Does a 5th metatarsal fracture need a cast? The the long bones in your foot are called metatarsals. They are numbered from 1 to 5. This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. The break has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals without a problem, so
you won’t need to have a plaster cast
.
Do they cast a 5th metatarsal fracture?
A fifth metatarsal fracture is a common injury where the bone connecting your ankle to your little toe breaks. These fractures occur from injury, overuse or high arches.
Providers can treat your broken bone with a cast, boot or shoe — or with surgery
.
Do you need a boot for a 5th metatarsal fracture?
There are five metatarsal bones in each foot, you have fractured the fifth which is on the outer edge of the foot. This is a common fracture.
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.
How do you treat a fractured 5th metatarsal?
How long does it take to heal 5th metatarsal fracture?
Following treatment, it may take
eight to 12 weeks
for the bone fracture to fully heal, with a gradual return to normal activity within four months. Over 90% of 5th metatarsal fractures heal without any problems, and you will be able to return to your usual sports activities.
Can a foot fracture heal without a cast?
To heal, a broken bone must be immobilized so that its ends can knit back together.
In most cases, this requires a cast
. Minor foot fractures may only need a removable brace, boot or shoe with a stiff sole.
Can you break a metatarsal and still walk?
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
.
How painful is a 5th metatarsal fracture?
Symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture
Sudden pain along the outside of your foot is the main symptom
. A stress fracture may develop more slowly. You may feel chronic pain for a period of time. Your foot may also swell up and bruise.
When can you put weight on a broken 5th metatarsal?
Most foot fractures will allow you to be fully weight bearing, as long as you are in a walking boot or cast. If your injury is in your heel or fifth metatarsal, however, expect to be non-weight bearing for
six to eight weeks
.
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.
When can I walk on my broken 5th metatarsal?
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.
How long is non weight bearing after 5th metatarsal fracture?
Postoperatively after fixation of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures the foot should be immobilized and kept nonweightbearing. The period of nonweightbearing is
1 to 2 wk
with progressive weightbearing in a short-leg walking cast or aircast for four to six weeks[3,4,10,13,19,25].
How do I know if I broke my 5th metacarpal?
- Painful bruising and swelling of the back and front of the hand.
- Pain of the back of the hand in the area of the fractured 5th metacarpal.
- Bent, claw-like pinky finger that looks out of alignment.
- Limited range of motion of the hand and of the 4th and 5th fingers.
Will walking on a fractured foot make it worse?
This fracture gets worse with time if you keep walking on it
, so non-weight bearing is very important. People with this fracture are more likely to develop problems healing that require an operation.
How do you wrap a 5th metatarsal?
Can you walk on a broken foot with a boot?
Walking:
You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages
. The boot you have been given is for your comfort only and is not needed to aid fracture healing but will help to settle your symptoms.
Is there an alternative to a cast?
Splints, also known as half-casts
, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases. Ready-made or off-the-shelf splints are available in many different sizes and shapes.
Can a broken metacarpal heal without a cast?
Can I wear a brace instead of a cast?
How painful is a fractured metatarsal?
Acute metatarsal fracture
May make an audible sound at the time of the break and you will usually have
immediate pain and tenderness around the area of the fracture
. The pain is often called ‘pinpoint pain’ as it is quite well localised at the site of impact to the bone.
How can I speed up the healing of a broken metatarsal?
- Alignment of the broken bone fragments.
- Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization.
- Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.
Is a fracture a break?
A Fracture = A Broken Bone
A “fracture” refers to a “break” in the bone, which can take many forms. There are numerous different types of fractures, with various different treatments. Some bone injuries are able to heal on their own, some require casting or splinting, and some even require surgery.
What shoes should I wear with a metatarsal fracture?
Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 3 weeks?
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.
Can you move your toes with a broken metatarsal?
Consequences of Improper Broken Toe Treatment
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.
How do I know if I broke a bone in my foot metatarsal?
- Immediate, throbbing pain.
- Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Tenderness.
- Deformity.
- Difficulty in walking or bearing weight.
How do you diagnose a 5th metatarsal fracture?
Diagnosis of a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture
The foot will be examined, with the doctor gently pressing on different areas of the foot to determine where there is pain
. The surgeon will also order x-rays. Because a Jones fracture sometimes does not show up on initial x-rays, additional imaging studies may be needed.
When is surgery needed for 5th metatarsal fracture?
Surgery may be recommended
if you have rotational deformity of the little toe, angulation of the shaft of the metatarsal with a change in the shape of the foot, or shortening as a result of the fracture
.
What happens if you fracture your 5th metatarsal?
How long is non weight bearing after 5th metatarsal fracture?
When can you put weight on a broken 5th metatarsal?
Most foot fractures will allow you to be fully weight bearing, as long as you are in a walking boot or cast. If your injury is in your heel or fifth metatarsal, however, expect to be non-weight bearing for
six to eight weeks
.
