Paediatric Metatarsal Fractures

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This leaflet aims to answer some of the questions that you might have about your child’s metatarsal fracture.

What is a metatarsal fracture?

The metatarsals are long thin bones in the middle of your child’s foot.

A metatarsal fracture is a break that is usually caused by a sudden forceful injury to your child’s foot such as dropping a heavy weight onto their foot, kicking a hard object or as a result of a sporting injury.

These injuries heal well with time and do not require a cast, however the foot may be placed in a special boot that will need to be worn for up to six weeks.

These types of fractures take up to six weeks to heal fully, but your child might have some bruising, pain and swelling at the fracture site for several months which is normal. Simple over-the-counter pain relief such as Calpol and Nurofen (if tolerated) can be given to your child.

If you can get your child to elevate their foot this will help to reduce any swelling. You may apply ice to the area, wrapped in a tea towel. Ice should be applied for five to ten minutes three to four times a day.

What should I do to help my child’s foot to heal:

• Give your child simple, over-the-counter pain relief as needed in the early stages to help control the pain.
• Use ice and raise your child’s foot up on a pillow to help reduce the swelling.
• Encourage them to wear the boot if one has been provided. This can be removed at night for sleeping, having a bath/shower or if they are sitting down with their foot up.
• Encourage your child to walk in the special boot – if it has been provided – as their pain allows.
• Encourage your child to wriggle their toes and make circles with their foot to help stop their ankle from getting stiff.

What should my child avoid doing:

• They should not take part in any sports or other activities which might make their foot hurt more. The nurse at the clinic will tell you when they can start these activities again.

Contacts/Further information

Please remember - contact your GP if your child’s condition is not improving, or if their pain relief is not adequate.

If their condition is worsening please contact the Multi Professional Fracture Clinic on 01223 348299/01223 257095

For more information please visit: Fracture Info website (opens in a new tab)