A fifth metatarsal fracture is a common injury where the bone connecting your ankle to your little toe breaks. These fractures occur from injury, overuse or high arches. Providers can treat your broken bone with a cast, boot or shoe — or with surgery. Using ice, keeping weight off your foot and elevating your foot can help decrease recovery time.

Metatarsal fractures are among the most common injuries of the foot that may occur due to trauma or repetitive microstress. Diagnosis is made with plain radiographs of the foot. Treatment may be nonoperative or operative depending on the specific metatarsal involved, number of metatarsals involved, and fracture displacement.

Metatarsal bones usually break from a crush injury, from a falling heavy object, a twisting injury, or getting your foot caught in something while the body continues to move. Occasionally the bone can break from a stress injury due to overuse, such as suddenly increasing running distance while training for a marathon.