A broken bone on the outer edge of your foot

Lessons from a foot and ankle surgeon and a physical therapist

For survivors and families3 min read

Leg and foot injuriesFifth metatarsal fracturesFoot injuriesWeight bearingCasts and splints

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the little toe side of your foot. It can break when the foot twists or hits part of the car. The pain and bruising may be mistaken for a sprained ankle. [1, 2]

Two kinds of breaks sit close together on this bone. One is a small chip near its base. The other, a Jones fracture, lies just a little farther along. The Jones fracture often heals more slowly. Where the break shows up on the X ray changes the treatment plan. [1, 2]

Pin down exactly where it broke

Ask your doctor to point to the break on the image. Is it a small piece pulled off the bone, a Jones fracture or a break farther down the shaft? Have the pieces shifted out of place? A Jones fracture carries a higher risk of slow healing. [1, 2]

Some people wear a boot or cast and keep all weight off the foot for a while. Surgery may come up for certain breaks or if healing stalls. [1, 2]

Get a walking plan with specifics

Ask if you can touch the foot down for balance or walk in a boot. You may instead need crutches with no weight on that side. These rules vary from one type of break to another. [1, 2]

Keep your scheduled repeat X rays. They show your team whether the bone is healing before you do more. Do not count on less pain as the only sign the bone is ready for long walks. [1, 2]

Watch for a complication

Call your team if the pain stays centered on the break or swelling comes back as you get more active. Also call if your walking isn’t moving forward as expected. Get urgent help for a foot that is cold, blue or numb, or for an open wound. [1, 2]

Questions about the break and your weight limit

  1. Which part of the bone is broken?
  2. Exactly how much weight can I put on my foot?
  3. What will show the bone has healed enough to change the plan?

Note your weight limit and next X ray date

Write down how much weight you’re allowed and the date of your next image. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Jones fracture
  2. 2American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, fifth metatarsal fracture surgery

This is general education from foot and ankle surgeons and physical therapists. Breaks in different spots along the fifth metatarsal carry different healing risks. Stick to the walking limit set for your exact type of break.

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