What are metatarsal fractures?
Your metatarsals are a group of 5 long bones in the middle of your foot. They connect the back part of your foot to your toes. A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of these bones. All broken bones are considered fractures. For more information, see Overview of Broken Bones.
What causes a metatarsal to break?
What are stress fractures of the metatarsals?
Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone caused by overuse. They often occur in metatarsal bones.
What is a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation?
A Lisfranc fracture-dislocation is a specific type of metatarsal fracture.
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It happens to the 2nd metatarsal bone (a bone connects the back of your foot to your 2nd toe)
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It's caused by falling on a twisted foot, or something hitting your foot hard
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Football players, motorcyclists, and horseback riders are most likely to get Lisfranc fracture-dislocations
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You'll have pain in your foot and sometimes bruising on the bottom of the foot
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Doctors do surgery to put the bones back in place
Lisfranc fracture-dislocation is serious and may cause pain and arthritis. You may have to stop playing certain sports even after it heals.
What are fractures of the 5th metatarsal bone?
The 5th metatarsal bone is a long bone that connects the back of your foot to your little toe. A fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone is a break in this bone.
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It's one of the most common foot fractures
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The fracture can be near the ankle (base) or in the middle of the bone (shaft)
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It can happen because of stress (overuse) or a single injury
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You may have pain in the outside edge of your foot
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Doctors tell if you have a fracture by taking x-rays
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You need crutches, and hard protective shoes or a special boot
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Rarely, you'll nee a cast or surgery
