Metatarsal Stress Fracture Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 16, 2019
  • Author: Valerie E Cothran, MD; Chief Editor: Craig C Young, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are metatarsal stress fractures?

Which activities increase the risk for metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the prevalence of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the functional anatomy of the metatarsals relevant to metatarsal stress fractures?

Why are patients with flat feet at increased risk of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the pathophysiology of metatarsal stress fractures?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is included in the physical exam to evaluate metatarsal stress fractures?

What causes metatarsal stress fracture?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Metatarsal Stress Fracture?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of radiography in the workup of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of bone scans in the workup of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of MRI and SPECT in the workup of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the workup of metatarsal stress fractures?

Treatment

What is the role of physical therapy (PT) in the acute treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of recreational therapy in the acute treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of surgery in the acute treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of physical therapy (PT) in the recovery phase of treatment for metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of recreational therapy in the recovery phase of treatment for metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of external shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of physical therapy (PT) in the maintenance phase of treatment for metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of recreational therapy in the maintenance phase of treatment for metatarsal stress fractures?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

When should an orthopedic surgeon be consulted in the treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

Medications

Which medications are used in the treatment of metatarsal stress fractures?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesics are used in the treatment of Metatarsal Stress Fracture?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the treatment of Metatarsal Stress Fracture?

Follow-up

When should patients with metatarsal stress fractures return to play?

What are the possible complications of metatarsal stress fractures?

How are metatarsal stress fractures prevented?

What is the prognosis of metatarsal stress fractures?

What is included in patient education about metatarsal stress fractures?