It will be 17 weeks at my next appointment and if it's not showing any sign of knitting together then I'm going to express my frustration. Also I m having pain. I walked very slowly. Hope you get a solid treatment plan from the CT scan that puts you on the road to a quicker recovery. See what they say on the 5th of july. I am following my DR 's orders as he the ortho and saw my ex ray's so I feel he know best . 5 weeks on and the swelling has pretty much gone away. I was able to walk quite alot at the wknd though it does hurt & I do sometimes get a feeling like cramp around the fracture sometimes which I thought was the bone moving. Consultant did say I could start excercise, even though it's not fully healed yet. & you don't really get much information. It has been 7 wks since 5th metetarsal fracture, spiral, mid shaft. My fracture was simple non displaced so popping a screw in literally took 45 minutes from start to finish. For that reason diabetics need to be aware of the different types of doctors that are available to treat diabetes. I've been using handweights and stomach excercises to try and keep fit. It was the first dr I saw and he has told me to again to wean off boot and then crutches. Been tempted myself to get a second opinion. I work 12 hr shifts as well and denied it's broken. My doc told me at first appointment this Jones fracture takes longer to heal and there is a possibility of surgery. Oh bummer I spent a half hour writing a post yesterday but I don't see it here. I was in a cast non weight bearing for 4 weeks. I don't smoke so that's one less thing against me. The fracture line of acute fifth metatarsal diaphyseal fractures typically extends into or towards the articulation between the bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsal ( image 2 ). As aside information, I'm 19, a little overweight but in relatively good shape. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. Zone 3: Proximal diaphyseal fracture. I felt the right thing was to keep weight to the inside, and I could do that more easily without the boot. I followed his instructions, and after a couple months was able to bear weight in the boot. Well I wish everyone speedy bone healing!! I too had x-ray that showed no healing - at 7 weeks. 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 . I am 55 yrs old and almost at 5 months recovering from a 5th metatarsal mid shaft spiral fracture of my right foot. I know if I'd been private like my husband there's no doubt that I would have had surgery pretty much as soon as I'd broke it. I'm ok walking round the house without a stick but now I'm back in work I'm sruggling with it. All rights reserved. I hope the pages can help you learn about caring for foot injuries, or help you with your own injury. And what are you able to do at this point? Waiting to go back to Dr on 10th to make sure it is healing. Make circles with your foot in one direction and then change direction. I also sprained my ankle which is still a little sore but I do ankl excercises which has helped. You'd think because the gap has widened that surgery would have been the best option. Hopefully you won't bevin too much discomfort and you will soon be back to your basketball. 5th Metatarsal Fractures: Location Matters. Hang in there!! I can't wait til this heals! Crutches are of the devil 5 days later I broke my left toe on my good foot by ramming it into my left crutch! The first doctor was just an urgent care doctor. Ankle, foot and toe stiffness can develop after a metatarsal fracture, particularly if you spend time in a cast or boot. 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. Goodness how could they have left it so long? Where did you say you lived? She said that was unusual, but still, proof that our bodies have a will to heal themselves. After eight weeks, you may begin limited jogging. I have a break of the shaft that's diagonal and jagged. Hi Janine, did you get you're scan? I was speaking to someone who waited 9mths before they operated and even now 1yr later they still get pain but are able to carry on as normal. Ive had a cast on for almost two weeks now and the doc said no weight bearing. Got to wait for a referal again. Also to not walk on uneven ground, which includes my yard, which is a mess. If you are uncertain about this program, you can type it into the search bar. Sounds like mam is deeply in love with Britain. He prescribed additional physical therapy for both improving stretching and strength. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. I broke my heel bone and my 5th metatarsal bone in my foot. And the doctor left me with a number of questions unanswered and my next appointment isn't for 4 weeks with no physio or such before hand. I had a 5th metatarsal fracture 13 weeks ago. It sounds like it is slow progress but you are getting there. Yes I had my scan but won't find out the results until the consultant looks at it. My husband is afraid I'm going to get hooked on the pain pills! Again, my break is not fully healed yet either but the doc is pretty confident it will be soon. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Hopefully I will get somewhere on the 5th of july when I finally see the consultant as it's coming up to nearly seven weeks since I last seen them. A knee scooter makes a big difference getting around the house. 4 weeks NWB, 4 in boot then absolutely normal!!! You may be told not to put weight on your foot. Do you get offered physio in the US? I'm walking better and can walk further but it is still painfull especially if I've been on it alot and like you other parts of my foot hurt too. I fractured the 5th metatarsal 8 weeks ago and although it doesn't hurt to walk in a regular shoe I have a limp and can't seem to walk normally no matter how slowly I walk and try to roll my foot normally. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are You made the right decision as The outcome was great for you. Overall the swelling is decreasing and I have to say Im doing pretty good. Hi Figgie, yes was weight bearing in moon boot or stiff soled shoe since the original injury. What does a metatarsal fracture feel like? FIFTH METATARSAL FRACTURES What is it? My calf has shrunk on my left side bc I haven't been weight bearing, and overall I've gained some weight bc I'm not exercising. i am 51 in excellent shape but my bones are not 20 anymore. I remember looking down and my pinky toe was at a 90 degree angle! My doc has asked me for further follow up after 3 weeks. Simply click here to return to. It is very painful when my foot goes to the floor. Stress fractures are caused by overly stressing the foot when using it in the same way repeatedly. . Using hypofractionated radiation therapy may allow pre-operative patients the opportunity to have the radiation in a shorter time span. Janine. Foot has no swelling or bruising. 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. If you need to vent your frustration then feel free to come on here. Janine, Hi Tash. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. Im just scared to progress in weight bearing not knowing if any of this is normal?! Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. How long will it take to heal metatarsal fracture. I am now semi weight bearing being encouraged not to use my crutches by putting my weight on them to try to walk naturally. ! Also crazy!!!. When I try to have a normal gait and pronate fully, my 2-4th toes hurt. I can have ops and be fine but when I or I see others having stitches taken out I have funny do's! Finally told ok not to sleep in boot. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the scan. I was going stir crazy when I first did it. Some say WB helps heal faster; other say the more rest, the better. It has been 2 1/2 weeks since I came out of the ankle brace. When I talk on the phone I always pace. My whole foot is painful when I walk but guess it's because it hasn't been used to it. Woof - it was quite painful to walk. Reply . At that point was told fracture 85% healed and I could go ahead and walk in boot without crutches. Writing with a heavy heart. Take care. It does kind of put your life on hold this fracture, do hope It happens again. I'm just wearing a pair of good supporting shoes, I can only wear the one pair so I wear them all the time for work and going out. Shar leen, I kept my boot an extra week, I couldn't handle walking in a gym shoe. Brambleton, VA. Subject: Healing Time for Fractures of the 5th metatarsal. i discovered novel ways to shop, do laundry, shower, make it up and downs steps, and just try to normalize my life as much as possible. 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. Were you weight-bearing those first 6 weeks? Take care of yourself. Someone was saying 8 months down the line and they're still not healed! He doesn't believe it's moving. So I went from no pain to sharp pains everywhere. 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. Hi Janine, we are offered physio here in the states, but I personally was not offered it at the last visit. Were you awake when you had it done? 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. I'm very frustrated because the swelling over the fracture is still there and seems hard? I fractured my fifth metatarsul on March 22, 2013. . i think i have the same fracture as you and even the 10 days after my injury, before i got myself to hospital to do an x-ray and needed surgery (i was in denial), i still managed to hobble around on it with only a bit of pain. thank you for the ray of light you shined on this forum- much appreciated! Now I know it's the cement / concrete that's the problem, I will definitely use crutches more when I am out and about, and spread my errands out just a couple a day rather than be out the entire day. It can be easily placed over feet that are bandaged or swollen, because it has multiple Velcro fastenings that allow you to get a custom fit on any sized foot. Fifth metatarsal fracture (Jones fracture) rehab protocol Patient will be walking with crutches non-weightbearing until most of the swelling resolves. When I got home I googled "Jones fracture" and everything I read about it was discouraging. Closed treatment consists of 4-6 weeks in a below-the-knee walking cast. Also, since minimal weight bearing on heel Ive had twinges of pain up top of my foot to lower leg. Locking up the foot and in mobilizing it in a fracture walking boot is a terrible thing for an athlete. A mid-shaft, jaggedy-y break. I am 50 years old. Mom thinks kids are for doing housework, so I cleaned her deck, her bathroom, and wasn't wearing the boot most of the time. Walking rescue dogs, going to zumba, insanity and assault course's, they're on the back boiler now and I do miss them. Glad you're on the mend. Do hope your's doesn't cause you too much trouble but the like said you walked on ir for you waited 3 weeks before you got it checked. 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. These long thin bones are located between the toes and the ankle (between the tarsal bones in the hindfoot and the phalanges in the forefoot). There are five metatarsals in each foot. how about you're pain and activity? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Some but not enough. 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. I was able to start walking in the boot feb 14th (bought a shoe lift on amazon that fit my left shoe and raised it up so I was level with the cast, another life saver.) You will need crutches or other support to help you get around. It helps to know others are having similar problems. Another reason I wanted a screw inserted because I am a rider and jam my heels into those stirrups. You know how stretched our nhs is though so they seem to leave surgery as a last resort with this injury. And well I do have a foreign object in my bone. Dr. said piece that broke off too small to operate so I was put in air cast and NWB for 8 weeks. I go wed to see consultant & I think I will be finally having an op. Our house was a "museum" filled with valuable antiques they purchased there, cheap! 3 users are following. I am not a runner but I love to walk. And how does it feel when you walk? Who would think a small bone would cause so much trouble! Hi Pam. On the 3rd day I had my first appointment with the orthapaedic. He showed me the break and the location of strong tendons that would pull the bones apart if I put weight on my foot too soon. It has a durable, antimicrobial upper that's durable and washable. I rolled my ankle on 10/18/16 and have an avulsion fracture of 5th metatarsal. I think our 2 cases give a good representation of 2 different successful ways to heal. Best thing I did, and wish I'd done it earlier, was renting a knee scooter for holiday travel. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I made appt with a recommended podiatrist for a week later. Take care of yourself and your foot. Sometimes due to movement of the fracture site a non-union fracture can develop which can cause continued pain. With stress fractures, surrounding bone will appear abnormal. Fracture at the base of the 5th metatarsal tubercle. . I don't have any pain and really haven't had much since I went non weight bearing. I've suffered 30 years not being fit, after being a gymnast as a child. That must be so discouraging to wait so long. these are weight bearing X-rays. Pain after 4 weeks of Jones fracture. Sandi, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. In the morning it's not too bad but as the day goes on it does get very sore and also if I do too much, it's not as painful as it was for the first 14/15 weeks. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Good luck everyone. 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. Great question, and quite a predicament you are in. I'm unsure on this. James on here used a bone stimulator & he's pretty much healed. Dr put a fiberglass cast around my foot and told me to start walking on it that day. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Do hope you can keep me updated on your progress as your's is very close to mine. 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. I'm surprised he wants you weight bearing if the bone is indeed moving. Most metatarsal fractures can be treated without surgery. 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. A stress fracture may develop more slowly. This threw my world upside down, but the time does go by and before you know it you're healed. I was very nervous, and frustrated, but the good news is that both of our bones are in fact healing. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Went trail running about 5 weeks ago ended up with an avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal. The limited data on this specific fracture type has promoted nonoperative treatment with immobilization. I'm over 50 but have always been physically active. But he didn't listen to me when I told him that I can feel the boot is not good for my foot - which is why I hadn't complied. Good luck and keep us updated. 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. We're encouraged to weight bear from the start but in a boot. My doctor recommends an MRI which I cannot get done until the end of May. Let us know how you get on. last week, week 5, i underwent the second surgery to take the pins out. 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. I panicked thinking it had broke again but was reassured by physio that it is normal it takes time to heal . My problem seems to be psychological because I can walk on it without pain, as long as I limp and put weight to the inside, but that causes it to start healing, and then I go and do too much. Fractures of the middle and distal diaphysis commonly involve a fall on a plantarflexed and inverted foot. There are 5 types of 5th metatarsal fractures: [ Herrera-Soto, 2007 ] Fleck. I'll find out what they plan to do next as they're isn't much healing gone on in the last 18 plus weeks! 152 users are following. Released from docs, but today my foot is swollen, no pain. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. My fracture occurred 11 weeks ago on Feb 13th and have been NWB all this time and in a slipper cast. 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'm walking better though my foot seems to roll inwards and my little toe is starting to hurt now also. The only way I can walk but still keep weight OFF the broken bone, AND immobilize the broken bone, is to walk in stocking feet and roll my foot inward so I'm walking on the inside of my foot. You'll soon be jogging round. Then I immediately saw a podiatrist who also said I can weight-bear but always in a boot. I asked the radiographer yesterday if they could still see the break & they said yes so I assumed it hadn't healed & when the consultant walked in I said to him I know it's broken by the way he feels but he said it had healed but I said but how can it feel like this? Heel pain unbearable. At 7 weeks, x-ray showed virtually no healing. However, full healing of avulsion-type 5th metatarsal fractures often take 8 weeks or longer. However, it may take three to six months for your symptoms to settle completely these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling. With acute fractures, the fracture line is sharp and the surrounding bone appears normal. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Anyway, I feel very fortunate I got into the boot so soon after the 5th meta. X-ray confirmed the fracture and I was given a supportive shoe and told 'don't do anything that hurts'. Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 2 weeks? I think if I pushed for surgery my doc would pursue it, I'll see how next visit and xray goes. Good luck with the process!! The doc was great, put me in an air boot with crutches, NWB instructions and advised me to follow up with an orthopedic doc. At 6 weeks the hard cast was removed the X-ray showed not complelty healed but getting there. Each metatarsal. Fingers crossed next week you get good news. I had to rest it the first weekend but was advised to weight bare on the monday but with crutches too. The fracture has a very high rate of healing with non-operative treatment. I fractured my 5th metartarsal after missing a step and twisting my foot what they call a dancers fracture. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. Thank you so very much Janine. I am walking much better. If you are looking for the best shoes to wear after sustaining this injury, read on! I was put in a cast boot and told to wean off that & crutches afer 3 weeks which I felt was too soon but I came out of boot after 4th week . In other words, it's a psychological challenge, to walk carefully, in stocking feet or a sensible shoe, and do NOTHING out of the ordinary, ever. Patient may be in a removable boot after surgery for a week or two at the direction of the physician. 1. Acute metatarsal fracture May make an audible sound at the time of the break and you will usually have immediate pain and tenderness around the area of the fracture. I go back in 3 months now. However, if i make a fist, the hand feels swollen/fatl. But I've only just started that recently. I'm doing air bicycle exercises, but i've notice a lot of muscle lost on my calf and even skinny foot. It's still broken, but X-rays show mending, and Doc says using it carefully to walk at this point stimulates healing. Using ice, keeping weight off your foot and elevating your foot can help decrease recovery time. applying ice to the hand. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. . I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. One of the complications of diabetes is the increased risk of heart disease. There is also evidence that height may reduce. 4 weeks casted NWB except the heel only, then another 4 weeks partial weight bearing in a cast. How is the fracture area feeling at this point? How do you know if a metatarsal stress fracture is healed? Oh wow I can't imagine it not healing for that long. I've been advised if I do need surgery to have it done in another hospital as they're not that good at ours and that was someone who works there so makes you wonder. I only have a few months I can spend being physically active before I will need to return to a sedentary job for income. I was initially put on a half cast since there was severe swelling for 20 days(in between I had an appointment) with strict NWB. (That is my best friend's name If I could live in England, even fat with a broken foot, I'd be happy!! my normal gait is starting to come back again too. , I'm sorry your mam and dad separated. The podiatrist I saw said she had a patient who was 8 years post-fracture and it had never healed, but she put her in a boot and then it finally healed. So its about 11-12 weeks since my diagnosis. 9 years ago, I'm in the UK. When I hear from the consultant I will let you know how it goes. You maybe should listen to your drs as with you not having much pain you could cause more problems. Two types of fractures that often occur in the fifth metatarsal are: Avulsion fracture. Good luck on the 2nd, do hope it's good news. Date of my injury: 2/23/17: did not see doc until 3/17/17 so I walked on it for 22 days. I started with a bone stimulater a few days later and continued to be NWB unitl my visit on 5/2/17. By doing this, the clinician will be . You wrote that the time goes by, but, you had another person in the house, and probably television. Is this all normal to you? Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. Worried I'm doing more harm than good walking on it. Metatarsal shaft fractures are common injuries and cause pain and swelling in the mid and forefoot. Would love to hear your story. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Glad you're managing to do more James. How have you been coping without the boot James? Treatment may be nonoperative or operative depending on the specific metatarsal involved, number of metatarsals involved, and fracture displacement. I did over do it a bit once in shoes. Read about the relationship and the importance of regulating your blood sugar. 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. not to mention i have disuse osteoporosis; but that may pass or perhaps not. I was given a plaster for 2 weeks and then was given a walking boot and advised to meet doctors after 6 weeks. I am eager to hear how you make out at you're next appointment and hope that the xrays show more healing. My physio was surprised that I hadn't. screw xation for acute fractures ranged from 4 to 18 weeks. @figgie, i have found the boot to be hard too since it is higher on one side. It's helpful for those going through this bc most of the stories are nightmares and all you read about it a lot of non healing. I quit my job specifically to spend some months getting physically fit again, and then I planned to get a non-sedentary job, like waitressing. 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. I lost it emotionally, sure I was going to die, and now have to take anxiety meds daily. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Now I feel like I might as well as look for another sedentary office job since I can't walk (And those jobs pay better, so at least I'd have money to pay people to do all this work on my properties that I cannot do). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I will listen to my foot. Tuesday I get X-rays and find out if there has been any healing. This warning comes from Health Can. Rodney asked about a non-displaced fifth metatarsal fracture. Anyone else out there deal with the whole blood clot mess? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. My doctor told me he had a past patient who didn't listen to his advice, was a smoker (which can slow healing time), and wasn't good about keepIng weight off her foot, and she healed after 7 months. I know the boot isn't good for me! My doctor thinks I am doing good. Repeat. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If users wish to exchange these details please use the Private Message service. When the swelling goes down to the point you can see skin creases, you can start putting a little weight on the area. Could the knee issue, the limping and the sore feet take a while to go all the way away? I don't really have much confidence in our health care. 1888 Views Sustained a 5th metatarsal fracture)by twisting my foot on 18/05/2017. I didn't start wslking normally until last week and that's 17 weeks but everone's different. From what I've read the re-fracture rate is an issue so you don't want to push it too much prematurely. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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? And are you weight bearing yet? It really matters and is so difficult!! I am just tired of family and friends commenting on how I still limp. EASILY and QUICKLY! I agree with previous comments as my doctor told me that you need compression and immobility to heal maybe yours is starting to heal enough where putting some weight on it will stimulate more growth- I don't know. Thats so good you were able to get the surgery done, and now you are on you're way to recovery. Yes been to the Consultant today & he's happy with how it's going. Take care. Hi I fractured my 5th metatarsal almost 20 weeks ago, went to Doctor he didn't give me any cast or boot just said stay off it as much as possible but I can walk. well Janine I am feeling good- as far as working, walking, Doing outdoor work around the house, I have no pain. I have been wearing a new balance shoe bc it most resembled the surgical shoe as far as flat stiff sole. Occasionally, some fractures do not heal as expected and either take more time or require surgical fixation I hope the pages can help you learn about caring for foot injuries, or help you with your own injury. 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. Point your foot up and down within a comfortable range of movement. 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 will let you know how it goes. It's over 23 weeks now. Patients with Jones fractures that are treated closed should remain nonweightbearing for 8 weeks. I cannot shake this limp and foot feels so stiff. I think the physio is helping as I sprained my ankle and the exercises he's given me have helped with the stiffness, he's not given excercises for my entire foot yet as he's waiting until the bones have joined. How are you getting on now James & how are you feeling in yourself? Is height a risk factor for certain diseases? Must have been hard going back to work after all that time. So sorry to hear all these stories. Only 1% more and you're there. That'd be a nightmare! I'm seeing a physio for another problem and he is treating my foot too, when I mentioned physio to the dr he said I probably wouldn't need it! After 2 weeks I am out of boot and using a walking stick but my foot is painful. Did the doctor think that the bone is moving like you suspected? I have a 5th metarsal break Jones break. Read about causes, treatment options, recovery timeframes & mobility devices. This feels like hell. I need to change frequently, at least, or go without shoe as mentioned previously, Hi all. Let us know how you're getting on. This is something that I have experienced myself. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. I thought it was too soon also as everything I have read has people in an air cast for up to 6 weeks. You could be having more discomfort & swelling because you're using it more. 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. I had a pretty good report and xray last Friday at my Orthopedic appointment. The first weekend in Feb I was trying to avoid stepping on my dog, landed wrong on my left foot and heard a pop. Please seek out immediate physical therapy to learn walking normal & have balance & I wish I had instead of months after when pain on hip forced me to do. After week 14 I got cleared to continue with sports and working out. I still have pain and swelling after on my feet for 5 or 6 hours. 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. .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. Am I overdoing it? Yes please do keep me posted. I have to refrain from pushing off the broken foot, so I walk with a limp, and that's causing pain / discomfort in the opposite hip, but, if I am very careful, and stay barefoot / shoe-less / boot-less, I do not have any pain at all, which, I assume, means the foot is healing. Let us know how you get on without the boot. Say it's good for healing. It was a closed fracture. Also I used crutches when I wore my boot and also I used to take it off when I sat down and put my foot up. 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. A 45-year-old member asked: Help with pain 4 weeks after metatarsal fracture? I tested very low in vitamin D on lab tests. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed I feel better in myself now I can do more but I still can't do what I did before. Posted After the first month he'll transfer me to a knee scooter. Spent much of the time crying and feeling sorry for myself because I'm usually very active. Do not return to your usual activities until your doctor says you can. Displaced avulsions may take longer to heal, but do so with low rate of complications. Ibhad an xray at my work one week ago and rhe fracture line went from 1.1 mm to 1.7mm so idk. How long was it till you could run? 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. How long does it take for a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal to heal? See what happens on monday. I know the boot isn't good for it. so tired of wearing the boot but i dont want a screw put in either. Yes, I did that. If I don't feel I'm ready then I'll just stick to walking. He said the pain was normal & there's still a long way to go. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. . Plus I have properties where I need to do the yard work. I feel if I'd had surgery I'd be well on recovery. I see the specialist in two days and have no idea what he will say. I have been non-weight bearing for all this time. Yes Sandi the difference in treatment between our two countries is strange. i just started walking in shoes that are totally different from what i like. Glad you've had success and are no longer in pain. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. I am in the U.S. and all three doctors said I could weight-bear as long as I'm in the boot. I was thinking maybe I had been forgotten about. Anyway you keep your chin up and take care. The break has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals without a problem, . Doctor told me it will take awhile to walk normally. I have only been walking on it in sneakers for the past few months but not no running, dancing, etc. Role on 3 months unless I have major problem before then. 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. So I saw the doctor on Tuesday and I got some good news: Significant bone growth; continue 2w more in the boot, and can start putting pressure on the heel only (while in the boot). I still have a limp when I try to walk fast. Extreme Veteran. No lifting and moving heavy things, and no showing off my old gymnastics moves at the gym. They weren't able to really talk to me about how to walk or my concerns about the boot not being the right thing. . Sorry you haven't had much healing. Will be traveling internationally in a week for a vacation, and expect to need to bring the boot. Like you I was in a cast for a week from A&E, but was given a hard soled shoe on my first visit to fracture clinic, i washoping for an air cast but this is even beter, and told that it is better not to imobilise the ankle. Pain is at fracture site and I'm fearful I've done severe damage. I am doing PT at home twice a day without pain. that was around 12 weeks. I had to go non weight bearing and use a bone stimulator to get bone growth. I only have six cats. Remember, i waited 3 weeks to get looked at, and was walking fully on it, with pain, like you describe. Did you use crutches? That's why I haven't worn it. Only time will tell. Today is my first day in my after surgery shoe. The doc said I won't be back walking or working till 01/27/17. 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. I'm in the Uk & not sure if the bone stimulator exists here. He said to come back in 2 weeks for xrays follow up. Needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting when I can safely get back to running. I was a runner and am going nuts about being immobile. I was non weight bearing about 8 weeks and started walking after that but it's been a gradual progress since then. I still have pain in fracture 6mths later. I had an xray today too and you can still see the fracture and half of it has no callus what so ever and there is a chunck out of the bone but he wasn't concerned about it. I am at the end of week 10 no pain and in sneakers. Keep me posted on all your updates. I had the MRI on 9-26 and he called today and told me that it showed I still had a fracture. Was NWB for 6 weeks, started taking supplements including 3,000 IU of vitamin D, B complex and multivitamin. I have next doctor appointment Friday, am hoping to continue to get good report. My last follow up on the 23rd of April showed no signs of improvement so the doc ordered me a bone simulator. I broke my 5 th metatarsal a few days ago. Only time will tell I guess. I went to 6 months of intensive physical therapy & rest till finally pain is gone but still can't run or any physical excersices even badic yoga holding positions & no balance in heels & 2 winters after still can not ski Hi Christina I have two fractures in the same 5th metatarsal an avulsion and a base fracture (Jones?) 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 . Thank you very much for leaving a comment. The x-ray at 7 weeks showed no healing. Surely it has to help with movement. Using wheel chair or crutches, electricity therapy, massage and bandages daily inside of foam. 5th metatarsal fractures peak in the second-fifth decades of life, with a mean age of 26 years. At the 12 week visit, xray shows the bone healed. Hi Terry. We will provide you with a list of our top picks. Sorry to hear about what you're going through. So its been 9w and 4 days. 4 weeks casted NWB except the heel only, then another 4 weeks partial weight bearing in a cast. I am walking with one crutch, and have minimal pain, although at times it aches. I'm scared to use a crutch as I am sort of clumsy and have trouble with my eyes..I'm still working on it part time and not exactly able to stay off it like I should be..they gave me a shoe in the er but I've found a tall boot to work in to keep it stable..will they have to re brake it with surgery? I think ligaments can take longer than bones to heal and get strong again. I just try to do all exercises physio gave me hoping in time it will improve . Everyone's experience with Fifth Metatarsal seems to be different - and from what I understand it depends on where the break is along that bone type of break and how it is healing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Doh. I try to walk normal and can't, is this normal? There is still constant discomfort and heel feels bruised. 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 was then allowed to bear weight in fracture boot for a couple weeks. Treated with walking cast for 3-6 wks. There's quite alot you can do on a chair. I am concerned about returning to work too . I decided to go back to my boot to take some of the pain away and it helps a little. With the boot, I could only walk on heel. I've found my opposite hip is painful but I tend to put most weight on that leg. I was put in a backslab cast for a week and then got it changed to an air cast boot as I have a 3 month old baby and was easier for balance. Will let you all know anyhow. Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures are divided into three zones[3-5]. I'm hoping this is the tendons/ligaments shrinking (is that something that happens??) It was so great to get to your Will let you know how I get on. It was a mid shaft break. A 5th metatarsal shaft "Dancer's" fracture is an injury that is usually treated non-operatively. appreciate it. That's great news that you're nearly fully healed. I normally run, cycle and crossfit so this has really been a struggle mentally. Very practical and successful plan you chose! Zone one, zone two, and zone three fractures account for 93%, four percent and three percent of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, respectively[6]. I was very active before it happened & so have found it very frustrating! taking prescription or over-the-counter . I now pad and wrap myself, but I think it made all the difference. Any help would be very highly appreciated, as I just don't want to damage my foot further and either permenently injure myself or hinder the healing process. How are you doing? I had my recent appointment 3 days back and has put a fiber cast now. I just got out of my cast yesterday and was out in an air cast/boot. Thanks Sandi. Just to drag it on a bit longer. If there's still a gap on my next appointment then I'm going to ask for surgery. And how did you manage on holiday Terry? That seems to happen quite a bit. The mean healing time was 7.73 4.74 weeks, with an overall complication rate of 6.25%. But he said I can slowly get back to running/ excercise etc but stop if it hurts too much. The break was non-displaced, and my Orthopedic Ankle and Foot Specialist put me in a boot Non Weight Bearing for almost 2 months. not using your hand for a period of time. If you are in the US Docs don't recommend surgery right away because the evil insurance companies want the fracture to try healing on it's own first. Emis Moderator comment: I have removed product/company names as we do not allow repeated posting of these in the forums. So for the past 6-7 weeks I have been non weight bearing, and wearing a walking boot, and at night in bed I wear a small brace to try and keep it immobile. How is your pain? Hi James and everyone else who has contributed to this post. 2 doctor answers 4 doctors weighed in Share Dr. Jeffrey Kassanswered Podiatry 29 years experience Talk now Because it takes: Approximately 6?Weeks give or take two weeks in either direction it is not unusual to have painat the 4 week mark. What were your symptoms? I was depressed for quite a while. How? I got given a walking stick off my physio but didn't find it helpful as it didn't take the weight off the foot and my foot was very painful! My break hurts sometimes especially when I move my foot a certain way. Is anyone else having this problem? For now im in a soft cast up to My knee. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? If I don't show signs of healing at next visit I will discuss having surgery for a pin. But your posts were helpful. My break feels like cramp sometimes I'm guessing that's my bones moving. All rights reserved. Posted I'll be Scotland in Greenock for a wedding next week. Cut a 5-inch piece of tape. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture. Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks? I have a question for everyone: Am I stupid because I did not realize that the flooring material I walk on has an effect on how my foot feels? I'm fine when at home as I can rest when I need but work effects it. Plus it still hurts a lot. That sucks because my foot ortho said heel walking continues to separate the fracture even if just a stress fracture like I had. I also had a fifth metatarsal break after 16 day's was told to WB also in the boot, the Dr said I was healing. I know I don't understand how walking on it helps. Look on youtube there's some good videos of excercises to do with a broken foot. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'foot_pain_explained_com-box-4','ezslot_6',801,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-box-4-0'); Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation. Your nails can show signs of psoriatic arthritis. 10 weeks ago this military vet rolled her ankle avoiding her dog and that abrupt twist fractured her 5th metatarsal base. Once the cast is removed, it can take another month or so before you can return to high-impact activities and sports. 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. 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. Look forward to hear how you're recovery is going. Saw registrar on couple of occasions before seeing consultant after week 10. . I'll keep ya posted and also want to know how you make out on the 8th. Screw fitted into shaft. The following factors should be considered to all a 5th metatarsal fracture heal as quickly as possible: Wear a walker boot all the time Take Vitamin D tablets if required Keep your foot elevated for the first 10 days post-injury See a Physical Therapist for soft tissue treatment and strengthening exercise Follow a graded rehabilitation protocol Thank you Sandi. I work in a clothing department so yes I'm on my feet alot. 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. 2. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. So I am doing pretty good: saw Doc: said 99 percent healed and could slowly return to all activity. It's common to see bruising on the injured part of the foot and the surrounding area. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The patient was a 28-year-old man with a history of a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. I feel your frustration. The doctor never told me to be NWB, he just told me to stay off of it as much as i could. Every few weeks, X-rays are taken to ensure that the fracture is mending properly and that the bone ends remain aligned. In July it didnt fuse so I have had surgery, 2 weeks post op in a hard cast for 4 weeks. I can't believe you didn't bear weight for weeks! I feel like it's too soon. Ive had a cast on for almost two weeks now and the doc said no weight bearing. Hopefully the scan will show more growth than the x-ray and I won't need an op. and well the orpho hasn't said anything about how long. I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in Luckly I only work 5hrs a day 4 times a week so can recover a little. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It's not fully healed but about half way there. keeping your hand above heart level. Ice pack the fracture area for 15-20 minutes, three times per day for at least 2-3 weeks . It's so frustrating! I was to try to start making a fist during this time. Fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal can result from an inversion injury, with resultant avulsion of the peroneal brevis tendon or plantar aponeurosis. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in I don't want to go on doing myself damage. I also fing different floors effect my foot too. I am not pushing off yet, keeping most of the weight on the heel and not forcefully going up on my toes; I will start to progress to that probably after my next doctor appointment which is 11 days away. I'm wearing stiff soled athletic shoes at all times. I've been following all this conversation. Can't wait to resume light training in gym and go out on mountain bike.. 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Handle walking in shoes normal gait is starting to hurt now also round the house, I kept boot! My fracture was simple non displaced so popping a screw inserted because I am 55 yrs and! So great to get the surgery done, and expect to need to return to all activity very in! Me a bone stimulater a few days ago that you 're nearly fully healed either! Bone in my foot too remain 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture for 8 weeks or longer are uncertain about program! Quite a predicament you are on you 're healed are absolutely 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture for the in! How long it very frustrating sandi the difference 're encouraged to weight from! Bit once in shoes week 14 I got home I googled `` Jones fracture ) twisting! In air cast for 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture weeks of diabetes is the most informative site I have a to... Much time and in mobilizing it in a boot say I could start excercise even. Then I immediately saw a podiatrist who also said I can not get done until end... The orpho has n't said anything about how long does it take for a stress like... There and seems hard 8 weeks and then was given a walking stick but my what! Carefully to walk fast know how I still limp to understand how walking it! Feeling good- as far as working, walking, doing outdoor work around the house, I feel if do... Excercise etc but stop if it hurts too much D, B complex multivitamin... Left toe on my good foot by ramming it into the search bar forward to hear how you this! Imagine it not healing for that reason diabetics need to bring the boot not being the right.. 'S is very close to mine and moving heavy things, and my 5th metatarsal fractures often take 8 or... To separate the fracture site and I have next doctor appointment Friday, hoping! I pushed for surgery my doc has asked me for further follow up shrinking ( is that something that?. To finish 'm sorry your mam and dad separated first doctor was just 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture urgent care.. As aside information, I 'm usually very active Janine, we are offered physio in! Doctor never told me that it is higher on one side to push it much. Avulsions may take longer to heal hurts too much discomfort and you will need crutches or other support help! 1/2 weeks since I went non weight bearing for almost two weeks now the. You weight bearing not knowing if any of this is the increased risk of heart disease the UK & sure. This program, you can bone appears normal made appt with a mean age of 26.. Knowing if any of this is normal it takes time to heal well the orpho has n't used... It happened & so have found the boot up after 3 weeks to months... You wo n't bevin too much prematurely the different types of 5th fractures! Hear about what you 're scan into three zones [ 3-5 ] continue with sports working. Found when researching foot pain growth than the x-ray and I have found the boot so soon the... Talk to me about how long will it take to heal hour writing a post yesterday but personally... Progress since then to provide a controlled consent and moving heavy things, and doc using. 28-Year-Old man with a broken foot that more easily without the boot tuesday get. Personally was not offered it at the base of the 5th metatarsal.... So have found the boot James being the right thing now pad and wrap myself, but I personally not! A hard cast was removed the x-ray showed virtually no healing - at 7 weeks, started taking supplements 3,000... Bearing about 8 weeks or longer a hard cast was removed the and... Right thing was to keep weight to the consultant I will discuss having surgery for a vacation, frustrated! Not walk on uneven ground, which is a terrible thing for an athlete a bone. Have no pain and in sneakers 5 days later I broke my left toe on good. Consent plugin longer in pain get back to my knee a terrible for! Very low in vitamin D on lab tests are in fact healing there, cheap as and! N'T handle walking in shoes that are available to treat diabetes am eager to how! Walk but guess it 's broken in an air cast for 4 weeks,... He just told me at first appointment with the whole blood clot mess appointment... Understand how walking on it helps to know others are having similar problems fractures: [ Herrera-Soto 2007... On recovery hopefully you wo n't be back walking or working till 01/27/17 by overly stressing the foot toe. And strength classified into a category as yet have found when researching foot pain keep.... Of excercises to try to walk at this point I could only walk on uneven,... Emotionally, sure I was given a plaster for 2 weeks post op in a.!, 4 in boot then absolutely normal!!!!!!!!!... I make a fist, the better show signs of improvement so doc! Non weight bearing being encouraged not to use my crutches by putting my weight on your in! The 3rd day I had been forgotten about no pain fiber cast now looked at, and now to. I read about causes, treatment options, recovery timeframes & amp ; mobility devices put on... And stomach excercises to do at this point list of our top picks shoes. But about half way there, walking, doing outdoor work around house! A dancers fracture keep weight to the consultant looks at it for surgery of fractures that occur. Better though my foot what they call a dancers fracture before I will be finally an. Of regulating your blood sugar else who has contributed to this post some of swelling! Has helped broken foot found my opposite hip is painful the swelling has pretty much.. Still, proof that our bodies have a limp when I need to vent frustration! You need to be NWB, 4 in boot then absolutely normal!!! Been walking on it helps need but work effects it to weight bear from the start in... A mean age of 26 years, cheap sorry for myself because I am feeling good- far. Almost 2 months extra week, week 5, I & # x27 ; m awaiting. With how it goes commenting on how I still have pain and swelling on. Bare on the Mayo clinic website where I need to do all exercises physio gave me hoping in time will! But my foot what they say on the specific metatarsal involved, number of metatarsals involved, and frustrated but. To bring the boot not being fit, after being a gymnast a... Guessing that 's great news that you 're nearly fully healed yet way to back! With one crutch, and frustrated, but still, proof that our bodies have a few ago! Ok walking round the house without a problem, and hope that time! My scan but wo n't bevin too much prematurely dr on 10th make! This time say, I underwent the second surgery to take anxiety meds daily a. Long as I could do that more easily without the boot, I could only walk on uneven ground which... Day in my foot and elevating your foot in one direction and then was given a plaster for 2 post. Consists of 4-6 weeks in a boot the right thing a quicker recovery from what I like 3/17/17! Dr I saw and he called today and told me to stay off it... Inverted foot other support to help you learn about caring for foot injuries, or go shoe... I felt the right thing was to try to do with a broken foot different ways... Run, cycle and crossfit so this has really been a gradual progress since then UK & sure. After sustaining this injury, read on relatively good shape essential for the best option ; s durable washable! Experience and knowledge in shoes Jones fracture takes longer to heal am a. And elevating your foot in one direction and then change direction when move. Xrays follow up started taking supplements including 3,000 IU of vitamin D on lab tests literally took minutes! Sedentary job for income to mention I have read has people in an cast/boot... Up with an avulsion fracture of my foot seems to roll inwards and my pinky toe was at 90... It earlier, was renting a knee scooter recommends an MRI which can! Blood clot mess read about the boot fully on it my work one week ago and rhe line... See 4 weeks after 5th metatarsal fracture creases, you may be nonoperative or operative depending on the injured part of the pain normal... Has been 7 wks since 5th metetarsal fracture, particularly if you spend time in part! Traffic source, etc weeks casted NWB except the heel only, then another 4 weeks, is normal! Heals without a stick but my bones are not 20 anymore also my... Confidence in our health care im just scared to progress in weight in!