AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
Metatarsal stress fracture9/6/2023 The pain can be dull or sharp, and may be constant or intermittent. There may also be swelling and tenderness over the fracture site. If you have a metatarsal stress fracture you will usually feel pain on the top of your foot over the affected bone. If left untreated, this initial crack can progress and eventually fracture all the way through the bone.Ī stress fracture can occur in any bone, but is commonly seen in the metatarsal bones in the fore foot, particularly the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones.Ī “Jones fracture” is the term used for a fracture which occurs about 1.5cm from the base of the 5th metatarsal. Although it is rare, surgery will usually include fixation with a plate and screws, and possibly a bone graft.A stress fracture is a crack in a bone that is caused by excessive or abnormal stress. Occasionally, there may be an associated non-union that will need to be treated with surgery. Surgery is rarely indicated for a second or third metatarsal stress fracture. It may take a total of 2-3 months for complete recovery, with occasional patients taking even longer. In general, if the patient is feeling better within 2-3 weeks of diagnosis, they are on the right path. In a rare few, several weeks of crutches may be required. In others, a surgical shoe or cast boot may help. In some patients, activity modification (break from exercise and minimize walking) may be enough. The basic principle is to rest/unload the foot enough to allow more healing than repetitive injury inflicts every day. Most stress fractures can be treated non-surgically. Occasionally, high-level ballet and modern dancers will generate stress fractures at the base of the metatarsal, near the midfoot. Metatarsal stress fractures typically occur at the neck region or in the mid-part (shaft) of the bone. Sometimes the fracture may only be seen on plain x-rays two to three weeks after the injury, as it takes this time for enough new bone (callus) to form in response to the stress fracture. A bone scan or MRI will demonstrate a stress fracture or a stress reaction (pre-stress fracture) earlier, and one of these studies may be indicated if the diagnosis is in question. However, in acute stress fractures the actual fracture may not be seen on plain x-rays. Plain x-rays of the foot may demonstrate subtle signs of a stress fracture. It is the repetitive absorption of the loading force beyond the capacity of the bone to withstand this force that causes the stress fracture. There may also be an associated callus under the ball of the foot, at the base of the second or third toe. The foot type in general may be flat, often with a long second and possibly third toe. There may also be some associated forefoot swelling. Physical examination will demonstrate localized tenderness at the site of the fracture. In addition, patients with decreased bone density, including such young women athletes with irregular menstrual periods (disordered endocrine system), may be at risk as well. Similarly, a Morton’s foot, where the first metatarsal is noticeably shorter than the second, may be at risk. Patients with a large bunion (hallux valgus), can overload the lesser metatarsals. Patients usually can walk on the foot, though there will be a limp. Some foot “shapes” are more at risk for stress fractures. On examination, there will be some degree of swelling and tenderness directly over the affected metatarsal. Many people can remember the day or event that their foot pain started. These injuries are sometimes referred to as “march fractures,” since they can be seen in new military recruits who are going on long hikes. Frequently, there is an increase in activity, as might be seen when a person goes on a trip that requires increased walking, or when an individual is increasing their training in preparation for a marathon. Some medications that “strengthen bone density” can make stress fractures more likely. Stress fractures involving the lesser metatarsal bones (typically 2nd or 3rd) will often present with pain and swelling in the midfoot to forefoot. It is always useful to identify any underlying problems that contribute to the injury. Some medications that alter the bone composition or low Vitamin D may help cause stress fractures. Treatment involves rest and some degree of immobilization for 4 to 8 weeks. They typically occur following prolonged or repetitive walking and are sometimes called “march fractures.” Risk factors for development of a stress fracture include an increase in activity level, a foot shape that overloads those metatarsals, and/or relatively weak bones (as might be seen with osteoporosis). Lesser metatarsal stress fractures (usually involving the 2nd or 3rd metatarsal bone) are associated with pain in the midfoot to forefoot. 2nd Metatarsal Stress Fractures March Fractures
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |