Metatarsal fractures have become an increasing common injury for athletes in sports that involve rapid changes in running speed and direction. Fifth metatarsal (5th ray) fractures have recently sidelined several prominent footballers. High peak pressure at the head of the 5th ray combined with lower peak pressure at the base of the 5th ray has been hypothesized to induce a bending moment on the 5th ray (Orendurff, 2008). This bending moment differential may overload the 5th ray during sprint and cutting maneuvers, leading to both stress fractures and acute fractures. Perhaps a boot designed with greater mid- and outsole flexibility could reduce this 5th ray pressure differential, and protect more athletes from injury during the demanding maneuvers of their sport.
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