Texas Orthopedics

Metatarsal Fracture (Forefoot)

Back to Patient Education
Your forefoot acts as a springboard with each step you take, and a cushion when your foot touches the ground.  The metatarsal bones located in the forefoot bear and shift your body weight to help maintain balance.  Jumping, twisting, dancing, and running add even more force to the forefoot, making the bones vulnerable to fracture from trauma and overuse.  The majority of metatarsal fractures heal with non-surgical treatment.  Fractures that require surgery have highly successful outcomes.

Read more about Metatarsal Fracture (Forefoot)

Introduction

Your forefoot acts as a springboard with each step you take, and a cushion when your foot touches the ground.  The metatarsal bones located in the forefoot bear and shift your body weight to help maintain balance.  Jumping, twisting, dancing, and running add even more force to the forefoot, making the bones vulnerable to fracture from trauma and overuse.  The majority of metatarsal fractures heal with non-surgical treatment.  Fractures that require surgery have highly successful outcomes.
Back to top

Anatomy

Your forefoot (metatarsus) contains five long metatarsal bones.  As a group, the metatarsal bones help raise and lower or twist your foot.  They play a role in distributing your body weight and maintaining balance when you walk or stand. 

Certain parts of the metatarsals have a better blood supply than others .  Fractures in areas of poor blood supply have more difficulty healing.  For example, a Jones Fracture is such a fracture near the base of the fifth metatarsal that commonly requires surgery.
Back to top

Causes

Metatarsal fractures are caused by stress from overuse, improper training, ankle twisting, or trauma.  Stress fractures are common in soccer players, ballet dancers, and military recruits.
Back to top

Symptoms

A metatarsal fracture can cause pain, swelling, discoloration, and difficulty walking.  When the metatarsal bones crack or break, they may remain in place or move out of position (displace).
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a metatarsal fracture by reviewing your history and examining your foot.  X-rays are taken to help identify the fracture.
Back to top

Treatment

The majority of metatarsal fractures are treated without surgery.  You may need to wear a walking cast or rigid shoe.  Some people may need to wear a cast and not put weight on their foot for several weeks while the fracture heals.
Back to top

Surgery

Significant metatarsal fractures with a poor blood supply, or bones that have moved out of place may require surgery.  Surgical hardware, such as a plate and screws are used to secure the bones in place.  You may wear a short leg cast, brace, or rigid shoe for 6 to 8 weeks while the bones heal.  Your doctor will check the healing process with X-rays and allow you to put more weight on your foot as the fracture heals.
Back to top

Recovery

Recovery is individualized and depends on the location and extent of your injury, as well as the treatment that you received.  Your doctor will let you know what to expect.  Overall, metatarsal surgery has a high degree of success.

Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Education

From orthopedic injuries to physical therapy, our patient education library explains many of the conditions and treatments you may want to read about. Learn More

Patient Stories

Our doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and professional staff are what truly make Texas Orthopedics so great. See what our patients are saying about us. Learn More

Why Choose TX Ortho

Why Choose TX Ortho Learn More

Copyright © Texas Orthopedics, All rights reserved.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com