Fractured Metatarsals

I am 63 yrs old and whilstI in Greece  went over on my ankle racing for a train.  They xrayed it and said my ankle was fine and it was a sprain.  I bought crutches, strapped it and crutched my way around Greece.  When I got back to the UK I went to get it checked at the Doctor.  The Greek Xray only covered my ankle so she sent me off to the hospital immediately to get another xray.  Unfortunately I had five metatarsal fractures in 3 bones, one in the 5th, 3 in the 4th and one in the 3rd.  Fortunately they were not displaced, but I am in an ankle plaster cast non weight bearing, so crutches so far for two weeks, with another four to go.  When I was first on non weight bearing crutches I could make about half dozen steps and would have to rest.  My shoulders are getting stronger so now can bus and tube around and rest after about every 15-20 steps.  I have got stairs into my flat, but have got the knack of - very carefully - going up and down.  I live on a fairly busy street and if it is wet I wait until someone goes past and get them to give me a hand.  I work as a contractor so can do some at home, but initially caught taxi's to the office until I could manage public transport.

I go back to the hospital in 4 weeks, but am worried because the muscle in my left leg is quite noticeably wasting.  The rest of my body is fine as racing around on crutches is a pretty good workout.  I also get some pain in my groin of the leg with the cast and wonder if this is because I am straining it with holding the leg up.

I have not been given any physio, am doing some leg exercises, but wondered if anyone had any good ideas for exercises.  Have been told I can move my ankle, but not my toes.

This accident has made me appreciate how difficult it must be for people trying to get around London with a physical disability.  You try crutching from the Victoria Line to the Jubilee Line at Green Park - it is a hang of a long way!!!

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