Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

There are three general fracture types of the fifth metatarsal: ankle twist causes avulsion fracture of the tuberosity at the base of the fifth metatarsal by contraction of the plantar fascia (dancer's); landing on the lateral border of the foot causes fracture at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (Jones); and repetitive impact causes fatigue fracture at the diaphyseal base ("stress").

Causes

The three most common fractures of which include:

• Trauma: Fractures are the result of trauma. Vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries and violence are common trauma-related causes of fracture. Such as vehicle accidents are the cause of trauma nearly fifty percent of the time.
• Overuse: Repetitive stress on a bone. These frautures are common among athletes and workers who frequently perform intense physical labor.
  
• Osteoporosis: This medical condition weakens the bones, causing them to be more fragile and prone to fracture. This contributing factor to fractures is more prevalent in older individuals.

Causes of forefoot pain

Several factors that may cause forefoot pain such as including morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia, capsulitis, Tendonitis, Severe plantar callus (callus on bottom of the foot).

Signs

• Local tenderness at base of fifth metatarsal

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of fracture you have. There are several ways to treat each type of fracture and may include:

• Rest is the only treatment needed to promote healing of a stress
• Avoid the offending activity. Because stress fractures result from repetitive stress, it is most important to avoid the activity that led to the fracture. Wheelchair are sometimes required to offload weight from the foot to give it time to heal.
• Immobilization, rigid Shoe. A stiff-soled shoe or other form of immobilization may be used to protect the fractured bone while it is healing.
• Few traumatic fractures of the metatarsal bones require surgery, especially if the break is badly displaced.