Can You Move Your Toes With A Broken Metatarsal?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you move your toes with a broken metatarsal? In fact, if a fractured toe or metatarsal bone is not treated correctly, serious complications may develop. For example: A deformity in the bony architecture, which

may limit the ability to move the foot

or cause difficulty in fitting shoes.

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Can you move your toes with a metatarsal fracture?

Broken bones bleed, so bruising and swelling can develop and you may have difficulty putting weight on the affected foot.

Movement of your foot may also be limited

.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken foot?

Can you move a broken toe? “If you can still move it then it’s not broken.” – False. This is another harmful old wives’ tale. Although

it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time

.

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

Is my metatarsal broken or sprained?

Another way to tell the difference between a broken foot and sprained foot is the sound the body makes when the injury occurs.

If you have a sprain, you’re more likely to hear a popping sound. If you have a fracture, then you’re more likely to hear a cracking sound.

Is it OK to walk with a metatarsal stress fracture?

It is important to rest your foot. Elevate your foot to decrease swelling and pain.

Do not do the activity or exercise that caused your fracture

. If walking is painful, your doctor may advise you to use crutches to help support your body weight when you walk.

What does a first metatarsal fracture feel like?

Signs and symptoms of a traumatic fracture include: You may hear a sound at the time of the break. “Pinpoint pain” (pain at the place of impact) at the time the fracture occurs and perhaps for a few hours later, but often the pain goes away after several hours. Crooked or abnormal appearance of the toe.

What does a metatarsal stress fracture feel like?


Pain, aching, and tenderness that worsens during and after physical activity or movement

. Relief from pain during periods of rest. Swelling on the ankle or top of your foot.

How do you tell the difference between a sprain and a break?


With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken

. Where is the pain? If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture.

How do you know you have a stress fracture in your foot?

Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture. Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone. Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest. Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.

Can you walk on a 5th metatarsal fracture?


You can walk on your injured foot as much as your pain allows

. You should gradually stop using the supportive shoe over three to five weeks, as your pain settles. Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.

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 walk on a hairline fracture?

Many people continue their regular day-to-day schedules with a stress fracture because the pain isn’t unbearable like it is with other fractures. For instance,

a hairline fracture in your foot may cause difficulty walking, but not so much so that it alerts you to see Dr. Scheffel

.

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

  1. Have severe pain or swelling.
  2. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.
  3. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
  4. Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

Can you have a broken bone without bruising or swelling?

It is common knowledge among orthopaedic surgeons that

there may be no external signs of bruising in association with a fracture

, and this is one of the many reasons why so much emphasis is placed on marking the limb before surgery.

Can you walk on a first metatarsal fracture?

Depending on the type and severity of your injury,

you may be able to walk on a broken metatarsal

. Some people find they can’t tolerate any weight at all. Others can still walk, especially if it’s a mild fracture.

Can you break a bone in your foot and still be able to walk on it?


Typically you can walk on a broken foot, however, doing so will aggravate the situation

. It’s best to give your foot a rest, and keep weight off it, so that bones can take the time they need to heal. It is always best to get an injury like a fracture checked out to ensure proper treatment.

How long do you wear a boot for a metatarsal fracture?

Your treatment plan

You will be given a removable boot to wear to support your foot; this should be used for

two to six weeks

to enable you to walk more comfortably whilst the injury heals. You only need to wear this when standing or walking, you can remove it at rest, at night and when bathing or showering.

Can you sprain your metatarsal?


A midfoot sprain is a common type of foot sprain that affects ligaments in the middle of your foot

. Ligaments attach your five, long metatarsal bones to four smaller bones (three cuneiform bones and the cuboid) at five tarsometatarsal joints.

What does a 2nd metatarsal fracture feel like?

Signs and symptoms

Athletes with 2

nd

metatarsal stress fracture typically present with

forefoot pain upon weight-bearing, inability to toe walk, focal swelling, and point tenderness

.

What swells more a break or a sprain?

If you can walk with soreness, it is unlikely that it is broken. Is there significant swelling?

If the injured area experiences immediate and severe swelling, that could be a sign of a broken bone or fracture

. However, if the swelling is mild and develops gradually, it is likely a sprain or strain.

Can’t bend toes down after injury?

If you had an injury to your foot or ankle, and now can’t move it,

you may have a broken bone or a bad sprain

. A ruptured Achilles tendon could also cause pain and make it difficult to bend your foot down. That can also be caused by an injury. Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin can also cause a tendon rupture.

What hurts more sprain or break?

Sometimes,

a sprain can be even more painful than a break

. A sprain is caused by trauma that overstretches ligaments and puts stress on a joint. A mild sprain is where the ligaments are stretched but the joint remains stable, while a moderate sprain is where the ligaments are slightly torn, making the joint unstable.

What does a hairline fracture in the foot feel like?

What are the symptoms of a hairline fracture? The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is

pain

. This pain can gradually get worse over time, especially if you don’t stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during activity and lessens during rest.

Does a metatarsal stress fracture hurt?


Pain is an early sign of a metatarsal stress fracture

. The pain may occur: During activity, but go away with rest. Over a wide area of your foot.

Where does your foot hurt with a stress fracture?

  • Pain that diminishes during rest.
  • Pain that is associated with physical activities throughout the day.
  • Swelling on the top of the foot or on the outside of the ankle.
  • Tenderness to touch at the site of the fracture.
  • Possible bruising.

Is 5th metatarsal fracture serious?

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the smallest toe. A Jones fracture is a common type of metatarsal fracture and is

the most severe type of fracture that can occur in this bone

.

How do you know if you broke your metacarpal?

Fractured hand symptoms involving the metacarpals include

pain, swelling, general tenderness along the site of the injury, and bruising

. These metacarpal fractures symptoms may be more pronounced as the patient makes a fist or even loosely grips items.

How do I know if I have a 5th metatarsal stress fracture?

Can you walk on a broken foot without knowing?

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. Bruising of the foot with a broken bone is also common.

How do you treat a metatarsal fracture?

Nondisplaced fractures of the metatarsal shaft usually require only

a soft dressing followed by a firm, supportive shoe and progressive weight bearing

. Stress fractures of the first to fourth metatarsal shafts typically heal well with rest alone and usually do not require immobilization.

Does a stress fracture hurt to touch?

What does a metatarsal stress fracture feel like?


Pain, aching, and tenderness that worsens during and after physical activity or movement

. Relief from pain during periods of rest. Swelling on the ankle or top of your foot.

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.

How do you know if you have a stress fracture in your foot?

  1. Pain that diminishes during rest.
  2. Pain that is associated with physical activities throughout the day.
  3. Swelling on the top of the foot or on the outside of the ankle.
  4. Tenderness to touch at the site of the fracture.
  5. Possible bruising.

How do you know if you broke your metacarpal?

Fractured hand symptoms involving the metacarpals include

pain, swelling, general tenderness along the site of the injury, and bruising

. These metacarpal fractures symptoms may be more pronounced as the patient makes a fist or even loosely grips items.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.