Orthopaedic Surgery - Discharge advice following 5th Metatarsal Fracture

• You have fractured a bone on the outer part of your foot
• The fracture has occurred in a part of the bone which normally heals well without problems
• The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing in the foot should gradually settle over a period of several weeks
• There is a risk that during this time, you may find walking on the foot painful - it may help to walk on the heel initially
• You will be provided with a support for the foot in the form of bandaging or a removable boot. If required, you will also be provided with crutches
• You may walk on the foot as much as pain allows, and if you have been given a boot you should gradually discard it over 3-5 weeks as the pain settles
• The use of this boot allows a greater level of mobility, making it more comfortable and convenient than traditional plaster casts
• Most injuries heal without any problems - however it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely
•  Occasionally there is a risk that the fracture may fail to heal and continue to be painful, even after several months. A surgical procedure may be needed at this stage to help heal the fracture
• If you are still experiencing significant symptoms after several months, please phone the fracture clinic helpline as listed below for further advice

Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from hospital, please contact the Fracture Clinic on 0161 206 4892 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Please leave a message out of hours and a member of staff will return your call as soon as possible.