What is a the Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
A fifth metatarsal fracture is a common foot injury among athletes, especially from twisting motions or direct impact. Symptoms include swelling, lateral foot pain, and difficulty walking. Early care ensures quicker recovery and return to play.
Definition
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture refers to an injury to the bone on the outer side of the foot, at the base of the fifth finger. The fifth metatarsal is the bone long and thin that is vulnerable to injury due to repetitive strain or a sudden force on the foot, as a sharp turn or a fall.
Causes
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture can occur for several reasons. In many cases, is caused by a direct trauma such as a fall on the side of the foot, kicked or hit with an object. It can also be caused by a force indirect, as a twisting, or a sudden movement of the foot.
Another factor that can increase the risk of Fifth Metatarsal Fracture is the bone loss that can be caused by a poor diet, a lack of vitamin D or calcium, or a disease that affects bone density, such as osteoporosis. In addition, certain sports that involve jumps and sharp turns may increase the risk of suffering a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture, especially if done on a hard surface, or irregular.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture, the physical therapist will perform a physical examination of the foot and request additional tests, such as x-ray or an mri. An x-ray can appreciate the presence of a fracture line or a gap between the bone fragments. Magnetic resonance imaging, for its part, allows you to see with more detail the injury and to assess the extent of damage in the soft tissue close to the bone.
Treatment
The treatment of Fifth Metatarsal Fracture will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, the fracture can heal on its own with rest and conservative measures, such as the application of ice, elevation of the foot and the use of appropriate footwear. In other cases, it may be necessary to use a splint or an orthopedic boot to immobilize the foot and protect the injured area.
In more severe cases, it may be necessary to perform an open reduction and internal fixation, that is to say, a surgical intervention in which they are placed plates, screws, or other devices to keep the bone fragments u.s. and encourage their consolidation. Surgery may be needed when there is a displaced fracture or when the fracture occurs in an area of difficult consolidation, as the so-called ‘point of avulsion’, located at the base of the bone.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture is a fundamental process to achieve a full recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries. The rehabilitation should be started as soon as the doctor allows, and may include strengthening exercises, mobilization of the foot, flexibility exercises and stretches, as well as techniques of physiotherapy, manual therapy and electrostimulation.
It is important to bear in mind that the process of rehabilitation can be slow and gradual, and depends on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, you may need to use crutches or an orthopedic boot for several weeks to reduce stress on the affected foot and favor its recovery.
Back action
The return to action after a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture should be gradual and supervised by a health care professional. The return to sport should be initiated only when the bone is fully consolidated and the foot has recovered its strength and flexibility.
The time required for recovery and the return to sport will depend on the severity of the injury and the ability of each person to follow medical recommendations and rehabilitation. In general, it is recommended to wait at least 6 to 12 weeks before returning to playing high-impact sports.
Note: this article is only intended to be informational use. In any case self-diagnose. If you suffer from any medical condition, we recommend that you go to your physical therapy clinic of confidence.
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Bibliography and Webgrafía
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- Spanish society of Sports Traumatology. Guide treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in the sport. 2nd ed. Madrid: Elsevier; 2017.
- Spanish society of Podiatric Sports. Injuries of the foot and ankle in sport. 1st ed. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2018.
- Sánchez-Morote JM, Lizano-Díez I, Martín-Noguerol T. stress Fifth Metatarsal Fracture. Literature review and treatment by shock waves radial. Physiotherapy. 2021;43(1):21-28. doi: 10.1016/j.ft.2020.01.004
