Foot (5th Metatarsalbase) Fracture (221kB pdf)
Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your foot injury. Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a foot (5th metatarsal base) fracture?
You have broken a bone on the outer part (bottom of the small toe) of your foot. The fracture has occurred in a part of the metatarsal bone which normally heals well without problems.
How long will this take to heal?
The usual healing time is 8 to 12 weeks, but it may take several months for the foot to feel normal again.
Will I need follow up?
Routine follow up is not necessary due to the nature of the injury.
Are there any complications?
Pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing in the foot should gradually settle over a period of several weeks. Occasionally the fracture may fail to heal (smoking is a risk factor) and continue to be painful even after several months. A surgical procedure or a bone healing machine may be needed at this stage to help heal the fracture. Your own GP will need to refer you for this.
How will this be managed?
You will be provided with a removable boot or heel weightbearing shoe. If required, you will also be provided with crutches.
What can I do to aid recovery?
During this time, you may find walking on the foot painful – it may help to walk on the
heel initially. You may walk on the foot as much as pain allows. The removable boot can usually be discarded gradually between 3-5 weeks after the injury as the pain settles. You can commence the exercises from 5-6 weeks or when you are comfortable out of the moonboot/ air cast boot.
Ankle ROM (range of motion) exercises to regain movements.
Smoking cessation
Stopping smoking will ensure optimal recovery from this injury therefore it is important to consider this advice. For more information and help, contact your GP or refer to NHS website.
Contacting the team
If your pain in your ankle becomes worse, lasts more than four weeks or you are concerned about your ankle, please contact the virtual fracture clinic team on 01279 973362 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Out of hours please contact the orthopaedic Resident Doctor on-call via
switchboard on 01279 444455.
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To speak about an issue or complaint
If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team on [email protected] or 01279 827211.
Accessibility
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