A broken fifth metatarsal affects the bone along the outer edge of the foot. This bone connects the smallest toe to the middle of the foot. A break can follow a sudden twist, landing, or fall. Repeated stress from running or jumping can also cause a small crack. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising near the outside of the foot. Patients may struggle to put weight on the injured foot. Because a sprain can feel similar, an accurate diagnosis is important.
Several types of fractures can affect the fifth metatarsal, and the location of the break influences treatment and healing. A break near the base of the bone can occur when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. This is called an avulsion fracture. A Jones fracture occurs slightly farther along the bone, in an area with limited blood flow. For this reason, a Jones fracture can be slower to heal. A stress fracture usually starts as a tiny crack caused by repeated force. A podiatrist examines the foot, asks how the injury happened, and checks where it hurts. X-rays usually show the break. Additional imaging tests can help when an early stress fracture does not appear clearly.
Treatment aims to hold the bone steady and protect it while it heals. Your podiatrist may prescribe a boot, cast, or crutches based on the type of break. The doctor will also explain how much weight you can place on the foot and when activity can safely increase. Follow-up X-rays help show whether the bone is joining correctly. Surgery may be needed when the bone pieces have shifted, the fracture is not healing, or the patient is extremely active. A podiatrist can also guide the safe return to work, exercise, and sports. If you have injured the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.
Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:
- Bruising
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blue in color
- Numbness
- Cold
- Misshapen
- Cuts
- Deformities
Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.
Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
