HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Metatarsalgia Long After Metatarsal Bone Fracture?

Posted on Wed, 23 Sep 2015

Question: Hello, my name is XXXX, im 27 years old, i had fourth metatarsal bone fracture about 10 years ago. Everything was fine, i was doing a lot of activities like p90x3 , soccer, basketball, tennis, etc.. I have never had any pain of my metatarsal. One month ago i started to feel pain everytime i wake up and i start to walk, after one or two minutes of walking pain disappear, same if i sit down after longer walk, and i start walking again i have a pain right in my fourth metatarsal bone. What do you think, should i make x-ray ? Or bone stimulators could help me ? Maybe calcium vitamins ? Im worry cause im only 27 and i know all pains after fractures never getting better with age, it can only get worse and worse. Thank you very much for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get x ray iof the foot

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
i have studied your case and i think that you might need a x ray of the foot to confirm the diagnosis, as most probably you are having fracture of the fourth metatarsal. If there is fracture then you might need plaster cast for helping us. This will prvide fast heaking If there is no fracture then also you might benefit from comlplete bed rest and compression bandage.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 hours later)

Are you saying that its possible that my metatarsal was fine for 10 years, and after ten years broken or cracked again in the same place ? What could be if doctor wont be able to see any problem in x-ray ? What if it was healing a little bit wrong direction and the broken connection is not straight, is there any posibility that im might gonna need surgery to get bone straight ? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be stress fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Possiblity of stress fracture is there . Also as you ate saying that it can be due to mal united old fracture. I do not think you will need surgery. Still I can better tell after x ray report.
If x rays are normal then it is tenosynovitis and it responds to rest, shoe changes or steroid injection.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar