After a Jones fracture, you need to regain, strength, mobility and range of motion. Physical therapy is usually the best way to achieve this and be able to return to activities of daily living.
Continue reading to learn more about Jones fractures and how it’s treated.
What is a Jones Fracture?
This fracture is a certain type of fracture that involves the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint of a foot. This fracture is different from others due to the fact it’s located in an area that’s not easy to heal. Furthermore, this fracture is classified as a transverse fracture, which means that it’s perpendicular to the axis of the bone. It occurs at a transition zone inside of the bone where it goes from dense to spongy.
Causes
This type of fracture occurs from either a traumatic event or from overuse. This type of injury most common in athletes. If caused by a traumatic event, it’s generally the result of an inversion-type sprain. An inversion-type sprain happens when the foot is turned inward towards the other, similar to an ankle fracture. If caused by a chronic issue, it’s most likely the result of repetitive use.
Treatment
There are two ways to treat this type of fracture; surgery or immobilizing your foot. However, the treatment plan depends on a few factors.
These factors include:
- Your age
- Your overall health
- Your activity levels
- The severity of the break
Although immobilizing your foot is a valid option, you’ll have a faster recovery time with surgery.
What to Expect from Physical Therapy
Regardless of what treatment you choose to take, you cannot undergo physical therapy after the fracture has healed. You must wait at least six to eight weeks for cast removal. Don’t be alarmed when you notice how discolored and swollen your foot is as it’s very common after this fracture. The goal of physical therapy after this type of fracture is to improve the function of moving.
The most important factor in your rehab for this type of fracture is exercise. Any exercise that’s performed after suffering from a Jones fracture is to help boost the strength and range of motion around your ankle and foot.
Some exercises that may be prescribed include:
- Balance exercises
- Proprioception exercises
- Foot mobility exercises
- Stretching
- Range of motion exercises for your ankle
The physical therapist will decide what exercises are best for you. After you’ve recovered some more, they’ll prescribe you with at-home exercises.
Final Thoughts
Although painful, most fractures go on to heal. The key is allowing enough time for proper healing and then completing a physical therapy program to regain any functionality you may have lost while immobilized.
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