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fractured feet and walking boots

Posted , 3 users are following.

riri201
riri201

Hi all,

It's not really a medical question, just some advice! I've fractured my 5th metatarsal in my left foot in two places and in my right foot I have a fractured 4th metatarsal! They are all stress fractures, not a clue how I did them!!

I have a CAM boot on the left foot and a front offloading shoe on the right, it's so hard to walk and I get exhausted and my whole leg hurts. I also suffer from an SI joint problem in my right side and I'm just in terrible pain all day. Are the boots worth all this hassle? Are stress fractures really that bad if left untreated?

I had one nurse who just told me to walk through the pain as they are only stress fractures, just walk! But by the time I hit The local urgent care I could barely walk without limping in severe pain.

I get told by one nurse to just walk through the pain and another says I need these boots and crutches, to help ease the pressure and get me better, am I being a baby making a fuss? Should I walk through the pain? Should I use walking aids? I got such conflicting answers at the hospital and I'm just fed up

2 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • devsmom
    devsmom riri201

    Posted

    Hmm.  I don't know about a "stress" fracture but when I broke my 5th metatarsal (the 3 bone pieces were not displaced) I was in a non weight bearing cast up to my knee and getting around on a knee scooter for 4 weeks--then I was in a hard plastic air boot (CAM? I don't know) and walking with a walker for another 3-4 weeks.  The point was to shift to full weight walking with the boot on my broken foot during those weeks.  It was a gradual process with the walker to help in the beginning.  I was never told to just walk through the pain.  I was told the bone may become displaced or not heal if I put weight on my foot.  What were your doctor's instructions?  Good luck and I hope you heal quickly and your pain lessens.

    • riri201
      riri201 devsmom

      Posted

      Everybody said about rest, wear your boots and use your crutches! A stress fracture and turn in to a full break and I could make it worse. Then I get to the last final nurse who's words were "I have a stress fracture, I just walk through the pain. Can't you just walk?" Which just made me feel like a hypochondriac but I have since seen the error of my ways and will follow the DOCTORS instructions.

      I started with one stress fracture in one foot and ended up with a total of 3 in two feet. I have all the respect for you! I haven't had these on long and I'm already fed up!

    • henpen1980
      henpen1980 riri201

      Posted

      exactly. call an orthopaedic doctor for further evaluation anf=d treatment plan.
    • sandra81957
      sandra81957 riri201

      Posted

      Don't see why that nurse told you to walk through the pain!! I've been told by everyone to do as much as can but take notice when pain tells me that's enough!! I'm on week 9 today, in a boot using crutches and still can't put full weight on it without a lot of pain discomfort and swelling. Fed up isn't the word. It seems like a lifetime!! Good luck and hope you get there ASAP s

    • riri201
      riri201 sandra81957

      Posted

      I think she thought I was just after a sick note and because she rambled on about how they don't issue them etc and when I said it was ok I'm going to work bright and early! Her attitude changed. Maybe she wa shaving an off day and maybe I was just sensitive because I was in pain! Thanks and it is frustrating

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 riri201

    Posted

    Sorry, you are going through this discomfort. Many years ago I fractured my 5th as well. I was in a toe to knee cast with a walking numb on the outside bottom of the cast. I also had crutches which I had to use.  I recall doing nothing but rest and elevation for a week.  I also had Percocet Rx.  Whee is the doctor?  Why are nurses providing sole advice? Perhaps an orthopaedist should be consulted. It doesn't sound right "walk through the pain."  How long ago did you injury your feet? what were you doing?  

    • riri201
      riri201 henpen1980

      Posted

      the one in my left foot is new and the one in the right is 3 weeks plus old, but because I am in a boot on the left side, I'm adding pressure that I can't handle on the right! I have since spoken to my actual GP who referred me to the hospital and insists I have the right treatment path and it was he orthopaedic doctor that did put me in the second offloading shoe, but he relayed it through to the nurse to put on and she just wasn't very polite! I couldn't put any weight at all on my right side by the time my GP sent me urgent care and I have a hip problem as well, so what weight I could put on, would irritate my hip and I was in quite the pickle

      But I think I'm sorted now, just had a bad experience with one specific health professional, I guess we all have them at times

    • riri201
      riri201

      Posted

      Also, I have no idea how I managed to fracture my feet on both sides! Which is why my GP referred me to the hospital, so I could have an evaluation. Apparently it's not normal to fracture both feet, at the same time and more than once and not even have an idea as to why

    • sandra81957
      sandra81957 riri201

      Posted

      OMG riri, you really are going through it. I don't know how your coping with both feet damaged! Its hard enough with 1. Hope you have now been given the right advice. Good luck sx

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