Metatarsal Stress Fracture (March Fracture)

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

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  • Step 4 - current step

Follow the information and Video advice below

Metatarsal Stress Fracture (March Fracture)

  • Rest, rest, rest!
  • Cross training with cycling or swimming is fine, but only if it can be done pain free.
  • The fracture will take about 6 weeks to heal to a point where you can get back to gradual training again, and then make sure you follow the correct protocol for introducing running again (video).
  • Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ and ‘OPTIONAL’ video advice below, but remember that you should do no exercise that brings on the pain.
  • Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here),  if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
  • Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
  • Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions here.
  • help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Ice the area 3 to 4 times per day for 20 minutes at a time (see videos below).

Attention!

You cannot run through a fracture!

Be sensible, stop running, and follow the rehabilitation advice!