A health condition in which a person breaks the bone that joins the pinky toe to the base of the foot is called a Jones fracture. Typically, people need several months to recover completely, and they will need to wear a boot or cast. Moreover, this condition has a high risk of recurrence, despite successful surgery. That’s why you should not resume sports or other physical activities without your doctor’s approval.
In other words, a Jones fracture is a broken bone in the foot. Specifically, it is a break in the fifth metatarsal. This is the bone that links the pinkie toe and the rest of the foot. Furthermore, this condition is one of the most common types of foot fractures. In some cases, this condition is called metatarsal 5 fractures, 5th metatarsal fractures, or Dancer’s fractures.
Types of Jones Fractures
Doctors have divided this disorder into several categories based on where the bone is broken. Examples include:
- First zone – This type occurs when the bone breaks in the closest part to the middle of the foot. Usually, those who develop it recover completely within 2 months after wearing a cast or boot.
- Second zone – In this case, the bone breaks in the middle part of the bone (the fifth metatarsal). This part of the bone extends to the middle of the foot and often requires surgery.
- Third zone – The last part of the bone connects the pinky toe bones. It is also called a stress fracture, and it takes a longer period to heal.
What Are The Symptoms of a Jones Fracture?
Usually, people who develop this condition experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Bruising
- Skin discoloration
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot
- Deformity (such as a bump that can be noticed with the naked eye)
In most cases, people know that something injured their foot. In any case, do not hesitate to see a doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur. Otherwise, it may lead to some complications.
Causes
This health condition occurs due to a sudden impact on the foot while it is twisted with the heel lifted off the ground. Imagine a dancer who jumps and lands on his/her toe. In some cases, this condition may occur due to continuous stress on a toe that builds up over time. Check for the most common causes of a Jones fracture below:
- Sports injuries – Sports that involve lots of jumping or quickly twisting on the toes increase the risk of a Jones fracture. These include dance, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer.
- Overuse – The risk of this fracture may also increase due to continuous stress from running, standing, or working on hard surfaces.
- Slips and falls – Missing a step or slipping on icy or wet surfaces puts you at increased risk of a Jones fracture.
- Age and sex – Teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 are at higher risk for a Jones fracture, especially males.
- Bone health – If you have a condition that weakens your bones (such as osteoporosis), you are more likely to develop this condition.
- Footwear – People who wear narrow or highly flexible shoes without proper lateral support contribute to stress on the outer foot, which is a risk factor for a Jones fracture.
What Are The Long-Term Effects of a Jones Fracture?
People with this condition who leave it untreated or continue sports or activities while healing may also experience some complications. Check some examples below:
- Nonunion – It occurs when the broken bone fails to grow back together. Usually, it occurs in about 30% of people who leave this condition untreated.
- Delayed union – In this case, it takes too much time compared to normal for the bone to become solid.
- Refracture – When it occurs, the affected bone breaks again. In most cases, it happens because of physical activity or sports that occur before complete recovery.
- Treatment complications – These include nerve irritation, problems with hardware (including surgical screws or plates), and infections.
The previous list does not contain a complete list of complications. However, doctors may help you reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis often starts with a physical examination and questions about your symptoms. When doctors are not sure, they may perform some imaging tests to exclude or confirm a Jones fracture. Check some examples below:
- X-rays
- CT (computed tomography) scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
Treatment
Physicians may prescribe different treatments for people with Jones fractures because they depend on several factors. Examples include the severity of the fracture, overall health, age, existing health problems, and preferences. Check some common treatments below:
- Immobilization – In mild cases, people need only a cast or boot to recover from a Jones fracture. However, it is worn for about 6- 8 weeks. People often need immobilization after surgery or other treatment options that keep their foot stable.
- Closed reduction – During this treatment, doctors will push and pull on your foot to realign the bone. To reduce pain, they may give you local anesthesia.
- Surgery – A lot of Jones fractures need surgery to repair and make sure the bones heal properly. Most of the time, doctors recommend an ORIF procedure in which they will insert fasteners (including screws or pins) to hold the bone together while it heals.
- Bone grafts – This treatment is used in people with a severe Jones fracture. It involves a graft that helps the bone heal in the correct position. Sometimes, affected people need donor bone tissue to rejoin the broken bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Jones fracture take to heal?
A Jones fracture may take about 6 to 12 weeks to heal, although complete recovery can take several months. Healing time depends on the location and severity of the fracture, the treatment used, and the person’s overall health. Some fractures, particularly those with poor blood supply, may take longer to heal.
Can you walk on a Jones fracture?
Walking on a Jones fracture may worsen pain and interfere with healing. Doctors often recommend keeping weight off the affected foot, especially during the early stages of treatment. Crutches, a walker, or another assistive device may be necessary until the doctor determines that weight-bearing is safe.
Does a Jones fracture always require surgery?
No. Some Jones fractures can heal with immobilization in a cast or walking boot and restrictions on weight-bearing. However, surgery may be recommended when the fracture is displaced, does not heal properly, or occurs in someone who needs to return to high-level sports or physical activity.
What is the difference between a Jones fracture and a fifth metatarsal fracture?
A Jones fracture is a specific type of fifth metatarsal fracture that occurs near the base of the fifth metatarsal, in an area where blood supply can be limited. The term “fifth metatarsal fracture” is broader and includes several different fracture locations, including avulsion fractures and stress fractures.
Can a Jones fracture heal without a cast?
Some fractures may be treated with a walking boot rather than a traditional cast. However, the foot usually needs to be protected and stabilized while the bone heals. The appropriate type of immobilization depends on the fracture and should be determined by a healthcare professional.
How do doctors know if a Jones fracture needs surgery?
Doctors consider factors such as the location and displacement of the fracture, whether the bone has healed, the person’s activity level, and whether there are signs of delayed healing or nonunion. Surgery may be considered when the fracture is unlikely to heal adequately with immobilization alone.
Can you exercise with a Jones fracture?
High-impact activities such as running, jumping, dancing, and sports should generally be avoided while a Jones fracture is healing. Depending on the injury and treatment, a doctor or physical therapist may recommend safe exercises that do not place excessive stress on the injured foot.
Can a Jones fracture happen again after it heals?
Yes, a Jones fracture can recur, particularly if a person returns to sports or strenuous activities too soon. The risk may also be higher when the bone has not completely healed or when underlying factors continue to place stress on the fifth metatarsal. Following the recommended rehabilitation and return-to-activity plan can help reduce the risk.
What happens if a Jones fracture does not heal?
When the broken bone fails to heal, the condition is called nonunion. A nonunion may cause persistent pain and difficulty bearing weight and may require additional treatment. Depending on the circumstances, treatment can include prolonged immobilization, bone stimulation, or surgery, sometimes with a bone graft.
When should you see a doctor for a suspected Jones fracture?
You should seek medical evaluation if you develop significant pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or difficulty putting weight on the outside of your foot after an injury. Prompt evaluation is especially important if the foot appears deformed, becomes numb or unusually cold, or if the pain is severe.
