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5th Metatarsal Fracture Recovery

Posted , 152 users are following.

laura145
laura145

Hello. I have a number of questions.

8 weeks ago I broke my 5th metatarsal after falling. I just got out of my cast yesterday and was out in an air cast/boot. And the doctor left me with a number of questions unanswered and my next appointment isn't for 4 weeks with no physio or such before hand.

1. Today I have been able to start walking, worst I have been is using one crutch, mostly able to walk with no crutches, is this ok after only a day? I don't want to go on doing myself damage. The doctor told me that for my next appointment there is a chance that if I feel able I could come in my own normal footwear, but he never said anything for until then.

2. When showering, afterwards, am I able to weight bear for a step or two without the boot on to sit down again to dress etc. I'm unsure on this

3. 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.

Any help would be very highly appreciated, as I just don't want to damage my foot further and either permenently injure myself or hinder the healing process

As aside information, I'm 19, a little overweight but in relatively good shape.

9 likes, 626 replies

626 Replies

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  • susan69134
    susan69134 laura145

    Posted

    I'm now 16 months since breaking my ankle and 5th metatarsal, had a screw in the metatarsal which I was originally told would need to come out, but now they say it will have to stay in. The ankle is not quite 100% but it's getting there, the foot is still painful, which the hospital says may be due to the loss of some bone density, so I'm off for a bone scan in a few weeks.
  • baily24366
    baily24366 laura145

    Posted

    Hi Laura , 

    I am new to this site I wish you the best and thank you for sharing on this board .  I wish you all the best in your recovery .

  • kameile
    kameile laura145

    Posted

    Hi, I'm so glad I've found this discussion, although it seems to be dead.

    I'm in the exact position as luis88939, almost 6 weeks in a old fashioned cast and just got back from the doc, who said my bone hasn't healed yet. I saw the xray, it still looks the same as it looked 4 weeks ago...Came back home and cried like a baby.

    However, one thing is still surprising me, I though I should not bear any weight on the leg now, but the doc said I even should walk bearing weight on my heel. He offered me to buy a cushioned special shoe to replace the cast and still try walking. That was surprising, because the bone appeared to be still broken, wouldn't the walking prevent healing?

     

    • ninely2016
      ninely2016 kameile

      Posted

      There is some kind of medical phenomenon that causes greater healing with use after a certain point.

      Apparently, you are at that point. Just be careful so you dont reinjure.

      Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

    • kameile
      kameile

      Posted

      I removed the hard cast after 6 weeks being in it and switched to this boot. But now I don't think this was such a good idea, my heel hurts as hell from walking on it. And the doctor said I could sleep barefoot, which I was very afraid of. I guess it went fine, it didn't hurt etc, but still feels strange. 

      Maybe I should've stayed with my hard cast though.

    • megan41801
      megan41801 kameile

      Posted

      As soon as my cast came off at 6 weeks i was boot into a walking boot, a taller one though. And was told put walk without crutches or any assitance. it hurt o bad on my heal. but on day 2 i was doing it. And by day 5 i was walking perfeclty without any pain! Now i am able to walk without the walking boot and in my reg shoes... it still hurts. and very stiff... i got back to work in 2 days im so scared.i broke my 5th metatarsel bone 8 weeks ago.
    • kameile
      kameile

      Posted

      After 10,5 weeks I'm finally walking without any support. I still don't bend the foot fully while walking, but I'm trying to increase range each day. All the ball of foot hurts, not only the 5th metatarsal and around smile We will get there, everyone.

      And the boot I mentioned earlier was actually a good idea, the heel stopped hurting after 2 days and I could walk quite freely.

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 kameile

      Posted

      So nice to hear abgood result!! This particular area is so difficult to heal. I am now 4 1/2 weeks. I am in a boot non weightbearing but do cheat with some heal walking.was a non displaced stress fracture. Thanks for the encouragement.
    • Golfing18
      Golfing18 kameile

      Posted

      My Dr. said to try and walk normally. I am in a Brooks tennis shoe which she suggested. Need to stay in that for 2 more months and then can try other shoes.Just wish I knew what was normal pain or discomfort. Unfortunately I am a worrier and tend to think the worst.
    • kameile
      kameile

      Posted

      I'm trying to get worried again, more than a week passed and I still feel this strong pain in the ball of my foot. But the thing is that it hurts much more in the area of 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads and tendons, it hurts really bad while walking, much more that my 5th metarsal, I practicaly don't feel it compared to my middle foot. Should it be that way? sad I know it's because I haven't used that part of the foot for so long, but I didn't think it would hurt that much in the "healthy" parts.

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 kameile

      Posted

      I think it is how you have used your foot for the last 2 months. I have so many new aches and pains. Try not to worry
    • Jh115
      Jh115 megan41801

      Posted

      Hi Megan,  I hope you are fully recovered now.  I am on week 5 in an air cast boot and due at clinic next week.  I've been told to weight bear as long as it's not painful, which it has been if I walk too far....my main worry is whether or not I'm likely to be signed off again.   Pressure from work to return but I am on my feet for much of the day and have steps to negotiate several times a day.  Did you ask to be signed off this long or was it the Dr?  

       

  • ninely2016
    ninely2016 laura145

    Posted

    When I got my boot, they told me NO weight for a week - NONE! Also, I am told not to step on my heel to get in the shower - tricky but doable.

    I hate that they are so uncooperative with providing information. This is my first broken bone and I am so confused and concerned, but they sure dont seem to care or want to offer any information unless I ask pointed questions. But, not having this experience before, it is hard to know what to ask!

    Good luck - I hope you feel better soon.

    • sandi27417
      sandi27417 ninely2016

      Posted

      Yes I fear the heel walking a few steps might inhibit healing. Will find out Friday. My husband is "trying" to handle all but between horses, dogs, cats a bit difficult.

  • bailyBoo02511
    bailyBoo02511 laura145

    Posted

    Laura ,    I had a transverse 5th metatarsal base fracture I was so so worried thought i was going  to not walk for a long time Today is 16 day's I went to the orotho ge took ex ray;s and said I could start bearing weight on it slow a my own pase he said I do have to come back .I am so relieved I am along so I feel so happy but I told him I want to wait 1 more week to start he said ok I am afraid to step down it still he said will take 6=8 weeks to heal  to break it again

    • bailyBoo02511
      bailyBoo02511

      Posted

      Sorry I don't have to come back  ge said  but still afrain to walk this soon in the boot  but i will he is the dr .thank you all for being here to support I wish each and everyone of you a speedy recovery and good health

       hugs Baily

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