https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/metatarsal-fracture
A ‘metatarsal fracture’ is a small break (fracture) to one of the bones in the front of your foot.
Healing
It can take up to 6 to 12 weeks for this fracture to heal.
Pain and swelling
Your foot may be swollen and painful. This is normal for 3 to 6 months after your injury.
Swelling is often worse at the end of the day. Resting with your foot up, and using ice or cold packs, will help (see Caring for your injury, below). You can also take pain killers.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice on what medicines to take for the pain.
Walking and your shoe
The shoe protects your foot and will make you more comfortable. Wear the shoe when you are standing and walking for the first 3 to 4 weeks. You can put weight through your foot. You may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages.
You can take the shoe off at night or when resting.
Exercises
Start to exercise as soon as possible. See below for details.
Stop smoking
Reducing or stopping smoking will help recovery.
For help, talk to your GP or pharmacist, or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.
Follow-up
We do not usually book to see patients again. With this injury, most people recover well by following the instructions we give here.
Contact the Trauma Triage Clinic team (details listed at the end):
if you still have significant pain or swelling after 12 weeks
if you are concerned about your symptoms
if you are unable to follow the instructions given below
if you have pain other than in your foot.
Rest your foot, especially in the first 3 days. Raise your foot on a stool or cushions so that it is above the level of your hip. This will help reduce the swelling.
Wear your shoe whenever standing and walking. You can take it off when resting and at night, and to wash and dress.
Use a cold pack to help with pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your foot for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.
It is important to get your ankle and foot moving early to stop it getting stiff.
1.
Point your foot up and down.
Repeat this 10 times.
2.
With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn the foot outwards.
Repeat this 10 times.
3.
Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction.
Repeat this 10 times.
You can start to reduce how much you wear the shoe 3 weeks after your injury.
Start by walking without the shoe at home but wearing it for longer distances. Build up to walking without it outside and for longer walks. You should not be using your shoe 6 to 8 weeks after the injury.
It is normal to still have mild discomfort and swelling. This may continue for 3 to 6 months.
The shoe has a thick sole which can make you feel uneven. Make sure you wear a supportive shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot. This will reduce stress on other joints.
If you need more advice, or are struggling to reduce how much you wear the shoe, contact the Trauma Triage Clinic (details below).
You can return to driving when:
Before you start driving again, it is recommended that you speak to your insurance company and test your ability to drive in a safe environment.
You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP.
Both the shoe and crutches can be returned to the Physiotherapy Department.
| Trauma Triage Clinic |
020 8934 6983 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm), Khn-tr.orthopaedics@nhs.net |
| For urgent queries outside these times | NHS 111 |
| Translate | Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation. |
| Accessibility | Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 8934 3850 if you need this information in a different format. For information accessibility please visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust |
| Support services
www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk Switchboard 020 8546 7711 |
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Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation support to access Patient Information. Please ring the phone number on your appointment letter, if you have one.
Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For detailed information on accessibility at Kingston Hospital visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble (https://www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust).
Visit the hospital website, ask a member of staff, or ring us for details.