I broke 2nd, 3rd & 4th metatarsels, non displaced. I was told it's really bad injury. in week 6 the cast was removed and the doctor at the clinic gave me a long boot and told me to gradually begin to weightbear. In week 10 i went back to the clinic because i was still unable to weightbear, an infection was ruled out but there is still heavy bruising to the underside of the foot and it is still swollen. i am now in week 11 and still not making any real progress. I've been elevating the foot and using ice packs since day one. It's virtually impossible to get information on what i should be doing or what progress i should be making.. I don't know if i should push on and try to weightbear even though it's extremely painful, or not; i don't want to risk causing further damage. if anyone has any experience of the same breaks i would be really grateful for any experience or information you can give.
Did you have surgergy? And why no info from Physician or nurse? Where do you live? I am hearing so many stories about noncommunication between patient and doctor. Have not had that issue ever innthe US. Wow! So sorry
Hi Sandi, thank you. i am in the UK. Two consultants (they are the most senior physicians in our hospitals/clinics) took a good look at the xray, i narrowly missed surgery - their decision, given the bones are in alignment - but i'm now wondering if that was the right move. I've been discharged from the hospital so there is no more communication or consulation unless i initiate it ...i am thinking of going back to the Fracture Clinic there but wanted to hear other peoples experience before doing so in case i'm worrying about nothing.
My 5th was not displaced either. Waited 4 weeks to see if it had started healing. Nope! So doc and I decided because of my life style of working out, walking dogs and riding horses it would be better to add a screw. Then it is easy. No pain, 4 weeks off, 4 in boot then good to go. With the 3 bones fractured I would have no clue except my doctor did make sure a rep brought me a bone stimulator which she swears by. I am in US, 68 so medicare would not pay for use of one. She feels so strongly about them that she had one delivered, they are a few K without a loan or insurance.
Being NWB is a nightmare!!
Hi Sandi, the worst thing is losing all activity, crutches and horses don't mix.! I don’t ride any more, that’s another, different, bone breaking story, but I worked out several times a week with a trainer ..and then without warning your life is on hold.! You did well to get back on your feet within a relatively narrow time frame, job well done! the op seems to be the key to people doing that. I'm liking the sound of the bone stimulator, will see if anything similar over here.
remember my break was simple but, still my orthopedic surgeon who is a lovely female believes surgery gets you moving faster. Says people say they are NWB but cheat separating that fracture. With screw it is secure. By the way, I am now a fair weather trail rider on gaited horses. Used to do the jumpers riding for time. Hum, my past life!!!! We do still have a farm with 4 horses and my husband still hunts. Nuts!! ha heal quickly!!
Yes, I have familiarity.
You ahould have been non weight bearing for more like twelve weeks because the foot takes full weight and much flexion. Add on top, the force of each step...
Have you been elevating your foot to about shoulder height to push the fluids back to the heart? This super elevation is very important.
The reason your foot is so swollen and bruised is because you are trying to weight bear too soon. An arm, yes. Not a foot.
Get off of it for two weeks and concentrate on keeping it properly elevated and iced. You can also massage it, use lotion.
You should begin weight bearing by simply standing still. Concentrate on standing with your weight balanced on both feet first. Then gradually roll forward onto your toes. When you reach the pain, pause one second, back off a smidge, and hold it for five seconds. Do ten repetitions five times per day Follow each session with elevation and ice.
This is important to prepate you to walk. To walk you must weight bear and you must be able ro go onto your toes. Expect to have some pain for a couple of months. It is much more difficult to recover from fracture involving full weight bearing.
When you are ready to walk, walk towards a mirror so that you can watch your steps. It is okay to use a crutch or a cane on the good side, yes the good side, because you want to work to avoid walking with a limp and twisted foot placement.
All total is was 9-12 months before the swelling finally let up.
Give up on the should have would haves and just go forward.
Yes, it is difficult.
hugs
judith
wow, I had surgery, off 4 weeks, in boot another 4 then, started walking and riding. Man, did I luck out.
Sometimes surgical stablization speeds healing especially in weight bearing bones
Hi Judith, this is the most useful and comprehensive information i have had throughout this whole thing, i can't thank you enough. I had a feeling it was a longer recovery period thank i was being led to believe...
I could do with a shetland pony to get me around the house right now..!
I love it....how about a knee scooter...they don't pooh...
You are so very welcome...the metatarsals take punishment when we walk. Be kind to yourself, but not lazy
Warn muscles move easier, so heating pad.
After exercise, ice ti cool things down and reduce swelling.
My last big fracture was my femur snapped and dislocated...it was holding the top end of my total knee.....I did exercises during television commercials, at stop lights, on the commode, in the shower....a couple here and a couple there will take you a long way.
hugs
judith
Hi Judith, I've had conflicting views on the ice and heat issue, so i've been doing both in order to cover all the bases, what you say makes total sense so thank you for that, i am already following your regime, for want of a better word.! It sounds like you've had a rough time of it, i really hope you're fully well and mobile now.
Yep my horses are getting smaller and ponies sound great!!
I got so much reassurance from the lovely people on this site because I feared I would never be back to my normal self of walking dogs and riding. I did get all back so you will as well!!!! and I am OLDER!!
Aaaah, thanks for that Sandi. I was starting to feel very low. You and Judith have already helped me enormously. And cheered me up.!! Sending you both a BIG HUG each.!
heat warms muscles
warm muscles and tendons move easier
ice reduces inflammation
I am doing just great,you will too!
hugs
judith
chuckle chuckle
thank you!