A metatarsal fracture of the foot is a common type of injury. About a fifth of visits to traumatologists regarding leg fractures are related to this diagnosis. It is easy to get such a fracture even while walking on an uneven road in uncomfortable shoes, when jumping on a hard surface due to hitting the foot on a curb or wall.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot - symptoms

The foot is a mechanism with a complex structure, consisting of many bones, and five of them are tubular metatarsal bones located between the digital phalanges and the tarsus. These bones serve as a kind of lever that moves the foot when moving, jumping, and help maintain balance and stability. Even a slight fracture or crack in one of these bones significantly affects the ability to move.

A fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is manifested by the following symptoms:

• crunching at the moment of injury;
• sharp painful sensations, which at first may be muffled by shoes that hold the foot tightly, but then always become more pronounced;
• pain increases with movement and touching the foot;
• difficulty moving, lameness;
• increasing swelling of the foot;
• blue discoloration of tissue at the site of injury.

Signs of a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot are not obvious to patients in all cases, and such an injury is often mistaken for severe bruise or sprain. This is especially true for situations where the fracture is not traumatic, associated with a sharp mechanical impact, but stressful. Stress fractures begin with the formation of a small crack in the bone as a result of regular stress on the feet, often in athletes. IN clinical picture such a fracture is noted aching pain after exercise, subsiding with rest, increasing over time and accompanied by swelling.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot without displacement

In cases where no displacement of bone fragments is observed during a fracture, the damaged bone maintains its anatomically correct position. Such injuries are less dangerous, easier to treat and heal. Separately, it is worth highlighting a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot, called a Jones fracture. Because In this area of ​​the foot, microcirculation is limited, it is less well supplied with nutrients, and with this type of damage there is a risk of bone tissue necrosis. Therefore, delay in seeing a doctor can have the most unfavorable consequences.

Displaced metatarsal fracture of the foot

A fracture of the metatarsal bone, accompanied by separation and displacement of bone fragments, can be recognized by a visual change in the structure of the foot, but this is not always noticeable. An accurate picture of the injury can only be obtained through x-ray diagnostics. A fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot with displacement is dangerous due to the development of bleeding and an increased risk of suppurative processes in the tissues. If you do not consult a doctor in time, the fusion may not occur correctly, and a complex operation will be required.

Fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot - treatment

How long it takes for a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot to heal and whether complications of the injury will arise is largely determined by the timeliness and correctness of treatment. medical care. Immediately after receiving an injury, the following measures must be taken:

• fixing the foot in one position by applying a splint;
• in case of open injury, apply a sterile bandage;
• applying a cold compress (for about 15 minutes);
• ensuring the rest of the lower limb in an elevated position.

Treatment tactics depend on the severity of the fracture and the location of the injury. Using two-projection x-ray it is possible to determine what kind of fracture there is - the base of the metatarsal bone of the foot, diaphysis, neck or head, what is the fault line, whether there is displacement of the fragments. Main treatment options:

• immobilization of the foot with a plaster cast - in cases of non-displaced fracture;
• closed reduction - comparison of bone fragments with slight displacement without cutting the skin;
• osteosynthesis – operative recovery anatomical placement of bone fragments with their fixation with special parts (plates, knitting needles, screws) and subsequent plaster casting, performed in case of severe displacement and multiple injuries.

To relieve the foot from the load, you will need to use crutches when moving until the fracture heals completely. When lying down or sitting, the limb should be elevated. The patient must be observed by a doctor while wearing a plaster cast, for timely detection possible complications. To improve splicing bone tissue Calcium and vitamin D intake is recommended.

Fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot - plaster boot

If a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is diagnosed, it is superimposed in most cases. Often, plastering is done like a boot from the upper third of the shin to the ends of the toes. Such fixation is necessary to ensure the immobility of bone fragments and their correct location, for protection from various external mechanical influences. The period of wearing a cast for a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is 1-1.5 months.

Foot orthosis for metatarsal fractures

In mild cases without displacement, it is possible to use a foot fixator for a metatarsal bone fracture - an orthosis. This is a device made of polymer materials designed to stabilize, fix and unload the foot. From an aesthetic point of view, an orthosis is more acceptable, but plaster is more reliable. If more than one bone fracture has occurred and there are displacements, then this option of immobilization is unacceptable.

Treatment of a fractured metatarsal bone of the foot with folk remedies

If a foot fracture occurs, the treatment prescribed by the doctor can be supplemented folk recipes. Local procedures while wearing a plaster cast, they are not carried out, but to accelerate the fusion of bone tissue, reduce pain and relieve inflammatory processes, it is recommended to use medicinal products inside. Here is one of the recipes.

Tincture for quick splice bones

Ingredients:

• comfrey root (ground) – 1 table. spoon;
• water – 1 glass.

Preparation and use:

1. Pour boiling water over the raw materials.
2. Let it brew until it cools, strain.
3. Take 1-2 teaspoon three times a day for a month.

How long does it take to heal a metatarsal bone fracture?

On average, open and closed fracture The metatarsal bone of the foot heals within 6-8 weeks. How long it takes for a metatarsal fracture to heal depends on several factors that determine the individual regenerative abilities of the body:

• level in the body;
• availability chronic pathologies, preventing tissue fusion;
• patient's age;
• compliance with medical orders.

Rehabilitation after a fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot

After removing the plaster cast, when bone fusion is confirmed by x-ray, you should rehabilitation period. Recovery from a metatarsal foot fracture takes about three to five weeks or more. During this period, it is necessary to develop the muscles and tendons of the foot, normalize the mobility of the joints, and prepare them for stress. At first, when walking, you should rest only on your heel, gradually placing your entire foot on the floor. It may be recommended to bandage the foot with an elastic bandage, wear orthopedic shoes with rigid soles or insoles with arch supports.

To the complex rehabilitation activities includes:

• recreational gymnastics;
• massage;
• physiotherapy;
• complete nutrition.

How to develop a foot after a metatarsal bone fracture?

In order to speed up recovery time, it is recommended special exercises after a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot. Here is a set of basic exercises, each of which should be performed 10-15 times:

1. Extension and flexion of toes.
2. Turn your feet left and right.
3. Extending your feet away from you and towards you.
4. Transferring body weight onto your toes and back (in the first days this exercise should be done while sitting, then with support on the back of a chair, and then in a standing position).
5. Circular rotations of the feet clockwise and counterclockwise.
6. Rolling a dense roller with your feet back and forth.
7. Cross leg swings in a lying position.

Foot massage after a metatarsal fracture

Development of the foot after a fracture of the metatarsal bone through massage is aimed at activating blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, improving the nutrition of damaged tissues. If it is not possible to go to a medical facility for procedures, you can perform a gentle massage yourself, using circular, longitudinal and transverse strokes with your fingertips and knuckles. You need to knead the inner and outer parts of the foot and toes.

Consequences of a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot

Fractures predominate among foot injuries metatarsal bones. The fifth metatarsal bone of the foot is more prone to injury than others. It is located most laterally - to the side of the others. In traumatology, fracture of the fifth metatarsal foot called a Jones fracture.

Photo 1. Jones's fracture - common occurrence among athletes. Source: Flickr (Andrew Penney)

What is a Jones fracture

Violation of the integrity of this short tubular bone occurs due to the fact that the tendon that is attached to it pulls part of the bone towards itself with pathological force. This happens when there is a load on the foot in an unnatural position (when turning inward).

This is interesting! This injury is common among professional athletes who expose their muscles daily to heavy loads. The bone breaks in weak point, where it has poor blood supply, so healing may take longer.

Depending on the location of the fracture, a fracture of the head, body or base of the bone is distinguished. Just like any violation of the integrity of the bone, a James fracture can be open or closed, with or without displacement.

The main causes of a metatarsal fracture are:

“unsuccessful landing” on the outer part of the foot when jumping;

falling a heavy object on the foot (comminuted fracture);

diseases leading to decreased bone strength (osteoporosis, osteomalacia, cancerous tumors etc.).

In the latter case, a slight load or impact is enough to break the bone.

Signs of a fracture

• pain that intensifies when you try to step on your foot;
• swelling of the foot;
• characteristic crunch bone fragments;
• hematoma at the fracture site;
• restriction of movements in the foot.

Pain in the foot gradually changes from sharp to aching or throbbing. After some time, if you give the limb rest, it weakens, but with the slightest load on the leg, it returns.

First aid for suspected fracture

Proper metatarsal alignment greatly increases the chances of rapid fusion And full recovery leg functions. Algorithm of action for a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone:

1. If the fracture is open and the wound is bleeding heavily, you need stop blood loss. On the foot, this can be achieved by tightly pressing the artery to the lateral bone.
2. Immobilization of the fracture site using a tire. If you don't have a tire at your disposal, you can make one from scrap materials. Any flat, hard object that is the same size as your foot will do. The splint must be bandaged (tied with a piece of cloth) so that the joints of the fingers and ankles are immobilized.
3. Applying cold. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive or when transporting the patient to the emergency room, you can apply ice packs to the injury site for 20 minutes with breaks of 10-15 minutes. Cold helps relieve pain and swelling.

This is important! You cannot try to compare bone fragments on your own; this should be done by a qualified specialist in a hospital setting after an X-ray examination.

Possible negative consequences due to the lack of first aid and timely transportation of the patient to a medical facility:

• significant blood loss that can threaten human life;
• tissue necrosis, which will lead to inflammation and prolongation of treatment;
• infection and development infectious process(phlegmon, sepsis);
• fusion of bone into incorrect position, which will lead to pain and deterioration in its functioning.

Photo 2. The first action for a foot injury is to apply a splint. Source: Flickr (Qabluna).

Treatment of a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot

The choice of treatment tactics depends on the type of fracture, the presence of complications, concomitant diseases And general condition patient. There are two main treatment options: conservative and surgical.

Conservative therapy

The essence of this treatment is provide optimal conditions for bone fusion without resorting to surgery. To achieve the desired effect, an x-ray of the injured area is first taken. After studying the pictures, the doctor gives the foot an anatomical position, comparing bone fragments. In this position, a splint is bandaged to the leg.

There is no need to cast the leg; the splint provides sufficient immobilization of the foot and minimal discomfort. A plaster cast is used if the patient is a child to prevent stress on the leg.

Surgical intervention

This type of treatment is used when if the fracture is open and/or the fragments are displaced relative to each other by more than half the thickness.

During the operation, the surgeon removes dead tissue, compares bone fragments and fixes them using the following materials:

• knitting needles;
• plates and screws.

After osteosynthesis, the surgeon performs an inspection and treatment of soft tissues, and sutures the wound.

If the fracture is closed, but displaced, then repositioning of the fragments can be carried out without an incision, after which they are secured with metal knitting needles in two places through the skin.

This method is already losing its relevance due to the possibility of tissue infection during the process of rehabilitation or removal of the wires.

Rehabilitation period for a Jones fracture

Immediately after therapeutic measures recommended for the patient peace. In the future, until complete fusion, it is allowed to step on the affected foot only on the heel. It will be possible to stand on your entire foot only after removing the splint, plaster or knitting needles.

Recovery time

For a simple uncomplicated fracture without displacement, the rehabilitation period lasts about a month. If there has been displacement, the bone can heal up to two months. To speed up the healing process as much as possible, you must follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Exercise therapy and development of damaged bones

Physical activity on the injured leg should be given with the permission of the doctor, gradually increasing the number of repetitions and complexity of the exercises.

You should start with simple flexion and extension of your fingers., if movements are still difficult, you can resort to passive movements (using your hands).

The next stage is flexion and extension of the feet, as well as circular movements.

When these exercises are already easy, you can move on to smaller movements: catching a ball with your feet, lifting small objects with your toes(with pencils, for example), rolling a tennis ball with your foot.

This is important! Don't neglect therapeutic exercises. This important component rehabilitation. Daily exercise of the foot muscles will ensure blood flow to the injured area and speedy recovery motor functions.

Medicines and nutrition

In special drug therapy patients with a Jones fracture do not need it. In case of severe pain it is possible taking painkillers drugs.

Particular attention should be paid to the patient - it should be balanced, regular and include an increased dose calcium, phosphorus And vitamins. It is recommended to consume dairy products, fish, herbs and vegetables daily. If necessary, you can enrich the diet with vitamin supplements (vitamin D is mandatory) and calcium-containing preparations.

Preventive measures

To protect your feet from fractures, you should adhere to the following principles:

• balanced diet;
• regular physical activity;
• correct exercise technique(especially jumping);
• warm-up before the main workout;
• wearing orthopedic correct shoes.

If you experience symptoms of a foot sprain, do not put off visiting a doctor.

Every person has broken a bone at least once in their life. The most difficult treatment is considered to be a fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot. Such fractures take a very long time to heal, requiring long period treatment and subsequent recovery.

Show all

General characteristics

Metatarsal fractures or dislocations are among the most common types of foot injuries. This is due to the fact that this part The skeleton serves as a support when jumping or running, that is, in that state of a person when he stands on his toes. Most often, the base of the fifth metatarsal bone is subject to fracture, sometimes - the fourth.

Among all other fractures occurring in a person’s life, this injury accounts for about 5%. This type of fracture occurs equally often in men, women and children. However, there are certain categories of people who are more susceptible to such injuries than others. These are people from 20 to 40 years old, since at this age a person often spends all day on his feet, as well as athletes, especially those whose sport makes a person run or jump.



Types of injuries

Both the base and the body of the metatarsal bone can be broken. Fractures are of the following types:

1. 1. Traumatic. This type of injury occurs due to damage to the front or middle part of the foot.
2. 2. Stressful. This is damage that occurs as a result of prolonged physical exertion, that is, large quantity minor damage. After a certain time, the bone simply cannot withstand the load, and a crack occurs.



Among specialists, there is a classification based on the shape of the fracture line:

• oblique;
• transverse;
• wedge-shaped;
• T-shaped.

The classification of a fracture is also determined by such features as openness or closedness, the presence of fragments or displacements.

A special type of injury is a fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone (Jones fracture). This type of injury is characterized by the fact that complete healing of damaged tissue requires long-term treatment.





Causes of damage

Injury to the metatarsal bone can occur under a variety of circumstances. The most common causes of this type of injury are:

• sharply increased physical activity;
• osteoporosis (a bone disease that causes the bone to become more fragile);
• falling of a heavy object or getting your foot pinched;
• strong impact of the foot (when jumping or falling).



Often such an injury occurs during a traffic accident, especially for a car driver, as the foot becomes pinched between the pedals.



Main symptoms

The following symptoms usually indicate that a fracture has actually occurred:

1. 1. Arises severe pain, which is acute in nature and increases when supporting the foot.
2. 2. During an injury, a crunching sound (the sound of a breaking bone) is often heard.
3. 3. Bone displacement that is visible through the skin.
4. 4. The toe (sometimes 2) become noticeably shorter.
5. 5. During the day, swelling of the foot occurs.



Stress fractures

Stress fractures are a special type of injury. With such damage, only barely noticeable cracks can be seen on x-rays. That's why this type A fracture is the most dangerous among foot injuries. Often, people who suffer such a fracture do not even suspect that they have it.



Except common reasons, a stress fracture can be caused by the following factors:

• long-term stress on the foot (for example, long-distance running);
• congenital anomaly of the shape of the foot or the metatarsal bone itself;
• deformation of the foot received during an injury (change in shape);
• wearing uncomfortable shoes (or foot deformation caused by wearing tight shoes).

This type of fracture requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. If a person continues to walk, then microcracks can have serious complications, including disability.

The main signs of a stress fracture are slightly different from the usual:

1. 1. Pain appears only after prolonged physical activity (in more advanced stages - at the end of the day).
2. 2. After rest, the patient stops experiencing pain for a while.
3. 3. Point pain is felt when pressing on the site of the crack.
4. 4. The foot may swell a little at the end of the day, and after rest the swelling usually subsides.

Many experts confuse a stress fracture with a simple sprain. Therefore, when contacting a doctor, insist on an x-ray procedure. A sprain goes away on its own after a while, but in the case of a stress fracture, the situation will only get worse. The longer the damage is left untreated, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it later.



Failure to promptly treat a stress fracture can lead to the following complications:

• deformation of the bone structure of the leg;
• arthrosis caused by joint displacement;
• chronic foot pain;
• incompatibility with physical activity.

If you delay treatment, you may end up with a fracture that does not heal for a long time. In this case it is required surgical intervention.

Diagnosis of the problem

First of all, the doctor finds out if the patient has any recent injuries, including the specifics of the foot injury (for example, at what angle the impact occurred). Next, the patient is examined visually and palpated. If the fracture is traumatic, then in most cases the doctor feels the crack.



Next, an x-ray is ordered. For injuries resulting from trauma, one photo will be sufficient, but for stress fractures, the procedure will be repeated several times over 2 weeks. Even experienced doctors often cannot determine the presence of a stress fracture.

First aid algorithm

Treatment of a fracture largely depends on what actions the patient takes before arriving at the traumatologist’s office. With proper first aid, both treatment and rehabilitation awaiting the patient after bone fusion are facilitated. If you suspect a fracture, you must do the following:

1. 1. Limit physical activity to prevent complications from occurring.
2. 2. Apply ice. Cold helps effectively during the first 2 days after injury. Ice must be applied for 15-20 minutes, and then let the leg rest for about an hour and repeat the procedure.
3. 3. When walking, be sure to bandage your leg with an elastic bandage. The dressing must be done correctly: not too tight, without displacing the bone joints.
4. 4. Try to keep your leg higher. For example, place a pillow under your sore foot when you go to bed. This will prevent swelling and reduce pain.



Under no circumstances should blood flow to the leg be stimulated. That is, rubbing, massage and hot baths must be avoided during the first 7-10 days after the damage is detected.

Subsequent treatment

Treatment of a fractured metatarsal bone of the foot does not always require the application of a cast. It depends on many factors, such as the location and severity of the injury.



Can be used to treat a fracture the following types medical intervention:

1. 1. Plaster application. If the fracture does not involve displacement of foot debris, it is usually treated by placing the patient in a plaster cast. It protects the foot from external influences until complete healing.
2. 2. Surgery. If displacement of bone fragments does occur, they are fixed surgically by placing small implants in the leg.

Regardless of the chosen method of treatment, during the entire time the leg is in a cast, the patient must completely avoid physical stress on the affected leg. It is recommended to use crutches for any movement. And after removing the bandage, the patient waits long period recovery, after which he can return to normal life.

If the resulting injury does not affect the base of the bone, and only the neck and head of the metatarsus are damaged, and there is no displacement, then following methods treatment:

• applying an elastic bandage;
• application of a posterior plaster splint;
• short-term application of a removable plaster or plastic splint;
• wearing a hard plastic boot that secures the foot;
• reposition (fixation of small displaced fragments with knitting needles or plates).



Surgery for foot injuries

Surgery in cases of fracture is rarely prescribed. As a rule, the doctor chooses this method of treatment if the fragments are displaced by more than half the width of the bone or if there are several fragments. The operation is also used if the fracture occurs in several places at once. With such an injury, it is necessary to fix the broken parts of the bone so that they heal properly.



Intraosseous intervention is not prescribed in the following cases:

• with a simple longitudinal fracture;
• if the crack has not touched the base of the bone (only the neck and head are damaged);
• if the fracture is intra-articular in nature.

Anatomy questions

Anatomically, the fifth metatarsal bone is located closest to the outer edge of the foot. That is why she is more susceptible than others to getting a traumatic fracture. Damage to this part of the foot often occurs when a person twists his ankle. In this case, damage to the fifth metatarsal bone is very severe and requires special treatment, followed by long rehabilitation. This is due to the fact that this bone is the most mobile of all the metatarsal parts of the foot and takes on most of the load when supporting the feet.



Fracture of the fifth metatarsus can be of 2 types:

1. 1. An avulsion fracture, in which the tendons are torn and the bone ends up “free floating” between the others. bone parts feet. Most often, this type of fracture occurs after a person twists his leg.
2. 2. Jones's fracture. This is one of the most difficult fractures, requiring long treatment. The injury occurs near the base of the bone. Poor fusion is due to the fact that this place poorly supplied with blood. Such a fracture is often of a stress nature, occurring during constant physical activity.

Signs of a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone can include pain during palpation, walking, and even when standing on the affected leg. Hematomas and swelling often occur at the site of injury. Diagnosis of such a fracture requires fluoroscopy performed in 3 different projections: anterior (posterior), lateral and oblique.

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment for the injury must begin immediately. It includes the period before hospitalization and the time of immediate treatment. Before consulting a doctor you should:

1. 1. Avoid physical activity on the sore leg.
2. 2. Apply cold for 20 minutes every hour and a half.
3. 3. Secure the leg with an elastic bandage without disturbing the blood flow.
4. 4. Keep your foot higher than the rest of your body.
5. 5. If the injury is more serious, it is permissible to apply a splint to the affected leg yourself.



Following all the above tips, you need to contact a traumatologist as soon as possible. Here the patient will receive the following types of assistance:

1. 1. Fixation of the fracture with a plaster cast.
2. 2. Surgical intervention with installation of fixing implants in the presence of fragments or displacement

A fracture of the fifth metatarsus requires constant attention from the patient and doctors. In order for the bone to heal properly, the patient is limited in physical activity for the entire period of treatment. The patient moves only on crutches.

Rehabilitation period

For a metatarsal fracture plaster cast is applied to the patient for a period of about one and a half months. If the healing takes a long time, the doctor may extend the time of wearing the plaster. During this time, the patient should keep the leg at rest, gradually increasing physical activity. The plaster is removed only after an x-ray has shown that the bone has completely fused. Only a doctor removes the plaster; it is strictly forbidden to do this yourself.

After removing the plaster cast, the patient’s rehabilitation period begins. It is impossible to say for sure how long the body’s recovery will take. This depends on the patient’s physiology and the intensity of rehabilitation procedures. On average, this period takes at least a month.

The patient is prescribed physiotherapy and several types of foot massage, sometimes orthopedic insoles. In addition, you can take warm foot baths. This will stimulate blood flow, which in turn will promote tissue healing. If the leg continues to swell, you can use gels or ointments, for example Lyoton or Troxerutin. Before choosing a gel, you should consult with your attending physician.



The patient needs to gradually return physical fitness legs. Swimming is the best way to do this. If you can’t visit the pool, you can do small daily exercises for your feet:

Orthopedic traumatologist, first category surgeon, Research Institute, 2009

The Jones fracture is one of the most serious injuries. The fifth metatarsal bone of the foot has limited blood supply and nutrition. Tissues heal slowly after a fracture, and sometimes the injury results in disability for life. Let's take a closer look at the features of a Jones fracture, its symptoms and treatment.

Features of a metatarsal fracture

The fifth metatarsal bone is located on the outer edge of the human foot. A fracture is accompanied by swelling of the foot and pain. Unlike other metatarsal bones, the fifth is more often subject to fractures not from mechanical impact, but due to unsuccessful placement of the foot. The fifth metatarsal bone breaks in several places:

• At the base:
• In the middle;
• At the head.

A Jones fracture is an injury to the base of the fifth metatarsal bone.. The injury is often preceded by periodic stress loads on the foot. A Jones fracture may be an avulsion injury. A person’s foot sharply turns inward and, under the influence of the tendon’s traction, a fragment comes off the bone.

Depending on the complexity and location of the bone, a Jones fracture is divided into types:

1. No offset. The simplest type is when the bone fragments are located anatomically correctly.
2. With offset. The bone fragments are scattered and their position is disturbed.

Both types of fracture can be closed or open. At open fracture the skin on the injured area is damaged. A wound has formed at the site of the fracture, which increases the likelihood of infectious infections: tetanus, osteomyelitis.

Without timely care and treatment, suppuration forms at the fracture site, which can lead to sepsis. A closed fracture is less dangerous when the skin on the foot is not damaged.

Causes and signs of foot injury

Damage to the fifth metatarsal bone is caused by the following factors:

• Fall from a height;
• Osteoporosis, when there is not enough calcium in the bones and the tissues become fragile;
• Sudden lowering of weight;

A Jones fracture may be missed by doctors and undiagnosed due to a sprain. The pain spreads throughout the foot, and specialists begin to treat the damaged ligaments and lower leg. And the Jones fracture is dangerous, since the bone is located in the most difficult area of ​​the foot for blood circulation. Without sufficient oxygen and nutrients, tissues do not grow well and a person may remain disabled.

The risk will increase for active people aged 20–40 who play sports. Old people over 70 years of age who develop osteoporosis are also at risk.

Symptoms of injury

Jones' fracture is accompanied by symptoms:

1. Pain that gets worse when trying to stand on your foot;
2. The foot loses mobility;
3. At the moment of injury, you can hear the crunch of the bone;
4. The leg becomes numb, the skin on the foot becomes colder;
5. The formation of a tubercle at the fracture site, the fingers are visually shortened;
6. With an open type of fracture, the wound bleeds.

A fracture is easily identified when symptoms are severe. But if the signs are erased, only special diagnostics. Swelling in the foot appears only on the second day after the injury, and the pain may be associated with a dislocation.

Not timely treatment leads to deformation of the fifth bone, and in the future the person will have difficulty choosing shoes. If the injured bone is displaced and not put back in place in time, fusion will cause deformation of the foot. A person develops chronic pain, a reaction to pressure changes and weather. The legs become weak, moving quickly causes fatigue.

First aid to the victim

Correctly provided first aid to the victim will reduce the risk of developing pathologies after a fracture. First aid includes the following:

• If the skin at the fracture site is not damaged, then a cold compress is applied to the foot. It is made from gauze or cotton cloth, in which ice or a bottle of water is wrapped. cold water. It is not recommended to apply ice or snow directly to the skin. Cold compress will relieve swelling and acute pain.
• The patient must be kept at rest so that no stress is placed on the injured leg.
• The leg is bandaged with an elastic bandage, but if the toes turn blue and become cold, the bandage is immediately loosened.
• The foot rises above the body, onto a horizontal surface. To do this, place a thick roll of a towel under your foot or place your foot on the armrest of the sofa.

Diagnostic methods

Immediately after a broken leg, you must go to the nearest emergency room. The surgeon will examine the leg and ask about the mechanism of injury. During a visual examination, the doctor will pay attention to the deformation of the foot and redness of the tissues, which appear in the first hours after the accident. If a specialist suspects a fracture, the patient is referred for an x-ray.

X-rays of the foot are usually performed in two projections. Identifying a displaced Jones fracture is not difficult. But if the bones at the fracture site remain motionless, then even a surgeon with extensive experience will find it difficult to diagnose a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. If it was not possible to accurately diagnose the fracture immediately, then the patient is prescribed a repeat x-ray 14 days after the injury. During this time, the bones will begin to grow together and the bone callus will become visible in the picture.

If the injury is complex, then the patient is prescribed CT and MRI.

Therapeutic methods

An open fracture with significant bone displacement will require surgery. A closed fracture without displacement can be treated at home. For minor injuries, a plaster cast is applied only small child, to whom it is difficult to explain that the foot should not be strained for several weeks. For an adult, plaster is applied only in difficult cases.

The patient is not allowed to step on the sore foot for the first 7–10 days. Then a second photo is taken and partial rest of the foot on the heel is allowed. Crutches will help the patient move. During the day, an elastic bandage is applied, but for no more than 3 hours.

If a closed displaced fracture is diagnosed, then a plaster cast is applied to the mandatory. To remove pain syndrome and warn inflammatory process The patient is prescribed: Nimesil, Ibuklin. Vitamins C will help speed up recovery a large number calcium and vitamin D3.

Nimesil Ibuklin

Surgical intervention

A complex case of Jones's fracture requires surgical intervention. Surgeries on the fifth bone of the foot are performed in several ways:

1. Operation using needles;
2. Open intervention.

Fixation with knitting needles

Jones fracture fixation with wires

The bone fragments are placed in the correct position by the surgeon. In this case, no incision is made on the skin. Correctly located pieces of bone are fixed using metal knitting needles. The pins are inserted into the drilled areas of the bone through the skin. Tips metal structure remain outside, which simplifies their further removal.

Pros of the procedure:

• The operation is carried out in a short time;
• The skin is not injured, and after healing there is no scar left;
• The cost of the operation is low.

Of the minuses:

• An infection can penetrate into a wound with a needle;
• You need to walk with knitting needles for at least 3 weeks.

Fixation with pins is performed in any clinic under local anesthesia.

Open surgery

Open surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The patient's foot is fixed and an incision is made over the fifth bone. Tissues, vessels and tendons move away. The bone is assembled in parts, the joints are fixed with a metal plate.

The tissues are sewn together, the foot is bandaged. Any load on the foot is prohibited for a month. You can walk by stepping lightly on the heel area with crutches.

Rehabilitation after injury

Each injury is individual and the rehabilitation period proceeds in its own way. The patient is advised to follow the advice of his doctor.

There are general rules that must be followed after a Jones fracture:

1. Jones' injury requires the cast to remain in place for five weeks or more. Immediately after removing the cast, walking without the help of crutches is not recommended. Crutches are used for another two weeks.
2. After the cast is removed, development of the foot gradually begins. A physical therapy specialist will suggest the correct and safe exercises that will shorten the recovery period.
3. In the evening, the patient is recommended to take warm foot baths with essential oils and a spoonful of sea salt.
4. Allowed therapeutic massage, but only in a hospital and a specialist.
5. During the day it is necessary to make short walks around the apartment. Gradually the length of the distance increases.

The fifth metatarsal bone of the foot will take from 5 to 10 weeks to heal, since the tissue at the site of Jones’ injury does not have enough nutrients. The rehabilitation period will take another 10–20 days. The recovery period depends on the severity of the injury and how the patient complies with the specialist’s recommendations.

Frequent violation lower limbs- foot fracture. The foot is formed by the so-called metatarsal bones. They are quite fragile compared to other bones of the human skeleton, so they are easy to damage or even break. According to statistics, every sixth case of fractures occurs in the metatarsal bones.

A fracture of the metatarsal bone of the foot is dangerous because, as a result of inadequate treatment or ignoring the injury, a person may lose the ability to move independently. The anatomical structure of the foot is such that the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones are most often injured, but a fracture of the third is quite rare.

Reason for prevalence dangerous injury is that anatomically the foot is made up of 26 bones. Together they form a perfectly tuned mechanism that allows a person to make movements and take on increased loads. Injury to at least one of these bones leads to disruption of the entire foot, so there is a possibility of losing the ability to walk.

The severity of the injury directly depends on which bone is damaged. Therefore, it is necessary to know in detail the anatomical structure of the foot in order to determine the location of the injury, likely consequences that it can cause.

Anatomically, the foot has 26 bones, of which:

As already mentioned, the bones of the foot together form an ideal, but complex mechanism, they are able to take on the entire weight of the human body and the corresponding load during movements. In addition, these bones allow you to compensate for the impacts received when walking. A fracture of the metatarsal bones of the foot reduces the functionality of the foot.

Types of fractures

Since a fracture of the metatarsal bones is a damage to the integrity due to traumatic effects, the following classification exists:

• by location or localization: at the base, violation of the body, subcapitate;
• along the direction of damage: oblique, transverse, splintered, helical.

In addition, the fracture can be displaced or non-displaced, open or closed. All types of foot bone disorders are equally dangerous, since the damaged leg can be damaged for a long time.

The cause of injury can be not only a traumatic effect on the foot, but also the so-called fatigue type of injury. It is characterized by invisible cracks at the base of the foot.

A separate classification is given to the so-called “Jones fracture”. This type of injury occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. It is characterized by a rather slow fusion of bone fragments. It often happens that a given bone simply does not heal, which can lead to problems in the future.

Important! It is possible to understand the mechanism of pathology only by carefully studying the anatomical structure of the entire foot.

Risk factors

This type of injury is quite common in a certain population. These are mainly young people in age group from 20 to 40 years old, actively involved in sports. In addition, professional football players and people involved in ballet receive similar injuries.

There are many reasons why this injury can occur:

• long-term physical activity;
• traumatic blow when a heavy object falls;
• traffic accident;
• jump from a great height;
• chronic diseases of bones and joints, such as osteoporosis;
• incorrectly selected shoes (too narrow);
• congenital foot deformity.

It is very important to treat fractures of this kind in a timely manner, otherwise, with time and age, they can cause serious complications.

Clinical symptoms

A metatarsal fracture can be stress (fatigue) and traumatic. The signs of injury that appear also differ in the nature of the development of the damage.

A stress fracture is also called a marching or stress fracture; it can occur as a result of prolonged stress on the foot. These injuries are characterized by a series of small cracks at the base of the foot.

Damage resulting from foot fatigue exhibits the following symptoms:

• nagging pain that appears due to increased loads(for example, walking, a long climb up the stairs, a long run, etc.). The pain does not manifest itself strongly, the sensations are more similar to pain from tension in muscles and ligaments;
• the pain goes away at rest, but actively develops if you start moving again;
• the leg swells barely noticeably, but does not show other manifestations (hematomas and bruises) - familiar shoes can become narrow for no apparent reason;
• pain occurs when palpating the injury site.

Diagnosis of a stress fracture is complicated by the fact that, due to its mild symptoms, it is quite easy to mistake it for a sprain of connective tissue. This error can lead to adverse consequences in the future.

The victim often believes that he simply hurt his leg; this theory is confirmed by the passing pain. However, untreated fatigue-type injuries can quickly develop into a full-blown fracture. And consequences of this kind will be much more difficult to correct.

A traumatic fracture exhibits slightly different symptoms:

• a characteristic crunch at the moment when damage occurs - this characterizes a bone fracture;
• strong and pronounced swelling is actively developing;
• after a couple of hours, extensive bruising appears;
• external unnatural look- the broken finger becomes shorter or changes in shape;
• severe pain that subsides during rest, but arises and intensifies again when trying to exercise.

The victim may note preserved anatomy of the fingers; this characterizes a simple fracture without displacement. Injury open view characterized by bone fragments and lacerations. Such wounds are dangerous to develop dangerous infections(gangrene, sepsis and others).

Likely consequences

The consequences of a leg injury can be enormous, since a fracture always manifests itself individually. Untimely and incorrect treatment can lead to complications such as:

1. Deformation. As a result of the fracture, the bone structure, this can also be caused by improper fusion of the metatarsal bones. The changed structure can lead to restriction of movement, inconvenience when choosing and wearing shoes.
2. If the fracture affects the joint tissue, arthrosis may develop. In other words, the joint will begin to collapse. The destruction process will be accompanied by severe pain.
3. Pain may persist long time, growing or disappearing over time. Severe injuries can result in complete immobilization.
4. The functionality of the leg will be impaired.

Chronic pain and new diseases, the inability to simply stand still - all this is just part of the more common complications after an injury of this kind.

Conducted diagnostics

Going to the hospital is mandatory. A traumatologist first of all determines the causes of injury: the force of impact, localization, direction of impact. This allows you to identify the broken bone. In stress fractures, the injury is associated with increased stress, such as from dancing or running.

The initial examination consists of palpation of the injured foot. Looks around and ankle joint to exclude its fracture and possible sprains. In addition, external deformation, bruising and swelling can be seen with the naked eye.

Subsequently, an x-ray examination is prescribed. To establish a fracture, photographs in two projections are sufficient. However, stress injuries without obvious displacement are difficult to diagnose, even with x-rays. Therefore, additional studies are ordered computed tomography and MRI. Besides, X-ray studies carried out two weeks later - this is exactly the time it takes for bone callus to begin to form.

Urgent Care

Many people know the basics of first aid; the principles of its provision differ slightly when different types violations.

The first thing that must be done is to limit the movement of the victim and, if possible, reduce the load. This will prevent the injury from spreading, preventing possible complications.

If it is still necessary to move, for example, to travel to hospitals, then the leg must be bandaged. Elastic bandage will allow you to maintain immobility, reduce tissue swelling and prevent the joint from becoming loose.

Important! It is worth loosening the bandage if you feel numbness in the rest of your leg.

The most common method of assistance is to apply ice to the damaged area. Cold compresses must be applied within the first two days after injury. Cold is effective in reducing pain and swelling. In addition, the effect of ice will stop the development of bruising when blood vessels rupture.

There are a number of rules that must be followed when applying ice to an injury:

• wrap the package in soft cloth, which will reduce the risk of frostbite;
• apply no longer than 20 minutes;
• the break should be one and a half hours;
• Ice should be applied as quickly as possible after injury.

This method is very convenient. If you don't have ice on hand, you can apply frozen food, a cold water bottle, or similar items to the injury site.

The injured limb must be raised higher, for example, by placing a pillow or a folded jacket under it. This will reduce pain and reduce swelling. In addition, you should take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Under no circumstances should you rub the damaged area or heat it. Warm compress, unlike cold, will only intensify the symptoms of a fracture - bruising and swelling will increase, the pain will become severe.

The most important thing is to limit any load until a full examination by a doctor.

You definitely need to apply for medical assistance, and as soon as possible - this is not the type of damage that can be done self-treatment. Typically, the diagnosis is carried out by a traumatologist, but with an open type of fracture, the help of a surgeon is extremely important - he will be able to make bone from fragments and sew up the open wound.

Treatment consists of several important stages:

1. Immobilization, or, in other words, making the foot completely immobile. This is achieved by applying a plaster cast to the entire foot and ankle joint. A plaster cast or splint will be provided injured limb absolute peace, conducive to rapid recovery and bone fusion. However, immobilization of the foot is used only for non-displaced fractures.
2. Surgery is necessary for any displaced fractures. Conducted under local anesthesia(pain relief only at the site of injury), but is more often used general anesthesia. The bone fragments are put back together according to anatomical structure, after which they are secured with special knitting needles. The operation is used for both open and closed injuries.
3. The victim is recommended to use a cane or crutch for some time to reduce the load on his legs.
4. Drug therapy consists of prescribing anti-inflammatory analgesics aimed at relieving pain.
5. Tests are scheduled every few days so that the doctor can monitor how the treatment is progressing.
6. Physiotherapy and a course of therapeutic physical education are prescribed as rehabilitation.

Correct and timely treatment will avoid possible consequences, and full compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician will significantly shorten the rehabilitation period.