Fifth Metatarsal Fracture

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Two weeks ago I fracture the fifth metatarsal of my right foot. The xray showed that it was non-displaced and my ortho insisted that I be non-weght bearing for 6-8 weeks. After doing some of my own research, I feel that this is kind of a long time and I am now starting to get anxious (tempted to cut my own cast off). Even if I cut the cast off, I would still use a soft splint that was provided to me through my urgent care faciliy prior to going to th ortho, but having the cast on is giving me anxiety. Any one have anything similar happen? Not being able to walk or drive or do anything for myelf is really making me crazy

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    I do sympathise with you as I have broken my fifth metatarsal in a similar fashion.  Apparently there are a couple of schools of thought about the recovery.

    My ortho favoured a Darco post op shoe and elbow crutches for the first 6 weeks, taking half weight with the crutches. The reasoning for this is that some weight bearing assists in the repair process.  As I have osteoporosis he was also concerned that if I had a plaster cast I would lose bone mass.  It is a very slow healing process and I wore my funny looking shoe for about 15 weeks but all is well now and I am back to my daily routine of 5 km dog walk each morning.  However, my ortho is not sure about any day long or multi day walks as the fracture could recur.

    A good deal of patience is required for a favourable outcome- difficult though that can be in these circumstances.  Good luck with it all.

     

  • Posted

    SIERRA I broke 5 metatarsal 5weeks ago was put in airboot but told non weight bearing also told it would take 6 to 12 weeks to heal and come back next Monday which will be 6 week's. The cruches are awful I am 62 and get it hard.you are not on your own. Hope you are back on your bfeet soon
  • Posted

    SIERRA I broke 5 metatarsal 5weeks ago was put in airboot but told non weight bearing also told it would take 6 to 12 weeks to heal and come back next Monday which will be 6 week's. The cruches are awful I am 62 and get it hard.you are not on your own. Hope you are back on your bfeet soon

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