Pain in the middle of your foot after a fall, twist, or misstep might be more than just a bruise or sprain — it could be a metatarsal fracture. These injuries are surprisingly common, accounting for around 88% of all foot and ankle fractures.
The metatarsals are the long bones in your foot that connect your toes to your midfoot. Because they bear a lot of weight when you walk or run, an injury here can be serious, and sometimes, it may require surgery.
At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah, we treat all types of foot injuries, from minor strains to complex fractures.
We can determine when a metatarsal fracture requires surgery and help you heal properly, allowing you to get back on your feet with a reduced risk of long-term problems.
A metatarsal fracture is a break in one or more of the five long bones in your foot. These bones are critical for balance and walking. Fractures may occur from various causes, including:
The fifth metatarsal on the outside of your foot is the one most likely to suffer a fracture — around 23% of breaks occur in this bone.
Some fractures are clean and stable, meaning the bone stays in place. Others may shift or break into several pieces, which is when metatarsal fracture surgery may be necessary.
Don’t ignore lingering foot pain, swelling, or bruising after an injury. If you can’t put weight on your foot, or if your toes look crooked or bruised, you may have a fracture that needs more than rest.
Not all foot fractures need surgery. Many heal well with rest, ice, and a walking boot. But in more serious cases, surgery can help realign bones and prevent long-term pain or deformity.
You may need metatarsal fracture surgery if:
Lisfranc fracture dislocation is a serious injury to the middle part of the foot, where the metatarsals meet the tarsal bones in your arch. This area is known as the Lisfranc joint complex.
We use X-rays or other diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis and help determine if surgery is your best option.
Surgical treatment for metatarsal fractures usually involves screws, plates, and/or wires to hold the bones in place while they heal. That restores normal alignment and allows for better function and faster recovery.
In more complex cases, we may fuse bones to improve stability and reduce pain.
We aim to use minimally invasive foot surgery whenever possible to reduce recovery time and limit scarring.
After surgery, we place your foot in a cast, boot, or splint to support and protect it. Avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. We typically prescribe physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility in the foot following metatarsal fracture surgery.
We guide you through every phase of healing, ensuring you progress safely. Most patients return to regular activities with time, patience, and proper care.
If you think you may need metatarsal fracture surgery or another foot treatment, schedule an appointment at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic by phone or online today.
