Broke my m#5 in my left foot; what are the dangers of me not getting a cast put on it?

DANGER=NONUNION: A 5th metatarsal fracture (foot fracture) needs to be treated with good immobilzation otherwise the bones will not heal resulting in a 'non-union'. A non-union can cause chronic problems for 'years down the road' including pain and swelling.

Depends: Some 5th mt frx heal poorly the jones frx has a pretty high nonunion rate while others heal readily, a dancer frx heals jones dosent.

Dangers of no cast: Due to tendon insertion at this bone, shifting of the bone fragment and/or a delay in healing (3-4 months) is not uncommon if a cast or surgical correction is not performed. Pain can continue long term if the healed position is not adequate. Its well worth spending time in the cast!