Question 1

how can i treat a 5th metatarsal sprain?

Accepted Answer

Not possible: Sprains are injuries of ligaments and the 5th metatarsal is a bone.

Question 2

2days ago i fractured 5th metatarsal & sprained the ankle.  i got a boot so do i really need to see an ortho?

Accepted Answer

Yes you do: Depending on your age, more may need done.

Question 3

i stepped off a curb and rolled my ankle 5 days ago. small amount of swelling and pain when walking in the 5th metatarsal area. sprain or break????

Accepted Answer

Ankle swelling: I would obtain an x ray in case there is a fracture in the ankle or fifth metatarsal area. Please follow up with your physician for further evaluation.

Question 4

what can someone do for a sprained/broken fifth metatarsal at home?

Accepted Answer

Rice: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.; time to heal with appropriate activity restrictions.  Ideally would follow up with a doctor.

Question 5

the dr thought i broke my 5 th metatarsal but the x rays only showed a sprain. but it feels like it's broken. can i get a 2 nd opinion and new xrays?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You may want to wait a week or so after the initial injury to get a second set of x-rays.  Sometimes small, nondisplaced fractures can be missed on initial x-rays.  They can often be seen a week or two later, if present.

Question 6

i have a sprained left foot, in the area of the third metatarsal. i want to know what i can do and how long should i wait to exercise.

Accepted Answer

I would recommend : You see a doctor. It is a little unusual to sprain a foot over an individual metatarsal and I would advise an xray to ensure you did not fracture the third metatarsal.

Question 7

how long can it take for a metatarsal sprain bunion caused by injury and hallux rigidus to heal?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on how it is treated, but 2-4 weeks.

Question 8

i have been to the gp and have sprain where my metatarsal joins my foot.i go on holiday tomorrow so need to walk around.should i get crutches?

Accepted Answer

If just a sprain.: I am not sure of the sprained area as described. It sounds as though the sprain may involve either the metatarsal phalangeal or the metatarsal tarsal areas. Either way, if you feel you might need some relief from weight-bearing, crutches just may be the ticket. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a cam walking boot may also be appropriate. The best advice is to not over do it.

Question 9

ankle baseball size, blue/purple. went to er said it was a sprain i think it's more serious. metatarsals are swollen. still can't walk. should i do?

Accepted Answer

Get follow-up care: Depending on how significant your ankle sprain is you can have persisted pain and difficulty walking. Not knowing how long ago your injury was its difficult to say if your symptoms are reasonable or concerning. Either way I would seek follow-up care from an Orthopedist or Sports Medicine physician.

Question 10

current pain in 5th metatarsal. 
fell 5 months ago & urgent care dxd sprained lfoot. x-ray = no breaks. still very painful on & off standing, walking, sitting, sleeping. cant stand on my toes from pain, but no swelling. urgent care or ortho?

Accepted Answer

Ortho: I k ow you want to get to the bottom of this ASAP, but an urgent care center will just be a waste of time and money. They'll end up telling you for something that's gone on this long and you're still having as much pain, you need to see ortho. Call tomorrow and get an appointment this coming week.

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Doctor answers about:

5th metatarsal sprain

A member asked:

How can i treat a 5th metatarsal sprain?

A member asked:

2days ago i fractured 5th metatarsal & sprained the ankle. i got a boot so do i really need to see an ortho?

A member asked:

I stepped off a curb and rolled my ankle 5 days ago. small amount of swelling and pain when walking in the 5th metatarsal area. sprain or break????

A member asked:

What can someone do for a sprained/broken fifth metatarsal at home?

A member asked:

The dr thought i broke my 5 th metatarsal but the x rays only showed a sprain. but it feels like it's broken. can i get a 2 nd opinion and new xrays?

A member asked:

I have a sprained left foot, in the area of the third metatarsal. i want to know what i can do and how long should i wait to exercise.

A member asked:

How long can it take for a metatarsal sprain bunion caused by injury and hallux rigidus to heal?

A member asked:

I have been to the gp and have sprain where my metatarsal joins my foot.i go on holiday tomorrow so need to walk around.should i get crutches?

A member asked:

Ankle baseball size, blue/purple. went to er said it was a sprain i think it's more serious. metatarsals are swollen. still can't walk. should i do?

A member asked:

Current pain in 5th metatarsal. fell 5 months ago & urgent care dxd sprained lfoot. x-ray = no breaks. still very painful on & off standing, walking, sitting, sleeping. cant stand on my toes from pain, but no swelling. urgent care or ortho?

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