This depends on the location of the injury and the type of fracture. The severity of the injury will also determine the treatment plan. For instance, if you have a displaced fracture, doctors will manipulate the pieces of bones to their original position, through a process called reduction. This may be done by administering a sedative or under general anesthesia. Most metatarsal fractures require periods of elevation and limited weight bearing. You may be provided with a removable brace, boot or shoe, or a cast. However, surgery is necessary if you have fractured several metatarsals at the same time or your foot is unstable and deformed. In such cases, orthopaedic surgeons will resort to surgery to get your bones back in proper position, using screws, pins and plates.