Fifth metatarsal, Orthopedics FAQ

Why Is My Ankle Still Swollen After a Fracture? Causes and Solutions

Swelling on the posterior lateral aspect of the ankle? Hello, I sustained a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot on February 7th, and it has been over two months now. Why is there still swelling on the outer back of my ankle? It hurts when I walk. Is there...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Fractures in the bones of the foot may not have healed properly, which can lead to swelling during standing, walking, or excessive exertion. Resting with the foot elevated can promote blood circulation, potentially improving the condition. Over time, most individuals will recover...

Understanding Foot Fractures: Pain, Recovery, and Rehabilitation Tips

Fracture issues I would like to ask the doctor about my foot. I have a fracture in the fifth metatarsal, and it has been 37 days since the injury. After 35 days in a cast, the doctor said I could start walking with a single crutch, but I found that my heel hurts a lot, and the mo...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, metatarsal fractures are actually quite common, with the most frequent being fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Generally, X-rays are used for diagnosis, and healing typically takes about four to six weeks. If there are signs of bone growth at the fracture site...

Post-Fracture Care: Understanding Recovery After a Fifth Metatarsal Injury

Post-care for fifth metatarsal base fracture. Please help me clarify, doctor? Walking and if the pain from the heel spur improves, is it normal? Is it normal to experience soreness? The area where it cracked and the area near the toes also... How long until I can walk without cru...

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello~ Due to the presence of garbled text in your question, I am unable to respond. Thank you!

Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Pain and Healing Insights

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone? Can I walk normally after recovering from a fracture of the fifth metatarsal? Why does it still hurt a bit when I walk now? I also experience pain when I first get up in the morning, but it gets better after taking a few steps. Why do I stil...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The current pain is a normal phenomenon and will subside after some time. Once the fracture has healed, you can start bearing weight. If you experience pain, begin by bearing a portion of your weight and gradually increase it.

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Healing, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone? On February 7th, I sustained a fracture of the fifth metatarsal without displacement. Will the healing process cause it to heal improperly or lead to soft tissue growing into the fracture? If it heals improperly or if soft tissue grows into ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Applying a cast fixation ensures that there is no displacement. If soft tissue grows into the fracture gap, it can prevent the bone from healing, leading to pain. Therefore, whether or not to proceed with surgery should be discussed with your attending physician before making a d...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Causes of Pain and Recovery Tips

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone? I sustained a fracture of the fifth metatarsal on February 7th. I went to the orthopedic doctor for an X-ray on March 10th, and the doctor said the bone has healed. However, I still experience pain when walking. Could it be re-fractured? Wha...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Metatarsal fractures typically begin to heal in about four weeks, but complete and secure healing may take six to twelve weeks. Therefore, experiencing pain while walking may still be a normal phenomenon. If there are no external factors, it is unlikely that the fracture will reo...

Understanding Metatarsal Base Fractures: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery

Fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal? A fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal on February 7th has resulted in a limp while walking. There is pain when pressure is applied to the fractured area, which feels bony upon palpation. What could be the cause of this? Is su...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there is a significant displacement in the fracture, surgery is necessary. If there is no displacement, a cast can be used for immobilization. Of course, it is advisable not to put weight on the fracture until it has healed. Pain is expected and will gradually decrease over ti...

Understanding Recovery from a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Common Concerns and Questions

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the right foot? I had surgery to insert a metal rod on November 25th, and on December 22nd, an X-ray showed no displacement. I will return for a follow-up appointment on January 5th to have another X-ray and determine if I can stop using crutch...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Before a fracture heals, there will be varying degrees of soreness. Sometimes, when the cast is removed, there won't be any issues as long as you don't put weight on it. If the metal pins become displaced, it can be painful, and sometimes swelling may occur. It is impor...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Cast Duration and Recovery

Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to inquire about a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Given my age, how long should I be in a cast? (non-displaced)

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metatarsal can typically be treated with a cast for four to six weeks. However, individual circumstances may vary, so it is best to follow the instructions of your treating physician, as a personal examina...

Do You Need a Cast for a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the right foot? Hello Dr. Lee, I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot last week. I would like to know if this type of fracture necessarily requires a cast or the use of a brace? I find it difficult to walk with the brace...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if the fracture displacement is not significant, you may not need to use a cast or brace, or rely on crutches. You can avoid putting weight on the affected limb, or you can allow the heel of the affected foot to touch the ground while keeping ...

Essential Tips for Recovering from a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

Fracture healing Hello, I fractured my left fifth metatarsal at the end of March and underwent surgery to insert a screw and apply a cast. Now, five weeks have passed. During my follow-up appointment two days ago, the cast was removed and an X-ray was taken. The doctor mentioned ...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Initially, you should not put full weight on the affected limb; gradually increase the weight each day. 2. You should slowly reduce the use of crutches. Start with using two crutches, lightly placing weight on the left lower limb. Once ...

Understanding Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Key Questions Answered

Fracture healing Hello Dr. Li, At the end of March, I sprained my ankle while exercising and went to the hospital for an X-ray, which revealed a fracture of the fifth metatarsal (I hope I got the name right). Following the doctor's advice, I underwent surgery to have a stee...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello, In response to your questions: 1. At this stage, using two crutches allows you to gently place weight on the affected limb, but it should be done without causing pain. If you experience pain, you should not increase the weight-bearing. The same principle applies when s...

Managing Foot Fractures: Recovery Tips and Care for Seniors

How to manage a bone fracture? Hello, my mother is 63 years old. She accidentally twisted her ankle while wearing shoes with a slight heel. An X-ray at the hospital revealed a fracture in one of the bones in her foot. The hospital did not take any further action. Currently, she i...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan Reply:
Dear Reader, Your mother likely has a foot fracture caused by an ankle sprain, which most commonly occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal. If there is no significant displacement, the best treatment is to immobilize the area with a short leg cast for six weeks, while avoidin...

Managing Chronic Foot Pain After Fracture: Expert Advice Needed

Ultrasound examination Seven years ago, I stepped off a step with my left foot and sustained a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. However, I did not receive proper treatment. In the first three months, my right foot rolled, resulting in a sprain. During those three months, I recei...

Dr. Yang Nanping Reply:
Hello: Metatarsal fractures typically take about 6-8 weeks to heal, and the same applies to ankle sprains. If chronic pain persists, it is generally recommended to improve footwear, reduce activity levels, and lose weight, along with physical therapy. Overall, the treatment outco...

Understanding Flatfoot: The Impact of 150 vs. 165 Degrees in Orthopedics

The definition of flatness? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, is there a significant difference between a flat foot curvature of 150 and 165? How is this measured? If someone is currently active and has just been measured this year, can they be re-evaluated next year?

Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello, Xiao Qiao: The measurement of the arch angle in flatfoot is performed by having the subject stand for a lateral X-ray. The arch angle is defined as the angle formed by the line connecting the inferior edge of the fifth metatarsal and the inferior edge of the calcaneus. Acc...

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