Question 1

What are metatarsal bones and where are they?

Accepted Answer

The metatarsals are the five long bones in your forefoot, connecting your ankle to your toes. They're numbered 1-5 from big toe side to little toe side. First metatarsal (big toe side) is shortest and thickest - bears most weight during push-off. Second metatarsal is longest - prone to stress fractures in dancers. Third and fourth metatarsals are in the middle. Fifth metatarsal (little toe side) is prone to specific fractures at its base (Jones fracture, tuberosity avulsion). These bones bear your body weight during walking and running, especially during push-off phase.

Question 2

What is a Jones fracture and why is it a problem?

Accepted Answer

A Jones fracture is a specific fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal (little toe side), about 1.5-3cm from the end of the bone. It's problematic because: 1) This area has poor blood supply, so healing is slow and unpredictable, 2) High nonunion rate (failure to heal) - 15-30% don't heal with casting alone, 3) High re-fracture rate even after healing, 4) Takes 12-20 weeks to heal with casting versus 8-12 weeks with surgery, 5) Athletes often choose surgery because faster return to sport. Named after orthopedic surgeon Sir Robert Jones who described his own fracture in 1902.

Question 3

Can I walk on a broken metatarsal?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the fracture. For non-displaced (bones still aligned) fractures: yes, you can walk in a walking boot, often with immediate weight-bearing. Pain guides how much weight you can tolerate. For displaced fractures or unstable patterns: no, you'll need crutches and non-weight-bearing for 4-6 weeks. For first metatarsal fractures: often non-weight-bearing initially due to importance in push-off. For Jones fractures: non-weight-bearing recommended to optimize healing. Your doctor will specify weight-bearing restrictions. Walking without protection risks displacement or delayed healing.

Question 4

How long will I be in a boot or cast?

Accepted Answer

Typical timeline for most metatarsal fractures: 4-6 weeks in walking boot or cast. First and fifth metatarsal may need 6-8 weeks. Stress fractures (if caught early) may need only 4 weeks. Jones fracture takes 8-12 weeks minimum if non-surgical, 6-8 weeks if surgery. After boot removal, transition to stiff-soled shoe for 2-3 weeks, then normal shoes. Total time from injury to normal walking: 8-10 weeks for simple fractures. Don't remove boot early - premature weight-bearing risks displacement or nonunion.

Question 5

What is a stress fracture and how is it different?

Accepted Answer

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress rather than a single trauma. It develops over weeks to months from overuse. Differences from acute fracture: 1) Gradual onset pain (not sudden), 2) Initially only hurts during running, progresses to constant pain, 3) Often doesn't show on X-ray initially (appears normal), needs MRI for diagnosis, 4) More common in runners, dancers, military recruits, 5) Treatment focuses on rest and addressing underlying causes (training errors, footwear, biomechanics, nutrition). If ignored, stress fracture can become complete fracture requiring longer recovery. Most common site: second metatarsal in dancers and runners.

Medical Disclaimer

Broken Metatarsal (Broken Foot Bone)

📖What is Broken Metatarsal (Broken Foot Bone)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention