Pain in the ball of the foot
A metatarsal fracture can cause pain in the ball of the foot. Especially the metatarsal bones 2-4 can drop in case of foot deformities such as the knee-lowering splayfoot and get unphysiologically in contact with the ground. In this case, the sole of the foot often shows callus formation at the ball of the foot in the area of the 2-4 toe.
Fractures in this area can lead to pain at the ball of the foot. Especially for competitive athletes, a strong load- or movement-dependent pain in this area can indicate a fatigue fracture. If the bunion pain occurs on the side of the big toe, it may be a fracture of the 1st metatarsal bone. This bone carries particularly heavy weight during the physiological rolling process. On the outer side is the 5th metatarsal bone, which is considered the starting point for important muscles.
Ankle fracture
An ankle fracture is often caused by trauma to the ankle. In this case, the metatarsal bones can also be stressed. Especially the 5th metatarsal, which is the starting point for the muscle M. fibularis longus, which is important for pronation, i.e. lifting the outer edge, can break due to the muscle tension during the twisting process.
This is called a Jones fracture because the 5th metatarsal is affected, or an avulsion fracture, which describes the course of the accident. Since the 5th metatarsal is essential for the stability of the foot, surgical therapy is often indicated. The simultaneous injury to the ankle joint makes therapy more difficult.
Immobilisation of the joints results in a considerable loss of mobility. Intensive physiotherapy is necessary afterwards to enable physiological loading and walking again. For further information, please refer to the article Exercises Ankle fracture
Summary
A metatarsal fracture can affect one or more of the five metatarsals. The causes are usually violent impacts on the foot. The 1st and 5th metatarsals are particularly important for the stability of the foot, and surgical therapy is often necessary if they are injured.
The fatigue fracture can lead to a fracture of the 2nd – 4th metatarsal bone. The therapy is individually adapted to the patient’s condition, the longer the fracture has existed, the more time is needed for healing. This is followed by a rehabilitative physiotherapeutic treatment, which serves to improve mobility and should enable physiological loading and walking. Exercises such as toe gripping or arch training are important components of the therapy.
