what is a 5th metatarsal fracture?
a 5th metatarsal fracture is a break in the long bone that runs along the outside of the foot, from the little toe back towards the heel. we see it most in sports people, particularly runners and footballers, and in people with low bone density such as osteoporosis.
you don’t have to play sport to break it. rolling your ankle so your weight lands on the outside of the foot is enough, and stepping awkwardly off a kerb is one of the most common causes.
how it happens.
- direct trauma, such as dropping something on the foot or being stamped on
- a twisting injury to the ankle
- a stress fracture from repeated overload, usually in runners or walkers who increase their mileage too quickly. these typically occur in the mid-shaft of the bone
- an avulsion fracture, where a ligament or tendon pulls a small fragment of bone away as the ankle twists
- rarely, a fracture with no obvious cause, usually in someone with a bone density condition
what it feels like.
where the pain is
- a deep ache within the bone on the outside of the foot
- pain focused where the fracture is
- referred pain just above or below that point
- bruising or swelling in the same area
triggers & relief.
makes it worse
- standing
- walking
- running
- any weight-bearing activity
usually helps
- taking weight off the foot
- rest and elevation
- ice and compression
how we treat it.
we start every journey with a thorough assessment, the right diagnosis is the foundation of successful treatment. depending on what we find, we typically combine several of the following:
- the price protocol (protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate) in the acute stage
- offloading the bone so it can heal, often around 6 weeks of protected or non weight bearing on elbow crutches, sometimes with a moon boot, depending on the type of fracture
- a progressive strength and flexibility programme for the lower limb and the rest of the body
- manual therapy to limit muscle wasting and joint stiffness while the foot is immobilised
- a graded return to walking, running and sport
for a week by week recovery plan, read our 5th metatarsal fracture playbook.
faqs.
do i need a gp referral?
no, you can book directly with us. if you’re using private medical insurance (aviva, vitality, wpa, axa and others) your insurer may require a referral; check your policy before booking.
how many sessions will i need?
most patients resolve acute issues in three to six sessions. chronic or complex cases can take longer. we’ll give you an honest timeline at your first assessment.
what should i bring?
something you can move in, shorts and a t-shirt for lower-limb work, a vest for shoulders. we have changing rooms if you’re coming straight from work.
how soon can i be seen?
we always strive to have same-day availability, and evening and saturday morning slots are available.
