What is a Jones Fracture?
If you break your fifth metatarsal bone between the bone’s shaft and base, you’ve suffered a Jones fracture. Located on the outer edge of the foot, near the base of the pinky toe, this injury is particularly challenging, as limited blood flow to the area makes healing more difficult.
Jones Fracture Risks 
This fracture is a common sports injury. It’s caused by suddenly twisting your foot, or by putting excess pressure or stress on the outside of your foot. Associated with intense physical training or quick directional changes, this injury is common in football and basketball players like GG Jackson II. But dancers and people who spend long hours on their feet for work are also at risk. Having osteoporosis also increases your risk for a Jones fracture, as well as for other broken bones in your toes, feet and ankles.
Signs and Symptoms
If you suffer a Jones fracture, you may notice swelling, bruising and pain on the outside of your foot. Your foot will feel tender to the touch, and you may notice a bump that wasn’t there before. Walking will be difficult, but not impossible. You should seek immediate medical attention to begin the healing process, which is lengthy.
Treating a Jones Fracture
While minor breaks could be repaired with immobilization or a closed reduction, most people with this type of injury need surgery to heal. (That’s because limited blood flow to the area complicates your body’s natural healing process.) During surgery for this injury, our Spring and Tomball, TX podiatrists may implant rods, plates, screws, wires or pins to stabilize your metatarsal bone. (What we use will depend on the severity of your injury, and your unique health profile.) In extreme cases, you may need a bone graft to fully heal your Jones fracture.
Following surgery, you will need to keep wait off your affected foot for up to eight weeks. After that, your symptoms should start to improve. But it will likely take three to four months before you can resume athletic activities. Given the extended healing time for this injury, prompt treatment is crucial. If you have been diagnosed with a Jones fracture and are considering surgery, contact our office today and request a surgical consultation.