Jones fracture
Jones fracture occurs near the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is on the outside of the foot. The fracture occurs due to overuse, repetitive stress, or trauma; all of these are common in athletes. This can result in either a stress fracture (tiny hairlines breaks), or acute fracture. This fracture is of particular importance because this area of fracture receives less blood from the neighboring blood vessels, making healing more challenging. Compared to other fractures, it is more difficult to treat.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Jones fracture include pain and swelling at the site of the fracture. Due to the pain, patients will have difficulty walking. Sometimes, presence of bruising will be present on the outside of the foot.
Diagnosis:
Aside from a detailed history of the accident, and careful physical exam of the area, X-rays of the foot is important. Aside from presence of the fracture, any displacement (shifting of broken bone), or anatomical derangement can be observed on the X-rays.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment may be implemented for non-displaced fracture (non-shifted) of patients who are not active athletes.
If the fracture fails to heal accordingly, bone stimulators can be considered. Bone stimulators are machines that produce an external energy that assist with bone healing. Bone stimulators are usually noninvasive and can be operated at home.
If conservative treatment fails to control symptoms, or if a patient is an active athlete, then surgical treatment may be considered.
Jones fracture occurs near the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is on the outside of the foot. The fracture occurs due to overuse, repetitive stress, or trauma; all of these are common in athletes. This can result in either a stress fracture (tiny hairlines breaks), or acute fracture. This fracture is of particular importance because this area of fracture receives less blood from the neighboring blood vessels, making healing more challenging. Compared to other fractures, it is more difficult to treat.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Jones fracture include pain and swelling at the site of the fracture. Due to the pain, patients will have difficulty walking. Sometimes, presence of bruising will be present on the outside of the foot.
Diagnosis:
Aside from a detailed history of the accident, and careful physical exam of the area, X-rays of the foot is important. Aside from presence of the fracture, any displacement (shifting of broken bone), or anatomical derangement can be observed on the X-rays.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment may be implemented for non-displaced fracture (non-shifted) of patients who are not active athletes.
- Rest: Stay off the injured foot. Walking may cause further injury.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again.
- Compression: An elastic wrap should be used to control swelling.
- Elevation: The foot should be raised slightly above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
If the fracture fails to heal accordingly, bone stimulators can be considered. Bone stimulators are machines that produce an external energy that assist with bone healing. Bone stimulators are usually noninvasive and can be operated at home.
If conservative treatment fails to control symptoms, or if a patient is an active athlete, then surgical treatment may be considered.