A metatarsal fracture is a break or a thin, hairline crack in one of the metatarsal bones of the foot. This type of fracture usually happens from repeated stress on the bones of the foot. Or it can happen when a person jumps or changes direction quickly and twists his or her foot or ankle the wrong way. This fracture is common among dancers because their work involves a lot of jumping, and balancing and turning on one foot.
Treatment depends on how bad the fracture is and where the fracture is on the bone. You may or may not have had surgery. Your doctor may have put your foot in a cast or splint to keep it stable. You may have been given crutches to use to keep weight off your foot.
A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again. Do not return to your usual activities until your doctor says you can. Your doctor may suggest that you get physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion in your foot.
You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.
Metatarsal fracture: when to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have problems with your cast or splint. For example:
- The skin under the cast or splint is burning or stinging.
- The cast or splint feels too tight.
- There is a lot of swelling near the cast or splint. (Some swelling is normal.)
- You have a new fever.
- There is drainage or a bad smell coming from the cast or splint.
- You have increased or severe pain.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your foot and toes.
- You cannot move your toes.
- Your foot turns cold or changes color.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- The pain does not get better day by day.
- You do not get better as expected.