Metatarsal fractures and stress fractures

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This leaflet aims to answer some of the questions that you may have about your metatarsal fracture/stress fracture

What is a metatarsal fracture/stress fracture?

The metatarsal bones are long thin bones in the middle of your foot.

A fracture is usually caused by a sudden forceful injury to the foot such as dropping a heavy weight onto it, kicking a hard object or as a result of a sporting injury.

What is a stress fracture?

Fractures can also happen over a longer period of time. These are known as stress fractures. Stress fractures occur due to overuse such as repeated impact on the bone or an increase in training without adequate rest time. This can be training too frequently or a sudden rapid increase in the intensity and/or amount of exercise

Both these fractures are minor fractures and are stable. These can be managed in a supportive boot which is worn for up to 6 weeks. Crutches may also be required in the early stages to alleviate pressure on the foot.

Swelling pain and bruising at the fracture site is normal. Regular pain killers and applying ice to the area, wrapped in a tea towel, will help to reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes three to four times a day.

When returning to training/running it is advised to start of slowly and gradually build back up to where you were before this injury by no more that 10% intensity, frequency and duration per week

You should:

• Take pain killers as needed to keep pain levels under control
• Use ice, wrapped in a tea towel and elevate your ankle to bring swelling down.
• Wear supportive footwear as recommended, this can be removed at night and resting.
• Weight bear as the pain allows in walking boot.
• Gently start to move ankle as pain allows. This will prevent stiffness

You should not:

• Take part in any physical/ contact sports which may put you at risk at further injury. The time frame for this will be discussed with you at the point of assessment.
• Drive whilst wearing the walking boot as you will void your insurance should you have an accident

Please remember:

Contact your GP if your condition is not improving, or if your pain relief is not adequate.

If your condition is worsening please contact the multi professional fracture clinic on 01223 348299/01223 257095

For more information please visit:

Fracture Info (opens in a new tab)

For any concerns on wounds email CUH Fracture Info

Please include your hospital number and any photos of your wounds that you would like to be reviewed.