Metatarsal stress fracture prognosis Stress fractures in the first 4 metatarsals routinely heal without complication. Stress fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal have a nonunion rate of 35-50% . References [ + ]

How to Heal Quickly from a Stress Fracture?

1. Apply ice and take pain medications to control symptoms.
2. Use a cast or splint to protect the stress fracture site.
3. Start partial weight bearing only when pain free.
4. Increase your activity to avoid recurrence of fracture.

The symptoms of a stress fracture can include:

1. Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture.
2. Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone.
3. Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.
4. Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.

What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?

1. Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture.
2. Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone.
3. Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.
4. Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.

Symptoms of a metatarsal stress fracture include: Pain in the forefoot which develops gradually over time. The pain will be usually be located towards the middle, or front of the foot. Symptoms are made worse with weight-bearing activities such as walking, running or dancing.

The prognosis for people with stress fractures depends upon age, severity, number and location of stress fractures and other factors. In most cases, stress fractures do not require surgery and will heal with proper rest.

Healing time for a stress fracture is between 4 and 8 weeks. During this time, the activity which caused the injury should be avoided, although other forms of exercise may be undertaken after 1-2 weeks, provided they are pain-free (for example swimming and cycling).