Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal
A fifth metatarsal fracture is a break in the long bone on the outer side of the foot that connects to the little toe. This injury commonly occurs after ankle twists, sports injuries, or repetitive stress from running and jumping. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery by restoring foot strength, improving mobility, and helping patients return safely to walking and sports activities.
What is a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
The fifth metatarsal is the long bone located on the outer edge of the foot, connecting the midfoot to the little toe. This bone helps with balance, walking, and weight distribution during movement.
A fifth metatarsal fracture occurs when this bone cracks or breaks due to trauma or repetitive stress. These fractures are common in athletes and individuals who participate in activities involving running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
There are three main types of fifth metatarsal fractures:
Avulsion Fracture
A small piece of bone is pulled away from the base of the fifth metatarsal by a tendon or ligament. This usually happens when the ankle suddenly twists.
Jones Fracture
A fracture located between the base and shaft of the fifth metatarsal. This type of fracture often has a slower healing time because of reduced blood supply to the area.
Stress Fracture
A small hairline crack that develops gradually due to repetitive impact or overuse, commonly seen in runners and athletes.
How Does a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Happen?
Fifth metatarsal fractures can occur suddenly due to injury or gradually due to repeated stress on the foot.
Common causes include:
- Rolling or twisting the ankle
- Landing awkwardly after a jump
- Sports injuries
- Running or jumping on hard surfaces
- Sudden increase in training intensity
- Repetitive impact activities
Athletes involved in football, basketball, tennis, and running are particularly prone to this type of injury.
What Are the Symptoms of a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
Symptoms usually develop immediately after injury or gradually in the case of stress fractures.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer side of the foot
- Swelling around the base of the little toe
- Bruising around the foot
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Tenderness when touching the outer foot
- Pain that worsens during activity
Stress fractures may initially cause mild pain that gradually worsens with activity.
What Should I Do If I Have a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
If you suspect a fifth metatarsal fracture, you should stop activity immediately and seek medical attention.
Initial steps include:
- Rest the injured foot
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Use compression if recommended
- Elevate the foot above heart level
This approach is commonly known as the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Doctors usually confirm the fracture using X-rays, and in some cases MRI or CT scans may be used to detect stress fractures.
Physiotherapy Treatment for a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture
Physiotherapy is essential during the rehabilitation phase once the fracture has started healing.
At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists provide personalised rehabilitation programmes to restore foot strength and mobility.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- Range-of-motion exercises to restore foot and ankle mobility
- Strengthening exercises for foot and lower leg muscles
- Balance and proprioception training to improve stability
- Gait retraining to restore normal walking patterns
- Manual therapy to reduce stiffness
- Progressive loading exercises to safely return to sports
- Functional rehabilitation to support daily activities
These treatments help reduce the risk of re-injury and support a full recovery.
What Should I Avoid With a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
During recovery, certain activities should be avoided to prevent further injury.
Avoid the following:
- Running or jumping
- High-impact activities
- Putting weight on the injured foot too early
- Ignoring persistent pain
- Returning to sports before full recovery
Following medical and physiotherapy advice is important for proper healing.
Can There Be Long-Term Effects?
Most fifth metatarsal fractures heal successfully with proper treatment and rehabilitation.
However, possible complications may include:
- Delayed bone healing
- Persistent foot pain
- Reduced foot strength
- Increased risk of re-injury
Jones fractures, in particular, may take longer to heal due to limited blood supply.
Early physiotherapy helps restore full foot function and reduce long-term complications.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in sports injury rehabilitation, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and fracture recovery.
Our clinic offers:
- Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes
- Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
- Structured recovery plans for foot and ankle injuries
Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.
Book an Appointment
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my foot hurt most in the morning or when I first start walking?
First-step pain is a classic feature of many foot and ankle conditions, including Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal. It occurs when irritated structures are suddenly loaded after a period of rest. Physiotherapy addresses the underlying cause and provides strategies to reduce this painful cycle.
Can I keep walking or exercising with Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal?
In most cases, complete rest is counterproductive. Low-impact activity and physiotherapy-guided exercises maintain fitness while allowing healing. Your therapist will advise which activities are safe and how to progress load gradually through each stage of recovery.
How long does Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal usually take to resolve with physiotherapy?
Recovery typically takes 6–12 weeks, though chronic cases may take longer. Physiotherapy accelerates healing through load management, manual therapy, and progressive strengthening of the foot and ankle musculature.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
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