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Broken Metatarsal

(Broken Foot; Foot Fracture)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2023
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What are metatarsal fractures?

Your metatarsals are a group of 5 long bones in the middle of your foot. They connect the back part of your foot to your toes. A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of these bones. All broken bones are considered fractures. For more information, see Overview of Broken Bones Overview of Broken Bones All broken bones are considered fractures. It doesn't matter whether it's just a little crack or a big break with lots of pieces. Broken bones hurt a lot and cause swelling Your bone may look... read more .

What causes a metatarsal to break?

A metatarsal fracture can happen because of:

  • Twisting your foot

  • A hard force (such as something heavy hitting your foot)

  • Repeated, small stresses (such as walking long distances)—this is called a stress fracture

What are stress fractures of the metatarsals?

What Is a Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repeated impact.

What Is a Stress Fracture?

What is a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation?

A Lisfranc fracture-dislocation is a specific type of metatarsal fracture.

Lisfranc fracture-dislocation is serious and may cause pain and arthritis. You may have to stop playing certain sports even after it heals.

Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocation

The 2nd metatarsal is broken near the base and the broken pieces are separated from each other (dislocated). This injury is called a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation.

Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocation

What are fractures of the 5th metatarsal bone?

The 5th metatarsal bone is a long bone that connects the back of your foot to your little toe. A fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone is a break in this bone.

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