Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Zone 1 Avulsion vs Jones Fracture vs Stress Fracture

Quick answer: Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Zone 1 Avulsion Jones Stress Fracture is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
— Board-Certified Podiatrist
Last Updated:
April 2026 | Reading Time:
13 min
For informational purposes only. Schedule an appointment.

Quick Answer: Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Fifth metatarsal fractures are classified into three distinct zones with dramatically different treatment approaches and healing timelines. Zone 1 (avulsion fractures) at the tuberosity heal well with immobilization alone in 6-8 weeks. Zone 2 (Jones fractures) at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction have notoriously poor blood supply, frequently requiring surgery due to high nonunion rates. Zone 3 (diaphyseal stress fractures) result from repetitive loading and often need surgical fixation in athletes. Correct zone classification is critical — treating a Jones fracture like a simple avulsion leads to failed healing.

Table of Contents

• Fifth Metatarsal Anatomy and Blood Supply
• Zone Classification System
• Zone 1: Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures
• Zone 2: Jones Fractures
• Zone 3: Diaphyseal Stress Fractures
• Diagnosis and Imaging
• Conservative Treatment Approaches
• Surgical Treatment and Fixation
• Recovery Timeline by Fracture Type
• Rehabilitation and Return to Activity
• Recovery Products We Recommend
• Prevention of Refracture
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sources

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Fifth Metatarsal Anatomy and Blood Supply

The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outer edge of the foot that connects to the little toe. While it may seem like a minor bone compared to its larger neighbors, the fifth metatarsal plays a critical role in lateral foot stability, push-off mechanics, and ground adaptation on uneven surfaces. Its prominent base — the bony bump you can feel on the outside of your midfoot — serves as an attachment point for several important tendons and ligaments, making it both mechanically essential and uniquely vulnerable to injury.

What makes fifth metatarsal fractures particularly challenging is the bone’s unusual blood supply. The proximal (base) portion of the fifth metatarsal receives blood from a metaphyseal nutrient artery that enters the bone from the lateral side. The diaphysis (shaft) receives blood from a medullary nutrient artery that enters from the medial side and travels proximally. Between these two blood supply territories — at the junction of the base and shaft known as the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction — exists a vascular watershed zone with relatively poor blood supply. This watershed zone corresponds precisely to the location of Jones fractures, and its tenuous blood supply is the primary reason these fractures are so notorious for delayed healing and nonunion.

Several important tendons attach to the fifth metatarsal base. The peroneus brevis tendon inserts on the lateral tuberosity (the bony bump), and its forceful contraction during ankle inversion injuries is what causes Zone 1 avulsion fractures — the tendon literally pulls a piece of bone away from the tuberosity. The peroneus tertius and lateral band of the plantar fascia also attach nearby, adding to the mechanical complexity of this small area and the forces acting on fracture fragments during healing.

The Zone Classification System

The zone classification system developed by Lawrence and Botte in 1993 remains the standard framework for categorizing fifth metatarsal fractures. This system is not merely academic — it directly determines treatment strategy, weight-bearing status, expected healing time, and whether surgery is indicated. Misclassifying a fracture can lead to inappropriate treatment and poor outcomes, which is why accurate zone identification is the single most important step in managing any fifth metatarsal fracture.

Zone 1 encompasses the tuberosity — the most proximal portion of the fifth metatarsal base. Fractures in this zone are avulsion injuries caused by the pull of the peroneus brevis tendon or the lateral band of the plantar fascia. Zone 2, commonly called the “Jones fracture zone,” extends from the metatarsal articulation (the joint between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bases) to approximately 1.5 centimeters distal. This is the vascular watershed area with limited blood supply. Zone 3 extends from the distal edge of Zone 2 through the proximal diaphysis (shaft) and is the site of stress fractures from repetitive overload.

Zone 1: Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures

Zone 1 avulsion fractures are the most common fifth metatarsal fractures, accounting for approximately 90 percent of all proximal fifth metatarsal injuries. They occur during an ankle inversion injury — the classic “rolled ankle” mechanism — when the peroneus brevis tendon reflexively contracts to resist the inversion force and pulls a fragment of bone away from the tuberosity. Patients typically present with pain, swelling, and bruising over the bony prominence on the outside of the midfoot, often initially dismissing the injury as a simple ankle sprain.

The key distinguishing feature of Zone 1 fractures is their excellent blood supply. The tuberosity receives abundant metaphyseal blood flow from multiple small periosteal vessels, creating an environment that strongly favors healing. The fracture line runs transversely or slightly obliquely through the tuberosity, proximal to the fourth-fifth intermetatarsal articulation. Some Zone 1 fractures are small chip fractures involving only a tiny fleck of bone, while others involve a larger portion of the tuberosity — the treatment approach is the same regardless of fragment size.

Treatment for Zone 1 avulsion fractures is almost exclusively conservative. A hard-soled shoe, walking boot, or short leg cast provides adequate immobilization while allowing early weight bearing as tolerated. Most patients can walk in a protective boot from the first day, gradually transitioning to regular footwear over 4 to 6 weeks as pain allows. Healing typically occurs within 6 to 8 weeks, and nonunion is rare — occurring in less than 5 percent of cases. The small percentage of nonunions are usually asymptomatic fibrous unions that do not require treatment.

Zone 2: Jones Fractures — The Problem Fracture

The Jones fracture — named after Sir Robert Jones who described his own injury in 1902 while dancing — is the most clinically significant fifth metatarsal fracture because of its frustratingly high rate of delayed union, nonunion, and refracture. Jones fractures occur at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction, entering the fourth-fifth intermetatarsal articulation laterally and exiting medially. They can result from acute injury (an inversion mechanism similar to Zone 1 fractures but with the force directed more distally) or from acute-on-chronic stress loading.

The vascular watershed zone at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction is the primary reason Jones fractures heal poorly. Blood supply approaches from two directions but does not adequately perfuse this transitional zone. Additionally, the mechanical forces acting on this area are substantial — the peroneus brevis pulls the proximal fragment proximally and laterally while ground reaction forces push the distal fragment medially, creating a persistent distracting force across the fracture site. This combination of poor blood supply and unfavorable mechanics creates an environment where the bone struggles to mount an effective healing response.

Conservative treatment of acute Jones fractures involves strict non-weight-bearing in a short leg cast for 6 to 8 weeks. Even with optimal conservative management, nonunion rates range from 15 to 25 percent, and healing times are significantly longer than Zone 1 fractures — often 12 to 16 weeks for complete radiographic union. Because of these concerning statistics, many orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists now recommend primary surgical fixation for Jones fractures in active patients and athletes, as surgical treatment reduces nonunion rates to less than 5 percent and allows earlier return to activity.

Zone 3: Diaphyseal Stress Fractures

Zone 3 stress fractures develop in the proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal from repetitive mechanical overload rather than a single traumatic event. These fractures are particularly common in athletes involved in cutting and pivoting sports — basketball, soccer, football, and tennis — where repetitive lateral loading places chronic stress on the fifth metatarsal shaft. Runners with excessive supination or cavus (high-arch) foot types are also at elevated risk due to chronic overloading of the lateral foot during the gait cycle.

Unlike the sudden onset of Zone 1 and acute Zone 2 fractures, Zone 3 stress fractures develop gradually. Patients typically describe progressively worsening pain along the outside of the midfoot that initially occurs only during high-intensity activity but eventually persists into daily activities. X-rays may show a periosteal reaction (thickening of the bone surface) or a visible fracture line, but early stress fractures are often radiographically occult — meaning they are not visible on standard X-rays. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing early fifth metatarsal stress fractures, showing bone marrow edema before a visible fracture line develops.

Zone 3 stress fractures are classified using the Torg system into three types based on their radiographic appearance. Type I (acute/early) fractures show a sharp fracture line without sclerosis or callus. Type II (delayed union) fractures show widening of the fracture line with adjacent sclerosis (hardening of bone) and periosteal reaction. Type III (nonunion) fractures demonstrate complete obliteration of the medullary canal with established sclerotic margins. This classification guides treatment — Type I fractures may respond to conservative management with non-weight-bearing and bone stimulation, while Types II and III almost universally require surgical fixation with intramedullary screw placement and possible bone grafting.

Diagnosis and Imaging

Accurate diagnosis of fifth metatarsal fractures requires both clinical assessment and appropriate imaging. The physical examination reveals point tenderness at the fracture site — Zone 1 tenderness is over the bony prominence (tuberosity), while Zone 2 and 3 tenderness is slightly more distal along the lateral midfoot. Swelling and ecchymosis (bruising) are typically present with acute fractures but may be minimal with stress fractures. Pain with resisted eversion of the foot stresses the peroneus brevis insertion and is particularly provocative for Zone 1 injuries.

Standard foot X-rays (anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views) detect the majority of acute fifth metatarsal fractures and are the appropriate first-line imaging study. The oblique view is particularly important because it best visualizes the proximal fifth metatarsal and the critical zone boundaries. When X-rays are negative but clinical suspicion for stress fracture is high, MRI provides the most sensitive and specific evaluation, detecting stress reactions and early fractures before they become radiographically visible. CT scanning may be used to evaluate fracture healing progress and assess for nonunion in chronic cases.

One common diagnostic pitfall is the os peroneum and os vesalianum — small accessory bones (sesamoids) near the fifth metatarsal base that are present in a subset of the population. These normal anatomical variants can be mistaken for fracture fragments on X-rays. The key differentiating feature is that accessory ossicles have smooth, corticated margins (rounded, well-defined edges), while fracture fragments have sharp, irregular margins that correspond to a defect in the adjacent metatarsal. When in doubt, comparison X-rays of the uninjured foot can help clarify whether a bony fragment represents an accessory bone present bilaterally or a true fracture unique to the injured foot.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

Conservative treatment is the standard approach for Zone 1 avulsion fractures and select acute Zone 2 and early Zone 3 fractures in non-athletes. The foundation of conservative management is appropriate immobilization that protects the fracture site while allowing the bone’s healing response to proceed. For Zone 1 fractures, a stiff-soled postoperative shoe or walking boot provides adequate protection with immediate weight bearing as tolerated. For Zone 2 and 3 fractures managed conservatively, strict non-weight-bearing in a short leg cast or non-weight-bearing boot is typically recommended for 6 to 8 weeks.

Bone stimulation — using either electrical or ultrasound energy to enhance the biological healing process — is frequently employed as an adjunct for Zone 2 and 3 fractures. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) bone stimulators have demonstrated efficacy in accelerating healing for fractures in areas of poor blood supply. Patients typically apply the stimulator for 20 minutes daily directly over the fracture site. While the evidence is mixed, bone stimulation is a low-risk intervention that many clinicians recommend, particularly for fractures showing slow healing progress at follow-up imaging.

Nutritional optimization supports fracture healing from the inside. Adequate calcium intake (1,000 to 1,200 mg daily), vitamin D levels above 30 ng/mL, and sufficient protein intake (1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily) provide the building blocks the body needs for bone repair. Patients with documented vitamin D deficiency — which is extremely common in Michigan’s northern latitude — should begin supplementation immediately, as low vitamin D levels are associated with significantly slower fracture healing and increased nonunion risk.

Surgical Treatment and Fixation

Surgical fixation is the primary treatment for displaced Zone 2 fractures, all Zone 3 fractures in athletes, Zone 2 and 3 fractures that fail conservative treatment, and any fifth metatarsal fracture nonunion. The standard surgical technique involves intramedullary screw fixation — inserting a solid or partially threaded screw down the center of the fifth metatarsal from the base through the fracture site and into the distal shaft. This screw provides rigid internal fixation that compresses the fracture fragments together and eliminates the distracting forces that prevent healing.

The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under regional anesthesia (ankle block). A small incision is made over the tip of the fifth metatarsal tuberosity, and the screw is inserted under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. The screw size is critical — too narrow and it provides insufficient fixation; too wide and it risks splitting the bone. Most surgeons use a 4.5 to 5.5 mm partially threaded cannulated screw, though the optimal size depends on the individual bone diameter determined by preoperative imaging or intraoperative measurement.

For Zone 3 stress fractures with established nonunion (Torg Type III) and Zone 2 fractures with sclerotic margins, simple screw fixation may be insufficient because the hardened sclerotic bone lining the fracture prevents biological healing even when mechanically stabilized. In these cases, the surgeon will drill out the sclerotic canal (curettage) and pack the area with bone graft — either autograft harvested from the patient’s calcaneus or tibia, or allograft from a donor bone bank — before inserting the intramedullary screw. This combined approach provides both mechanical stability and biological stimulation to restart the stalled healing process.

Recovery Timeline by Fracture Type

Recovery timelines vary dramatically based on fracture zone and treatment method, which is why accurate classification is so important. Zone 1 avulsion fractures treated conservatively typically achieve clinical healing (pain-free weight bearing) in 4 to 6 weeks and radiographic union in 6 to 8 weeks. Most patients return to all activities including sports by 8 to 10 weeks. These fractures have excellent outcomes regardless of treatment method, with union rates exceeding 95 percent.

Zone 2 Jones fractures treated conservatively require 8 to 12 weeks of non-weight-bearing immobilization, with clinical healing at 10 to 14 weeks and radiographic union often not occurring until 16 to 20 weeks. Return to sport after conservative treatment of Jones fractures averages 14 to 21 weeks. Surgically treated Jones fractures have a significantly faster timeline — weight bearing in a boot begins at 2 to 4 weeks, clinical healing occurs at 6 to 8 weeks, and return to sport averages 8 to 12 weeks. The combination of faster return and lower nonunion rates is why surgical fixation has become the preferred treatment for athletes with Jones fractures.

Zone 3 stress fractures, particularly Torg Types II and III, have the most prolonged recovery. Conservative treatment, when attempted, requires 12 to 20 weeks of non-weight-bearing with bone stimulation, and failure rates are high (25 to 50 percent for Types II and III). Surgical treatment with screw fixation and bone grafting achieves union in 8 to 12 weeks in most cases, with return to sport at 10 to 16 weeks. Refracture rates after screw removal range from 10 to 15 percent, which is why many surgeons recommend leaving the hardware in place permanently unless it causes symptoms.

Rehabilitation and Return to Activity

Rehabilitation following fifth metatarsal fracture focuses on restoring calf strength, ankle range of motion, proprioception (balance), and progressive loading of the healed bone. During the immobilization phase, gentle ankle range of motion exercises (within the limits of the boot or cast) prevent stiffness and maintain circulation. Once weight bearing is permitted, a progressive walking program gradually increases loading on the healing bone — starting with short walks on flat surfaces and progressing to longer distances and varied terrain over weeks.

Calf strengthening is particularly important because weeks of immobilization cause significant atrophy of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. These muscles play a critical role in push-off mechanics and lateral foot stability — both essential for protecting the healed fifth metatarsal during dynamic activities. Progressive calf raises (bilateral first, then single-leg) beginning at 8 to 10 weeks for surgical patients and 12 to 14 weeks for conservatively treated patients rebuild the strength foundation needed for safe return to sport.

Recovery Products We Recommend

PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles — Essential for the transition from walking boot back to regular footwear. The semi-rigid arch support and lateral forefoot cushioning help redistribute forces away from the healing fifth metatarsal during the critical transition period. We recommend our patients begin wearing PowerStep insoles from the first day they transition out of the walking boot and continue for at least 6 months post-healing. The controlled biomechanical support prevents the excessive lateral loading that can lead to refracture during the vulnerable early post-healing period.

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — During the recovery phase, persistent swelling and achiness around the fracture site are common, particularly after increased activity. Doctor Hoy’s gel provides natural anti-inflammatory relief through arnica while menthol delivers immediate cooling comfort over the tender lateral midfoot. Applied after walking exercise sessions and before bed, it helps manage the residual discomfort that accompanies progressive weight-bearing rehabilitation without the gastrointestinal risks of daily NSAID use during prolonged recovery.

DASS Compression Socks — Post-fracture swelling management is critical for comfortable recovery and optimal healing. Graduated compression promotes venous return and prevents the dependent edema that develops after weeks of immobilization and limited mobility. Many patients find that their foot and ankle swell significantly when they first begin walking in regular shoes after boot removal — graduated compression controls this reactive swelling and provides a comfortable transition back to normal footwear and activity.

🔑 Most Common Mistake: Assuming all fifth metatarsal fractures are the same. A Zone 1 avulsion fracture and a Zone 2 Jones fracture may be only millimeters apart on an X-ray, but they have fundamentally different blood supply, healing biology, and treatment requirements. Patients who are told they have a “broken foot” without specific zone classification risk undertreating a Jones fracture (which needs strict non-weight-bearing or surgery) or overtreating an avulsion fracture (which heals well with simple boot protection).

⚠ Warning Signs — Seek Re-Evaluation If:
• Pain increases or does not improve after 4 weeks of treatment
• You hear or feel a pop at the fracture site during recovery
• New swelling develops after an initial improvement
• You cannot bear weight at expected milestones
• Pain returns after a period of improvement (possible refracture)
• Numbness or coldness develops in the toes (circulatory concern)

Prevention of Refracture

Refracture is a legitimate concern following fifth metatarsal fractures, particularly for Jones fractures and stress fractures where the underlying risk factors (vascular watershed zone, repetitive loading patterns, biomechanical predisposition) persist after initial healing. A graduated return to activity protocol — increasing intensity by no more than 10 percent per week — allows the healing bone to remodel and strengthen in response to progressive loading without overwhelming its still-developing structural integrity.

Long-term orthotic use is strongly recommended for patients recovering from Zone 2 and 3 fractures. Custom orthotics or quality over-the-counter insoles like the PowerStep Pinnacle reduce lateral forefoot loading by providing arch support that shifts weight-bearing forces medially, decreasing the stress concentration on the fifth metatarsal. For athletes with cavus (high-arch) foot types — who are disproportionately represented among fifth metatarsal stress fracture patients — custom orthotics designed to laterally post and cushion the forefoot can reduce refracture risk significantly.

Watch: Understanding Foot Fracture Recovery

Dr. Biernacki explains common foot fractures, treatment approaches, and recovery strategies to help you heal faster and prevent recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Jones fracture and an avulsion fracture?

A Jones fracture occurs at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (Zone 2) where blood supply is poor, leading to high nonunion rates (15-25%) and often requiring surgery. An avulsion fracture occurs at the tuberosity (Zone 1) where blood supply is excellent, healing reliably in 6-8 weeks with simple boot immobilization. Though located within millimeters of each other, these fractures have fundamentally different healing biology and treatment requirements.

Do all Jones fractures need surgery?

Not all Jones fractures require surgery, but surgical fixation is increasingly recommended, especially for active patients and athletes. Conservative treatment with 6-8 weeks of non-weight-bearing casting can be successful, but carries a 15-25% nonunion rate and requires 14-21 weeks before return to sport. Surgical screw fixation reduces nonunion to less than 5% and allows return to sport in 8-12 weeks. The decision depends on activity level, age, healing risk factors, and patient preference.

How long does a fifth metatarsal fracture take to heal?

Healing times vary significantly by zone. Zone 1 avulsion fractures heal in 6-8 weeks with boot protection. Zone 2 Jones fractures take 12-20 weeks conservatively or 8-12 weeks with surgical fixation. Zone 3 stress fractures may take 12-20 weeks conservatively (with high failure rates) or 8-12 weeks surgically. Factors affecting healing include blood supply, weight-bearing compliance, vitamin D levels, smoking status, and whether surgery is performed.

Can I walk on a fifth metatarsal fracture?

It depends on the fracture zone. Zone 1 avulsion fractures typically allow immediate weight bearing in a protective boot or stiff-soled shoe. Zone 2 Jones fractures and Zone 3 stress fractures usually require strict non-weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks when treated conservatively. After surgical fixation of Zone 2 and 3 fractures, protected weight bearing in a boot typically begins at 2-4 weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s specific weight-bearing protocol.

Why does my fifth metatarsal fracture keep coming back?

Recurrent fifth metatarsal fractures usually result from persistent biomechanical risk factors, premature return to high-impact activity, inadequate initial treatment, or underlying nutritional deficiencies. High-arched (cavus) foot types concentrate excessive force on the lateral foot. Returning to sport before the bone has fully remodeled stresses incompletely healed bone. Vitamin D deficiency impairs bone mineralization. Addressing all these factors through orthotics, graduated return protocols, and nutritional optimization significantly reduces refracture risk.

Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?

Not every case of jones fracture (5th metatarsal base) is straightforward. In our clinic we routinely rule out three look-alike conditions before confirming the diagnosis. If your symptoms don’t match the classic presentation, one of these may explain the pain — which is why physical exam matters more than self-diagnosis.

Condition	How It Differs
Pseudo-Jones / avulsion fracture	Fracture proximal to metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction; heals faster with conservative care.
Peroneal tendonitis	Tenderness along the tendon sheath, not bone; no fracture on X-ray.
Cuboid syndrome	Pain slightly proximal on lateral column; no cortical disruption on imaging.

Red Flags — When to See a Podiatrist Now

In Our Clinic: What We See

Sources

1. Lawrence SJ, Botte MJ. “Jones’ fractures and related fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal.” Foot & Ankle International. 1993;14(6):358-365.
2. Dean BJ, et al. “Fifth metatarsal fractures: diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.” Bone & Joint Journal. 2024;106-B(4):345-356.
3. Mallee WH, et al. “Surgical versus conservative treatment for fifth metatarsal base fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2025;107(2):134-147.
4. Torg JS, et al. “Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal distal to the tuberosity: classification and guidelines for non-surgical and surgical management.” Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1984;66(2):209-214.
5. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. “Fifth metatarsal fracture treatment guidelines.” AOFAS Clinical Practice Guidelines. 2025.

Dealing with a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Biernacki provides expert diagnosis and zone classification of fifth metatarsal fractures using in-office X-ray and advanced imaging. From conservative casting protocols to surgical screw fixation, we develop individualized treatment plans that optimize healing and minimize time away from your activities.

Book Your Fracture Evaluation →

📞 (810) 206-1402 — Troy & Warren, MI

Related Foot Health Resources

• Podiatrist Recommended Foot Care Products 2026
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• Book an Appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist for a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

If you’ve injured the outside of your foot and suspect a fracture, accurate diagnosis of the fracture zone determines whether you need a boot, cast, or surgery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we diagnose and treat metatarsal fractures at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Learn About Our Fracture Treatment | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Polzer H, Polzer S, Mutschler W, Prall WC. “Acute fractures to the proximal fifth metatarsal bone: development of classification and treatment recommendations based on the current evidence.” Injury. 2012;43(10):1626-1632.
2. Roche AJ, Calder JD. “Treatment and return to sport following a Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal: a systematic review.” Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2013;21(6):1307-1315.
3. Dameron TB Jr. “Fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal: selecting the best treatment option.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1995;3(2):110-114.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your stress fracture, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.

OrthoInfo – AAOS: Metatarsal Fractures

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.