Return 2 Fitness

Injury advice > Foot Injuries > Metatarsal fractures

Metatarsal Stress Fractures

(Stress Fractures and Acute Fractures)

What are Metatarsals?

The long bones in the foot are called the metatarsals. Each of the five of them attach to the phalanges (toe bones) at the front and the Tarsal bones near the ankle. Fracture can occur either through sudden impact, for example a clash with a football stud during the game or through gradual onset which manefests as a stress fracture.

Stress Fractures

Usually involving the second, third or forth metatarsal bones. If an athletes second toe is longer than their big toe it will be particularly prone to a fracture.

foot pain

What causes stress fractures?

  • Over use
  • Not enough rest and premature return to training.

Stress fracture symptoms

  • A gradual onset of pain.
  • The bone will be painful at the point of the break.
  • Swelling is often present.
  • An X-ray not not show the fracture until two or three weeks after it has started to heal.

How can the athlete prevent stress fractures?

  • Rest. Minimal weight bearing might be possible.
  • Sufficient recouperation i.e. be able to walk pain free before returning to running.
  • The wearing of stiff soled shoes to protect it while it heals.

How long will stress fractures take to heal?

  • Depending on the severity you may be able to return to gentle training three to four weeks after diagnosis.
  • During the progressive return to training the area must remain pain free.
  • You can usually be back to full training after six weeks.

Acute Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Often caused by some kind of violent impact like a stamp or an object being dropped onto the foot.

Symptoms of acute stress fracture

  • Acute pain.
  • Rapid swelling.
  • Inability to weight bear.
  • There may be deformity in the foot.

What can the athlete do?

  • See a Doctor as soon as possible.

Healing of acute stress fracture

  • A boot or short cast will be used if the bones are not displaced.
  • After six weeks the foot should be X-rayed again to ensure it has healed.
  • A gradual return to sport can then begin!

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Metatarsal Stress Fractures and other foot injuries.