Location of Metatarsals in Body
A metatarsal is a group of five long bones in the foot. It is located between the tarsals and phalanges of the toes. Let us now learn what metatarsal is and how it functions in our day-to-day life. We can define it simply as long bones present in your foot that connect your ankle with your toes. They maintain the balance of your body while standing or walking. Metatarsal bones in your foot also tend to absorb force, provide support and act as a rigid lever during gait propulsion. Here we will discuss metatarsal anatomy and metatarsal fracture treatment.
Different Types of Metatarsal Fracture
There are five metatarsal bones in your foot. Metatarsal fractures account for about 60% of all pediatric foot fractures. These fractures are complete or incomplete breaks in one of the five metatarsal bones in each foot. Usually, the most fractured ones are the fifth metatarsal bones, which most of us have fractured in our childhood unknowingly while playing. It occurs when your foot receives a sudden blow or twisting of your foot severely, or overuse can cause a break or fracture to one of the bones. Generally, there are two types of fractures in the fifth metatarsal bones.
The most common fracture in your fifth metatarsal bone, closest to your ankle, is Jones fracture. This area has very little blood flow in your bone, making its healing process time-consuming and difficult. Another type of fracture occurs when a tendon forcefully pulls a piece of bone away from the remaining part of the bone, commonly known as avulsion fracture and popularly known as dancer’s fracture.
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Metatarsal Fracture Treatment
Treatment of metatarsal fracture depends on the type and severity of the fracture. For example, the fracture of the first metatarsal bone can even lead to arthritis as it frequently bears more weight than other toes. Fracture in the first metatarsal bone is more tormenting than the fifth metatarsal bone as it bears the maximum weight of our body and can cause excruciating pain while standing or even walking. The treatment of the fractures can include the following:
Rest: It rapids the healing process of a fracture
Avoid Offending Activity: Usually, stress fractures are caused due to repetitive stress, so it is crucial to avoid those activities for a certain period. The use of crutches and wheelchairs can take off some weight from your foot and give them some time to heal.
Immobilization: You have to protect your fractured bone from external stress by using a stiff-soled shoe or some other form of immobilization.
Surgery: Some severe metatarsal fractures require surgery, particularly if the bone is badly displaced.
Post-Surgery Care: Your surgeon will provide you instructions about your follow-up care which you have to follow religiously to hasten the healing process. Physical therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation may be included in this schedule.
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Swelling of the metatarsal heads in your foot. Sharp or burning pain in the ball of your foot just behind your toes. It torments you more when you stand, run, walk, or even when you flex your toes. In addition to that, it can also cause numbing or a tingling sensation in your toes and a feeling of having a pebble or bead when you put on your shoes.
When to See a Doctor?
Not every foot problem requires medical care. If your foot is just swollen or inflamed, then using ice can relieve your pain. At home, you can modify your activities like changing your shoes which perfectly fits your foot, avoiding running and jumping in that condition, and also avoiding strainful workouts for a certain time. If the pain persists and does not decrease by modifying your activities, you should see a doctor.
It is rightfully said that health is wealth. If your health is fine, then you can complete all your work efficiently. We sometimes notice how much a small headache or foot ache affects the efficiency of our work. Most of us tend to ignore pain, which gradually increases until we cannot tolerate the pain anymore. By doing this, we are placing ourselves at greater risk of more complications in the future. We should never ignore metatarsal pain and take it lightly. Because metatarsals are the bones that help us in walking, and if left treated, there might be a possibility that you may never walk in the future. Our well-being is in our own hands, and it is our responsibility to take care of it.
FAQs on Metatarsal
1. What are the metatarsal bones?
The metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot, located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes. They form the main structure of the foot's arch and play a crucial role in propulsion during walking and running. Each metatarsal bone consists of a head, a shaft, and a base.
2. How are the five metatarsal bones identified or named?
The five metatarsal bones are numbered from I to V, starting from the medial side (the side of the big toe) and moving towards the lateral side (the side of the little toe).
- First Metatarsal: Connects to the big toe; it is the shortest and thickest to support significant weight.
- Second, Third, and Fourth Metatarsals: These are generally the most stable and securely positioned bones of the forefoot.
- Fifth Metatarsal: Connects to the little toe and has a prominent bony landmark at its base called a tuberosity.
3. How do the metatarsals contribute to the arches of the foot?
The metatarsals are essential for forming and maintaining the arches of the foot, specifically the transverse and longitudinal arches. These arches act like natural shock absorbers, distributing body weight evenly during standing, walking, and running. The specific arrangement of the metatarsal bones provides the foot with the necessary combination of flexibility and rigidity to adapt to uneven surfaces and effectively propel the body forward.
4. What is the structural difference between metatarsals in the foot and metacarpals in the hand?
While both are long bones in the limbs, metatarsals and metacarpals have key structural differences tied to their primary functions. Metatarsals (foot) are generally longer, thicker, and stronger than metacarpals (hand) to withstand the immense pressure of supporting the body's entire weight. In contrast, metacarpals are more slender and mobile, allowing for the fine, dexterous movements required for gripping and manipulating objects.
5. What is a common injury affecting the metatarsal bones?
A common injury is a stress fracture, which is a tiny crack in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes like runners and dancers. The second and third metatarsals are most frequently affected due to their role in absorbing force during push-off. Another significant injury is a Jones fracture, a specific break that occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal.
6. Why is the fifth metatarsal more prone to certain types of fractures than the others?
The fifth metatarsal is particularly vulnerable to fractures for two main reasons. Firstly, its position on the outer edge of the foot makes it susceptible to direct impact and twisting injuries, such as when rolling an ankle. Secondly, the base of the fifth metatarsal serves as an attachment point for a key tendon. A forceful, sudden muscle contraction can pull a piece of the bone away, causing an avulsion fracture.
7. What is metatarsalgia and how does it relate to the metatarsals?
Metatarsalgia is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, specifically in the area of the metatarsal heads (the ends of the bones connecting to the toes). It is not a disease, but rather a symptom of other issues such as high-impact activities, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or underlying foot deformities that cause excessive pressure on the metatarsal region.
