If your bones are still aligned (meaning that the broken ends meet), you will probably
wear a cast or splint for 6 to 8 weeks
. You may be told not to put weight on your foot. You will need crutches or other support to help you get around.
What do doctors do for a broken metatarsal?
Your doctor may have put your foot
in a cast or splint
to keep it stable. You may have been given crutches to use to keep weight off your foot. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again.
Do you need a cast for a broken metatarsal?
The the long bones in your foot are called metatarsals. They are numbered from 1 to 5. This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. The break has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals without a problem, so
you won’t need to have a plaster cast
.
Can a foot fracture heal without a cast?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is
yes
. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
Should I go to the doctor for a broken metatarsal?
See a doctor if there is obvious deformity, if the pain and swelling don’t get better with self-care, or if the pain and swelling gets worse over time. Also, see a doctor if the injury interferes with
walking
.
Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 2 weeks?
How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in about
six weeks
. 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.
Can you walk with a metatarsal fracture?
You
can walk on your injured foot as much as your pain allows
. You should gradually stop using the supportive shoe over three to five weeks, as your pain settles. Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.
Can you wiggle your toes with a broken foot?
Compound fractures are severe and require immediate medical attention. Loss of Mobility – If
you can’t say where any of them are broken
, wiggle your fingers or toes. If doing so happens to be difficult or painful, you may have a break above that point.
Does ice make a fracture hurt more?
Ice and heat have contrasting effects on the inflammation of the site of injury. So, is heat or ice good for a broken bone? Applying ice to the site results in the constriction of blood vessels, reducing circulation and swelling.
It may also be effective in reducing pain
.
Can a fracture heal in 2 weeks?
The repairing or reparative phase begins within the first few days after the bone fracture and lasts for about 2
– 3 weeks
. During this time, the body develops cartilage and tissue in and around the fracture site.
What is the fastest way to heal a metatarsal fracture?
- Rest. Sometimes rest is the only treatment needed to promote healing of a stress or traumatic fracture of a metatarsal bone.
- Avoid the offending activity. …
- Immobilization, casting or rigid shoe. …
- Surgery. …
- Follow-up care.
Will walking on a fractured foot make it worse?
This
fracture gets worse with time if
you keep walking on it, so non-weight bearing is very important. People with this fracture are more likely to develop problems healing that require an operation.
What does a metatarsal stress fracture feel like?
You likely feel
a dull ache where the fracture is
located. The pain intensifies when you’re on your feet and lessens or goes away when you’re resting. Over half of stress fractures are in the lower leg/ankle. If the fracture has gone untreated for a while, you feel significant pain when you bear any weight on the foot.
Can a metatarsal fracture heal without a boot?
The boot you have been given
is not needed to aid fracture healing
but will help to settle your symptoms. Wear the boot when you are walking.
What happens if you walk on a broken foot too soon?
Until you see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan, you should not walk on a suspected broken foot, because walking on a broken foot too soon
could cause more damage to the foot
.
How long after a broken metatarsal can I run?
Return to running and sports should be delayed for
six weeks
. Physiotherapy is initiated and a brace worn to avoid re-‐injury. At a very specific location on the fifth metatarsal, the blood supply to the bone is poor(figure 2).
