☰

Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Written by Tele Demetrious

Updated:

(Also known as Stress Fracture of the Metatarsal)

What is a metatarsal stress fracture?

A metatarsal stress fracture is a condition characterized by an incomplete crack in one of the metatarsal bones. There are five metatarsal bones each of which is located in the forefoot (figure 1).

Anatomy of a metatarsal stress fracture
Figure 1 – Anatomy of a metatarsal stress fracture (right foot)

Weight bearing activity (such as running) places load through the metatarsal bones. Furthermore, several muscles attach to the metatarsals. When these muscles contract, a pulling force is exerted on the respective bones.

When these forces are excessive or too repetitive and beyond what the bone can withstand, bony damage can gradually occur. This initially results in a bony stress reaction, however, with continued damage may progress to a metatarsal stress fracture. Of the metatarsals, the second metatarsal (next to the big toe) is most commonly affected.

Cause of a metatarsal stress fracture

A stress fracture of the metatarsal typically occurs over time with excessive weight bearing activity such as running, sprinting, jumping or dancing. They often occur following a recent increase in activity or change in training conditions (such as surface, footwear or technique changes etc). Occasionally this condition may occur traumatically such as landing onto a hard surface from a height.

Signs and symptoms of a metatarsal stress fracture

Patients with this condition typically experience pain in the forefoot that increases with impact activity (such as running, jumping, dancing or standing on toes) and may decrease with rest. Symptoms may also radiate to other areas of the foot that are not specifically involved in the injury. Occasionally, patients may notice swelling or discolouration at the stress fracture site.

In more severe cases, standing or walking may be enough to aggravate symptoms (often causing the patient to limp) and patients may experience pain with rest. Other symptoms may include night ache, pain on squeezing the forefoot or pain on firmly touching the affected metatarsal bone.

Diagnosis of a metatarsal stress fracture

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist may be sufficient to diagnose a metatarsal stress fracture. Further investigations such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan or bone scan are usually required to confirm diagnosis and determine the severity of injury.

Prognosis of a metatarsal stress fracture

With appropriate physiotherapy management, most patients with this condition can make a full recovery (return to sport or full activities) in a period of 3 – 9 months. In more severe cases, recovery may take 1 year, or longer, depending on the intervention required and a range of other factors. In rare cases (usually those that have been poorly managed), some patients may experience ongoing symptoms or complications which may require further management.

Treatment for a metatarsal stress fracture

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Contributing factors to the development of a metatarsal stress fracture

There are several factors which may contribute to the development of this condition. These need to be assessed and corrected with direction from the treating physiotherapist. Some of these factors include:

Physiotherapy for a metatarsal stress fracture

Physiotherapy treatment for patients with this condition is vital in to hasten healing, prevent injury recurrence and ensure an optimal outcome. Treatment may comprise:

Other intervention for a metatarsal stress fracture

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, some patients with this condition do not improve and require other intervention to ensure an optimal outcome. The treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management when this is the case. This may include further investigations such as X-rays, CT scan, MRI or bone scan, extended periods of non weight bearing immobilization, the use of a protective boot, review with a podiatrist for possible orthotics or referral to appropriate medical authorities who can advise on any intervention that may be appropriate to improve the metatarsal stress fracture. Occasionally, patients with this condition may require surgery to stabilize the stress fracture and aid healing.

Exercises for a metatarsal stress fracture

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with this condition. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate and advanced exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms

Initial Exercises

Foot and ankle up and down

Move your foot and ankle up and down as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 2). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for a Metatarsal Stress Fracture - Foot and Ankle Up and Down
Figure 2 – Foot and ankle up and down

Foot and ankle in and out

Move your foot and ankle in and out as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 3). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for a Metatarsal Stress Fracture - Foot and Ankle In and Out
Figure 3 – Foot and ankle in and out

Foot and Ankle Circles

Move your foot and ankle in a circle as large as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 4). Repeat 10 – 20 times in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for a Metatarsal Stress Fracture - Foot & Ankle Circles
Figure 4 – Foot & Ankle Circles

Intermediate Exercises

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Advanced Exercises

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Rehabilitation Protocol for a Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Find a PhysioFind a Physio

Find a physiotherapist in your local area who can treat a stress fracture of the metatarsal.

Physiotherapy Products for a metatarsal stress fracture Physiotherapy products for a metatarsal stress fracture

Some commonly recommended products by physiotherapists for patients with this condition include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for a metatarsal stress fracture click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

Physiotherapy Exercises for a metatarsal stress fracture Other Exercises

More Useful Information More Useful Information

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member

Link to this Page

Link to this Page

If you would like to link to this article on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="https://physioadvisor.com.au/injuries/foot/metatarsal-stress-fracture”>Metatarsal Stress Fracture – PhysioAdvisor.com</a><br/>PhysioAdvisor offers detailed physiotherapy information on a metatarsal stress fracture including signs & symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, exercises, rehabilitation protocol, physiotherapy products and more...

Return to the top of Metatarsal Stress Fracture.