{"id":12523,"date":"2026-10-23T13:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/?p=12523"},"modified":"2026-10-23T13:31:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:31:54","slug":"femur-fracture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen\/","title":{"rendered":"Fractured midfoot bone: symptoms, healing and physiotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-12523\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-12523-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>A heavy object falls on your foot; you twist your knee during sports or accidentally step off a step: Soon you have a <strong>Fractured midfoot bone<\/strong>. The five metatarsal bones connect the foot root to the toes and carry a large part of your body weight with each step. The fifth metatarsal bone often breaks at the outside of the foot, typically when bending over.<\/p>\n<p>Most ankle fractures heal well without surgery. However, to be able to walk pain-free again, jog and do sports, the foot needs targeted training. In our practice in Z\u00fcrich-Wipkingen, we guide you step by step.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Symptoms: How do you recognize a midfoot fracture?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Pain in the midfoot, especially when walking and rolling<\/li>\n<li>Swelling on the back of the foot or on the outside of the foot<\/li>\n<li>Hematoma that often does not show up until one to two days later<\/li>\n<li>More pronounced pressure pain at a point on the bone<\/li>\n<li>They can no longer walk on their heels or even at all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some midfoot fractures also occur without an accident due to overload, for example, when running training increases sharply. Such a fatigue fracture begins gradually with pain that increases during running and subsides in rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>When should you see a doctor?<\/h2>\n<p>If you experience pain and swelling in the midfoot after an accident, have your foot examined by a doctor. An X-ray image will show whether and where a bone has broken. If you experience pain that is related to activity and does not improve within a few days after an accident, you should have a fatigue fracture examined as well.<\/p>\n<p>Immediately report to your doctor if your toes become numb, cold or blue, or if your calf suddenly swells and hurts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>How long does it take to heal if a middle foot bone is broken?<\/h2>\n<p>Most medial ankle fractures are treated with a special shoe with a hard sole or an orthosis, often for about four to six weeks. Depending on the fracture, you may be able to load the foot partially or completely during this time. Displaced fractures or certain fractures of the fifth medial ankle bone heal more slowly and are sometimes surgically repaired.<\/p>\n<p>Once the bone has healed, the foot often still feels stiff and unstable. Until you are fully able to bear weight again, especially for sports that involve running and jumping, it usually takes several weeks of targeted training.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Self-help: What you can do yourself<\/h2>\n<p>If a midfoot bone is broken, these measures can help you in everyday life:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Store and cool:<\/strong> Keep the foot elevated in the first few days and cool it briefly several times a day, never directly with ice on the skin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Always wear shoes:<\/strong> Wear the prescribed shoe or orthosis for as long as prescribed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Staying active:<\/strong> Move your toes, knees, and hips as much as is allowed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>After that, good footwear:<\/strong> Firm shoes with good cushioning relieve pressure on the midfoot in the first weeks after healing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gradually increase the training:<\/strong> Anyone who starts running again should increase the duration and pace only gradually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Treatment in Physiotherapy<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12535 alignright\" style=\"display: block; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 100%; height: 265px;\" src=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"Fractured midfoot bone: Balance training barefoot on the balance board\" width=\"475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/mittelfussknochen-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>First, we examine your gait pattern, the mobility of your foot and ankle, and your strength and balance. Based on these findings, we develop your therapy plan:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gait training:<\/strong> We will practice the proper way of walking with you, first with special shoes or sticks, then again normally with clean rolling.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flexibility:<\/strong> With <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/offer\/manual-therapy\/\">manual therapy<\/a> and we resolve stiffness in the foot and ankle by mobilizing it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Swelling:<\/strong> It helps with persistent swelling <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/offer\/manual-lymphatic-drainage\/\">manuel lymphatic drainage<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strength and stability:<\/strong> We train leg muscles, hips and balance, for example in our <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/functional-training\/\">Functional Training Area<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Back to sports:<\/strong> With a <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/return-to-sport\/\">Return-to-Sport Test<\/a> We will check whether your foot is ready for running and jumping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the rupture occurred during bending, the ligament apparatus is often also irritated. More about this in the article <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/ankle-sprain\/\">Ankle sprain<\/a>. If the ankle itself has been broken, read our article <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/knee-joint-broken\/\">Ankle broken<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Fractured midfoot bone: Who pays for the physiotherapy?<\/h2>\n<p>For physiotherapy, you need a medical prescription. If the fracture occurred in an accident and you are covered by accident insurance through your employer, the accident insurance will usually cover the prescribed physiotherapy in full, without a deductible or co-payment. We directly settle with the insurance company. Whether a case is recognized is decided by the insurance company. All details can be found on our page. <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/physiotherapy-after-an-accident-zuerich\/\">Physiotherapy after an accident in Zurich<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Frequently asked questions about the midfoot fracture<\/h2>\n<h3>Can I walk with a broken midfoot bone?<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes yes, at least on the heel. That doesn\u2019t mean the foot isn\u2019t broken, though. Still, have it examined and only load it as your doctor allows.<\/p>\n<h3>When can I start jogging again?<\/h3>\n<p>Only when the bone has healed and you are able to walk, hop, and stand on one leg painlessly. We then build up your running gradually with you.<\/p>\n<h3>Why does the foot still hurt after healing?<\/h3>\n<p>After weeks in special shoes, joints become stiff and muscles become weakened. These symptoms can usually be well managed with targeted training.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12523-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12523-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12523-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Make an appointment<\/h2>\n<p>Has a midfoot bone broken in you? We can help you get back on your feet safely and without pain.<\/p>\n<p>Our practice is located at H\u00f6nggerstrasse 118 in Z\u00fcrich-Wipkingen, directly at the Waidfussweg tram stop (tram 50). Bring your medical prescription to the first appointment and, in the event of an accident, bring the damage number of your insurance company with you. Call us on <a href=\"tel:+41445859949\">044 585 99 49<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/tbooking.ch\/de\/book\/2047-2175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Book your appointment online<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to recognize a midfoot fracture, how long the healing process takes, and how physical therapy restores walking ability and endurance.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":12535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,68,71,1,85,78],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fuss","category-physiotherapiehoengg","category-physiotherapie-wipkingen","category-physiotherapie-zuerich","category-rehabilitation","category-was-tun"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12523"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12570,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12523\/revisions\/12570"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}