The fracture of the metatarsal bone, especially the fifth one, which Justyna Kowalczyk complains about, is a common type of fracture not only in athletes. The complicated arrangement of the bones of the foot and their joints is exposed to constant loads, and additionally, it is not resistant to injuries. What are the causes and symptoms of a metatarsal fracture? How is this type of fracture treated? How long does rehabilitation take?

A fracture of the metatarsal boneis a break in the continuity of the middle bones of the foot as a result of exceeding the limit of its strength. The most common fracture is the fifth metatarsal bone, which is located between the cubic bone (lying forward to the calcaneus) and the little toe.

The most frequently diagnosed type of metatarsal bone fracture is the so-called Jones' fracture, which is located 1.5 cm from the end of the bone. This type of fracture can occur if someone is "standing badly" on the side of the foot. There is also a fatigue fracture (also known as an overload, stress, slow, marching fracture) in which the shaft of the metatarsus (most often the shaft of the second or third metatarsus) is fractured. The last type of fracture, classified according to the location and mechanism of the injury, is tennis fracture, which is characterized by the detachment of a small fragment from the rearward end of the bone.

Metatarsal fracture - causes

A fracture of the metatarsal bones and fingers may occur as a result of being hit with a heavy object, running over it, or after a fall from a height. However, most often this fracture is the result of excessive physical exertion. For this reason, a metatarsal fracture is often diagnosed in athletes, especially runners.

Diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or surgeries, such as corrective osteotomies, can also be other causes of metatarsal fractures. They can alter the highest load points on the foot, leading to stress fractures.

Metatarsal fracture - symptoms

This type of bone fracture is combined with injuring the adjacent soft parts. Blood is shed from broken vessels and from damaged bone fragments of soft tissues, as a symptom of a hematoma, characterized by bruising and swelling. This bruising is most visible on the backfeet or toes.

The fracture is accompanied by pain in the foot, which increases when the foot is pressed, tries to walk, and even when the toes move, and disappears when the foot is relieved.

Metatarsal bone fracture - treatment and rehabilitation

Treatment of the so-called Tennis fractures are usually limited to walking in hard-soled shoes, or to putting on a march plaster. In most cases, it takes about 8 weeks to heal completely.

Treatment of Jones' non-displaced fracture involves immobilizing the foot in a cast for 6-8 weeks. During this time, the limb must not be loaded.

The treatment is different for athletes. In their case, surgery is indicated, mainly because Jones type fractures treated with a dressing often do not heal. There is also a risk of fracture recurring shortly after the bone is fused.

Fatigue fractures heal very difficult - even up to 20 weeks. It should be noted that even at this time, the bone may not heal. In the event of a fatigue fracture, the foot is immobilized with a splint or plaster.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, the treatment of any type of displaced fracture involves surgery to remove bone fragments.

If the pain is very severe, the doctor may decide to inject the so-called a blockage that works like a painkiller and then the discomfort is much less.

How to recognize fractures in other bones?

  • Rib fracture
  • Spine fracture
  • Fractures of the metacarpal bones and fingers
  • Fracture of the femur
  • Fractures of the wrist bones
  • Fractures of the ankle shin

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