Fifth metatarsal fracture: discharge advice

You have been treated for a foot injury. This leaflet explains how to look after your foot at home.

Discharge Advice

You have fractured a bone on the outer part of your foot.
The fracture has occurred in a part of the bone which normal heals well without problems.
The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing in the foot should gradually settle over a period of several weeks.
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 improves.
Most injuries heal without any problems – however, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.
Occasionally 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 symptoms after several months, please see you GP for further advice.

If you are very concerned then you may attend the A and E department however at this time we advise that you do this only if you are very concerned and it is an emergency. The A and E department will be occupied with patients requiring lifesaving treatment and it is important to allow these patients to access the care they need.