5th Metatarsal mid shaft closed non displaced fracture

It depends where your fracture is on the metatarsal.  If it is very close or on a joint then the recovery time is quite quick.  However, if you have broken it well down the bone (2 or 3 cm from the bottom joint of the toe) then it is a different kettle of fish.  I broke mine on November 30 last year and my doctor has been pleased with the healing given the poor blood supply to the bone away from the joint.  I was not able to wear a regular shoe for at least 3 or 4 months but this would not have precluded travel,  It depends what work you do.  I didn't miss any work but I had the advantage of my own office and, if I needed to be somewhere else on site I drove rather than walked.

Walking is a big part of my life as I live in a beautiful part of the world but I am limited to about 4km at a time and my foot still gives me curry sometimes - I then know that I have to shorten my walks for a while.  My orthopod has told me not to go on multi day walks any more for fear of re breaking the bone.  This may depend on your age.  I am 66 and have had stress fractures (didn't know at the time) periodically and one of those just gave way one day.  I have had great success with custom made orthotics to stabilise the foot.

Good luck and I really hope that you are able to get back to normal quickly.  There is no way to hasten recovery - rest the foot as the bone has to knit in its own time.  I got very frustrated and painted my living room. This was not a good idea and is possibly why I still have some problems.  Get lots of good books is all I can say.

All the best

I broke 5 metatarsal 11 weeks ago I was told then it would take 6 to 12 weeks to heal. I only started weight bearing last Monday. I still wear aircast boot hope to take it off next week and try walking in shoes with cruches. Age and bone health makes a difference. Do everything you are told and don't rush it .best of luck with your move

I  would listen to your Dr .I know for me I keep my foot elevated and rest a lot the first 2 week my foot didn't touch the floor for 3 week in my boot .I hope you are feeling better and wishing you the best .

Hugs Baily

Hi I went to the doctor again today. My fracture was in Ivory Coast. My first doctor's apointment was in Turkey. Today my appointment was in India. Amazing! 

Anyway, he told me that I needed to wear the air cast for four weeks. After that I could wear my own comfortable shoes for four weeks. I only need another x-ray at the 8th week point. I can start exercising after 12 weeks. 

 

Bookish2012

Delighted to hear your good news keep following the Dr.advice you are getting off easy I am at week 12 and still have air cast boot on hope to get it off on Monday and start wearing shoes you sound like you have a great time and see plenty of the world

Best of luck for the future Catherine

Hello -- Just a quick update. After four weeks, I started wearing my normal shoes -- as in flat shoes or sneakers. I do walk much slower than before and of course I am careful not to place too much weight on my left foot.. but it seems almost micraculous that after 4 weeks of a fracture -- I am able to walk.. there is still a vague discomfort and i have not started running again or any other gym activity. But grateful for the progress: I recommend -- HUGE amounts of rest! 

Well, my story is not as good. At 4 weeks non weight bearing my fracture is only healed 60%. We, the doctor and I, decided to put a screw in on Wed. I am 67, horse rider, hiker, etc. She said with screw, 4 weeks more non weight bearing then 4 in boot bearing weight then, back on my horse. Otherwise, it was very slow healing and these fractures recur often without screw.  I also have osteoporosis but, she did not think that made a difference, just slow area to heal. Will let you all know how it goes. Good luck to all.