How long does a metatarsal injury take to heal? Recovery times and possible return dates explained

Metatarsal injuries are common in football, and they have sidelined several top players over the years.

These bones are found in the foot and play a major role in balance, movement, and weight-bearing during walking or running.

Because football involves constant running, sharp turns, and kicking, the metatarsals are often under stress. When they break or become injured, the recovery period can vary widely depending on how bad the injury is.

This type of injury is often seen in footballers because of repeated pressure or direct impact, like when a player is stepped on or blocked hard during a match. It can also come from overuse, especially if the player trains too hard without proper recovery.

Whatever the cause, a metatarsal injury can force players out for weeks or even months, depending on the damage.

So how long does a metatarsal injury take to heal? Sports Mole provides all the details below.

What is a metatarsal injury?

The foot has five metatarsal bones, and they sit between the toes and the ankle. They help support the body’s weight and allow movement during walking, running, or jumping. Each metatarsal plays a different role in balance and pressure distribution.

A metatarsal injury usually means a fracture (break) in one of these bones. There are two main types of fractures:

Stress fractures – caused by repeated pressure or overuse. This can happen slowly over time.

Acute fractures – caused by sudden impact, such as a heavy tackle or landing awkwardly.

The fifth metatarsal, which runs along the outside of the foot, is the most commonly injured in football. It is often broken during twisting or turning motions. Some players also suffer what is called a Jones fracture, a specific break near the base of the fifth metatarsal that is difficult to heal.

How long does a metatarsal injury take to heal?

The healing time depends on the type and severity of the fracture.

Grade 1: Mild stress reaction – 1 to 3 weeks

This is the earliest form of injury where the bone is irritated but not cracked. With rest and no weight-bearing, it usually heals quickly.

Grade 2: Stress fracture – 4 to 6 weeks

The bone has started to crack due to overuse, but it has not broken completely. Players usually need a protective boot and must avoid training during this period. Healing can take around six weeks with proper care.

Grade 3: Complete fracture – 6 to 10 weeks (or longer)

A full break requires a longer rest period. In some cases, surgery is needed to fix the bone with screws or plates. If the player undergoes surgery, recovery could take 10 to 12 weeks before a return to full training.

Jones fracture – 8 weeks to several months

This specific fracture often takes longer to heal because of poor blood supply to that part of the bone. Surgery is usually required, and recovery can go beyond three months in some cases.

Most footballers begin light training after the initial healing, but they still need to build strength, confidence, and match fitness. Rushing the comeback increases the risk of another fracture or long-term pain.

What are the risks of returning early from a metatarsal injury?

The biggest risk of coming back too soon is a repeat fracture. If the bone has not fully healed, the pressure from running, jumping, and kicking can make the injury worse. That could lead to another break, which means even more time away from the pitch.

Another risk is long-term pain or discomfort during games. Even if the bone does not break again, players may feel sharp pain or weakness in the foot, especially when turning or sprinting. That discomfort can affect their performance and confidence.

For serious cases, like a Jones fracture, early return without surgery could cause the bone to heal badly or not at all. That might lead to more operations and a longer recovery period.

Clubs often use scans and tests to check how well the bone is healing before allowing players to return. Even after returning to training, some players need special boots or padding to reduce pressure on the foot.

How long does a metatarsal injury take to heal? Recovery times and possible return dates explained

What is a metatarsal injury?

How long does a metatarsal injury take to heal?

What are the risks of returning early from a metatarsal injury?

Football injury recovery guides