®Ankle up and down
Pull your foot up and push it down as far as is comfortable. Moving early supports circulation and reduces the risk of a blood clot in the leg.
10 repetitions, 3–5 times a day6 weeksApproximate time for the bone to heal
3–6 monthsHow long pain and swelling can last
Week 4When swelling is expected to start improving clearly
6–12 weeksWhen most people return to their usual activities
Where the break is decides the treatment
1
Base fracture
Breaks at the end of the bone nearest the ankle. A boot or rigid-soled shoe is for comfort only; you can walk on the foot as far as pain allows. Use crutches if you need them.
2
Jones fracture
Near the base, but slightly further along. It may heal more slowly: in the first weeks you may be in a cast with crutches and not put weight on the foot. A small number do not heal and may need surgery.
3
Shaft fracture
Breaks in the middle part of the bone. The boot is usually for comfort, and walking as far as is comfortable is encouraged; walking on your heel may be easier at first.
4
First 24–72 hours
Rest your foot and raise it above hip level on pillows. Apply ice wrapped in a towel for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
Week by week
- Weeks 0–3: Wear the boot when walking and take it off when resting and at night. Put weight on the foot as pain allows, and stop using crutches when you feel ready.
- Weeks 3–6: Gradually wear the boot less and return to your usual tasks.
- Weeks 6–12: Most people return to their usual activities; long walks and running may still cause discomfort and swelling for a while.
This timeline is different for a Jones fracture; the fracture clinic will tell you when and how much weight to put through your foot.
What helps?
- Take your painkillers at the dose on the packet; if your pain does not ease, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Raise your foot when swelling builds up at the end of the day.
- Wear a supportive shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot.
- If you smoke, stop or cut down; the first 2 weeks are especially important.
Exercises at home
Six exercises to keep your foot and ankle moving
Start the first four exercises as early as you can, without making your pain noticeably worse. The last two are done standing: start them once you can walk comfortably. With a Jones fracture, wait for your team’s approval before doing standing exercises.
Circling the ankle
Slowly draw circles with your foot in one direction, then change direction.
10 repetitions in each direction, 3–5 times a daySpreading the toes
With your heels touching, spread your toes apart and turn your feet slightly outwards. Don’t push into pain.
10 repetitions, 3–5 times a dayTurning the foot in and out
Sit or lie down. Turn your foot inwards as far as is comfortable, then outwards.
10 repetitions, 3–4 times a dayStanding on the injured leg
Start once you can walk comfortably. Holding on to a worktop, stand on your injured leg; as it gets easier, try without holding on.
Up to 30 seconds, 3–4 times a dayRising onto your toes
Holding on, rise onto the toes of both feet and lower slowly. Do it without too much discomfort.
8–12 repetitions, 3–4 times a dayFrequently asked questions
Does the boot help the fracture heal?
For fractures at the base of the bone, the boot or rigid-soled shoe is given only for comfort; it does not speed up healing. Wear it when walking, and you can take it off when resting and at night. Wearing a supportive shoe on your uninjured foot protects your other joints.
What is a Jones fracture, and why is it treated differently?
A Jones fracture is a break near the base of the fifth metatarsal but slightly further along, and it may heal more slowly. According to one NHS leaflet, for the first 6 weeks you wear a cast and use crutches without putting weight on the foot; after that you may move into a boot. A small number of these fractures do not heal on their own, and surgery may be considered. Your team will tell you your fracture type and how much weight you can put on it.
When can I drive?
When you are out of the boot or rigid-soled shoe, can walk comfortably, can do emergency manoeuvres such as an emergency stop without pain or hesitation, and your insurance covers you. Try it in a safe place first.
When can I return to sport?
When you can squat, hop, jump and run without pain. Most people return to their usual activities within 6–12 weeks; more demanding activities such as running may cause discomfort for a while longer. If you can’t do these things, see your doctor about physiotherapy.
How long do pain and swelling last?
The fracture heals in about 6 weeks, but pain and swelling can last 3–6 months. Swelling is usually worse at the end of the day and should improve clearly from week 4. Smoking slows healing and in extreme cases can stop it.
For a sprained ankle, see the ankle sprain guide; for broken ankle bones, see the broken ankle guide.
When should you go to A&E or see a doctor?
- If you have calf pain that gets worse when you move, a heavy feeling, redness, warmth or increasing swelling: this could be a blood clot, go to A&E straight away
- If you have diabetes and notice a change in colour or redness in your foot
- If the swelling has not clearly improved after week 4
- If you still have marked pain and swelling at week 6, or struggle to walk without the boot
- If you have pain or other symptoms away from the fracture
Sources
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Physiotherapy. Base of 5th metatarsal fracture. 2559, August 2025.
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Virtual fracture clinic. Fifth metatarsal fractures. RFL949 version 4, June 2025.
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal (Jones). November 2025.