Bruising and swelling are common symptoms, and you may have difficulty bearing weight or walking on that foot.
Treatment may include casting or wearing a non-weight-bearing boot.
In some cases, surgery may be required.
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This article explains a Jones fracture of the foot, its causes, and symptoms.
It also discusses how Jones fractures are diagnosed and treated.
Swelling and discoloration may not be present in these cases.
What Causes a Jones Fracture?
Jones fractures may be resulting from a specific traumatic event or a chronic overuse situation.
What Are Risk Factors?
Treatment of Jones fractures may involve casting and/or surgery.
Either way, bone healing takes around eight weeks.
Will a Jones Fracture Heal Without Surgery?
In some cases, a Jones fracture can heal without surgery.
Your healthcare provider may immobilize your foot with a cast or boot.
Healthcare providers usually advisecrutchesuntil bone healing is seen on the X-ray or other imaging technique.
If the bone doesn’t heal within six weeks, surgery may be necessary.
Jones Fracture Surgery
In many cases, surgery is needed to heal a Jones fracture.
Research suggests that surgery may reduce healing time by 50%, which may be especially important for athletes.
Complications
Although Jones fractures heal slowly, they are not usually considered a serious injury.
Most individuals can return gradually to normal activity within about six weeks.
However, for some, this may take several months.
Symptoms may include bruising, swelling, pain, and difficulty or inability to walk.
Treatment may include immobilizing the foot with a cast or medical boot or surgery to repair the break.
Recovery can take a couple of months and may require physical therapy.
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The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.Metatarsal foot fractures - emergency department.
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2016;47(11):2584-2590. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2016.09.023
Kaiser Permanente.Fifth metatarsal jones fracture: care instructions.
