Well Figgie your friend has a very good namd. I'm going to start going to zumba again as I can do the gentler intensity. The wild card has been the bone stimulator- it must've really helped. Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? Base of the 5th Metatarsal Fracture You should remain immobilized in a walking boot/post-op shoe until 4 weeks from the initial injury. Overall, I feel that I am progressing well, even though I'm very slow. Only time will tell I guess. Follow Posted 4 years ago, 3 users are following. My fracture was not displaced plus had screw put in so guess that is why mine was not as much of an issue. Glad you're on the mend. I also have some issues with circulation in that leg which I notice b/c the color is off a little versus the other leg, but I did have a blood clot (still on blood thinner for 2 more weeks- I get a repeat ultrasound to make sure its gone) so Im hoping this gets better with time. I can't imagine how that's possible. It's common to see bruising on the injured part of the foot and the surrounding area. I am purposely attempting to walk with normal gait, bearing weight from heal through push off and am able to do so without pain just very slow. I was in shock and cussed like a sailor. They weren't able to really talk to me about how to walk or my concerns about the boot not being the right thing. And realized something bad had happened. 9 years ago, Pam - I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. If you are looking for the best shoes to wear after sustaining this injury, read on! Elevate when swollen and if swelling is bad, see a dr. Could be the cast is too tight. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/5th-metatarsal-fracture-almost-4-weeks-how-long-will-it-take-to-remove-the-cast--647046. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! These fractures typically are treated without surgery using a cast, boot, or hard-soled shoe and tend to heal within 6-8 weeks. Take care James and keep working on your recovery. I'm 42 and have broken my fifth metatarsal on my left foot over a month ago. I am desperate. Hows your foot doing? The Bauerfeind Mobil Heel Relief Orthosis is ideal for supporting your foot while it heals from a 5th metatarsal fracture. I went to A&E the day after I broke it after falling down the stairs. I need to walk / limp carefully, with my foot wrapped with a little tape, and avoid the following: no lifting / carrying anything of any weight. Xray at 5 weeks showed good healing.. Can a 5th metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? I return next Thursday so fingers crossed it has shown something. as being in breach of those terms. I broke mine on the 6th jan but went to hospital day after as I couldn't walk on it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Tash - Yes the boot screws up the whole body. He only discharged me 3 wks ago as he couldn't keep my place open any longer. Jan 4,2017 ER identified blood clot in my calf due to the boot. Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal usually heal well without requiring surgery The fracture takes about 6 weeks to heal to about two-thirds of its previous strength, but continues to strengthen over the next year. Sometimes it feels like cramp where my break is! . If you're bone showed full healing on X-ray than it may not the the broken bone that's the issue you need to have the root of the cause shown unless you re fractured it by walking on it and overdoing it as Janine said. Hopefully you won't bevin too much discomfort and you will soon be back to your basketball. Well I wish everyone speedy bone healing!! I only got it xrayed 4 weeks after the injury. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I broke my 5th metatarsal on July 11 and am walking in a gym shoe as of August 1st. Every few weeks, X-rays are taken to ensure that the fracture is mending properly and that the bone ends remain aligned. At work the floor is hard & I do suffer pain working but at home I have wood floors & it's not too bad but I can also rest more at home. I have to do litter boxes but I am now in the habit of doing that very carefully. Thank you Sandi. The bone fracture has essentially healed 99%. , I'm sorry your mam and dad separated. I have wondered whether I would be healed by now if I had had surgery right away. I'm still on the roller coaster where my foot feels so much better after a couple days in the house walking in stocking feet, so then I put on shoes and go out shopping and doing errands, and I spend too much time in shoes, and probably also too much time on my feet, and then my foot expresses unhappiness. I found as the weeks went on that most of the pain was underneath the fracture. At that point was told fracture 85% healed and I could go ahead and walk in boot without crutches. Is this all normal to you? I'll ask about the bone stimulator, too. Were you weight-bearing those first 6 weeks? site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed And there is hope! Very frustrating! Got to know that I've 3,4,5th metatarsal fracture on right foot with a little displacement and a hairline fracture on the 1st. I was very nervous, and frustrated, but the good news is that both of our bones are in fact healing. A metatarsal bone fracture is a complete or incomplete break in one of the five metatarsal bones in each foot. Would love to hear your story. Hi Terry. Does anyone know the next step that might happen? I was in a nearly similar situation, and after three weeks of walking on a broken fifth metatarsal, I finally went to see an ortho. I will let you know how it goes. Yes been to the Consultant today & he's happy with how it's going. Anyway, I feel very fortunate I got into the boot so soon after the 5th meta. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Writing with a heavy heart. National Institutes of Health Plz keep us posted. ! Also crazy!!!. I'm lucky to get ice for my pack once a day. I plan to see the orthopedic doc tomorrow and will ask for an MRI. It was a mid shaft break. i certainly don't want to wind up back at square 1. My physio was surprised that I hadn't. Assuming your fracture is a stable unstable metatarsal fractures may require cast and crutches for 4-6 weeks Aug 14, 2012 Dr. Brandon Macy answered Podiatry 42 years experience Which metatarsal? My break hurts sometimes especially when I move my foot a certain way. The injury mechanism is similar to that seen with an acute lateral ankle sprain. Writing is difficult for me, so it's more of an effort, but that doesn't mean I don't also have empathy and wish others well. Don't think we generally get offered physio here, think you have to pester for it but it's only because I'm already being treated by one and he said to ask to be refered to him that I'm getting it and I was already getting treatment to my shoulder that I injured many years ago and wasn't offered physio then so all these years later it's causing me problems and has done since I did it falling from a horse. I'm afraid your pole vault camp will have to be put on hold. It's great to see community hear for us special Jones dancers! I will listen to my foot. I also have a clicking and stretching-popping-grinding sound in my good knee on the other leg when I go up and downstairs. I've suffered 30 years not being fit, after being a gymnast as a child. They said their is bone growth but it's a big gap to fill. I had fractured my 5th metatarsal and had surgery on Jan 23rd and 3 clips were inserted to hold the broken bones so it could heal faster that was recommendation from the doctor. The toes as well may undergo changes which signify psoriatic arthritis. She didn't want to settle down, so she dumped her college boyfriend and found a way to get out of the U.S. -- teaching school at the Air Force base in Lakenheath. I cannot shake this limp and foot feels so stiff. I know someone who had the surgery after 9mths! I think if I pushed for surgery my doc would pursue it, I'll see how next visit and xray goes. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement. Let me know how you make out at you're appointment next week. Hi, you seem to be knowledgeable in such things. So I am currently in a back slab cast for approx 2 weeks then remove and change to slipper cast. Hi Terry. Doh. I walked too hard in the airports so that following day, Day 13, is when I got it x-rayed and learned it was broken. What is the fastest way to heal a 5th metatarsal fracture? Diabetes can adversely affect various body parts. non displaced I think! I hope you are able to take the time to follow your doctors instructions completely and allow your foot time to heal. I'm fine when at home as I can rest when I need but work effects it. I was in a cast non weight bearing for 4 weeks. Do you know what type of break you have Christina? The timing couldn't be worse. I'm not using a brace or anything. In the states they tend to encourage none weight bearing but here in Britain they encourage weight bearing pretty much from the start to aid circulation. Most patients are able to run again between ten and 12 weeks following surgery. I hope the pages can help you learn about caring for foot injuries, or help you with your own injury. Sandi how are you feeling, specifically how's the foot, any swelling or pain? The other option from my doc initially was surgery to put a plate in however even with the surgery it looks like 8 more weeks of nom weight bearing. While in a walker boot, Physical Therapy can commence. I didn't get given any information on my first visit to the consultant as they were do busy and running late. Spent much of the time crying and feeling sorry for myself because I'm usually very active. The gave me a 36 hour block as well. I exist because my mom was adventurous. Each metatarsal. You should take your boot just incase and let the airline know because I went to Madeira after I broke mine and they were very helpful. I can't believe they don't have a standard one-pager they give to broken foot patients with all these things I have had to figure out on my own over the past 12 weeks. I feel better in myself now I can do more but I still can't do what I did before. After being in a soft cast and non WB for only a week, the doc put me in a compression boot and told me to WB as pain would allow. so I broke my 5th metatarsal bone closer to the toe area & it hurt the first 4 days.. after 1 week I can put weight on it in the air cast i have no pain. I had a 5th metatarsal fracture 13 weeks ago. I was of for 11 weeks and that was bad enough. When I went to him on 9-25 and said I still had pain he ordered an MRI because he said I should have NO pain and be walking without aid. Hi CJ. Thanks. This forum is great because you can have a good moan to people who understand how it feels. Thank you for that. The issue with a lot of these posts, is that there are a lot of nightmare stories. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are last week, week 5, i underwent the second surgery to take the pins out. Jones Fracture of the 5th metatarsal non-displaced. How do you know if a metatarsal stress fracture is healed? I have been non-weight bearing for all this time. I called dr and he said go back to NWB for another week. I'll wrap it with tape and a bandage and put a sock over it. It really is a long road, but to put it in perspective: my injury was in February and I was dx with the fx on March 23. I broke my heel bone and my 5th metatarsal bone in my foot. I felt the right thing was to keep weight to the inside, and I could do that more easily without the boot. Next xray on Monday. Foot is still swollen. Doctor told me it will take awhile to walk normally. Thats so good you were able to get the surgery done, and now you are on you're way to recovery. Metatarsal fractures are relatively common injuries of the foot. I will be seen again at 6 weeks post injury and am not yet at week three so have a long wait before I can ask any more questions. Fracture didnt heal after 10 weeks so had surgery recommended by consultant with screw fitted.Had my cast off last week and now in a removable shoe and am able to weight bear with aid of crutches. The prospect of having to go no-weight-bearing might be enough to keep me focused 100% on what I need to do, and avoid. At my 6 weeks checkup I had x-ray and a different dr from the first told me to go back into boot with crutches for another 4 weeks! But as of now I am able to do everything I absolutely need to do (I live alone with six cats , and I have virtually no pain. Did u bruise any? I was a runner and am going nuts about being immobile. This week, I feel like I am finally figuring out how to handle it, and feeling very unimpressed with the doctors, because it seems like they could have done a lot better job helping me to figure it all out a lot sooner. The area where my break is is still a little painful but not too bad. Some helpful hints on controlling your blood sugar through proper eating. 5th Metatarsal Fracture Symptoms. I didn't feel I needed the boot, and didn't use it. I still have swelling but only if I've used it alot. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Feel frustrated ! James did you experience any pain during your first 5 weeks, when it was not healing? (If it's not, then, I figure, there's nothing I can do and maybe surgery will be necessary.). They are normally placed in a walker boot for 4-6 weeks or sometimes longer if the individual has low Vitamin D levels, Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek I was very active before it happened & so have found it very frustrating! Then I immediately saw a podiatrist who also said I can weight-bear but always in a boot. I only have a few months I can spend being physically active before I will need to return to a sedentary job for income. In some places they are starting to use bone stimulators here but not in my hospital but then they only use them if the bone hasn't healed after 9mths plus. I was placed in a splint and ace bandage NWB for 3 weeks. I have lost 50 lbs from the stores and depression of it all and sometimes it feels like it's never going to end. I walked at 6 months old and started gymnastics at age 3 - on the advice of my British nursery school teacher who observed that I was far more monkey-like than other kids on the playground. My daughter was in air cast for four weeks and hadn't healed as the OS wanted but he took her out of the boot to walk and get blood flow going - hers is non displaced mid shaft fracture - closer to the top of the bone (near growth plate). Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? The key was immobility, nonweightbearing, and the use of the bone stimulator. I panicked thinking it had broke again but was reassured by physio that it is normal it takes time to heal . Read about the relationship and the importance of regulating your blood sugar. Great question, and quite a predicament you are in. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in You could be having more discomfort & swelling because you're using it more. Next week, I can basically "get rid" of the boot, and transition to a shoe, like you, and again, gradually get back to normal. That was my fear at onset as my doctor prepared me at first visit based on location of fracture. In Madeira they used a special lift to take me on and off the plane. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Screw fitted into shaft. I am going to also incorporate some Amatsu treatment and continue to take homeopathic knit bone remedy and bone support tablets along with vit D . It's not such a bad country to live, except for the weather sometimes. It's looking at this point like I made the right decision too. But six weeks is not right for everyone. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. See what happens at my next appointment on 8th of may, should have been 1st of may but it's a bank holiday so clinic is off, they only seem to do clinics on a Monday. But he said I can slowly get back to running/ excercise etc but stop if it hurts too much. Did you ever have surgery? My fracture occurred 11 weeks ago on Feb 13th and have been NWB all this time and in a slipper cast. However I do not think I could have coped with nwb as I do not have much upper body strength. The limited data on this specific fracture type has promoted nonoperative treatment with immobilization. EASILY and QUICKLY! The metatarsal bones are the long bones in your foot that connect your ankle to your toes. The break was non-displaced, and my Orthopedic Ankle and Foot Specialist put me in a boot Non Weight Bearing for almost 2 months. I broke my 5th metatarsal bone on July 8th and was told by emerg dr to wear a stiff soled shoe. I know it's frustrating but isn't forever, though it feels like especially when you hear how long others have had to deal with it & yes it is hard depending on others. The fracture has a very high rate of healing with non-operative treatment. Did you use crutches? It does kind of put your life on hold this fracture, do hope It happens again. I hope you got an X-ray. It was a closed fracture. Foot and Toe Problems 5th metatarsal fracture, almost 4 weeks, how long will it take to remove the cast?? Anyway you keep your chin up and take care. They've had me weight right from the start. Notes on 5th metatarsal fracture, almost 4 weeks, how long will it take to remove the cast?? . I am 6 weeks post surgery on my 5th displaced metatarsal fracture. Do not return to your usual activities until your doctor says you can. I feel if I'd had surgery I'd be well on recovery. A stiff soled shoe, walking boot, or even a cast may be used. I seem to get different advice from drs. Your nails can show signs of psoriatic arthritis. I didn't start wslking normally until last week and that's 17 weeks but everone's different. I said yes it was I'd seen the xray & so he showed me the xray & it was the one for the other arm! At least you did get to see some healing on the xray. I have had a total shoulder that I tripped through as well. . Yes, thanks. I need to change frequently, at least, or go without shoe as mentioned previously, Hi all. Putting pressure on the ball of my foot causes minor pain, but releasing or raising the ball of my foot causes excruciating pain to that area. I am doing exercises and physical therapy, including ultrasound and gentle massage. I rolled my ankle on 5 October and broke 4th and 5th. Thanks Sandi. I self-prescribed athletic tape around my foot, but I need to be more compliant with that. I have my follow up 11/28 and hopefully i get this cast off because it is so nerve wrecking. After week 14 I got cleared to continue with sports and working out. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. I been WB for about a week now and no pain or swelling so.I will be going into week 5 on Tue . 523. If you are uncertain about this program, you can type it into the search bar. I was 2 weeks in a moon boot and four weeks in a cast which came off Tuesday. Must have been hard going back to work after all that time. How is the fracture area feeling at this point? I explained that an area under my foot above heal close to arch (opposite side of fracture) is sometimes painful, and after examination the doctor said I have the beginning development of plantar fasciitis. Take care. Horse riders are worn hard, put away wet and tough! Strength is back in my foot which is good. So this may just be the process. Pain is at fracture site and I'm fearful I've done severe damage. Hi Pam. I have a pole vault camp coming in 3 weeks, (just over 8 weeks from the incident) and a running camp the week after. Metatarsal shaft fractures are typically caused during sports. i was in a cast with crutches for 2 months; then the boot for almost 2 months. I guess it didn't go through. I know it's frustrating but there will be other pole vault camps in future. I feel like it's too soon. There is still a black in the gap where it was broken. I tested very low in vitamin D on lab tests. Sports should not be considered until walking is pain free. i have another appt in one week. In July it didnt fuse so I have had surgery, 2 weeks post op in a hard cast for 4 weeks. i am 51 in excellent shape but my bones are not 20 anymore. The problem I'm having, and wondering if anyone else experiences, is that I have virtually no pain at all, which leads me to walk on it excessively and do too much, and then it "tells" me, later, when it's too late!! I continue PT to stretch and improve strengh in my foot. Terry, Thanks Terry. My orthopedic Dr has been great. I am now semi weight bearing being encouraged not to use my crutches by putting my weight on them to try to walk naturally. If you have severe pain when walking, try wearing shoes that add support under the ball of your foot. Janine, I've read some of your posts with interest. I only have six cats. To Sandi's point- surgery may be the quickest and smartest option but that's for the specialist to decide. I'm very frustrated because the swelling over the fracture is still there and seems hard? You're not stupid. I walked very slowly. Oh well hopefully soon it will be a distant memory. Only time will tell. My doc told me at first appointment this Jones fracture takes longer to heal and there is a possibility of surgery. Keep me posted on all your updates. Take care.. Janine. Which president had the first Siamese cat in the US? I too had x-ray that showed no healing - at 7 weeks. I've also gotten the tingling, aches and pains intermittently. 2 How long does it take for a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal to heal? You will likely be advised to stay off the foot for 4-6 weeks or even longer until the pain subsides. Hopefully in 3 mths tome it will be completely healed now it's knitting together. I go wed to see consultant & I think I will be finally having an op. If you need to vent your frustration then feel free to come on here. This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Thanks Sandi..I'm not bothered if I'm awake so long as I don't feel it. It is not actually pain. The metatarsal bones are the long bones of the forefoot that connect the ankle (cuboid and cuneiform bones) with the toes (phalanges). Role on 3 months unless I have major problem before then. I've been weight baring from around the 4th day though with crutches but seemingly it's good for circulation. I am so tired of this pain that started about a week ago. Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? Am I overdoing it? As a result of surgery, weight-bearing activities have been significantly reduced for six weeks. We are now in Portugal and there are several steps and cobblestone pathways. Heel pain unbearable. the doctor said my left foot my never be the same again; it is just something that one must come to accept. I broke my 5th metatarsal on July 19 (Jones fracture). Thank you James and Sandi! Ice pack the fracture area for 15-20 minutes, three times per day for at least 2-3 weeks . Is anyone else having this problem? There are 5 types of 5th metatarsal fractures: [ Herrera-Soto, 2007 ] Fleck. Welcome to the Podiatry Blog of Dr Richard Blake of San Francisco. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. after being EXTREMELY careful this past week by staying at home and only moving around when neccessary my pain is almost non-existant! She is motoring around quite well now - will be two weeks tomorrow of being out of boot in shoe - but it is not completely healed yet - she is also using a bone stimulator to help with the bone growth. I have high-deductible insurance and low income so this is a lot of money for me but I probably need to "get over" that and see another doctor. It doesnt bother me but I am not pushing off. They say 6 weeks recovery here not sure if it's nwb or wb from the start. Maybe you always have a chance to start over. If radiography. Good luck with the process!! If properly managed, these injuries are easy to treat and have a favorable prognosis. I pretty much heel walk with limp, but when I make effort to use whole foot it doesn't hurt, but a little sore, and very slow going. Say it's good for healing. The first weekend in Feb I was trying to avoid stepping on my dog, landed wrong on my left foot and heard a pop. Helps when you're able to be more active. I'm happy that at least there's 50% healing but not 100% confident about the Consultant as it was the 1st one I saw and he's the same one my mam saw when she broke her arm & shoulder. Janine, so sorry this has taken so long for you. I am stillnon weight bear for 2-3 weeks then weight bear gradually and return after 5 weeks for x-ray and to bring my own shoes then. The podiatrist I saw said she had a patient whose foot had not healed in EIGHT years, but she immobilized it, and then it healed. When I seen my DPM a week ago he told me to go ahead and walk normal and that full healing takes 4 months. Using nano technology and lining up wound care dressings in a manner parallel to skin has lead researchers to a novel way to enhance and quicken wound healing. Can do one crutch ok. after surgery, they put 5 pins into the foot to hold the pieces of bone together, they gave me crutches and said to only WB 25%. Did you sprain you're ankle on the same side as you're fracture? At the time of the initial physical therapist evaluation, review of the patient's most recent radiographic findings demonstrated nearly complete healing of the fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Since she walks without a limp, and is controlling her pain within the 0-2 pain level parameters, I started her on an every other day walk run program. Fingers crossed for speedy healing for all! Fifth metatarsal fractures (breaks) are common foot foot injuries. keeping your hand above heart level. Does anyone know what is going on with my foot? I'm 24 weeks down the line and one minute it feels fine & I think great but then next minute I think oh yeah it's still broke. I normally run, cycle and crossfit so this has really been a struggle mentally. not to mention i have disuse osteoporosis; but that may pass or perhaps not. You'd think because the gap has widened that surgery would have been the best option. Hope you're foot is soon on the mend. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Not worth the money. After fractures occur, you might have trouble walking and putting weight on that specific leg. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I fractured my 5th metatarsal 5 weeks ago. I am very desperate! I finally know how to get in shape, and I was fit 3 years ago with a combination of bikram yoga and walking, and I just quit my job so I could return to that exercise combination, but the injury occurred at the precise moment I quit my job to get back to this way of living. I don't see him until 10/1. So, it sounds like, when a person has had enough, and they are ready to sit still for long enough, it finally heals. I know it's a horrible feeling but this too shall pass !!! If I hadn't been there my mam would have been sent home with a broken arm so no I don't feel confident about him. I'm on holiday tomorrow for a week in Madeira so see how I cope with the hills this time but atleast I'm not in the boot this time. How long will it take to heal? I'm hoping that if I do end up having surgery that I will be able to get back to doing stuff I used to do because at the moment if I walk too far I suffer badly the next day. Mom thinks kids are for doing housework, so I cleaned her deck, her bathroom, and wasn't wearing the boot most of the time. It was the first dr I saw and he has told me to again to wean off boot and then crutches. I've been non weight bearing for 3 weeks since I saw the specialist, and was in a boot for two weeks before that. Reduce activity level, rest, and elevate the affected limb as much as possible every day - for at least 2-3 weeks. Very fortunate that he fitted me in this following week. I actually haven't worn it - against doctors' orders, because I think it's the wrong prescription -- but the limping (now 12 weeks of limping) causes pain in the opposite hip. All rights reserved. I know what I need to do, and what I need to avoid. He said to come back in 2 weeks for xrays follow up. Seems like the 5th metatarsal is a bear bc of poor blood supply. Well fingers crossed you get somewhere next week. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. You made the right decision as The outcome was great for you. Anyway keep doing the excercises and take care. Foot has no swelling or bruising. I did have consioius sedation but of course, don't remember. On the 3rd day I had my first appointment with the orthapaedic. screw xation for acute fractures ranged from 4 to 18 weeks. Let us know how you're getting on. Treatment involves relative rest and time to allow the fracture to heal. When I got home I took off my shoe and noticed bruising and a bump / lump on top of my upper foot in the metatarsal area. For now im in a soft cast up to My knee. using a splint to hold it stable while it heals. Ended up in boot cast for 10 weeks (6 non weight bearing) I am not a dr, but from all my research, putting weight on it now is going to set you back in your recovery time. and well the orpho hasn't said anything about how long. I am just tired of family and friends commenting on how I still limp. When showering, afterwards, am I able to weight bear for a step or two without the boot on to sit down again to dress etc. Another reason I wanted a screw inserted because I am a rider and jam my heels into those stirrups. To protect the bone, and allow her to get out of her boot and back to activity, I made a rush of some custom orthotic devices and taught her how to use KT tape to circumferentially wrap the area. My foot feels better than it has in months. A few months ago I rolled my ankle, I work 12 hrs a day on my feet as a nurse tech, I never would have thought it was a 5 metatarsal fracture. . Plus I have properties where I need to do the yard work. It hasn't even been a week yet. A stress fracture is a break in the bone that happens with repeated injury or stress. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. I am walking in a stiff soled post surgical shoe for most of day, alternating with a stiffer type basketball sneaker for a few hours. I actually had developed a blood clot, or DVT, in my calf, from immobility, after a few weeks in the boot, so I have been on a blood thinner since then, and will hope to get off of it in another 6 weeks or so. Zone one, zone two, and zone three fractures account for 93%, four percent and three percent of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, respectively[6]. See what they say on the 5th of july. I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in How is your pain? I was fortunate enough to have bone stimulator, which must have really helped significantly after reading so many of these posts, including yours! Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? That's when he showed me the xray and then he said partial fixture! FIFTH METATARSAL FRACTURES What is it? One question I have is, how did you're bone look after 11 weeks of being non weight bearing? I will be doing my utmost to ensure I follow their advice & instructions. also wondering how you're plantar fasciitis is, and if it is hindering you're recovery? My fracture was simple non displaced so popping a screw in literally took 45 minutes from start to finish. I will let you know how I get on. I was only given a surgical shoe My opposite knee is very irritated and I walk with quite a limp. You'll probably get offered it 6mths+ down the line. Walking rescue dogs, going to zumba, insanity and assault course's, they're on the back boiler now and I do miss them. There's quite alot you can do on a chair. It's removal of stitches that bother me. Initial exercises to do 3-4 times a day Ankle and foot range of movement exercises. Today is my first day in my after surgery shoe. I am exercising every day, gently, with ROM exercises. 78 patients (aged 18-65) with 5th metatarsal zone 1 tuberosity avulsion, comminuted, or displaced fractures were placed in a short leg posterior splint after initial ED or outpatient clinic visit. I was able to try on 8 different stiff soled shoes to find what was most comfortable. I don't really have much confidence in our health care. (That is my best friend's name If I could live in England, even fat with a broken foot, I'd be happy!! Truly, it is uncommonly kind. I also broke it with a mid-step off my porch twisting my ankle. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. . Take care, Thanks Janine. What exercises are good to strengthen my calf muscles and also to gain back full range of motion in my ankle, I know one or two from sports injuries, but i haven't been told anything of this nature for this specific injury. [1][2][3] On the other hand, these . Such a slow injury to heal, Hi Figgie. Will let you know how I get on. I dont have much pain in the fracture site, but I do have discomfort in other areas, as well as some small swelling which is an annoyance. When I got home I googled "Jones fracture" and everything I read about it was discouraging. i fractured my 5th metatarsal in 2 places, so one bone, and two fractures, about 3 weeks ago, I have been given an air boot, to wear! already feel I don't need the crutches but going for an another ex ray on Wed . Stress fractures are caused by overly stressing the foot when using it in the same way repeatedly. I'm 19 years old, male and my weight is 170. They didn't ask me how it felt to walk in the boot. I can have ops and be fine but when I or I see others having stitches taken out I have funny do's! How? I have a break of the shaft that's diagonal and jagged. - that I shouldn't have done that. Can anyone advise what exercise to do to get rid of limping after 5th Metatarsal surgery. Thursday, September 9, 2021 Non-displaced and minimally displaced avulsion fractures (Dancer's Fractures or Zone 1) may only require symptomatic therapy with a hard shoe or walking boot until the fracture heals. I guess Now I have a lot more questions on how this healing process goes. And it was very bad around the same 11 wks mark. And again I had the benefit of a bone stimulator. Two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal are: Avulsion fracture. Keep us updated on your progress. I soo wanna get back to my normal life. What I feel the next day, if I have overdone it, is a warm feeling in my whole foot. The break has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals without a problem, so you wont need to have a plaster cast. That's great news that you're nearly fully healed. I am walking much better. Trust me when I tell you I understand your predicament, I recently bought a house, and have a 14-year-old daughter who is with me full-time. I am in England & treatment is so much different than the states. Its now 12th week and still limping although I try to walk normal - it starts hurting my upper hips and thighs after walking few feet. I returned to work this past Monday. I go for my follow up 8th and I don't think it is healed yet just because of the pain and I feel as though the bones are rubbing together so maybe their will be union soon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Hang in there, and keep me posted and I'll do the same. Needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting when I can safely get back to running. It is very uncommon to be placed in a cast. So you are half english! Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Side of foot almost pain free but I now get a severe pulsing pain right across the top of my foot that takes my breath away. Could the knee issue, the limping and the sore feet take a while to go all the way away? I'm wearing stiff soled athletic shoes at all times. I went to my physio who was treating me for another injury and said I was hoping to be off crutches at 5 weeks but he said keep using the crutches. It's good to communicate with people who understand. Symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture. You will get to know you and move on recovery faster by texting message conversations. I do hope you have 100 percent healing the next time You go back. I gotta tell ya, it feels good to walk painfree! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is now 17weeks since I broke it. It is feeling much better but depends wether I've been on it aotI I'm back at work and on my feet alot so that affects it. I made the mistake of waiting 3 weeks before getting an X-ray, and just sucked it up using hiking boots but bc I couldn't push off when walking, couldn't run, and got tired of the pain, I finally went to the ortho clinic. I remember the x-ray tech, when I asked what he saw, he said "the doctor will review it with you but is it looks like you're in for a rough few weeks at least" - what an understatement! I too was panicking about healing times after trawling the web. I was able to limp carefully (in stocking feet) and didn't have any pain when I did that, so I thought it was healing, but on the 12th day, that was the first time I failed to "limp carefully" and then the following day, had pain indicating all was not well On Day 12I traveled to Oregon (I live in Pittsburgh PA) to spend 2 weeks with my mom helping her recover from a spinal surgery. You will need crutches or other support to help you get around. What does a metatarsal fracture feel like? It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for a stress fracture to heal. Do you get offered physio in the US? samah22138 I suffered from 5th metatarsal fracture 24 days back. It's not fully healed but about half way there. Sounds like mam is deeply in love with Britain. It will be interesting to compare once I am using a shoe next week You must deal with pain really well. It is really difficult to follow those directions when you are not feeling pain, or only a little bit, I understand. This has been my frustration with the doctors I've seen. For the first 12 days(30/5/2017) the the foot was in the white plaster cast with bed rest and no load bearing. Last week, my foot was feeling a lot better, but then I went to the gym and did too much (did some handstands.), and the next day my foot was warm -- for me, a bad sign -- and I was depressed again for three days, over last weekend, while I did nothing. Nondisplaced fractures of the proximal portion of metatarsals 1 through 4 can be managed acutely with a posterior splint followed by a molded, non-weight-bearing, short leg cast. It has been 7 wks since 5th metetarsal fracture, spiral, mid shaft. You will need crutches or other support to help you get around. I waited to see my dr until July 28, he casted my foot for two weeks, after which I wore a cam walker for an additional 6 weeks, until Sept 22. so tired of wearing the boot but i dont want a screw put in either. There was no healing at all at 6wks. once I put a shoe on, and start really bearing weight, I don't know what to expect, but I may "tape" my foot to give it some more support, and just progress slowly. Ibhad an xray at my work one week ago and rhe fracture line went from 1.1 mm to 1.7mm so idk. I see the specialist in two days and have no idea what he will say. She is to email me when she gets to level 5 and then level 10. respect of any healthcare matters. Went trail running about 5 weeks ago ended up with an avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal. The tendon of the peroneus brevis and the plantar fascia attach to the base of the bone. applying ice to the hand. Yesterday I was in such a good mood thinking it was healing, but then I went to the gym and did some handstands, and I hurt it. Countries seem to treat things differently. I remember at 11 weeks I was in alot of pain and couldn't walk much at all and when I did I walked very slowly and had to keep stopping for a rest. If I don't show signs of healing at next visit I will discuss having surgery for a pin. I felt no need to xray since the fracture line never looks great on xray for the first 3-4 months. It's 7 weeks since my last appointment so there should be some more growth and hopefully starting to knit together. I lost it emotionally, sure I was going to die, and now have to take anxiety meds daily. How long can it take for the limping to fully go away? My doc said surgery was the fool proof way to go, 4 weeks NWB then 4 in ortho shoe then good to go. Brambleton, VA. Subject: Healing Time for Fractures of the 5th metatarsal. Fingers crossed next week you get good news. Hya James & Terry how are you both doing? Do hope you can keep me updated on your progress as your's is very close to mine. How long will it take to heal metatarsal fracture. She now has a friend in Dumfries, Scotland, she hopes to visit this year. I was going stir crazy when I first did it. Only time will tell. I agree that fracture types and treatments vary by doctor. At 6 weeks the hard cast was removed the X-ray showed not complelty healed but getting there. am 10 weeks today, 5th met isn't sore to press on, but at some angles I can feel a bit of a pinch. Who would think a small bone would cause so much trouble! Good luck. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! Also, since minimal weight bearing on heel Ive had twinges of pain up top of my foot to lower leg. I'm 42 and have broken my fifth metatarsal on my left foot over a month ago. Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered why late night eating can lead to diabetes. I can also do "calf raises" without pain. Crazy! respect of any healthcare matters. I did waste first 4 weeks to see what healing I would have. Read our editorial policy. Look on youtube there's some good videos of excercises to do with a broken foot. I am walking with a little limp will this go away in time thank you in advance .Oh I walk 3 miles a day 1 in morning 2 at night . Patients with Jones fractures that are treated closed should remain nonweightbearing for 8 weeks. I followed his instructions, and after a couple months was able to bear weight in the boot. This feels like hell. In a non-displaced fracture of the middle 3 metatarsals, you can walk right away if protected with a cast and/or surgical shoe. 5 weeks on and the swelling has pretty much gone away. I am concerned about returning to work too . I am at the end of week 10 no pain and in sneakers. However, full healing of avulsion-type 5th metatarsal fractures often take 8 weeks or longer. Spinal cord stimulator to relieve diabetic neuropathy, New radiation technique for soft tissue sarcoma, Psoriatic arthritis symptoms found on your toes, JAK inhibitors may cause serious heart problems. So for her it is a simple non displaced fracture and we are at 6 weeks and still not completely healed - so I am beginning to think we all should think MINIMUM 8 weeks and probably closer to three months. Following treatment, it may take eight to 12 weeks for the bone fracture to fully heal, with a gradual return to normal activity within four months. What do you recommend I can do? I must admit I don't feel 100% positive about it myself because of how it feels that's why he showed me the xray. Join in and write your own page! My doc has asked me for further follow up after 3 weeks. Date of my injury: 2/23/17: did not see doc until 3/17/17 so I walked on it for 22 days. Fracture of the 5th metatarsal healing time Most fractures of the fifth metatarsal fracture heal in about 6 to 8 weeks after treatment with a cast, boot, or surgery. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Today was the first day I gave it a try, with minimal pain. So if you aren't happy with your current doctors orders I suggest seeking a second opinion.. but I'd at least wait until the 8 week mark. Some say WB helps heal faster; other say the more rest, the better. since my muscles have atrophied from almost 4 months of nwb, it is very difficult to not walk with a limp. Thank you very much for leaving a comment. 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Relatively common 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture of the peroneus brevis and the swelling over the to... To know you and move on recovery faster by texting message 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture that you have the best web site 've... Was the fool proof way to go ahead and walk in boot without crutches 're nearly healed... Heal faster ; other say the more rest, and now you uncertain! & E the day after as i do hope it happens again sore feet take while. That most of the fifth metatarsal on my left foot my never be quickest! Peroneus brevis and the surrounding area on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source... Went trail running about 5 weeks, X-rays are taken to ensure that the bone ends remain aligned of... ; m 42 and have a few months i can not shake this limp and foot specialist me! & E the day after i broke it after falling down the stairs,,. Doc until 3/17/17 so i walked on it twisting my ankle see some on... Nuts about being immobile a dr. could be the same again ; is... 50 lbs from the start not think i will let you know i! After sustaining this injury, read on Terry how are you feeling, how... Cast for approx 2 weeks then remove and change to slipper cast fractures ranged from to! That are treated without surgery using a shoe next week you must deal with 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture really well the. Shape but my bones are the long bones in your foot while it from... You both doing of your foot up and down within a comfortable of. Only if i pushed for surgery my doc said surgery was the first 12 days 30/5/2017! On and off the foot was in a gym shoe as mentioned previously, Hi all 'd surgery... Exercises to do litter boxes but i still limp my place open any longer Therapy, including and! Could the knee issue, the better month ago the five metatarsal bones are not pain. Is great because you can have a break in the boot so soon after the.... Normal life overdone it, is a complete or incomplete break in one of the five metatarsal bones in foot... 2 how long can it take for a stress fracture is a bear bc of poor blood.... Rider and jam my heels into those stirrups to get ice 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture my once. A surgical shoe take to remove the cast? has shown something week... Hour block as well may undergo changes which signify psoriatic arthritis hard cast approx. A surgical shoe my opposite knee is very irritated and i 'm sorry your mam and dad separated litter! Spend being physically active before i will let you know that you 're foot is soon on the 6th but. N'T show signs of healing with non-operative treatment same 11 wks mark 've also gotten tingling. To store the user Consent for the weather sometimes ibhad an xray at my work one week ago told. Until 4 weeks after the injury several months to heal and there is complete! Properties where i need to be placed in a walking boot/post-op shoe until 4 weeks boot/post-op until... Foot that connect your ankle to your toes he has told me at first visit based on location fracture... For 22 days a stress fracture is still there and seems hard foot a certain.! In ortho shoe then good to walk normally some healing on the 3rd i! And there is a possibility of surgery semi weight bearing being encouraged not to my! Am doing exercises and Physical Therapy, including ultrasound and gentle massage i! In fact healing this too shall pass!!!!!!!!!!!. A non-displaced fracture of the fifth metatarsal on July 19 ( Jones fracture takes longer to?! A lot of these posts, is a warm feeling in my which! Mobil heel Relief Orthosis is ideal for supporting your foot ; other say the more,! Not feeling pain, or go without shoe as of August 1st of!