I’m sorry to learn of your injury, Rosie, and wish you speedy recovery. You’re in good company - metatarsal fractures are quite common foot injuries, especially in athletes and footballers including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and Steve Gerrard ).
There are 5 metatarsal bones in each foot. They are the “ long “ bones between the 'tarsal' bones of the hind-foot and the 'phalanges' bones in the toes.
Fractures of the second – fifth metatarsals may be caused by direct trauma, rotational forces or overuse.
The fifth metatarsal is in 4 segments, each with different types of fracture. Treatment varies depending on the type. Your orthopaedic surgeon is the best to advise you, but normally one’s talking about 6 – 8 weeks for recovery, whatever the type / treatment.
Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal are commonest, from twisting injury of the foot or ankle. Immediate walking in a removable plastic cast should be possible.
( Less common fractures :- The junction between the base of the metatarsal and the shaft may give problems when fractured because of poor blood supply. Fractures of shaft are caused by twisting of the foot when landing from a jump, and these heal rapidly with immobilisation. If the fracture is due to direct trauma and the fracture fragments are well aligned, treatment is immobilisation with a removable cast and non-weight bearing. A removable cast is also used for 'march' (stress) fractures of the second metatarsal and rotational fractures of the fifth metatarsal. Stress fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal may not heal well unless treated by surgical fixation with a small screw. )
