Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Health and support Health, wellbeing services and advice Orthopaedic injuries Fractured 5th Metatarsal

Fractured 5th Metatarsal

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What have I done?

  • You have broken a bone on the outside of your foot
  • This type of break is common and normally heals well without an operation

What should I expect?

  • Pain and swelling where you have injured your foot should improve over several weeks/months
  • Your foot will have been placed into a moon boot (removable boot) or a cast by the ED doctors - you can take the moon boot off to shower and change
  • Initially, you may find walking on the foot painful and it can help to walk on the heel or use crutches
  • Depending on the type of fracture you may not be able to put weight through the injured foot whilst it heals - your doctor will inform you of this
  • You may be in a cast or a moon boot for 6 to 8 weeks

What should I do?

  • Take regular pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as needed
  • Elevate your leg while sitting by using pillows or a stool - this will help with swelling and pain
  • It may take several months for you to feel completely back to normal after this injury
  • After the cast is removed you should see a physio to work on the strength and movement in your foot (you should be referred by the hospital, but bring your ACC number)

What should I not do?

  • We discourage smoking as this may delay bone healing

Will I be followed up?

  • Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED). You will be contacted about a date and time - this may be up to 6 weeks after the injury depending on the location of the fracture

What if I have concerns/questions?

If your injury is not settling or you are worried about how it is healing, please see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you