Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal

What is a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
Fractures (breaks) are common in the fifth metatarsal - the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. Two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal are:
5th Metatarsal Avulsion fracture. In an avulsion fracture, a small piece of bone is pulled off the main portion of the bone by a tendon or ligament. This type of fracture is the result of an injury in which the ankle rolls. Avulsion fractures are often overlooked when they occur with an ankle sprain.
Jones fracture. Jones fractures occur in a small area of the fifth metatarsal that receives less blood and is therefore more prone to difficulties in healing. A Jones fracture can be either a stress fracture (a tiny hairline break that occurs over time) or an acute (sudden) break. Jones fractures are caused by overuse, repetitive stress, or trauma. They are less common and more difficult to treat than avulsion fractures.
Other types of fractures can occur in the fifth metatarsal. Examples include mid-shaft fractures, which usually result from trauma or twisting, and fractures of the metatarsal head and neck.
Symptoms
Avulsion and Jones fractures have the same signs and symptoms. These include:
Pain, swelling, and tenderness on the outside of the foot
Difficulty walking
Bruising may occur
Diagnosis
Anyone who has symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture should see a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. To arrive at a diagnosis, the surgeon will ask how the injury occurred or when the pain started. 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.
Non-surgical Treatment
Until you are able to see a foot and ankle surgeon, the “R.I.C.E.” method of care should be performed:
Rest: Stay off the injured foot. Walking may cause further injury.
Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
Compression: An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
Elevation: The foot should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
The foot and ankle surgeon may use one of these non-surgical options for treatment of a fifth metatarsal fracture:
Immobilization. Depending on the severity of the injury, the foot is kept immobile with a cast, cast boot, or stiff-soled shoe. Crutches may also be needed to avoid placing weight on the injured foot.
Bone stimulation. A pain-free external device is used to speed the healing of some fractures. Bone stimulation, most commonly used for Jones fractures, may be used as part of the treatment or following an inadequate response to immobilization.
When is Surgery Needed?
If the injury involves a displaced bone, multiple breaks, or has failed to adequately heal, surgery may be required. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the type of procedure that is best suited to the individual patient.

[@venkobby7404]

I Had a Jones fracture , was out of work for 3 months. For those of you who are going through it I pray for a quick recovery. It’s not fun and seems to take forever to heal. Hang in there.

[@amandakimber3465]

How are you going now?

[@austins.1068]

Cast or surgery

[@Vanilla_Kamilla]

😭😭😭 it takes forever to heal 😭😭😭

[@sarahgordon2597]

thank you

[@photographylovergr]

Thanks! I broke my 5th metatarsal a month ago. I'm supposed to take my cast off next week depending on the xray I have to take again. Hope I can get rid of the cast.

[@michaelrichmond408]

I fractured my 5th metatarsal on my right foot at work 10 weeks ago by dropping something extremely heavy on it. It broke in 6 places, however I was extremely lucky that it only damaged the bone and the soft tissue and not the tendons or the nerves. I had ORIF surgery the day of, with them installing a plate and 5 screws into the bone. Miraculously I’m already walking and driving again, can’t run yet or anything serious but it feels so good not using the crutches anymore. I pray that everyone who suffers this injury a speedy recovery 🙏 it’s definitely not a fun injury.

[@SANGSful]

Thank you. You did a great job explaining.

[@janethomas78]

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!! I knew this was the Problem!!

[@ax1997]

Thank you for a very helpful video.

[@thomas6963ify]

Jones fracture process succes for me Day:1-13 pain and swelling Day: 13-24 pain and swelling reduces day: 24-29 no more pain. a little swelling day: 29-52 no swelling or pain day: 53 x rays reveal reunion and full weight bearing (non weight bearing 6 weeks) Foods i ate: Almonds, 4 capsules fishoil a day, vitamin d/b/c/k(importnant!!!, eggs, almond milk, tuna, protein shakes, mackerel, rye bread, greens, bellpeppers, apples, and bananas. training: Gym weightlifting - but no exercises that put pressure on foot.

[@swak00]

Did you put a cast on? I got a 5th metatarsal fracture a week ago, no more swelling just pain when I press on the foot. But I'm refusing to get a cast and wondering if I have to..

[@tala1246]

@@swak00 I did not get a cast. I wore only ace bandage for three weeks, and stayed off my foot. I then started an air cast, but did not weight bear. I took off my air cast every night. Only wore during the day. My husband is a doctor and monitored my healing. I’m just about a month out from when I broke my fifth metatarsal. I have a Jones fracture.

[@vaddebb]

@@tala1246 how is your recovery.. Please share update

[@matthewcaughey8898]

Is a brake rotor falling from a height of 4.5 feet onto a n unarmored foot ( non steel toe boots) going to be enough to break a foot? I ask cause a few times at work i nearly had my foot smashed when a brake rotor fell out of damaged packaging

[@rahulvishwakarma2500]

Hii...Doc I had 2nd metatarsal bone fructure 50 days back , my foot was in cast for 42 days , 3 day after the removal of cast i had taken the xray as doctor suggested. My question is crack look similar as it was before in xray, is it normal? Please need you advice?

[@terriem6024]

Is it possible to bruis that bone or it is automatically a fracture?

[@thomaszimmerman8641]

Will surgery make it worse? They just want to pull out fragments?

[@kevinm2365]

I broke my ankle and foot a few weeks ago playing baseball. I have broken so many bones playing baseball but this one might be the most painful

[@Scrotumlips]

I did this 3 Sundays ago an I can still barely wiggle my last three toes but they said there not broke just my ovulsion fracture. No cast gave me a stupid sandle I hate those things. But do you think I should get an mri make aure I didn't mess any tendons or ligaments up? I did the fracture an sprained ankle but up near my toes is where most the swelling is now.

[@farjanapathan1498]

nice video

[@vijayaramaraju1255]

My 5th metacarpal is oblique fracture, 10weeks back, and i wore a splint for 6weeks, 3weeks back back splint is removed, till now fractured line visible on x -ray, can i use my hand general purposes like eating food, typing computer......

[@rockylane6621]

Excellent video, thank you. I may need to get a doctor look at my foot. Thank you for explanation.

[@jurianna1740]

Wow. In a cast for 8 weeks is intolerable 😭😭. I just had the same injury. As I have eczema & when sweat is your enemy, live in a warm country and sleep in a room with only a small fan, 8 weeks in a cast is unbearable 😭😭😭. Some more I still need to do household chores everyday.

[@user-vv6fi6pw1w]

It has been 10-11weeks from my first injury and have been on crutches and casts for 10 weeks. Right now I still have a cast on and but now I only use a single crutch. I don't have any pain in my foot now. Would I be able to have a full recovery to my original activity in 15weeks from the injury?

[@dallasthomas1284]

조준형 poopskin?

[@chandrajain4527]

Fracture neck of 2nd and 5th metatarsal bone can you discrib me

[@samanthawinkelman8044]

Hello doctor recently I sprayed and fell, my 5th metatarsal base fracture, on the outside of the foot I've got alot of pain walking still,

[@jessbrooke3193]

Can u let me know my right fifth metatarsal bone is broken and they said it is displaced do you think I'll have surgery I'm so scared

[@samanthawinkelman8044]

I'm in SA Durban about 3 and 1/2 years ago I fell very badly down the stairs pulling my legaments and breaking the actual ankle bone, now fluid is building up causing shocks of pain up my leg, the 1st Dr wanted too inject it and remove the fluid, the 2nd doctor said don't, when you have time, rebreak it and let it heal properly, currently I don't have any sick leave so I wear constant ankle guards and decompression guards, yes now the same right foot is starting too get extremely painful on the outside. Please help. Thank you Samantha cats

[@nashcurniski1028]

Been in a boot for 5 days can I go back to skating it was 99% healed last time I had went for X-rays witch was 5 days ago as well.

[@katekay634]

Nobody talks about soft tissue inflammation here.It is very painfull.I wish someoene did.

[@dauterkhoshnood688]

Fractured my 5 th metatarsal Nov 16… after 3 weeks had surgery and a screw was placed… now jan27 and still having a lot of pain when I try to walk. Better but wondering when will the pain stop… life is hard when you can’t walk…

[@laylayisom5025]

What if I have an avulsion fracture for years now and it has healed that way is there anything I can do

[@kevinm2365]

Talk to your orthopedist you might need surgery

[@MiftahulJannah-kv1tt]

i got jones fracture on fifth metatarsal, and its been 6 weeks after operation, its hurt and need a lot time for recovery, have you any experience for quick recovery?

[@edwincancelii2917]

Interesting.

[@mohitpahari3982]

During coming home with scooty i acident and my foot just bent after sometime feel soo much pain ..... what i do..

[@kevinm2365]

Ask your orthopedist

[@mohak1990y]

Henceforth, only training shoes. Most safe shoes for any activity as they have wide base

[@wzupppp]

I got diagnosed with small avulsion fracture on my big toe. The injury occured more than a year ago but I still feel a slight pain.

[@tonygonzalez6582]

Samee but mine is the pinky toe happened almost 2 years ago and I still feel discomfort on that pinky cant even bend it till this day even tho it healed lol

[@vsk1065]

Hello sir,I have a question how long it takes to walk normally after fracture

[@wzupppp]

@@vsk1065 for me it took months to heal

[@zehramrtdnc]

Does anyone have spiral metatarsal fracture? Surgery is necessaary in that type?

[@jawhzki]

i turned off the lights in my room. i went back to my bed and stubbed my 4th and 5th toes on the corner of my bed coz i couldn’t see, and it hurt so bad. i had to lay down and not move my foot. it started to go all numb and it was painful, so after the pain has subsided a bit i pressed on my toes but it didn’t hurt. the next morning i woke up, i tried to move my pinky toe and my foot started hurting so bad. it hurts when i bear weight on that foot too.

[@Alisonn2]

Jawhzki are you fine now? If not visit a doctor

[@antioblivion4109]

how. long do I have to wait till I can skateboard again after breaking fifth metatarsal? will I be able to do tricks and jump? and also will my bone be strong enough again? like after 5 months?

[@skaterboytae]

Are you able to skate yet? I fractured my 5th metatarsal 3 weeks ago and I still can't skate :'(

[@auroraallen1720]

I haven't gone to the doctor yet😅 and it has been 4 months and both of me feet are fractured 😅 ops

[@Yourstar777]

skaterboytae were you able to just walk after two weeks ?

[@houssem_tube5246]

How do you feel now!

[@ahnafhunaif5111]

I have big trouble I'm suffering dr said operation screw fix I'm scared

[@ladydy2831]

Me too 😒

[@auroraallen1720]

I was skateboarding in November and there was a car coming so I slammed onto the board and fell off the curb onto my foot and I play soccer so I just said oh it's fine it just hurts a little bit and refused to go to the doctor... Part of the bone is broken off and perpendicular to the bottom of my foot and sticking out of my foot (there is still skin around it) but one game I tried not to put pressure on it an landed on my right foot and now I have 2 broken feet about 4 months later and can't go to the doctor because of covid19 👍 Edit: I went to the doctor because the pain was so bad and apparently I have a begnin leisure on my leg yay🙂

[@nashcurniski1028]

I can’t sleep it’s been 5 weeks and they say I get my cast off tmr morning 😬 so scared hopefully it comes off

[@eileenwise5877]

I broke mine in a seizure through and through and eventhough my seizures aren’t controlled yet he put me in a shoe that hurts like hell. I asked him if this shoe would protect me if I were to have another seizure and this man said “that’s not the point.”

[@randeezeeman4466]

I was put in a boot that hurt like hell too. How much did you wear it?

[@a.bquiroz914]

I have this I want go to back to work already its annoying

[@pullamraju4855]

I suffered with undisplaced Johns fracture in my right foot on 5th March. Still in cast! Progressive healing dictator said. But no weight he says?! When can I be 👍. 🙏🏼 please share your experience.

[@sarahgordon2597]

how are you now...im 5months jones fracture, not yet healed. had surgery 5 weeks ago

[@MyProRc]

@@sarahgordon2597 was it healing at all before surgery?

[@sarahgordon2597]

@@MyProRc not much

[@sarahgordon2597]

but i have osteporosis , 42 female

[@MyProRc]

@@sarahgordon2597 so sorry to hear that! Did you try a bone stimulator?

[@lorasyt3191]

Have u ever heard of using a bone stimulator after a fifth metatarsal fracture? Not sure what mine is called but it's a fracture at the shaft of the fifth metatarsal and is partially dislocated. Happened in April. Due to no healing we are trying the Exogen bone stimulator.

[@striketox]

ProudAuntiex3 how did your exogen bone stimulator help? Just received mine today!

[@alberteats]

It is a scam. There is a study that proves that it did nothing when compared to a sham testing. Unfortunate. Google "exogen scam."

[@alberteats]

It is a scam. There is a study that proves that it did nothing when compared to a sham testing. Unfortunate. Google "exogen scam."

[@amandakimber3465]

How are you going now?

[@MissSmurfey]

How did your recovery go?

[@angelinalavergne]

I fractured mine yesterday

[@ChrisDietz9174]

Mine is fourth

[@joshuadodson6874]

WHAT ABOUT A PAIN IN THE BALL OF THE FOOT AT THE PINKY TOE LOCATION?

[@octopussy1771]

joshua dodson just give up your fucked it's gonna hurt forever because doctors can't do shit

[@comic_crab5996]

OMG ME TOO

[@akbarhussain4520]

i also face this situation please answer me now

[@ciasarah376]

I broke mine a jones fracture oct 23rd was in a cast for 6 weeks and didn't heal.I see a surgeon the 23rd of Dec.What I am asking if the gap was seen on the first and second xray with very little healing should I have had surgery then ?I was in a cast from Oct 25 till Dec 10th xray every 2 weeks and cast changed.

[@samanthavlogs5414]

Updated please ? Just got words after 5 weeks of waiting need surgery

[@ciasarah376]

I don't have surgery till the 9th of Jan.

[@samanthavlogs5414]

sarah joseph Good luck. It’s been 5 weeks and my dr just recommend me so see a surgeon for a second opinion :/ guess no change in xrays also but cast is off.

[@ciasarah376]

Keep me informed and i'll keep you informed.

[@samanthavlogs5414]

sarah joseph okay

[@lizzy9047]

Do you need a cast for a metatarsal fracture?

[@melindamurray1650]

I guess it all depends. How r u feeling

[@swak00]

Did you eventually put a cast. I got my injury 1 week now only got xray yesterday to know It was the 5th metatarsal fracture. But I'm thinking twice about putting a cast. There is no more swelling just pain ofcourse if I press in it

[@davorb7035]

@@swak00 how are u now

[@comic_crab5996]

I have a spiral fracture here....

[@ruby-ci6kn]

this is the bone I broke today I was at flipout and fell crooked I had an xray and now I have a boot to wear..... no p.e or dance club for me.....😭😭😭 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I LOVE DANCE!!!?!!

[@nenaj1]

Ughhh I'm such an idiot. I broke my ankle two years ago. It was a bimolleor fracture that required surgery and hardware was inserted. Healing was great. Now today i tripped on my other foot. It went to the side and now that same metatarsal hurts. I started limping and its getting worst as the day goes by. Tomorrow morning I'm heading straight to the hospital.

[@hannareedy8896]

Well mines really bad after kicking the wall.

[@nenaj1]

Hanna's Pets didn't have a fracture thank god lol

[@hannareedy8896]

+nenaj1 neither did I. I have a bad bone bruise

[@hishamkhaleel1457]

Nenaj1, please let me know how you feel with the hardware inside your feet after surgery,.. I have the same problem like you, lts a jones fracture, almost four weeks now, but the doctor places a cast for me on it since two days ago, because I don't want the surgery options or have those nails or hardware inside my bones to heal!..waiting your reply nenaj1 ASAP..

[@raisaraus5492]

HISHAM KHALEEL please let me know what is your current situation. I have a similar situation like you

[@vpsloh]

This guy loves hes job.

[@lyhende7461]

Can you walk on it if it’s fractured?

[@strawberrymilk9879]

omg noo it would just make it worse

[@ionaworld7034]

Nope!!!!

[@Linnas79]

Jones fracture here. Week 4 in a cast, still hurts

[@vitagameplay]

How long did u have the cast on for? And what happened after they took the cast off? I just fractured mine

[@melindamurray1650]

I"m 4 weeks & half in and no progress 😫😫. Have been using a boot n crutches

[@sabbyxbaybehxo]

@@melindamurray1650 how do you feel now?!

[@sabbyxbaybehxo]

How do you feel now?

[@houssem_tube5246]

@@sabbyxbaybehxo how do you feel now

[@codex7213]

I broke my weight bearing bone in two places and I am waiting to schedule my surgery I need to have a pin placed inside and it will be permanent

[@boliviamericano]

Last week i fractured my foot playing tennis. Yesterday had a screw put in with a jones.fracture. im praying ill be 100% when i recover and can go back to tennis like it never happened.

[@sarahgordon2597]

you are lucky you got surgery right away because i was at 4months before they gave me surgery , now 6 weeks post op and trying to just bear weight , its hard esp if you have weak bones, good luck, i love tennis!

[@juliakrzysztalowicz4682]

I currently have an avulsion fracture of the fifth metatarsal and I can’t do ANYTHING in this boot. The doctor said I can’t dance for 4-6weeks ugh 😑

[@amandakimber3465]

How has your recovery been ?

[@sundarkafle1464]

After how many weeks your bone healed??? I also got factured on same place.... After remove cast i also felt pain .... Please reply ?????

[@isabelgarciaizza7037]

Has anyone been left with a bone sticking out after an Avulsion fracture?

[@Jamnagar_kunj]

@@amandakimber3465 dear brother i am same issue suffering from last week doctor said 45 days of cast plaster it will be heal ?

[@shultanamitu590]

My left leg's fifth metatarsal broke three days ago.doctor did plaster on my foot.but it is little loose.is it problematic or not?

[@amandakimber3465]

How was your recovery ?

[@sundarkafle1464]

After how many weeks your bone healed??? I also got factured on same place.... After remove cast i also felt pain .... Please reply ?????

[@hamuku2394]

I have also fifth metatrsal broke now 3 month finish i can walk or not plz rsply

[@srivasudhahemadribhotla7804]

What happened with the recovery @Shultana

[@shayanmuhammad1793]

I fractured my 5th Metatarsal today it hurts alot

[@KungFuManKFM]

Saying Jones fractures don't heal without internal fixation is rubbish

[@abinash2371]

True thess docs only wants to makes money and make your life hell by doing surgery

[@Peacemakerblue]

Is there hope?

[@abinash2371]

What hope ??

[@abinash2371]

What hope ?? This isn't a cancer dude

[@saoloilaga4315]

Zion willamson injury

[@perezjohanna]

I broke this after too much gin

[@ziziroberts8041]

I fractured right below the top of it nearest to my toe.

[@joshpropes]

How long did your recovery take

[@joshpropes]

To be walking normally

[@ziziroberts8041]

@@joshpropes I'm 68. It took 12 weeks.

[@Vendo_Mani_xd]

*when you brake your toes doing martial arts*

[@oliverloake6103]

TF GAMER been there

[@johnnyfuentes3891]

Heck no I fractured my metatarsal bone two weeks ago if it heels wrong it heals wrong I'd rather just let it heel oh and by the way I'd rather pull it than by having it screwed in like they done my tibia and fibula heck

[@clarke6954]

I'm 16 I just fractured my metatarsal it hurts like hell

[@liezltorres9346]

How are u now ?

[@fragzszn_9847]

i did that rn now im going to hospital

[@caingomez3107]

how bad it hurt

[@samanthawinkelman8044]

ULTRASOUND-RIGHT ANKLE Clinical indication-fracture of the 5th metatarsal base FINDINGS Reference has been made to right foot x-rays dated 06/23/2023 Joints: Small anterior ankle joint effusion. No synovitis. Normal talonavicular joint. Ligaments: AITFL: Normal. ATFL: Grade 2 sprain with diffuse thickening with a few disrupted fibers. No full-thickness tear. CFL: Grade 1 sprain with diffuse ligamentous thickening with no tear. Superficial deltoid: Normal. Tendons: Anterior tibial/extensor tendons: Normal. Posterior tibial/flexor tendons: Normal. Peroneal tendons/retinaculum: Normal. Soft tissues: Lateral ankle subcutaneous edema. No collection. IMPRESSION

[@sandy_htwe]

i broke/fractured this bone by walking, fun

[@hassonfalah2088]

اكو عراقي رجله مكسوره يحط لايك

[@ptxecrab822]

Damn I just broke this it hurts like a b****

[@efrenalcazar5987]

PTxE CRAB bro do you need surgery to repair your broken foot? I broke my 3rd & 4th metatarsal like 3 weeks ago today and the doctors told me I didn’t need surgery but idk how broken bones would heal without surgery , what did your doctors tell you? I’m skeptical as fuck and I’m bored as fuck not being able to walk this shit is asss

[@ptxecrab822]

@@efrenalcazar5987 na nah I just can't walk

[@efrenalcazar5987]

PTxE CRAB damn you ain’t go to the hospital tho? If you did what they tell you? Lol my fault I’m just curious bro

[@sundarkafle1464]

After how many weeks your bone healed??? I also got factured on same place.... After remove cast i also felt pain .... Please reply ?????

[@octopussy1771]

doctors really don't do shit

[@hammo541]

this is all so wrong lol

[@lunaticoloco9896]

..

[@strawberrymilk9879]

This is a whole doctor lmaooo

[@dmbdmb3828]

☕️

[@ruby-ci6kn]

this is the bone I broke today I was at flipout and fell crooked I had an xray and now I have a boot to wear..... no p.e or dance club for me.....😭😭😭 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I LOVE DANCE!!!?!!

[@juliakrzysztalowicz4682]

Unicorn Ruby omg sameee but I have a fifth metatarsal fracture omg I feel like a lazy piece of crap and I can’t even stretch

[@kevinm2365]

I broke my fifth metatarsal and my ankle playing baseball. I am also and a boot and I have broken so many bones in baseball so I’m used to it. I have gone through so many injuries my body has gotten used to the pain.

[@ruby-ci6kn]

this is the bone I broke today I was at flipout and fell crooked I had an xray and now I have a boot to wear..... no p.e or dance club for me.....😭😭😭 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I LOVE DANCE!!!?!!

[@ruby-ci6kn]

this is the bone I broke today I was at flipout and fell crooked I had an xray and now I have a boot to wear..... no p.e or dance club for me.....😭😭😭 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I LOVE DANCE!!!?!!

[@ruby-ci6kn]

this is the bone I broke today I was at flipout and fell crooked I had an xray and now I have a boot to wear..... no p.e or dance club for me.....😭😭😭 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I LOVE DANCE!!!?!!

[@ruby-ci6kn]

this is the bone I broke today I was at flipout and fell crooked I had an xray and now I have a boot to wear..... no p.e or dance club for me.....😭😭😭 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I LOVE DANCE!!!?!!