What should you know about a fifth metatarsal foot stress fracture?

The fifth metatarsal runs along the outside of the foot from the base of the little toe toward the midfoot. Pain is often focused over one spot and may build during walking, running, jumping, or another activity that repeatedly loads the foot.

A stress fracture develops when repeated force exceeds the bone’s ability to remodel and recover. A recent change in training, more walking than usual, hard surfaces, worn footwear, or altered foot mechanics can increase the load. Low bone strength or vitamin D deficiency can also affect bone health; these factors do not confirm the cause of an individual fracture.

Typical features include outer-foot tenderness, swelling, pain that worsens with activity, and discomfort when pressure is placed through the foot. Some people begin limping to reduce the load. A clinician may examine the tender area and use imaging. An early X-ray may not show every stress injury, so further assessment may be considered when symptoms and examination remain concerning.

This is related to the broader condition of [Stress Fracture](/conditions/stress-fracture/). Persistent [Foot Pain](/symptoms/foot-pain/) deserves attention even when bruising is absent.

Stop running, jumping, and other impact activity until a clinician advises what is safe. Keep walking only as much as is comfortable, and use a prescribed stiff-soled shoe, walking boot, or crutches exactly as directed. Do not test the foot by repeatedly hopping or returning to sport because pain has briefly eased.

During the early period, elevation and a wrapped cold pack can help with swelling. Protect the skin from direct cold and stop if the area becomes numb. Do not massage directly over the tender bone. Gradual rehabilitation may later include restoring comfortable walking, foot and calf strength, balance, and a staged return to impact.

Arrange an assessment if pain is localized, continues after rest, or returns whenever activity increases. If testing identifies a bone-health issue, the clinician may discuss [Vitamin D Deficiency](/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency/) or [Vitamin D Supplementation](/treatments/medical-management/vitamin-d-supplementation/).

Seek urgent medical care after a major injury, or if the foot looks misshapen, a wound exposes bone, pain is severe, or you cannot put weight through the foot. Prompt assessment is also needed for rapidly increasing swelling, marked redness or warmth, fever, or new numbness, tingling, or unusual coldness in the toes.

Do not rely on limping as a way to protect the injury; it can shift load to the ankle, knee, hip, or other foot. Guidance about [Limping](/symptoms/limping/) can help explain why a changed walking pattern should be reviewed.

Ask: Where exactly is the suspected fracture, and do I need repeat or additional imaging? How much weight can I place through the foot, and should I use a boot or crutches? Which activities are safe now? What signs show that rehabilitation can progress? Could training changes, footwear, foot mechanics, or bone health have contributed? What plan will reduce the chance of overloading the foot again?

Mention any pain elsewhere that changes your walking, including [Heel Pain](/symptoms/heel-pain/), [Shin Pain](/symptoms/shin-pain/), or [Thigh Pain](/symptoms/thigh-pain/).