Fractures of the 5th Metatarsal (Jones Fracture)

A fifth metatarsal fracture is an injury that occurs where the bone which connects your ankle to the little toe breaks. These fractures happen due to overuse, high arches, and injury. We have listed below the different kinds of fifth metatarsal fractures-

  • Avulsion Fracture:-

During the event of an avulsion fracture, a small bone gets pulled off the major portion of your bone by a ligament or a tendon. This kind of fracture occurs from injury when an ankle rolls. When they happen with a sprain of the ankle, avulsion fractures often get overlooked.

  • Jones Fracture:-

Jones Fracture happens in the fifth metatarsal area that gets less blood supply and is prone to difficulties at the time of healing. It can occur in the form of a sudden or acute break or a stress fracture. This kind of fracture can result from repetitive trauma or stress and overuse. They are hard to treat and less common in comparison to avulsion fractures.

Other fractures can also take place in the fifth metatarsal. Some examples consist of midshaft fractures that happen due to twisting or trauma and fractures of the metatarsal neck and head.

Symptoms:-

  • Tenderness, swelling, pain
  • Bruising
  • Difficulty walking

Diagnosis:-

Anyone who has the symptoms of having a fifth metatarsal fracture needs to see an ankle and foot surgeon as soon as they can for proper treatment and diagnosis. To get a diagnosis, the surgeon will question how an injury occurred at the time you first noticed the pain. They will examine your foot by pressing areas to determine the origin of the pain. You may further need to get imaging and x-rays.

Treatment:-

  • Surgical Treatment
  • Non-surgical Treatment
  1. Take rest
  2. Apply ice
  3. Compress
  4. Keep your foot elevated

Conclusion:-

If you require any consultation for your Jones fracture, you can reach out to Dr. Chetan Oswal at Orthowin Foot and Ankle Clinic in Pune.