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5th metatarsal fracture is it healing

Posted , 3 users are following.

sara89022
sara89022

Hi all .. I've had a break which is slightly displaced but was told it SHOULD heal. it's been 4 weeks now non weight bearing in a cast and doesn't feel better at all. if I apply any pressure on it it still hurts and still swells whenever I don't elevate it for a while. I don't know whether this is normal for 4 weeks or if it should be feeling better. I have my next appointment in a week and a half and was really hoping would have a boot but I don't known how i could really rolleyes Just wondered of anyone has any advice / been through a similar thing? Thank you

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • devsmom
    devsmom sara89022

    Posted

    What do you mean about applying pressure and it hurts??  I also had a 5th metatarsal fracture and while I was in a non weight bearing cast I certainly did not put any pressure on that foot/leg.  I spent most of that time sitting in a recliner with my foot elevated on pillows so the foot was higher than my heart.  If I needed to get around I had a knee scooter (no stairs/my son had crutches with his break).  After the non weight bearing cast one normally gets a walking cast for another 4 weeks.  I healed so well (at 68 y/o) I was given a high boot that I had to wear 24/7.  Yep, even to sleep.  I still spend time in the recliner with my foot elevated and never walked without the boot.  I did remove the boot while in the recliner and did foot and ankle exercises for strength and mobility.  I was especially trying to strengthen my ankle because the ankle twisted going down a stair which broke the metatarsal and caused me to fall.  Good luck.  Do everything your doctor and physical therapist tell you to do. 
    • sara89022
      sara89022 devsmom

      Posted

      Hey smile I haven't put any weight on it I literally just pressed the tiniest bit on the bottom of my foot with my hand to see if it still hurt. how did yours feel after 4 weeks? did it feel any better?

      A knee scooter sounds interesting I just have crutches.

      thanks smile

    • devsmom
      devsmom sara89022

      Posted

      I couldn't get to the bottom of my foot because the cast went from my toes up to my knee.   My break didn't hurt after the first 4 hours following the accident.  However, after the 4 weeks and I was put into the boot (up to my knees) everything hurt so much I couldn't sleep and wanted to go to the doctor the next day and get my cast back.  I found that I pulled the boot straps way to tight around my leg and foot and when I loosened them I no longer had a problem with pain or sleeping.  Crutches are much better for getting around in all situations.  They work on stairs and my son really went fast on his.  I went fast on the knee scooter going down a dip in a parking lot and almost fell off until I grabbed the hand brakes.  Where on the 5th is your break?  Closer to the toes or to the ankle?  Mine was a Jones fracture closer to the ankle where Doc said the blood supply is limited and harder to heal but I didn't have any trouble.  Let us know how it goes when you see your Doc again and ask to see the xrays to see the changes from the first to 4-5 weeks later. He should explain what he sees to you, but you might have to ask.   Good luck.

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