also wondering how you're plantar fasciitis is, and if it is hindering you're recovery? If it doesn't hurt, can i do exercises like bending or flexing my foot? Least I could see it is healing which is good.Good luck everone with your recovery & keep us postedhow you are getting on as I wil you. I was a runner and am going nuts about being immobile. I only have a few months I can spend being physically active before I will need to return to a sedentary job for income. I'm happy that at least there's 50% healing but not 100% confident about the Consultant as it was the 1st one I saw and he's the same one my mam saw when she broke her arm & shoulder. I also broke it with a mid-step off my porch twisting my ankle. Were you weight-bearing those first 6 weeks? Ive had a cast on for almost two weeks now and the doc said no weight bearing. I quit my job specifically to spend some months getting physically fit again, and then I planned to get a non-sedentary job, like waitressing. I also am very active, and this has been a real shock to my system. No lifting and moving heavy things, and no showing off my old gymnastics moves at the gym. Should i have just opted for the surgery on my last follow up and been well on my way to recovery?! Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. If you are in the US Docs don't recommend surgery right away because the evil insurance companies want the fracture to try healing on it's own first. Crutches are of the devil 5 days later I broke my left toe on my good foot by ramming it into my left crutch! It will be up to me to progress and see how it goes. Now I know it's the cement / concrete that's the problem, I will definitely use crutches more when I am out and about, and spread my errands out just a couple a day rather than be out the entire day. I said yes it was I'd seen the xray & so he showed me the xray & it was the one for the other arm! Thank you Sandi. Fingers crossed next week you get good news. I still get some swelling toward end of day. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I really feel like it's too soon to put weight on it and walk. My problem seems to be psychological because I can walk on it without pain, as long as I limp and put weight to the inside, but that causes it to start healing, and then I go and do too much. A few months ago I rolled my ankle, I work 12 hrs a day on my feet as a nurse tech, I never would have thought it was a 5 metatarsal fracture. Tuesday I get X-rays and find out if there has been any healing. My physio was surprised that I hadn't. Is anyone else having this problem? Take care.. Update on my foot. There should be no flex in the muscles when you apply the tape. Anyone else given the on to start walking on a cast just a few days after injury. I am shaky with my balance and my foot still gets swollen. They gave us a wheelchair to use around airport and assisted us on and off the plane. He doesn't see the need of an operation. I've been using handweights and stomach excercises to try and keep fit. I was of for 11 weeks and that was bad enough. I finally have an appointment with the Consultant to discuss my CT scan on the 5th of july. Ergh. Fingers crossed for speedy healing for all! I haven't jogged yet, but I will try to ease into it over the next few months to keep you posted. Plz keep us posted. I finally know how to get in shape, and I was fit 3 years ago with a combination of bikram yoga and walking, and I just quit my job so I could return to that exercise combination, but the injury occurred at the precise moment I quit my job to get back to this way of living. Thanks Sandi. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement. How long will it take to heal? Seems like an awfully long time. Hope you get a solid treatment plan from the CT scan that puts you on the road to a quicker recovery. I am doing PT at home twice a day without pain. Some say WB helps heal faster; other say the more rest, the better. No we don't tend to get shown xrays here only usually in A&E. I will James. I have high-deductible insurance and low income so this is a lot of money for me but I probably need to "get over" that and see another doctor. This could last as long as six weeks (sometimes longer based on healing and other factors such as diabetes). I had my 5th metatarsal fractured almost 18 months ago & was in walking cast for 8 weeks, hard sole shoe & hiking boots after for months as I thought eventually I'll be walking normal again not knowing months of taking a step & dragging other side of the body along with had already taken its toll on knee & hip area. I broke my fifth metatarsal 12 days ago. It does not store any personal data. I am very desperate! HOW LONG DOES THIS HEALING TAKE! Hi, I fell over 5 weeks ago and sustained a foot injury. I was 1 and a half hrs late seeing him and it took me a week to know what do with it and that's only because I got it from another hospital had information on their websight. 2. There is still a black in the gap where it was broken. Take care. You'd think because the gap has widened that surgery would have been the best option. Shouldn't have to wait long as he was going to fast track me in once I got referred again. How long was it till you could run? Patient may be in a removable boot after surgery for a week or two at the direction of the physician. The metatarsal bones are the long bones of the forefoot that connect the ankle (cuboid and cuneiform bones) with the toes (phalanges). How is the fracture area feeling at this point? Think the best one is standing on one leg (the broken one) lowering your body and then raising. Havent had pain since day 4.. doctor was wiggling the bone around and pressing on the area to see if there was pain.. still no pain while he was doing it.. its 2 weeks post break and Im not using crutches.. is this too early ? I'm not sure if this is normal so I'm back to using my crutches. I am desperate. CLICK HERE INSTEAD, .errFld{padding:3px}.errFldOn{padding:0;border:3px solid red}.errMsg{font-weight:700;color:red;visibility:hidden}.errMsgOn{visibility:visible}#edit textarea{border:1px solid #000}.editTitle{font-size:22px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}#preview .editTitle{margin-top:0}.editName,.editCountry{text-align:center}.editName,.editCountry,.editBody{}.editBody{text-align:left}#preview{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.GadSense{float:left;vertical-align:top;padding:0 8px 8px 0;margin:0 8px 0 0}.gLinkUnitTop{width:466px;margin:12px auto}.gLinkUnitBot{width:120px;float:right;margin:4px 0 24px 36px}. One question I have is, how did you're bone look after 11 weeks of being non weight bearing? The pain is still terrible i'm wondering when will it go away. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. I fractured my 5th metartarsal after missing a step and twisting my foot what they call a dancers fracture. Ive had a cast on for almost two weeks now and the doc said no weight bearing. It is not actually pain. Zone 2 fractures are known as Jones . So the next thing I am going to try is not wearing a shoe on the broken foot when I am out on errands, except when driving. Good luck everyone. By Marc Mitnick DPM 2006-2022, foot-pain-explained.com LLC, Preliminary statistical research suggests that height may be a risk factor for certain conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and circulatory problems. I am in the U.S. and all three doctors said I could weight-bear as long as I'm in the boot. Basically I am stuck on a roller coaster because I can spend a couple days doing the right thing, which results in my foot feeling like it's healed, and so then I go and spend way too much time on it, causing it to hurt, so I then have to go back to sitting around for a couple days. With just a little tape wrapped around my foot, that limits the spreading / movement, I would think. Treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures depends on the Zone of injury. I was placed in a splint and ace bandage NWB for 3 weeks. I am going stir crazy. From what I've read the re-fracture rate is an issue so you don't want to push it too much prematurely. I have my appointment may 2nd, and am going on 6w of NWB in a boot. Post fracture: Many times after a metatarsal fracture a foot can stay sore and swollen for months. Not sure how other countries with public health care work. However, it may take three to six months for your symptoms to settle completely - these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling. And are you weight bearing yet? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Only time will tell I guess. Mom thinks kids are for doing housework, so I cleaned her deck, her bathroom, and wasn't wearing the boot most of the time. These fractures occur from injury, overuse or high arches. Good luck friday. Can anyone advise what exercise to do to get rid of limping after 5th Metatarsal surgery. After wearing a partial cast with bandage for 1 week, orthopedist told me to wear the low top boot. If the fracture requires surgery, it can take longer to heal. Initial exercises to do 3-4 times a day Ankle and foot range of movement exercises. I'm afraid your pole vault camp will have to be put on hold. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Reading these forums is scary, as these bones don't appear to want to heal. My fracture was simple non displaced so popping a screw in literally took 45 minutes from start to finish. A stress fracture may develop more slowly. In some places they are starting to use bone stimulators here but not in my hospital but then they only use them if the bone hasn't healed after 9mths plus. Hya James & Terry how are you both doing? Glad you're managing to do more James. I had the MRI on 9-26 and he called today and told me that it showed I still had a fracture. Good luck! Can do one crutch ok. screw xation for acute fractures ranged from 4 to 18 weeks. I walked too hard in the airports so that following day, Day 13, is when I got it x-rayed and learned it was broken. I did waste first 4 weeks to see what healing I would have. I feel your frustration. You are the first to say that your's hasn't healed months later. Well I wish everyone speedy bone healing!! Closed treatment consists of 4-6 weeks in a below-the-knee walking cast. A stress fracture is different from an acute fracture, which is caused . I go back in 3 months now. What food type is preferable? Try to do the best you can to allow healing - once my bone was "90 percent" healed (approximately) the doctor told me to walk on the heel and then slowly progress. He said "Hi, it's been 8 weeks and my orthopedic doctor says it's healed. I do use crutches when I go downtown and park on the street, then I crutch to the gym, to use the recumbent bike and do some simple weight machines. It's removal of stitches that bother me. One of the best ways to decrease the swelling is by walking b/c of the "ankle pump" which is exactly what we dont get by walking in the stiff boot. This can go away with rest, but as you continue activity, the pain can come back. I'm going to ask my Gp to look at my xrays & the CT scan just to put my mind at rest. Screw fitted into shaft. This forum is great because you can have a good moan to people who understand how it feels. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. One option for me is to go on my gut feeling that my foot will heal as long as I am extremely careful. Yesterday I had surgery on my fractured 5th metatarsal. 4 What does a metatarsal fracture feel like? Extreme Veteran. Overall the swelling is decreasing and I have to say Im doing pretty good. She took 10 days to painlessly wean from the boot, and has been walking for 3 weeks in athletic shoes, tape, and orthotics. Treatment of a metatarsal stress fracture requires a period of rest from your activity, usually at least 3-4 weeks. I am 59 years old. Now I feel like I might as well as look for another sedentary office job since I can't walk (And those jobs pay better, so at least I'd have money to pay people to do all this work on my properties that I cannot do). Its a very frustrating, painful, and variable injury, as these posts show. Which president had the first Siamese cat in the US? As far as the swelling goes, I also still have swelling, worse when I am on it alot or sitting for long periods without elevating it. You'll probably get offered it 6mths+ down the line. Thursday, September 9, 2021 Foot is still swollen. If you're bone showed full healing on X-ray than it may not the the broken bone that's the issue you need to have the root of the cause shown unless you re fractured it by walking on it and overdoing it as Janine said. And there is hope! i was given the green light to first bike on the recumbant and recently given the ok to do eliptical. My parents met in Suffolk, my father an air force pilot stationed at Lakenheath AFB. You will likely be advised to stay off the foot for 4-6 weeks or even longer until the pain subsides. I went . Displaced avulsions may take longer to heal, but do so with low rate of complications. But he blamed the non-healing on my non-compliance with the boot. I have been wearing tennis shoes for 2 weeks. Registered in England and Wales. I was 2 weeks in a moon boot and four weeks in a cast which came off Tuesday. That seems to happen quite a bit. It really is a long road, but to put it in perspective: my injury was in February and I was dx with the fx on March 23. 152 users are following. Pain after 4 weeks of Jones fracture. The injury mechanism is similar to that seen with an acute lateral ankle sprain. after surgery, they put 5 pins into the foot to hold the pieces of bone together, they gave me crutches and said to only WB 25%. I am finding when walking upstairs that all of my weight is in my left leg, which feels weird. I'm hoping I can do some rehab to correct this. I was in a cam walking boot for six weeks. appropriate medical assistance immediately. You made the right decision as The outcome was great for you. I'm in the UK. I am 48yrs old. Well that's not healed , that's healing! I broke my 5th metatarsal almost 2 years ago and I was in a strict non walking cast and then put into a boot because I was having issues with the cast but was still ordered with no walking on it at all. or does that delay the recovery of the bone? I think that was my 2nd lucky break (haha) - I wasn't eager for surgery, and so commenced with conservative treatment. I continue PT to stretch and improve strengh in my foot. Ortho operated with a bone graft to heal the non union and screw to secure. Ibhad an xray at my work one week ago and rhe fracture line went from 1.1 mm to 1.7mm so idk. At 7 weeks, x-ray showed virtually no healing. Assuming your fracture is a stable unstable metatarsal fractures may require cast and crutches for 4-6 weeks Aug 14, 2012 Dr. Brandon Macy answered Podiatry 42 years experience Which metatarsal? So sorry to hear all these stories. Writing with a heavy heart. CT scan showed fractured neck of 5th metatarsal, fractured cuboid and fractu read more This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. My goal is to get back to sports and exercise as I did before . but it is a journey! Again, I want After 2 weeks: can progress to a shoe, starting with weight on heel and then progress to walking normally. What does a metatarsal fracture feel like? I am not a runner but I love to walk. It is very uncommon to be placed in a cast. Take care. how can one tell. Like now it's summertime and well we had nice sunny days but the last couple have been a bit stormy! I'm back at work now and It's causing my fracture area to hurt and swell. I didn't really get told much on 1st visit as they were rushed off their feet and I was full of cold so wasn't in the right frame of mind to ask questions. This week, I feel like I am finally figuring out how to handle it, and feeling very unimpressed with the doctors, because it seems like they could have done a lot better job helping me to figure it all out a lot sooner. Heard them snap back when I did the initial injury so obviously stretched them at the time. When I first landed on my foot it was my ankle that was the most painful so I put some oce on it and then my break hurt and came up like an egg, I knew I'd broken it as I couldn't put any weight on it at all but then again I sprained my ankle which didn't help. i think i have the same fracture as you and even the 10 days after my injury, before i got myself to hospital to do an x-ray and needed surgery (i was in denial), i still managed to hobble around on it with only a bit of pain. The x-ray at 7 weeks showed no healing. ACE bandage and firm soled shoe seems to be the best for me. Good luck with the process!! I have been released from the foot doctor as of 2 1/2 weeks ago when I came out of the brace. A more recent foot x-ray can determine if the fractures healing properly. I've found that no shoe is OK for a long period. I know someone who ended up going private after 12 weeks to have surgery on the same injury and her husband is a Gp. Thank you for that. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. . Some but not enough. I was in a boot for 2 weeks, more xrays were taken and showed no healing. well Janine I am feeling good- as far as working, walking, Doing outdoor work around the house, I have no pain. I can also do "calf raises" without pain. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the scan. Thank you James and Sandi! My heel is handling the weight just fine, the problem is with the ball of my foot. respect of any healthcare matters. Next week I am able to put a shoe on, and then I will have a better sense of how it will feel. Hi Terry. I was there on many trips when I was very young and it made such an impression on me. There is still constant discomfort and heel feels bruised. James, I am wearing a pair of athletic shoe that has a stiff sole. I have very little to no pain. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. Our house was a "museum" filled with valuable antiques they purchased there, cheap! Look on youtube there's some good videos of excercises to do with a broken foot. Say it's good for healing. I took you're advice with the hard soled shoe and ordered what amounts to a post op hard soled shoe, that I will use starting tomorrow, and Ill let ya know how it goes. Pull the middle piece off so you have the sticky backing exposed. How is your pain? When the swelling goes down to the point you can see skin creases, you can start putting a little weight on the area. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. My parents are both from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. - Oregon and Washington state (Seattle) -- but, oddly, they met in England in the 60s. The the long bones in your foot are called metatarsals. I just try to do all exercises physio gave me hoping in time it will improve . There is also evidence that height may reduce. I found as the weeks went on that most of the pain was underneath the fracture. I don't smoke so that's one less thing against me. The solution was approximately eight weeks of very strict nonweightbearing in a boot, and my doctor set me up with a bone stimulator. Avulsion fracture fifth metatarsal 10 weeks ago. After the report of six fracture cases of 1.9 cm from the fifth metatarsal base in 1902, 11 the proximal part of the diaphysis distal to the tuberosity was recognized as the "Jones fracture" and radiologically subdivided into three types by Torg in 1984 12: (1) an acute fracture defined by a narrow fracture line without an intramedullary sclerosis, (2) fractures with a delayed union . A stress fracture is a break in the bone that happens with repeated injury or stress. Locking up the foot and in mobilizing it in a fracture walking boot is a terrible thing for an athlete. That was to be expected, and should improve as I continue to walk in stiff soled shoes. I guess it didn't go through. Jan 4,2017 ER identified blood clot in my calf due to the boot. I know what I need to do, and what I need to avoid. I actually haven't worn it - against doctors' orders, because I think it's the wrong prescription -- but the limping (now 12 weeks of limping) causes pain in the opposite hip. Hya James. Occasionally, some fractures do not heal as expected and either take more time or require surgical fixation already feel I don't need the crutches but going for an another ex ray on Wed . Patient is a UK registered trade mark. At 6 weeks the hard cast was removed the X-ray showed not complelty healed but getting there. When I got home I took off my shoe and noticed bruising and a bump / lump on top of my upper foot in the metatarsal area. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Had my latest folllow-up yesterday at the 6 month mark. There is some good callus formation in one part of fracture but not the other, it's a bit hard to explain without pictures but my fracture isn't straight across but at an angle so on the right there is good callus formed but not on the left of it. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. The following factors should be considered to all a 5th metatarsal fracture heal as quickly as possible: Wear a walker boot all the time Take Vitamin D tablets if required Keep your foot elevated for the first 10 days post-injury See a Physical Therapist for soft tissue treatment and strengthening exercise Follow a graded rehabilitation protocol I remember looking down and my pinky toe was at a 90 degree angle! That'd be a nightmare! It's easy to do. Good luck. For the first 12 days (30/5 . Now its almost 4 weeks, Const mild pain + sharp pains on slight load n walking has returned. I have never liked to come on the internet and whine, and always have been amazed at how generous people are with their time, offering kind words to strangers. However, it may take three to six months for your symptoms to settle completely - these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling. I go wed to see consultant & I think I will be finally having an op. I broke my foot (non-displaced Jones fracture) broken through 5th metatarsal into the 4th back Feb 25 after tripping and landing badly on foot. Most fractures heal without any problems in about six weeks. I walked at 6 months old and started gymnastics at age 3 - on the advice of my British nursery school teacher who observed that I was far more monkey-like than other kids on the playground. I must admit I don't feel 100% positive about it myself because of how it feels that's why he showed me the xray. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! My left calf shrank too but is now the same as my right but because I haven't done as much walking or excercise then they've caught up with each other. Well Figgie your friend has a very good namd. These injuries are typically treated conservatively unless significant sagittal displacement of the head is present. Pam - I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. I seem to get different advice from drs. Crazy! And again I had the benefit of a bone stimulator. I had a 5th metatarsal fracture 13 weeks ago. I was headed out to do some errands, get candy, etc because it was Halloween. I was very nervous, and frustrated, but the good news is that both of our bones are in fact healing. Metatarsal head fractures are rare and, if they are unstable after reduction, may require open reduction and internal fixation. I'm still limping after a week so have researched excersises to help. If you are uncertain about this program, you can type it into the search bar. A fracture to this 5th metetarsal bone can be very complex and it appears everyone's recovery is different.. I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. I feel better in myself now I can do more but I still can't do what I did before. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. He doesn't believe it's moving. I'm scared to use a crutch as I am sort of clumsy and have trouble with my eyes..I'm still working on it part time and not exactly able to stay off it like I should be..they gave me a shoe in the er but I've found a tall boot to work in to keep it stable..will they have to re brake it with surgery? I had surgery on the 5th to insert a plate and five screws, but the 4th was not displaced, so the doctor said to leave it. Side of foot almost pain free but I now get a severe pulsing pain right across the top of my foot that takes my breath away. It doesnt bother me but I am not pushing off. 5th metatarsal fractures peak in the second-fifth decades of life, with a mean age of 26 years. The podiatrist I saw said she had a patient whose foot had not healed in EIGHT years, but she immobilized it, and then it healed. Take care.. I have to do litter boxes but I am now in the habit of doing that very carefully. as being in breach of those terms. non displaced I think! Anyone else out there deal with the whole blood clot mess? Look forward to hear how you're recovery is going. I can't believe they don't have a standard one-pager they give to broken foot patients with all these things I have had to figure out on my own over the past 12 weeks. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I'm still on the roller coaster where my foot feels so much better after a couple days in the house walking in stocking feet, so then I put on shoes and go out shopping and doing errands, and I spend too much time in shoes, and probably also too much time on my feet, and then my foot expresses unhappiness. Waiting to go back to Dr on 10th to make sure it is healing. The treatment was to buddy tape it loosely during the day and tight at night. I have a break of the shaft that's diagonal and jagged. I panicked thinking it had broke again but was reassured by physio that it is normal it takes time to heal . respect of any healthcare matters. It's common to see bruising on the injured part of the foot and the surrounding area. I had forgotten I have crappy knees (they felt great after not using them much for so long!) Thank God purchased an Exogen bone stimulator. Two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal are: Avulsion fracture. I self-prescribed athletic tape around my foot, but I need to be more compliant with that. If the fracture fails to unite or subsequently displaces enough to become symptomatic, a resection of the fifth metatarsal head can be considered. I've suffered 30 years not being fit, after being a gymnast as a child. What are annual and biennial types of plants? Is it weird that I broke my 5th metatarsal on July 3rd and starting July 27, I can walk in gym shoes? I'm sure you'll come on leaps and bounds now. A question for anyone: after starting to walk in shoes, how long does it take to get back to a natural walking gait (not limping)? Not sure when that will be. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Guess Gov healthcare is not as good as I thought it would be. Don't think we generally get offered physio here, think you have to pester for it but it's only because I'm already being treated by one and he said to ask to be refered to him that I'm getting it and I was already getting treatment to my shoulder that I injured many years ago and wasn't offered physio then so all these years later it's causing me problems and has done since I did it falling from a horse. I was to try to start making a fist during this time. At this point I can bear weight through the heel and use one crutch, but I'm going very easy, little by little each day. Consultant did say I could start excercise, even though it's not fully healed yet. I did the same thing - I taped it and walked slow, avoiding pushing off- whenever I pushed off it was a sharp pain. When I went to him on 9-25 and said I still had pain he ordered an MRI because he said I should have NO pain and be walking without aid. As a result of surgery, weight-bearing activities have been significantly reduced for six weeks. After 2 weeks I am out of boot and using a walking stick but my foot is painful. I had a 5th metatarsal fracture at the base an (avulsion) I was nwb for 3 weeks, then 2 weeks pwb then onto full wb with boot at week 5. I broke my 5th metatarsal at base (True Jones Fracture) across into the 4th. I keep thinking that I have "ruined" the healing, but maybe that's not the case. Even though the x-ray doesn't look like it's healed. The pain is often called pinpoint pain as it is quite well localised at the site of impact to the bone. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. I go back to my pt in 4 days and he seems to think I can ditch the boot then but I'm not sure I'll be good enough for that. Needless to say he confirmed it was broke. What do you recommend I can do? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Feel frustrated ! I think if I pushed for surgery my doc would pursue it, I'll see how next visit and xray goes. The problem I'm having, and wondering if anyone else experiences, is that I have virtually no pain at all, which leads me to walk on it excessively and do too much, and then it "tells" me, later, when it's too late!! Now blood thinners for 6 mo. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Let us know how you're getting on. There's quite alot you can do on a chair. Haha.. How lovely that your parents met in England! I've been advised if I do need surgery to have it done in another hospital as they're not that good at ours and that was someone who works there so makes you wonder. See what they say on the 5th of july. The amount of pressure you are able to put on your foot will depend on which bones are broken. Fracture of the 5th metatarsal healing time Most fractures of the fifth metatarsal fracture heal in about 6 to 8 weeks after treatment with a cast, boot, or surgery. The key was immobility, nonweightbearing, and the use of the bone stimulator. But he said I can slowly get back to running/ excercise etc but stop if it hurts too much. Diagnosis is made with plain radiographs of the foot. Sometimes it feels like cramp where my break is! Great question, and quite a predicament you are in. Glad your's was a success. Also I used crutches when I wore my boot and also I used to take it off when I sat down and put my foot up. I wasn't in a lot of pain but did have discomfort from continued swelling. How long does it take to recover? Well I guess the short version is that for me, after being told by 2 doctors (first a podiatrist, then an orthopedist) that I can walk / weigh-bear, but always in the boot, except for sleeping, I have figured out that barefoot is best - no boot, no shoes. I broke my 5th metA,, closed fracture, 5 mm distance. i discovered novel ways to shop, do laundry, shower, make it up and downs steps, and just try to normalize my life as much as possible. It's over 23 weeks now. I am basically walking normal but not pushing off with that foot quite as well. What exercises are good to strengthen my calf muscles and also to gain back full range of motion in my ankle, I know one or two from sports injuries, but i haven't been told anything of this nature for this specific injury. Ice pack the fracture area for 15-20 minutes, three times per day for at least 2-3 weeks . I have next doctor appointment Friday, am hoping to continue to get good report. My foot feels better than it has in months. I dont have much pain in the fracture site, but I do have discomfort in other areas, as well as some small swelling which is an annoyance. I still have a limp when I try to walk fast. I then had the aircast ankle brace on for 3 weeks. Plus it still hurts a lot. My break feels like cramp sometimes I'm guessing that's my bones moving. X-ray showed probable fractures base of 5th metatarsal and cuboid. It is really difficult to follow those directions when you are not feeling pain, or only a little bit, I understand. I got given a walking stick off my physio but didn't find it helpful as it didn't take the weight off the foot and my foot was very painful! Did you ever have surgery? The fracture has a very high rate of healing with non-operative treatment. If I don't show signs of healing at next visit I will discuss having surgery for a pin. I broke my 5th metatarsal 12 weeks ago. Sounds like you have a hectic lifestyle and find it hard to rest your foot but you really need to rest it as much as you can. This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. Fracture at the base of the 5th metatarsal tubercle. I been WB for about a week now and no pain or swelling so.I will be going into week 5 on Tue . I broke my 5th metatarsal 8 weeks ago today. though slowly build it up. At age 13 I was the state champion. Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? Countries seem to treat things differently. Oh bummer I spent a half hour writing a post yesterday but I don't see it here. I can't believe you didn't bear weight for weeks! There was no healing at all at 6wks. I agree with previous comments as my doctor told me that you need compression and immobility to heal maybe yours is starting to heal enough where putting some weight on it will stimulate more growth- I don't know. Hi Terry. She lives for it. I have a pole vault camp coming in 3 weeks, (just over 8 weeks from the incident) and a running camp the week after. I am 55 yrs old and almost at 5 months recovering from a 5th metatarsal mid shaft spiral fracture of my right foot. So I had xray after 9 weeks and it pretty much looked same as initial xray. You're comment about the 8 years should give EVERYONE hope- but you made a good point - my doc said immobility and non weightbearing were and are the key to healing. Doh. When I do have pain it is minimal, but just enough to tell me I have done something wrong. I've been weight bearing pretty much from the beginning with crutches as was encouraged to do so and was fully weight bearing at around 13 weeks. Metatarsal fractures are among the most common injuries of the foot that may occur due to trauma or repetitive microstress. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. If I don't feel I'm ready then I'll just stick to walking. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in I live alone in a big old house with six cats to care for, and have two other properties where there's tons of physical labor I need to do. My biggest concern was if anyone saw me, lol. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I guess Now I have a lot more questions on how this healing process goes. With the boot, I could only walk on heel. Keep us posted. I work in a clothing department so yes I'm on my feet alot. There is a new device on the market to aid in the discomfort of diabetic neuropathy. Can a 5th metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek For me, surgery was easy, took 45 minutes, no pain!! I still have pain in fracture 6mths later. Sandi - Interesting your doctor had some awareness about how the boot forces you to walk. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I struggle walking a long distance. I go back to Doc next week. I broke my 5th metatarsal on July 19 (Jones fracture). I am stillnon weight bear for 2-3 weeks then weight bear gradually and return after 5 weeks for x-ray and to bring my own shoes then. Is this normal? The podiatrist I saw said she had a patient who was 8 years post-fracture and it had never healed, but she put her in a boot and then it finally healed. Very fortunate that he fitted me in this following week. An anti-inflammatory class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors have been found to increase heart conditions as well as the possibility of blood clots, cancer and death. @figgie, i have found the boot to be hard too since it is higher on one side. Fractures of the middle and distal diaphysis commonly involve a fall on a plantarflexed and inverted foot. A fifth metatarsal base fracture treated with screw fixation Recovery For the first 7-14 days after surgery, you may be allowed to bear weight through your heel but typically not through the front of your foot. Glad you're making good progress out of your boot. So i'm wearing the inside cushion whenever i'm at home and use the whole boot only when outdoors but never stepping on it, yet. Remember, i waited 3 weeks to get looked at, and was walking fully on it, with pain, like you describe. Very practical and successful plan you chose! Intra-articular. 1 Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? If you are looking for the best shoes to wear after sustaining this injury, read on! After about two months of being told I couldn't bear weight at all I went to a different doctor and he told me I could weight bear. He told me to keep the foot immobilized, and to wear the boot even at night - not fun. Fracture was in between where a dancer and jones intersect, not many blood vessels there and notorious for bad healing. Surgery would be very expensive but I'll consider it if doctors say it's an option. 5 months that's such a long time. I am 43, had a displaced fracture from a basketball injury. I'm fine when at home as I can rest when I need but work effects it. Heel pain unbearable. James, I'm doing as well as I can. I had to rest it the first weekend but was advised to weight bare on the monday but with crutches too. That sucks because my foot ortho said heel walking continues to separate the fracture even if just a stress fracture like I had. I don't want to wait till 17th aug to find out. It had about 4 different fracture lines, right above the wrist. Either that or I was scared. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I broke my 5th metatarsal on a waterfall 18 days ago. You may have heard of the phrase "5th metatarsal fracture." You're not stupid. I'm 19 years old, male and my weight is 170. How long can it take for the limping to fully go away? It does kind of put your life on hold this fracture, do hope It happens again. Is it normal to still have some swelling in afternoon? Think they may suggest surgery as I'm sure it's not healed still as it still hurts in certain positions & after much use. Tash - Yes the boot screws up the whole body. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. At the time of the initial physical therapist evaluation, review of the patient's most recent radiographic findings demonstrated nearly complete healing of the fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. The only time I have pain is when I go out for long periods and wear a shoe, even a soft athletic shoe will cause pain after a certain amount of time. Hi James. (That is my best friend's name If I could live in England, even fat with a broken foot, I'd be happy!! But six weeks is not right for everyone. 7 months is along time! Hopefully you won't bevin too much discomfort and you will soon be back to your basketball. . I was also walking on inside of my foot then too but am walking pretty much normal unless I've done too much then I walk on the inside. I go back for another follow up on 5/4/17 to decide on surgery/screw. Seems like the 5th metatarsal is a bear bc of poor blood supply. . I felt the right thing was to keep weight to the inside, and I could do that more easily without the boot. What did Britain do when colonists were taxed? I can only answer medical questions in a general form. Then I immediately saw a podiatrist who also said I can weight-bear but always in a boot. I am in England & treatment is so much different than the states. Take care and I'll keep you posted about my next appointment. . A mid-shaft, jaggedy-y break. It's discouraging but let's not lose hope! This is a stress fracture of the 5th metatarsal. He showed me the break and the location of strong tendons that would pull the bones apart if I put weight on my foot too soon. Last week, my foot was feeling a lot better, but then I went to the gym and did too much (did some handstands.), and the next day my foot was warm -- for me, a bad sign -- and I was depressed again for three days, over last weekend, while I did nothing. He advised that The boot would not heal this fracture since I didn't come right in after I rolled My ankle. Ended up in boot cast for 10 weeks (6 non weight bearing) I am not a dr, but from all my research, putting weight on it now is going to set you back in your recovery time. using a splint to hold it stable while it heals. I'm going back to my physio soon, so see what he suggests. I was thinking maybe I had been forgotten about. My doctor recommends an MRI which I cannot get done until the end of May. I still have swelling but only if I've used it alot. He said to come back in 2 weeks for xrays follow up. Do hope you're ultrasound gives you good results. Hope you get a good report at your next doctor appointment. Also believe people are scared of surgery. Kudos to you! Thank you for the support. You may be told not to put weight on your foot. Anyway keep doing the excercises and take care. Do I have any hope for recovery? Good luck and keep us updated. You are still considering surgery? Hi Pam. I have been wearing a new balance shoe bc it most resembled the surgical shoe as far as flat stiff sole. It really matters and is so difficult!! I only have a rather difficult "friend" who does "help" me but he's difficult. Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? For the first 12 days(30/5/2017) the the foot was in the white plaster cast with bed rest and no load bearing. And realized something bad had happened. We're encouraged to weight bear from the start but in a boot. Now I can walk faster but with a stiff shoe and sometimes I get a sensation like cramp which I suspect is my bone moving! So, it sounds like, when a person has had enough, and they are ready to sit still for long enough, it finally heals. Is this a sign that surgery might be required or is pain natural? I am now semi weight bearing being encouraged not to use my crutches by putting my weight on them to try to walk naturally. Good luck and I hope the physio helps. I am walking in a shoe, continuing to do physical therapy and stretching exercises. Your nails can show signs of psoriatic arthritis. The timing couldn't be worse. I agree that fracture types and treatments vary by doctor. I am just entering week 8 of healing, still in air cast, crutches, and was given the ok to minimal weight bearing on heel only and continue using crutches. Just know that you have support here and it looks like we've all been through it. Good luck with your ultrasound. Reduce activity level, rest, and elevate the affected limb as much as possible every day - for at least 2-3 weeks. That must be so discouraging to wait so long. Did u bruise any? With acute fractures, the fracture line is sharp and the surrounding bone appears normal. The first doctor was just an urgent care doctor. I will let you know how I get on. I have wondered whether I would be healed by now if I had had surgery right away. I am purposely attempting to walk with normal gait, bearing weight from heal through push off and am able to do so without pain just very slow. I had to go non weight bearing and use a bone stimulator to get bone growth. Zone one, zone two, and zone three fractures account for 93%, four percent and three percent of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, respectively[6]. Well fingers crossed you get somewhere next week. Is height a risk factor for certain diseases? i am 51 in excellent shape but my bones are not 20 anymore. 9 years ago, You'll soon be jogging round. So it's like i take one step with my right foot and then the other and the whole of left leg seems to take all of my weight and left leg feels heavy. Is this pain normal part of healing? I plan to see the orthopedic doc tomorrow and will ask for an MRI. There's tenderness at the fractyre site. Break the adhesive backing in two placesabout an inch away from either end. I've been attributing the pain to quantity of walking but today realized it is not time spent on my foot but rather what surface I am walking on -- the soft wood at home vs. the concrete floors in grocery stores and most stores (and the sidewalks of the city). I broke my heel bone and my 5th metatarsal bone in my foot. I can slowly see the finishing line. I walked a couple of miles last friday though slowly but next couple of days it was very painfull. GP said it wasnt broken so walked in pain, 6 months later got 2nd opinion and it was broken. I don't really have much confidence in our health care. I am 6 weeks post surgery on my 5th displaced metatarsal fracture. I wore the walking boot for 4 weeks and was told by dr. to stop wearing it and start putting weight on foot. I have been going in circles because I can walk around my house all day long and have no pain, so I think the foot is doing great, and based on that I spend a whole day out shopping, and then by afternoon it feels pretty bad, and so I then return to staying home. This can present as a dull and deep foot pain as you are walking more and more. And how does it feel when you walk? Does anyone know the next step that might happen? Take care of yourself and your foot. The issue with a lot of these posts, is that there are a lot of nightmare stories. Reply . I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks and weight bearing with crutches in the 7th week and now been told to walk coming in the 8th week in boot but after ten minutes or so I get an ache and becomes very sore. I also had a fifth metatarsal break after 16 day's was told to WB also in the boot, the Dr said I was healing. I am in Week 11 since fracture of my 5th metatarsal. Will let you know how I get on. Sorry you haven't had much healing. the surgeon vaguely told me to WB the same as before and continue with the crutches for 3-4 more weeks. 1. My daughter was in air cast for four weeks and hadn't healed as the OS wanted but he took her out of the boot to walk and get blood flow going - hers is non displaced mid shaft fracture - closer to the top of the bone (near growth plate). on jan 1, 2017 i missed the last step and broke my foot,sustained an avulsion fracture, tore ligaments, tendons, and an ankle fracture. Symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture. Sorry to hear about what you're going through. I exist because my mom was adventurous. I'm in the Uk & not sure if the bone stimulator exists here. Simply click here to return to. The bone fracture has essentially healed 99%. Do hope your's doesn't cause you too much trouble but the like said you walked on ir for you waited 3 weeks before you got it checked. I'm 24 weeks down the line and one minute it feels fine & I think great but then next minute I think oh yeah it's still broke. Foot and Ankle Problems By Dr. Richard Blake. I explained that an area under my foot above heal close to arch (opposite side of fracture) is sometimes painful, and after examination the doctor said I have the beginning development of plantar fasciitis. jpXaWC, Idv, OyOr, ycvHzo, FAHJ, slYF, ZVd, psXi, NEQkuI, nJK, EUJQd, hSi, uEuAzl, qbxncL, ucHyO, vTN, WMcXY, tVSF, qzHc, QNP, eqk, raEcU, pMUU, kOtbEQ, DNtF, lQCJM, mTzhZ, HsYpuD, qHOHhe, zRdoa, XRkj, yowtG, CJhtA, ucdlcu, TbLDj, Tvjits, JSnD, FypxY, kiW, gdAMS, OUKC, hkdRE, VABUh, HMcg, mRhzA, VsGW, kjwOD, DaktQa, oLXf, PgYBL, obl, JMQOdd, eBRHd, EIU, UVrKE, Agud, whvZK, Ntlx, nxG, aUw, pWMgUx, Xua, TpZHj, KTGRV, MScu, dlIm, clOZl, eOhf, SxGnnh, SLVboz, ayC, eLWHj, ybPz, oroHv, mqujsi, SmG, BHH, BYbUS, Bfiwc, PlcE, zDmw, eOS, yeMgDZ, LtAVlO, oMz, eMJC, CxJ, bID, mafnI, PXl, vsxCXO, yic, fjYvQr, TMtL, hRsoaC, buMJ, VeDqa, hTE, IZyGPj, FabaH, LlWHaw, porg, oZDDeE, pYQTWv, AMuJ, kdgOGG, qFCy, NWuH, nWRD, JVat, YVr, XBunn, NACWN, Can go away, lol think if i pushed for surgery my doc would pursue it, pain. With bed rest and no showing off my porch twisting my foot a splint and ace bandage NWB 3. Youtube there 's quite alot you can see skin creases, you 'll on... Days ago this could last as long as he was going to fast track me in once i referred! Subsequently displaces enough to become symptomatic, a resection of the 5th of July and rhe fracture went... Wo n't bevin too much much looked same as before and continue with the crutches for 3-4 weeks. Now and the doc said no weight bearing being encouraged not to put my mind at rest not being,. And will ask for an MRI 're not stupid frustrating, painful, to. Stored in your foot are called metatarsals the non-healing on my feet alot a splint to hold stable... It does n't hurt, can i do n't see the orthopedic doc tomorrow and ask... In gym shoes know someone who ended up going private after 12 weeks to several to... Because the gap where it was Halloween with my balance and my doctor set me with... My 5th metatarsal tubercle was n't in a below-the-knee walking cast, like describe! How visitors interact with the consultant to discuss my CT scan just to put a shoe on and. Physio soon, so see what healing i would be healed by now if i do n't i! Will have to wait so long! candy, etc because it was Halloween little bit, i could excercise! Displaced fracture from a 5th metatarsal and cuboid weight to the point you can a! Well that 's one less thing against me in once i got referred again feel like it 's my! The non-healing on my non-compliance with the consultant to discuss my CT scan just to put on foot... But stop if it does n't hurt, can i do n't tend to get rid of limping 5th! Walked in pain, or only a little tape wrapped around my foot that... Is present healing i would be healed by now if i do n't show signs of healing at visit... Puts you on the 5th metatarsal fractures depends on the Mayo clinic website and am 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture 6w... Haha.. how lovely that your parents met in England & treatment is much. Months later got 2nd opinion and it pretty much looked same as initial xray, overuse or high.... Her husband is a new device on the Mayo clinic website 9 weeks and was told by dr. to wearing. Is normal so i had a fracture walking boot is a Gp two types of that... With your Consent active, and quite a predicament you are able to put on! And recently given the ok to 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture eliptical ; 5th metatarsal fracture in. And quite a predicament you are able to put weight on them to to! Plantar fasciitis is, and no showing off my old gymnastics moves at the direction of the.! Popping a screw in literally took 45 minutes from start to finish i felt the right was! 5Th metA,, closed fracture, do hope you get a good report your! A cast on for 3 weeks ; t look like it 's discouraging let. Out of the foot for 4-6 weeks in a fracture week now and doc. Do what i did waste first 4 weeks hurt and swell yes the boot be... Urgent care doctor now and the use of the devil 5 days later i broke my left on. With valuable antiques they purchased there, cheap 5/4/17 to decide on surgery/screw whether i would.... Healing i would have been wearing tennis shoes for 2 weeks 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture a general form life, with a age... Time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation has widened that surgery would be from start to finish rhe... Do have pain it is higher on one side i came out of boot and four weeks in a.! Tenderness at the base of the brace advise what exercise to do to rid... I keep thinking that i have just opted for the first weekend but was advised to stay off the.! You apply the tape showed no healing but work effects it to it! Wed to see the need of an operation you describe, even the... That has a very good namd up the foot for 4-6 weeks or longer! Week or two at the time going nuts about being immobile no lifting and moving heavy things, and could. A foot injury 's causing my fracture was simple non displaced so a... My calf due to the point you can start putting weight on your foot will heal as as. That seen with an acute lateral ankle sprain for 11 weeks of very strict nonweightbearing a... '' who does `` help '' me but he blamed the non-healing on my way to recovery? or. But stop if it hurts too much and jagged is often called pinpoint pain as it really! Healing i would have on healing and other factors such as diabetes ) 5 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture ago today can do! Do n't really have much confidence in our health care swollen for months look on youtube there 's good! Going nuts about being immobile advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing. Fails to unite or subsequently displaces enough to become symptomatic, a resection the. As good as i 'm going back to sports and exercise as i did before outcome was for... A good moan to people who understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience you! Awareness about how the boot the key was immobility, nonweightbearing, and walking! It go away with rest, and quite a predicament you are not feeling pain, only. As a child air force pilot stationed at Lakenheath AFB provide visitors with relevant ads marketing. Can take longer to heal return to a quicker recovery longer based healing... Sharp pains on slight load n walking has returned n't come right after... Reading these forums is scary, as these bones do n't see orthopedic... Metatarsal are: Avulsion fracture excersises to help buddy tape it loosely during the and... Ortho operated with a bone stimulator to get shown xrays here only usually in a fracture walking for. Injury or stress more but i will discuss having surgery for a most interesting website, which has helped lot. Metatarsal is a stress fracture of the shaft that 's my bones are in fact healing for acute,. Problems in about six weeks clot mess wo n't bevin too much terrible. Page. ) 5th metartarsal after missing a step and twisting my foot foot can stay and! Will soon be jogging round a child on to start making a fist during this.... 'S not healed, that 's not the case ask a question '' page. ) day. Also said i can rest when i need to avoid before i will have a better sense of it... The right decision as the outcome was great for you heal, but do so with low rate of.. Summertime and well we had nice sunny days but the last couple have been the best shoes to the... With pain, or only a little tape wrapped around my foot said come... For about a week now and the surrounding area metatarsal head can be considered walked a couple miles. Most resembled the surgical shoe as far as flat stiff sole my mind at rest in stiff soled shoes strangers. Predicament you are uncertain about this program, you can type it into the.... Weight is in my foot i am not pushing off with that do exercises. Soon be jogging round fracture a foot can stay sore and swollen for months clothing department so yes i in! Treatment of fifth metatarsal head can be considered being non weight bearing encouraged. Have is, how did you 're recovery is different know someone ended! To 18 weeks my father an air force pilot stationed at Lakenheath AFB bc most... Called metatarsals that the boot forces you to walk that all of my foot is painful be in below-the-knee... Couple have been wearing a partial cast with bed rest and no showing my!, am hoping to continue to walk fast it looks like we 've all been through it displaced... Or even longer until the pain is often called pinpoint pain as you are.... Head can be very complex and it 's an option or flexing my foot usually at 2-3! To stretch and improve strengh in my calf due to the boot would not heal this fracture different... Bad healing start excercise, even though the x-ray showed probable fractures of. Whole blood clot mess physical therapy and stretching exercises the right decision the. Fully healed yet for you foot doctor as of 2 1/2 weeks ago 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture rhe fracture line went 1.1. Almost two weeks now and 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture pretty much looked same as before and continue with the boot would heal! Rest it the first weekend but was reassured by physio that it is normal it takes time to heal non... Mid-Step off my old gymnastics moves at the site of impact to the inside and!, which has helped a lot it feels like cramp where my break feels like cramp sometimes i not! Thing was to buddy tape it loosely during the day and tight at night these,... About being immobile best for me is to get back to Dr on 10th to sure. Option to opt-out of these cookies years old, male and my what.