Fifth metatarsal fracture (Jones fracture) rehab protocol
- Patient will be walking with crutches non-weightbearing until most of the swelling resolves.
- Patient may be in a removable boot after surgery for a week or two at the direction of the physician.
- Limit unnecessary walking or standing for the first week to control swelling and pain.
- Ice ankle/foot 3-5 times (15 minutes each time) per day to control swelling and inflammation.
- Elevate leg above the heart as much as possible to control swelling and inflammation.
- No impact or cutting exercises/activities for 6 weeks post-op.
- M.D. follow-up visits at Day 1, Day 8-10, Month 1, Month 6 and Year 1 post-op.
Weeks 1:
- M.D. visit at day 1 post-op to change dressing and review home program.
- Start gentle ankle active range of motion immediately post-op.
- M.D. visit at day 8-10 for suture removal and check-up.
- Gait training with crutches to minimize compensations and to reinforce weightbearing status on the surgical leg as necessary.
Exercises:
- Toe curls and toe spreads
- Quad-sets with straight-leg raises
- Gluteal sets
- Well-leg biking
- Upper body training
Weeks 2- 6:
- Progress to weightbearing as tolerated with assistive device as needed guided by pain and swelling and the physical therapist.
- Follow-up x-ray at week 4-6 to monitor healing.
- Soft tissue treatments for swelling, mobility and healing.
- Exercises: Bike, core exercises, balance activities when indicated.
- Foot and ankle stretching and theraband exercises to regain full ROM and strength.
Weeks 6 - 8:
- Increase functional weight bearing exercises and activities. Avoid jumping and rapid changes in direction.
- Continue with foot and ankle joint mobilizations.
Week 8 and beyond:
- Start sport-specific training.
- Increase the intensity of strength, balance, coordination and functional training for gradual return to activities and sports.
- Return to specific sports is determined by the physical therapist through functional testing specific to the targeted sport.