Fractured 5th metatarsal recovery time??

[DianaD]

Hello.

I too have a fractured 5th metatarsal. My doctor told me 6-8 weeks non-weight-bearing. He wanted to put me in a full cast, but I asked for another option (so I can bathe, get around easier, etc.), so I now have an air cast. He seemed fine with that, but I'm wondering, could this delay or hinder my recovery in any way?

Also, it's rather cumbersome and I wonder if I can use the 'backstrap' cast I was first given in Emergency for sleeping. I certainly am not weight-bearing there!

Finally, some questions about circulation: I'm told that the metatarsal heals slowly due to a lack of blood circulation, so am I better off elevating it to reduce swelling, or leaving it down, which presumably increases blood flow to the area? The swelling I am experiencing is pretty minor.

And, should I be trying to wiggle my toes to increase blood flow, or keep the foot as immobile as possible, to promote healing of the bone?

Thanks for your answers!

[bfrease]

My sympathy to you for the break! I am finally almost back to normal after 12 weeks. I was in an air cast for 8 weeks with no weight then was able to walk in the cast for 1 week and then out of it. My foot hurt like crazy for over a week but the doctor said that was normal and gave me a post-op shoe to wear in the house to relieve some of the stress of the foot muscles and tendons getting used to walking again after being totally babied for so long. I suddenly am almost pain free and actually walked a mile at a good, fast pace this morning. So...hang in there! I did not wear the cast at night or to bathe. All other times I was in the cast, either in a wheelchair or scooter. I exercised my leg and did move my toes a lot, but I don't know if that really helped in the healing. It's just a time thing and really keeping weight off of it. Nasty break!

[sizmicnick]

Just wanted to share my input on my injury
29mar2011 i slipped fell down the stairs at home
fracturing 5th metatarsal. was an avulsion type injury
foot rolled and i heared a crack.
I was air casted and i have a follow up with fracture clinic 2may2011
so far the swelling has gone down, and im able to walk without the aircast at home
with running shoes.
its the week of 18apr2011 im starting to do
mobilization excercises and strength traning.
riding bike as well as leg extensions and other excercises
the way the healing is going im hoping to be up and back to normal by end of may 2011
the only thing i notice is with this injury there may end up some residual traumatic arthritis as a result of the break
im taking caltrate plus to increase calcium input as well tumeric for inflammation which is helping.
The healing time of each injury depends on the severity of the fracture im fortunate it was a clean break
I strongly suggest people do not rely too much on the air cast and to ween off and start therapy once recommended by specialist

[ladyleg]

I too had my foot "crack" and that was end of Feb 2011, took 7 weeks before I was out of Moon Boot, now suffering with swelling, been to Physio twice, had excercises and tomorrow I go to doctors for a quartizone injection to help with the swelling as I have to wear shoes to do my job. I have to still elevate it when I'm not walking on it.
I noticed someone here said they are using Tumeric to help with the swelling, could that person let me know HOW they are taking it? I am desperate to get my shoes on to go to a wedding on the 7th May!

I know it may take some months for the foot to be "normal" again, but reading about everyone here has helped me immensley as I thought I was going to loose my foot!

Also riding an indoor bike is good for cirulation and strengthens the muscles. I have one and also a machine that gets the blood flowing thoughout the body. So I'm working on it.