is cracked or broken. This may be due to sudden injury (an acute fracture), or due to repeated stress (stress fracture).

What causes stress fractures in the foot?

They are also frequently seen in ballet dancers and gymnasts. Abnormalities of the structure of the foot, and abnormalities of the bones and joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or 'thinning' of the bones ( osteoporosis ), can make stress fractures more likely.

What is the difference between a metatarsal fracture and a stress fracture?

Acute metatarsal fracture is usually caused by a sudden forceful injury to the foot, such as dropping a heavy object on to the foot, a fall, kicking against a hard object when tripping, or from a sporting injury. A stress fracture is a hairline break in a bone, caused by repetitive stress.

How many metatarsal bones are there in the foot?

The metatarsal bones are some of the most commonly broken (fractured) bones in the foot. There are five metatarsal bones in each foot. They are the long slim bones which run the length of the foot to the base of the toes. For more information on foot anatomy, see the separate leaflet called Heel and Foot Pain (Plantar Fasciitis).

What happens if you break a bone?

If you have an acute fracture and you continue to stress the bone, the pain will increase further as the broken ends of bone will start to rub slightly against one another, and the area will become inflamed. In the worst case scenario the fracture may become displaced.

Why is the metatarsal shaft injured?

The shaft of the metatarsal is commonly injured because of twisting of the foot on landing from a jump. This is a common problem in ballet dancers.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment