Injuries to this bone may be different than fractures of the first four metatarsals. The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of your foot. If you have an open fracture, however, your doctor will perform surgery immediately. Surgery may be delayed for several days to allow the swelling in your foot to go down. However, if you have fractured several metatarsals at the same time and your foot is deformed or unstable, surgery is necessary.ĭuring the procedure, your doctor will make an incision in your foot, then insert pins or plates and screws to hold the bones in place while they heal. This is followed by gradual weight bearing, as tolerated, in a cast or walking boot. Most metatarsal fractures can be treated with an initial period of elevation and limited weight bearing. They are common in runners and athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as soccer and basketball.Ī stress fracture can also come from a sudden increase in physical activity or a change in your exercise routine. Stress fractures are typically caused by repetitive activity or pressure on the forefoot. Stress fractures are small cracks in the surface of the bone that may extend and become larger over time. Some metatarsal fractures are stress fractures. Like toe fractures, metatarsal fractures can result from either a direct blow to the forefoot or from a twisting injury. Base-which makes a joint with the midfootįractures can occur in any part of the metatarsal, but most often occur in the neck or shaft of the bone.Neck-the narrow area between the head and the shaft.Head-which makes a joint with the base of the toe.Each metatarsal has the following four parts: The metatarsals are the long bones between your toes and the middle of your foot. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your foot, then your doctor will manipulate the fracture back into place and straighten your toe. This procedure is most often done in the doctor's office. If the bone is out of place and your toe appears deformed, it may be necessary for your doctor to manipulate or "reduce" the fracture. "Buddy taping" your broken toe to an adjacent toe can also sometimes help relieve pain. During this time, it may be helpful to wear a wider than normal shoe. As your pain subsides, however, you can begin to bear weight as you are comfortable. For several days it may be painful to bear weight on your injured toe. Most broken toes can be treated symptomatically. If the bone is out of place, your toe will appear deformed. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture.Ī fractured toe may become swollen, tender and discolored. The proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. A fracture may also result if you accidentally hit the side of your foot on a piece of furniture on the ground-and your toes are twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction. Treatment for a toe or forefoot fracture depends upon:Įven though toes are very small, injuries to the toes can often be quite painful.Ī fracture of the toe may result from a direct injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the front of your foot, or from accidentally kicking or running into a hard object. The study takes 40 minutes to do, however, and has to be scheduled separately from your doctor's visit. Unlike an x-ray, there is no radiation with an MRI. More sensitive than an x-ray, an MRI can detect changes in the bone that may indicate a fracture. This type of study uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create a computerized image of your foot. If your doctor suspects a stress fracture but cannot see it on a plain x-ray, he or she may recommend an MRI scan. In many cases, a stress fracture cannot be seen until several weeks later when it has actually started to heal and a type of healing bone called "callus" appears around the fracture site. A stress fracture, however, may start as a tiny crack in the bone and may not be visible on a first x-ray. Most fractures can be seen on a routine plain x-ray. An x-ray can usually be done in your doctor's office. X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. Your doctor will also order imaging studies to help diagnose the fracture. Loss of sensation-an indication of nerve injury.Bruising or discoloration-your foot may be red or ecchymotic ("black and blue").Your doctor will then examine your foot and may compare it to the foot on the opposite side.ĭuring the exam, he or she will look for: When you see your doctor, he or she will take a history to find out how your foot was injured and ask about your symptoms. Running Assessment With Stride Evaluation.Ganglion Cyst And Other Soft Tissue Surgery.Xiaflex Hand Injection For Depuytren Contracture.Shoulder Instability & Capsular Tightening.Anterior/Posterior Total Hip Replacement.
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