Metatarsal Stress Fractures

What are Metatarsals?

These bones can be fractured through impact for example a viscous football stud (acute fracture), or more gradual onset as stress fracture.

Stress Fracture

This usually will involve the second, third or forth metatarsal bones. An athlete who has a second toe which is longer than their big toe will be particularly prone to a fracture of the second metatarsal.

What causes stress fractures?

• Over use!
• Too much training, too soon without enough rest!

What are the symptoms of stress fractures?

• A gradual onset of pain.
• Pain on 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.

What can the athlete do to prevent stress fractures?

• Rest. Depending on how bad it is you may be able to weight bear.
• Be able to walk pain free before returning to running.
• Wear walking boots or stiff soled shoes to protect it while it heals.

How long will it take to heal?

• You may be able to return to gentle training three to four weeks after it is diagnosed.
• At all times the progressive return to fitness must be pain free.
• You can usually be back to full training after six weeks

Acute Fracture

This is a fracture to the metatarsal bones caused by some kind of violent impact. Often something is dropped on the foot or the foot might be stamped on.

What are the symptoms?

• 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.

How long will it take to heal?

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