5th Metatarsal mid shaft closed non displaced fracture

Posted , 6 users are following.

Appreciate any response on this. On Friday 25 June 2016, I had a fall where I landed on the side of my left foot. Although the pain was not excrutiating while at rest, walking became so painful that on Tuesday I did go to the hospital where an z-ray revealed a closed non displaced fracture. I got an aircast and crutches. I am primarily at home resting and the swelling is steadily decreasing. The pain is non existent as long as I rest, negligible while walking with the aircast, and a little more when I walk without. If I walk without the aircast, I place my entire weight on the right side of my foot. The dr has advised an xray in three weeks and says healing is possible between 3-4 weeks. My questions are as follows:

1) is this realistic that in 3 weeks, I will be out of the aircast and in trainers? I don't intend to walk much. 

2) how can hasten recovery?

Although I intend to rest a lot, I travel A LOT for work and I am also moving countries in the middle of all this -- at the moment, I am taking 3 weeks off work. But would be great if I can realistically get back to work in 3 weeks. 

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    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

  • Posted

    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

  • Posted

    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

  • Posted

    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. 

     

    • Posted

      Wonderful news !!!! gee you sure do get around .smile  Wish you many blessing in your life.

      Hugs Baily

    • Posted

      Thanks Baily! But actually I was hoping he would say I can wear my own shoes after Week 3 because I will traveling for work for Week 4. But I guess its better to be safe for the sake my foot in the future. 
  • Posted

    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

    • Posted

      Hi Catherine ,

       Glad to see you will go into walking shoes .GREAT NEWS!!!!!

      Sending u a big old hug

      Baily 

  • Posted

    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! 
    • Posted

      Wonderful news !!! So happy for you yes it feels so so great to walk again. I will be at week 9 on Tue. And I am out walking again very carefully I am very excited to get my life back again wishing you the very bestry.
    • Posted

      Wishing u the very best in life !!!

      Bailey

  • Posted

    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. 
    • Posted

      Sandi,

      Sorry to hear you need surgery but happy you will get better and can get back to your horse and other activities best of luck .Bailey,

    • Posted

      Delighted to hear your news hope op.goes well I broke mine in April and I am out walking with a cruche. But I am happy with my progress was told at beginning a chance it wouldn't heal let us know how you get onhope all is good I am 62 year's.

    • Posted

      Yes mine was 60% but i really did not want to spend months waiting and then have recurance which is common with riders. I am game for 4 weeks non weight beari g and 4 in boot then good to go. No problem with surgery although I know it will be painful😡

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