How is a 5th metatarsal avulsion fracture treated?

Treatment of avulsion fractures is usually accomplished with a walking cast or a walking boot. 1 These protect the fracture site, but allow you to walk and place weight on the foot. The walking cast or boot is worn for about four to six weeks.

How long does it take for a fifth metatarsal avulsion fracture to heal?

You have sustained a fracture to the base of the 5th metatarsal of your foot, which is known as an avulsion fracture. Please see the picture below to understand where this injury is. This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to unite (heal) although pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months.

Can you walk on a 5th metatarsal fracture?

You can walk on your injured foot as much as your pain allows. You should gradually stop using the supportive shoe over three to five weeks, as your pain settles. Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.

Do you need physical therapy after a fifth metatarsal fracture?

Physical therapy after a Jones fracture may help improve your overall foot and ankle range of motion, strength, and functional mobility. 1 A Jones fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal, a bone of your foot that connects your pinky toe to the rest of your foot.

How do you immobilize a metatarsal fracture?

After conditions that require emergent referral have been ruled out (Table 2), nondisplaced metatarsal shaft fractures may be treated with a soft, padded elastic dressing or immobilized in a posterior splint. Crutches should be provided and weight bearing allowed as tolerated, with follow-up in three to five days.

What is the first aid for avulsion?

Control bleeding with direct pressure and elevation: Use an absorbent clean dressing or whatever clean cloth is available to hold pressure on an open avulsion or degloving injury. The dressing will trap blood and hold it against the open wound, promoting clotting.

What are fifth metatarsal fractures?

Avulsion Fractures. Avulsion fractures,sometimes called a pseudo-Jones fracture,when the tip of the bone is pulled off the fifth metatarsal by the tendon that attaches to this region.

What is an avulsion fragment?

An avulsion fracture is a type of bone injury in which a small piece of bone known as a fragment breaks away from the rest of the bone. A consequence of a fall or other impact injury or of an abrupt pulling of tissue away from the bone, an avulsion fracture tends to damage the small protrusions of bone to which ligaments or tendons attach.

What is the base of the fifth metatarsal?

The fifth metatasal contains a head, diaphysis, metaphysis and tuberosity. The tuberosity is the most proximal and plantar structure of the fifth metatarsal. Soft tissue attachments to the base of the fifth metatarsal consist of the peroneal brevis tendon, which inserts over the dorsolateral tuberosity.