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How does a metatarsal bone fracture hurt? Treatment of fractures of the metatarsal bones of the foot with and without displacement

A metatarsal fracture of the foot is a common type of injury. Approximately a fifth of visits to traumatologists regarding leg fractures are associated with this diagnosis. It is easy to get such a fracture even while walking on an uneven road in uncomfortable shoes, when jumping on a hard surface, or as a result of hitting your foot against a curb or wall.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot - symptoms

The foot is a mechanism with a complex structure, consisting of many bones, and five of them are tubular metatarsal bones located between the digital phalanges and the tarsus. These bones serve as a kind of lever that moves the foot when moving, jumping, and help maintain balance and stability. Even a slight fracture or crack in one of these bones significantly affects the ability to move.

A fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is manifested by the following symptoms:

crunch at the moment of injury;
sharp pain, which at first may be muffled by shoes that hold the foot tightly, but then always become more pronounced;
pain increases with movement and touching the foot;
difficulty moving, lameness;
increasing swelling of the foot;
blue discoloration of tissue at the site of injury.

Signs of a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot are not obvious to patients in all cases, and such an injury is often mistaken for severe bruise or sprain. This is especially true for situations where the fracture is not traumatic, associated with a sharp mechanical impact, but stressful. Stress fractures begin with the formation of a small crack in the bone as a result of regular stress on the feet, often in athletes. The clinical picture of such a fracture is characterized by aching pain after exercise, subsiding with rest, increasing over time and accompanied by swelling.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot without displacement

In cases where no displacement of bone fragments is observed during a fracture, the damaged bone maintains its anatomically correct position. Such injuries are less dangerous, easier to treat and heal. Separately, it is worth highlighting a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot, called a Jones fracture. Because in this area of the foot microcirculation is limited, it is less well supplied with nutrients, with this type damage there is a risk of bone tissue necrosis. Therefore, delay in seeing a doctor can have the most unfavorable consequences.

Displaced metatarsal fracture of the foot

A fracture of the metatarsal bone, accompanied by separation and displacement of bone fragments, can be recognized by a visual change in the structure of the foot, but this is not always noticeable. An accurate picture of the injury can only be obtained through x-ray diagnostics. A fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot with displacement is dangerous due to the development of bleeding and an increased risk of suppurative processes in the tissues. If you do not consult a doctor in time, the fusion may not occur correctly, and a complex operation will be required.

Fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot - treatment

How long it takes for a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot to heal and whether complications of the injury will arise is largely determined by the timeliness and correctness of medical care. Immediately after receiving an injury, the following measures must be taken:

fixing the foot in one position by applying a splint;
at open injury– applying a sterile dressing;
applying a cold compress (for about 15 minutes);
ensuring peace lower limb in an elevated position.

Treatment tactics depend on the severity of the fracture and the location of the injury. Using two-projection x-ray it is possible to determine what kind of fracture there is - the base of the metatarsal bone of the foot, diaphysis, neck or head, what is the fault line, whether there is displacement of the fragments. Main treatment options:

immobilization of the foot with a plaster cast - in cases of non-displaced fracture;
closed reduction – comparison of bone fragments with their slight displacement without incision skin;
osteosynthesis is the surgical restoration of the anatomical location of bone fragments with their fixation with special parts (plates, knitting needles, screws) and subsequent casting, performed in cases of severe displacement and multiple injuries.

To relieve the foot from the load, you will need to use crutches when moving until the fracture heals completely. When lying down or sitting, the limb should be elevated. The patient must be observed by a doctor while wearing a plaster cast, for timely detection possible complications. To improve splicing bone tissue Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot - plaster boot

If a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is diagnosed, it is superimposed in most cases. Often, plastering is done like a boot from the upper third of the shin to the ends of the toes. Such fixation is necessary to ensure the immobility of bone fragments and their correct location, to protect them from various external mechanical influences. The period of wearing a cast for a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is 1-1.5 months.

Foot orthosis for metatarsal fractures

In mild cases without displacement, it is possible to use a foot fixator for a metatarsal bone fracture - an orthosis. This device is made from polymer materials, designed to stabilize, fix and unload the foot. From an aesthetic point of view, an orthosis is more acceptable, but plaster is more reliable. If more than one bone fracture has occurred and there are displacements, then this option of immobilization is unacceptable.

Treatment of a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot with folk remedies

If a foot fracture occurs, the treatment prescribed by the doctor can be supplemented folk recipes. Local procedures are not carried out while wearing a plaster cast, but to accelerate the fusion of bone tissue, reduce pain and remove inflammatory processes recommended to use medicinal products inside. Here is one of the recipes.

Tincture for rapid bone healing

Ingredients:

comfrey root (ground) – 1 table. spoon;
water – 1 glass.

Preparation and use:

Pour boiling water over the raw materials.
Let it brew until it cools, strain.
Take 1-2 teaspoon three times a day for a month.

How long does it take to heal a metatarsal bone fracture?

On average, open and closed fracture The metatarsal bone of the foot heals within 6-8 weeks. How long it takes for a metatarsal fracture to heal depends on several factors that determine the individual regenerative abilities of the body:

level in the body;
availability chronic pathologies, preventing tissue fusion;
patient's age;
compliance with medical orders.

Rehabilitation after a fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot

After removing the plaster cast, when bone fusion is confirmed by x-ray, a rehabilitation period follows. Recovery from a metatarsal foot fracture takes about three to five weeks or more. During this period, it is necessary to develop the muscles and tendons of the foot, normalize the mobility of the joints, and prepare them for stress. At first, when walking, you should rest only on your heel, gradually placing your entire foot on the floor. Foot wrapping may be recommended elastic bandage, wearing orthopedic shoes with rigid soles or insoles.

To the complex rehabilitation activities includes:

recreational gymnastics;
massage;
physiotherapy;
complete nutrition.

How to develop a foot after a metatarsal bone fracture?

In order to speed up recovery time, special exercises are recommended after a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot. Here is a set of basic exercises, each of which should be performed 10-15 times:

Extension and flexion of toes.
Turn your feet left and right.
Extending your feet away from you and towards you.
Transferring body weight onto your toes and back (in the first days this exercise should be done while sitting, then with support on the back of a chair, and then in a standing position).
Circular rotations of the feet clockwise and counterclockwise.
Rolling a dense roller with your feet back and forth.
Cross leg swings in a lying position.

Foot massage after a metatarsal fracture

Development of the foot after a fracture of the metatarsal bone through massage is aimed at activating blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, improving the nutrition of damaged tissues. If it is not possible to go to a medical facility for procedures, you can perform a gentle massage yourself, using circular, longitudinal and transverse strokes with your fingertips and knuckles. You need to knead the inner and outer parts of the foot and toes.

Consequences of a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot

As you know, the metatarsal bones are located in the foot, and, therefore, are responsible for a person’s ability to walk and stand. When moving, they bear a large load, especially if the person is obese or has diseases musculoskeletal system. It just so happens that fractures metatarsal bones are quite common, and fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone ranks first among all foot injuries. Despite the small size of the bone, a fracture can occur in different places, the head or body may be injured, while the exact location of the injury can be determined after a prescribed X-ray examination.

The main symptom of a fracture of the fifth metatarsal is pain that intensifies during movements and pressure on the metatarsal area. How severe the symptoms of pain will be depends on the extent of the damage, the type of injury, and pain threshold person. It can be noted that foot damage occurs not only from an impact or fall, but also from excessive load, which applies to athletes. Recovery from injury depends on the quality of first aid provided, the age of the person and the presence of complications, which we will discuss below.

Classification

A metatarsal fracture may be located in different parts metatarsals, so let's look at the structure of the bone. The bone itself consists of a base, body, neck and head. The head of the bone flows into the distal metaphysis and through the base of the bone forms the proximal diaphysis, the tuberosity. The bone tendons and muscles (short and long, 3rd peroneal) are fixed.

There are several classifications of injuries to the metatarsal bones, depending on the location and type of fracture. There are two types of fractures: due to trauma and excessive stress. In addition, there is a classification based on the location of the fracture or crack.

A Jones fracture, or fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal bone, occurs at the base of the bone, where the blood supply is poorly developed. Due to insufficient blood supply, the Jones fracture takes a long time to heal, and the lack of complete healing is no exception; in such situations, a bone growth - a bone - can form.

A Jones fracture often occurs not only due to traumatic factors, but also due to excessive load when the muscles cannot cope with protective function. This applies to athletes and manual workers.

Fractures can occur in the middle of the bone, affecting the neck or head. A common type of injury is an avulsion fracture, in which a piece of bone is torn off. It happens during a twisted foot and is not always diagnosed in time. A person thinks that his leg hurts because of a dislocation; pain is also caused by ruptures and sprains of the ligaments.

If we look at the question of how long it takes for a fracture to heal, then we can conditionally divide the bone into 3 zones. With an avulsion fracture in the area where the bone tubercle is located, recovery is rapid, and the bone tissue almost always heals. This occurs due to the protection of the tubercle by muscles and ligaments. The tissue will take the longest to heal with a Jones fracture, since this area has a poor blood supply. Dangerous proximal fractures in zone 3, such injuries do not always heal either. Complications often include pinched nerves (neuropathy) and subsequent tissue deformation.

There are open fractures, when the skin layer is damaged and a wound is formed, and closed ones. An open fracture of the metatarsal bone with displacement is dangerous, which often requires surgical treatment. A displaced foot injury is also dangerous due to the presence of bleeding, as well as an increased risk of a suppurative process in the tissues. The injury can also be single (a crack in one place) or multiple (several areas are affected).

Symptoms

When a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone occurs, symptoms of pain appear - this is main feature. The pain is localized in the area of the outer edge of the foot, intensifies when touching, moving the foot or while stepping on the leg. An important sign of a fracture is swelling. It does not appear immediately, but increases after half an hour or more. Pain and swelling increase over time, the person cannot step on the sore leg.

There are situations when a crack or minor fracture occurs, but the ligaments are stretched or torn. Swelling is slight, pain is tolerable during rest. A person may not immediately seek help, which can subsequently cause bone displacement. Sometimes there is a healed fracture, the treatment of which was not carried out; the bones healed on their own. Such situations are accompanied by bone deformation and the formation of a growth - a bone.

In addition to pain and swelling, with fractures there is a change in skin color - redness or blueness, depending on the extent of soft tissue injury.

First aid and diagnostics

The sooner treatment begins, or rather, first aid, the greater the chance of avoiding further bone fracture, displacement or injury to nerves and blood vessels.

The doctor will be able to identify the exact location of the injury - the body or head of the 5th metatarsal bone - after examining the X-ray image. People nearby should provide first aid to the victim.

First aid begins with determining the type of injury. With an open fracture it is noted open wound, bleeding may begin. In such cases, you need to carefully cover the wound with an aseptic bandage. You cannot set bones yourself. This is fraught with consequences:

there is a threat of separation or further displacement;
the risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves increases;
inept manipulation will lead to increased pain.

The first aid algorithm includes applying cold (ice) to the site of the bruise and resting the leg. The victim should be taken to medical institution. At severe pain You can give an analgesic, this will alleviate the patient's condition.

Treatment of a fracture is prescribed after examining the site of injury and X-ray results. There are two types of treatment. A conservative technique involves applying a plaster cast. Without plaster, it is possible to treat cracks and simple fracture, but if there are complications (open wound, displacement, separation of fragments), then the bone needs to be immobilized to allow it to heal.

Treatment without a plaster cast is based on the application of a special splint. Among the disadvantages of the method is the need to immobilize the leg and maintain peace; the foot should not be subjected to stress and movement.

In case of complicated fractures, an operation may be required, during which the doctor compares the fragments and eliminates the displacement. To restore the integrity of the bone, special devices are implanted that fix the bone.

There are comminuted fractures that cannot be treated with a cast or simple surgery. In such cases, a procedure called “ extramedullary osteosynthesis" A special material is implanted, fixed with a plate, which replaces bone tissue.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after a fracture is needed to restore leg mobility, since muscle atrophy occurs during immobilization. When a cast is applied or surgery is performed, you cannot step on your leg during the treatment period, so the patient is recommended to wear crutches. Naturally, this affects the motor activity of the leg in the future.

For speedy recovery it is necessary to strengthen the bone structure. For this purpose, vitamins and calcium are prescribed. Among traditional methods You can select a recipe for jellied meat or jelly. Eating these dishes saturates the body with collagen, which is responsible for joints and bones.

In addition to vitamins, chondroprotectors may be prescribed, especially if the patient is aged. Among the chondroprotectors we can highlight Glucosamine chondroitin, Teraflex, Artra and others. The use of homeopathy is effective; the drug Traumeel is prescribed to reduce swelling and relieve inflammation.

After the cast is removed or surgery is performed, an intensive rehabilitation period begins. Physiotherapy helps improve tissue nutrition and reduce inflammation. UHF, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis are prescribed. In addition to physical therapy, the patient needs to undergo a massage course, exercise physical therapy. This is the only way to not only cure the fracture, but also restore mobility to the foot.

Subsequently, after a fracture, you will need to take care of your leg. To prevent a fracture, you need to wear comfortable shoes and avoid making sudden movements with your feet. There is no need to rush in icy conditions.

The musculoskeletal and articular apparatus of the foot is one of the most complex structures in the human body. In a healthy foot, everything works as a single mechanism, synchronized and well-functioning. The injury disrupts the functioning of the system, malfunctions and leads to persistent pain, problems with walking and even poor posture.

Damage classification

Metatarsal fractures are the most common foot fractures. They account for about 6% of all bone injuries. Each case must be analyzed by a specialist traumatologist, because the nature and location of the injury determine an individual approach to treatment. Any complication after an injury will negatively affect a person’s health.

The foot has several important functions:

Provides movement on all types of surfaces. Damage to the foot entails total loss functions of the lower limb.
The most mobile part of the limb moves the human body back and forth, left and right, making it possible to control all movements, be a support and hold the body in an upright position.
The foot absorbs and compensates for excess load and force while walking. If for some reason this does not happen, the load is taken by the knee and hip joint, spine.

The foot is an anatomically complex structure. These are muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, soft fabrics. It is represented by 26 bones, of which only five are metatarsal, the longest, representing the middle section of the foot (between the tarsus and phalanges). Their main function is to serve as a kind of lever during walking, running and jumping. Metatarsal fractures are equally common among men and women. Due to the features anatomical location(front part of the base of the foot) damage to the fourth and fifth metatarsals is more common. A fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone (Jones fracture) is often displaced and extends beyond the plane of the foot. Traumatologists consider it the most insidious and difficult to treat injury. The fifth metatarsal bone has anatomically limited blood circulation. Therefore, healing due to insufficient blood supply occurs very slowly, and in some cases the bone does not heal at all.

Foot injuries are classified according to several indicators. If one bone structure is damaged, it is a single fracture. Accordingly, two or more are plural. According to location, the fracture can be:

diaphyseal;
base fracture;
neck fracture.

Along the fracture lines:

transverse;
oblique;
T-shaped;
wedge-shaped.

In addition, a metatarsal fracture can be traumatic and stress-related. Traumatic – consequence mechanical impact from outside. Fatigue (stress fracture) in the form of cracks appears as a result of frequent, constant loads on the feet.

Causes and symptoms

There are several factors that provoke injury:

Excessive physical activity.
Weakened bone tissue due to osteoporosis.
Heavy object or sharp blow.
Unsuccessful jump or fall.

The number of signs of a fracture depends on the type of injury. After traumatic injury a crunch is heard. Then the foot begins to swell and a bruise appears. There is noticeable shortening of one of the fingers and its unnatural deviation. Afterwards, the pain at rest may subside. But as soon as the foot has the slightest load, it resumes with renewed vigor.

A stress fracture produces aching and dull pain, feels similar to muscle pain. This pathology most often affects professional athletes, army recruits after intensive combat training, and tourists. It is also called a march fracture. But for those who love sports and enjoy running, a marching fracture can also happen. Also at risk are people whose professional activity passes on its feet. Women who prefer high-heeled shoes also suffer from this disease.

The situation can be aggravated by osteoporosis, foot deformity, flat feet, poor-quality shoes that are not suitable for the size and type of activity. A marching fracture is more often observed on the second, less often on the third and fourth, and even less often on the first and fifth metatarsal bones.

What's happening? From strong and intense work, the muscles begin to tire and lose their ability to withstand the load. Part of the load is transferred to the bone structures. Small cracks appear on them. March fracture gives pain in middle part feet.

During rest, the pain completely disappears, but then when moving the foot it returns. Lameness appears and gait changes. Swelling may occur, but without hemorrhage. The area with the injury hurts when pressed. One or more bones may be affected.

Diagnostics, therapy

A marching fracture does not show a characteristic line of damage on an x-ray. The metatarsal bone breaks like a “green stick”: the structure inside is broken, and on top it is held in place by a thin layer of bone. If sharp pain on palpation at the base of the metatarsus it is combined with swelling, the diagnosis is obvious to the traumatologist.

Treatment, unlike other bone pathologies, does not require reduction and plaster immobilization. Doctors recommend treating swelling and pain with special pain-relieving gels, creams, and ointments. For a time, you should limit the load on the front of the foot and eliminate the activity that caused the injury.

Treatment is supplemented with orthopedic insoles. They make it possible to remove excessive load on the bones, and thus it is easier to transfer the disease. Such damage heals quickly and without consequences, the prognosis is favorable.

Treatment after traumatic fractures includes a set of measures in several main areas. The main thing is immobilization with a hard plaster cast along the entire length of the foot with capture of the ankle joint. Immobilization will allow the bones and ligaments to be completely at rest, and will not allow bone fragments to move further.

After injury with displacement greater than half the width of the bone, it is indicated surgical treatment. During surgical intervention the doctor compares the fragments bone structures and fixes them with special devices. Surgical treatment also shown when open fractures. Surgical treatment is carried out using the method of percutaneous fixation with pins or open reposition (external osteosynthesis). According to the first method, displacement reposition is performed closed. Afterwards, taking into account the nature of the damage, the bone is fixed in certain directions with knitting needles.

Using the open reposition method, a surgical incision is made, access to the damaged bone is provided, displacement is eliminated, and then it is fixed in correct position. Immobilization with plaster is not indicated. The patient is allowed to walk on his heel for 4 weeks.

Non-displaced injuries are treated with a plaster cast for 4 to 6 weeks. The patient must move using crutches. Any load on the foot should be completely eliminated. After a control x-ray, when the doctor is convinced that the treatment was successful and the fracture has healed, the patient is allowed to step on his leg.

Recovery

For a favorable outcome, rehabilitation must be included in treatment. Rehabilitation is therapeutic exercises, a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, massage and drugs that help restore bone tissue. How long will rehabilitation take and timing? full recovery directly depend on the severity of the injury, compliance with the doctor’s orders and individual characteristics body. Typically, it will take about three weeks for your foot to fully recover after the cast is removed. Rehabilitation with massage will restore muscle and joint mobility.

Effective rehabilitation is impossible without special exercises. Therapeutic gymnastics simple, consists of simple exercises:

bend and straighten your fingers;
from a sitting position, rise onto your toes and slowly transfer the weight to your heels and back;
place a small hard roller under your foot and roll it;
perform circular rotations of the feet clockwise and counterclockwise.

Adequate treatment and rehabilitation for metatarsal fractures are important and should not be neglected. Complications from an injury can be unpleasant. How many people suffer after an injury from foot deformities, arthrosis, limb dysfunction, constant pain And chronic fatigue in the legs. The foot is the support of the human body. She needs to be protected.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot - accompanied unbearable pain a severe injury in which the metatarsal bones are broken or displaced. Injuries to the metatarsus account for 5-6% of all fractures; they are accompanied by every fifth leg fracture.

Reasons

A fracture of the metatarsal bones occurs because a force greater than the elastic force of the bone acts on them. Possible reasons violations of the integrity of the metatarsal bones are divided into:

Traumatic: road accident; heavy fall or sharp object on your foot, landing on your feet when jumping or falling from a height, hitting your foot on something hard.
Pathological: osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, genetic abnormalities bone tissue, tumors bone marrow or bone tissue, lack of minerals and nutrients in the body, taking certain types of medications.
Stressful or tired. Such fractures occur against the background of frequently recurring minor foot injuries, too intense loads on the foot, or twisting of the leg when walking.

A metatarsal fracture is often mistaken by patients for a severe bruise or sprain. The situation is similar with a fracture of the tarsal bones. This happens because in case of fractures of the bones of the foot, the presence of symptoms and their intensity are determined by the amount of damage and the presence of displacement of the fragments.

You should suspect a metatarsal injury and consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

unbearable pain in the injured area, which becomes stronger from touch;
swelling and cyanosis of the tissue at the suspected site of the fracture;
difficulty moving and lameness.

The following symptoms of fractures are also possible, but may not appear at all:

crepitus (crunching) at the time of injury or upon examination;
excessive mobility in the foot;
foot deformities (shortened toe or its anatomically incorrect position relative to the foot).

Based only on one clinical picture it is impossible to determine the type of fracture and which bone is broken. An accurate diagnosis can only be made after an examination in a hospital setting, which includes an x-ray in two projections.

Varieties

Metatarsal fractures are divided into types according to several criteria. So, if one bone is broken, then doctors will diagnose a single injury. If two or more bones are injured, then we're talking about about multiple damage.

Depending on whether the broken bone remains in place, it can be said to be a displaced or non-displaced fracture.

Different parts of the bone may be affected: the base, neck or diaphysis. In addition, fractures are classified according to the type of fracture line. The break line is:

oblique;
helical;
transverse;
T-shaped;
wedge-shaped.

Since there are 5 metatarsal bones in each human foot, metatarsal fractures can be classified according to which one is affected. The 4th and 5th metatarsal bones are the most vulnerable. Their fractures are the most common. Moreover, a fracture of the outer 5th bone is often complicated by displacement and extension beyond the plane of the foot. After a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone, the most complex and long recovery foot functions.

A fracture of the outer 1st bone is considered less common. Fractures of 3 or 2 bones are the rarest. This is due to their protected position between other bones.

A direct blow to the foot (a fall of a heavy object or an accident) leads to injuries to the 2nd, 3rd or 4th metatarsal bones. With an indirect blow, the outer 1st and 5th bones are affected. Prolonged stress loads on the legs lead to a fracture of the 4th metatarsal bone of the foot.

If you suspect a metatarsal injury, you should immediately call a doctor. Before his arrival, the victim must be given first aid:

Limit load and movement. As with many other injuries, a board attached to the foot with a bandage can serve as a fixator for a fracture of any metatarsal bone. The foot must be fixed extremely carefully so as not to aggravate the injury or displace the bone. It is necessary to limit movement in the foot and in the two joints adjacent to it.
Apply cold. This will reduce swelling or slow down its occurrence. In addition, due to the feeling of tissue numbness, it reduces pain symptom. If there is no ice nearby, you can replace it with frozen food wrapped in a towel. To avoid frostbite, do not apply ice directly to the skin and do not hold it for longer than 20 minutes.
Wrap your foot with an elastic bandage. This will limit joint movement and swelling. However, you need to bandage correctly: evenly and tightly, but not tightly. If your toes become cold and blue or numb, this means that the bandage is too tight and the foot should be re-bandaged.
Elevate the affected limb. It also reduces swelling by moving blood away from the injury site. While lying down, place a pillow under the injured leg. In a sitting position, place your foot on a chair.

If they are present or displaced, they should not be reduced under any circumstances. This is performed only by a doctor after a complete and detailed diagnosis.

Treatment

What treatment your doctor will prescribe depends on the location of the injury and the complexity of the fracture. Key treatment options are:

Immobilization with an orthosis. This treatment option is only used if there is no bone displacement. The orthosis is a polymer boot that fixes, stabilizes and relieves the load on the foot.
Immobilization with a plaster boot. A plaster cast is applied to the injured foot and two adjacent joints up to the middle of the lower leg. For a simple fracture, the doctor may limit himself to a plaster cast. A plaster cast is applied for 1-1.5 months, for complicated displaced fractures - for up to 3 months.
Closed reduction. This treatment method involves giving bone fragments an anatomical position manually without violating the integrity of the skin. After comparing the fragments, the foot is securely fixed with a plaster cast. However, this method has a significant drawback: its use does not exclude the possibility of repeated displacement of the bones.
Osteosynthesis. This is an operation to restore the anatomically correct position of bone fragments, which is indicated for comminuted or multiple fractures of the metatarsal bones. To fix fragments, doctors use knitting needles, screws, and plates. In particularly difficult cases, the Ilizarov apparatus is used. Once the surgery is complete, a suture is placed over the surgical incision. Gypsum is not used in this case.

In addition, all patients are recommended to use crutches to unload the injured foot, and take calcium supplements and vitamin D. Treatment is carried out exclusively under the regular supervision of a traumatologist and includes several X-ray studies injured limb.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Full recovery after a fracture of any metatarsal bone of the foot is a long process. Rehabilitation takes from 2 to 5 weeks depending on the complexity of the injury. At this time, it is also necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor. The complex of rehabilitation measures includes:

Physiotherapeutic procedures. They will help restore the natural mobility of the foot after prolonged immobilization.
Massage. It can be combined with rubbing essential oils or decongestants. This will help relieve swelling and restore blood circulation in the injured area.
Therapeutic exercise. It is best carried out under the supervision of a trainer who will evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of the patient’s exercises.
Walking with a gradual increase in load. You should start with 10 steps and increase their number gradually.
Swimming. If it is not possible to swim at least twice a week, swimming can be replaced with warm baths with sea salt.
Orthopedic insoles. They should not be purchased ready-made, but ordered individually. In addition, special separator plates should be inserted between the thumb and forefinger. This will help to properly distribute the load on the foot and reduce pain when walking.
Proper and nutritious nutrition. The patient's diet must contain proteins, calcium, silicon and vitamin D. The sources of these substances are dairy products and fresh seafood, nuts and seeds, legumes and greens, berries, vegetables and fruits.

Complications

If the patient neglects treatment, carries it out incorrectly, or self-medicates, complications may occur. These include:

constant pain in the foot;
arthrosis;
limb deformity;
drooping of the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot (flat feet);
formation of bone growths up to;
decreased foot mobility.

In some cases, complications are so severe that they require surgical intervention.

The metatarsal bone is part of the foot. She belongs to the small spongy bones skeleton. The foot is the outermost part of the leg. With this part a person touches the ground. The area that does not touch the floor is considered the arch of the foot. The part opposite the arch from the upper area is convex and is considered the instep. It contains five metatarsal bones. Fingers are their continuation. Each metatarsal bone has a base, a head and a body, and is bordered by other bones that are also part of the foot.

The entire foot consists of 26 bones. They are connected by many ligaments and small joints. There are three sections of the foot in total.

Tarsus. The tarsal bones are the navicular, cuboid, calcaneus, talus and three cuneiforms.
Metatarsus.
Phalanx of fingers.

A fracture affecting the metatarsal bones is more common than other foot injuries. They are quite fragile and susceptible to various actions.

Reasons

The main causes of fractures are injuries such as a heavy object falling on the foot, a fall from a height, an impact or a twisted foot. Very often such injuries occur during sports games or competitions.

Between the bones are many ligaments that hold the metatarsal bones close to each other. In this regard, a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone, which occurs most often, leads to fractures and dislocations of other bones. Lack of calcium is an indirect cause leading to bone fragility. For this reason, and also because of, fractures occur even with minor loads. Main causes of fractures:

falling from a height;
falling of a sharp object;
osteoporosis;
long and intense sports activities.

Since all parts of the foot are connected to each other, even damaged tarsal bones can lead to the fact that the supporting function of the entire foot will be impaired. Much depends on how timely medical care is provided and how the rehabilitation period proceeds. This is why it is important to identify such damage as early as possible.

Classification

The metatarsal bone can be damaged in different places. The classification depends on various indicators. For example, if one bone is affected, we are talking about a single fracture, if the damage affected several bones, a multiple fracture occurred.

In addition, various parts may be damaged: the base, neck or. The fracture line can also be different - oblique, wedge-shaped, transverse or T-shaped. Such features affect the rehabilitation period. Fractures are also divided into fatigue and traumatic injuries.

Jones' fracture stands out separately. It occurs due to a side impact, which is directed from the little finger. The location of the injury is a distance of five centimeters from the base of the metatarsal bone.

Symptoms

First, let's look at the symptoms of a traumatic fracture.

At the moment of injury, a crunching sound is heard. This indicates that the bone is broken.
After a few hours or even the next day, swelling is observed, which is accompanied by bruising.
The finger may become shorter or angled to the side in a different way than usual. This sign is noticeable upon examination.
After a fracture, the pain may decrease, however, with load it returns and becomes stronger.

A march fracture manifests itself as follows:

stupid and It's a dull pain under loads; it is not strong and can be confused with pain in ligaments and muscles;
there may be swelling, but there will be no bruising;
after a break following the load, the pain disappears;
pain occurs not only during exercise, but also after pressing on the site of injury.

The most accurate diagnosis is made after diagnosis in the hospital. An x-ray is usually taken in two projections. It is difficult to distinguish a Jones fracture from injuries to the proximal diaphysis, however, treatment tactics are the same.

Treatment

Since the metatarsal bones play important role in the movements of the foot and leg, it is necessary to choose the right treatment method. This responsibility lies with doctors. However, before their arrival, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim medical care. Of course, it is difficult to determine the specific type of fracture, to distinguish between damage to the base of the foot, a marching injury, a displaced fracture, and so on. However simple help Regardless of the type of fracture, it is possible to provide.

Further treatment is prescribed by the doctor after diagnosis accurate diagnosis. The period of rehabilitation and healing depends on the nature of the fracture. For example, a Jones fracture takes quite a long time to heal; consolidation may be complicated by lack of fusion.

When treating any fracture, the goal is to help the person return to normal rhythm life. To achieve this, you need to listen to all the doctor's recommendations. Metatarsal bones break quickly, but treatment may take long time. Some doctors are convinced that adult patients do not need to have a cast applied, since it causes them inconvenience. They themselves understand that it is necessary to limit the load so that the fracture heals as quickly as possible. However, it is difficult for young patients to understand that they cannot step on their feet, and if they walk, they can only rest on their heels, so children are put in plaster.

If a traumatic fracture occurs, you can only rely on your heel or not use your foot at all to move, using crutches. In the case of stress fractures, partial load is placed on the foot, but this is only possible with the use of individual ones that unload the damaged area.

If the tarsal bones break without a characteristic displacement, the victim may be given a special fixing plaster cast, which helps to model the arches of the feet. This bandage is applied for three or more weeks, it all depends on the nature of the fracture. If significant displacement of bone fragments occurs, surgery may be prescribed.

The indication for surgery is displacement of fragments by half the width of the bone or more. There are two main types of surgery if there is a serious fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot with a large displacement.

Percutaneous fixation. In this case, knitting needles are used that are drilled through fragments in specific areas. Before this, the doctor eliminates the displacement using a closed method. This operation is low-traumatic, easy, takes little time and is inexpensive. In addition, there is no scar. However, the ends of the knitting needle remain outside. There is also a risk of wound infection, and the plaster cast is worn for one month.
Open reduction of the fracture. A surgical incision is made and the damaged bone is accessed by retracting tendons, nerves and blood vessels. The fragments are mobilized, displacement is eliminated and everything is fixed in the correct position.

Thanks to such modern methods can be eliminated serious consequences fracture Rehabilitation period Of course, it takes some time, but it is better to suffer a little inconvenience than to suffer all your life due to complications.