What are the signs and symptoms of a 5th metatarsal fracture?
What are the signs and symptoms of 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.
How long does a 5th metatarsal avulsion fracture take to heal?
You have sustained a fracture to the base of the 5th metatarsal of your foot, which is known as an avulsion fracture. Please see the picture below to understand where this injury is. This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to unite (heal) although pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months.
How is a 5th metatarsal avulsion fracture treated?
Treatment Options Treatment of avulsion fractures is usually accomplished with a walking cast or a walking boot. 1 These protect the fracture site, but allow you to walk and place weight on the foot. The walking cast or boot is worn for about four to six weeks.
Can you walk with fifth 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.
What happens to the 5th metatarsal during avulsion fracture?
During an avulsion injury, a variable size fragment of bone at the base of the 5th metatarsal is pulled off by a strong plantar ligament that is attached to this part of the bone. A Dancer’s fracture causes localized pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Is there a break in the fifth metatarsal?
Fractures (breaks) are common in the fifth metatarsal – the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe.
How are avulsion fractures treated in the foot?
Treatment of avulsion fractures is usually accomplished with a walking cast or a walking boot. These protect the fracture site, but allow you to walk and place weight on the foot.
Where are radiographs located on the fifth metatarsal?
Radiographs show radiolucency located proximal to the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction ( Figure 2). These fractures are usually perpendicular to the long axis of the fifth metatarsal. Although the avulsion fracture is often extra-articular, involvement of the metatarsal-cuboid joint is not uncommon.