Metatarsal Fracture Health Video

Video Transcript

JONATHON UY, M.D.: Hello, my name is Dr. Jonathon Uy and I'm going to talk about metatarsal fracture is basically the breaking of the metatarsal. The metatarsal is the long bones of the foot. Basically, there are five in each foot as you can see from this foot model here. Metatarsal fractures are commonly due to some type of trauma such as a fall or an object falling on your foot. The signs and symptoms of a metatarsal fracture are basically pain and swelling and sometimes bruising of the foot. The treatment for metatarsal fracture is first being diagnosed through x-rays. On a foot x-ray, usually there will be a break along the shaft or other portions of the metatarsal. Once a fracture has been determined, immobilization is required. If there is a dislocation or deformity due to the fracture, usually it would require manipulating the bone to its proper alignment usually under local anesthesia or through surgical means. Once the fracture has been aligned immobilization is required. Usually, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for bone to heal.