Fall Sports Update

Metatarsal Fractures

What are Metatarsals?

Metatarsals are the long bones in the forefoot.  There are five in each foot, one leading up to each toe and forming the metatarso-phalangeal (MTP) joints with the phalanges (toe bones) at the base of each toe. They also form the tarsal-metatarsal (TMT) joints with the tarsal bones towards the ankle.

Metatarsal fractures can be either an acute fracture or a stress fracture. They can be fractured through impact for example an (acute fracture) or where repetitive impact causes a stress fracture.

Stress Fractures

This usually will involve the second, third or forth metatarsal bones. Stress fractures to the metatarsals are the second most common location for a stress fracture, after the Tibia.

The most common position for a metatarsal fracture is the second metatarsal, especially in those whose second toe is longer than their big toe. It is also more common in those who overpronate with the first metatarsal in a dorsiflexed position as this places greater load on the 2nd metatarsal.

Stress fracture in the other metatarsals are less common, although they do occur.

What causes stress fractures?

- Over use!

- Too much training, too soon without enough rest!

- Overpronation

- Oversupination

- They are common in army recruits (often called a march fracture), runners, ballet dancers and gymnasts.

What are the symptoms of stress fractures?

- Foot pain which comes on gradually.

- Pain is located towards the mid/front of the foot.

- Pain is aggravated by weight bearing activities such as walking, running, or dancing.

- Pain to tough the bone at the point it is broken.

- Swelling is often present.

- An X-ray will often not show the fracture until two or three weeks after it has started to heal.

Treatment

- Rest from weight bearing activities as much as possible.

- For those whose job requires them to weight bear, a walking boot may be needed.

- The rest period should normally be around 4 weeks to allow sufficient healing.

- Recommence activities only once all pain on touch and walking have cleared.

- Start with a very slow return to activity and a gradual build of duration and intensity.

- If the stress fracture may have been caused by abnormal foot mechanics such as over pronation or oversupination then orthotics may be required to correct this.

If your unsure about an injury or you have any doubt in your mind, we ask that you stop in or call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Vail at (419)-423-1888. We also have a website store where you can purchase many different products involving fractures/ and or broken bones.

Here is just an example of some of the products we carry in our store. This is the Ossur Equalizer Air Walker - Low Walker.