Metatarsal fractures are very common in all age groups and can affect people in different ways. Each of the metatarsal bones is divided into four parts: the base, shaft, neck and tip. The extent of metatarsal fractures is typically determined by which of these segments is broken.
What Causes Metatarsal Fractures?
Metatarsal fractures can happen in countless different ways, however, some type of trauma or impact is usually involved. Heavy objects falling on the metatarsal bones is one of the main causes of metatarsal fractures. Some patients may experience metatarsal fractures from kicking a solid object or colliding with something unexpectedly. In other instances, patients may twist the metatarsal during a fall, which can put undue pressure on the joint, causing them to break.
The Signs And Symptoms Of Metatarsal Fractures
There are two main types of metatarsal fractures; acute fractures which occur immediately and stress fractures which are the result of repetitive actions that cause damage to the bones over a prolonged period of time. Signs of an acute fracture include pain at the point of impact, immediate swelling, difficulty putting weight on the foot and bruising appearing within a twenty-four hour timeframe. Stress fractures, on the other hand, are generally accompanied by pain that comes on gradually over time, pain in the middle or front of the foot, increased pain from use, the area being painful to touch or the metatarsal becoming immobile.
Treatment Options
Treatment options differ depending on which metatarsal is fractured and also the extent of the damage. Rest is often the only solution for metatarsal fractures in the second, third or fourth metatarsal. Fracturing these metatarsals will require you to stay off your feet for a while. If you cannot stay off your feet, you may be put into a walking cast or brace to allow you to retain some mobility to continue with your regular day-to-day activities. Metatarsal fractures typically take four to eight weeks to recover from. However, should rest and becoming immobile be ineffective, surgery may be required. Surgery may also be the only option if you have multiple metatarsal fractures or you have displaced the bone when the break occurred.
Contact Our Team At Synergy Orthopedics Today
At Synergy Orthopedics, we work hard to ensure that our patients have access to the very best orthopedic devices to aid your recovery and get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Get in touch with our team at Synergy Orthopedics to find out how we can help you to recover quickly, restore movement and reduce the pain that metatarsal fractures are known for. With the right approach to your recovery, you will be able to recover from your injury quicker than you ever thought possible and return to your daily activities sooner rather than later.
Accreditation
Synergy Orthopedics is a Medicare accredited company, as well as, independently accredited by the BOC Accreditation. At Synergy we take great pride in our Highly Rated Status as an accredited provider.
