fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal - occur frequently are are often missed. An avulsion fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal occurs when a sudden inversion of the foot causes a reflex contraction of peroneus brevis. Patients will often present with a sprained ankle. This fracture may be missed because a routine ankle xray will not show the base of the fifth metatarsal. The patient with a sprained ankle therefore should be examined for tenderness of the base of the fifth metatarsal.
treatment is generally conservative because most metatarsal fractures are undisplaced. If there is severe pain then a wool and crepe bandage or below-knee plaster can be used until the pain resolves.
march or 'stress' fracture - this generally affects the neck or the shaft of the second metatarsal.
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