Fifth Metatarsal Fracture (Jones fracture)

The majority of stress fractures of the metatarsal bones are similar to the ones described in the injury post on metatarsal stress fractures. These typically occur in the middle or distal portion of the fifth metatarsal (the one closest to the outside of the foot). A more worrisome location for an injury to this bone in athletes is at the proximal aspect, meaning closer to the heel. These injuries can either be stress fractures that occur over time or complete fractures that occur after an acute event.

In the office, the sports medicine physician will examine the player. If there is tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal, suspicion for fracture is raised. X-rays are obtained initially. If a fracture is seen in the middle or distal aspect of the bone (closer to the toes), this injury can often be treated without surgery. A walking boot or even a wide-based shoe can be used to protect it until the fracture heals.

If the fracture is located at the base of the bone (the proximal aspect), and the patient is a fairly athletic person or especially a high-level athlete, surgical treatment is often considered. Surgery consists of placing a screw down the bone to compress the fracture and get it to heal. Surgery is often performed on athletes because there is a fairly high nonunion rate from this injury in athletic people. Soccer players are in my experience the most common athletes to undergo this surgery. Fortunately the fracture usually heals uneventfully, so return to sports is very likely. Unfortunately the fracture often takes 6-12 weeks to heal, so a significant amount of time is missed from sports.

If you have specific questions about fifth metatarsal fractures, please Ask Dr. Geier directly or Schedule an Appointment.

Other Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Ankle Impingement
Ankle Fractures
Ankle Sprains
Calcaneus Stress Fractures
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture (Jones fracture)
Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Tendinitis
Hallux Rigidus
Lateral Ankle Instability
Lisfranc Injuries
Metatarsal Stress Fracture
Navicular Stress Fracture
Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Peroneal Tendon Subluxation
Plantar Fasciitis
Sever’s Disease
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Syndesmosis Injuries (“High Ankle Sprains”)
Tibia Fracture
Tibial Stress Fracture
Turf Toe