Minor Foot Fracture due to Sprain, HELP

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi guys.

I’m a male and 17.

2 days ago, I was sleeping in a weird position. When I woke up, I didn’t realize my foot was numb. As soon as I stood up, my ankle twisted in and I fell on my  [right] foot.

I was in pain for like 5 mins, but ignored it and went back to sleep.

So it turns out it didn’t heal. I woke up and my feet was hurting as soon as I placed it. I didn’t think it was serious so I went to school anyways. I was kind of limping and walking very slow to avoid fully placing my foot flat down.

Today I woke up and it was hurting like never before. I couldn’t even place down my foot at all, I was literally hopping on one leg or walking with support from the wall/nearby objects.

Anyways, I dipped it in ice-water and took Ibuprofen, which reduced pain and discomfort about 75-80%. I decided to go to the emergency hospital.

So, they took an X-ray and found out I had a very minor fracture in the foot. They put the cast on my foot and have me crutches. They said it will take approximately 6 weeks! And I’ll have to go to the specialist (but most likely won’t be needing surgery).

Please help: I’m scared. I have never had something like this and would like to ask some questions:

(1) VERY IMPORTANT: How long will it really take for it to heal?

I really am not trying to wear the cast and crutches to school. Also, badminton season starts in a month, will I be fine by then? (It’s nothing mandatory right now, but I would still wanna to).

Luckily, I have the 3 week break coming after this final week.

(2) What to do to make it heal ASAP?

(3) IMPORTANT: Will I have an imbalance? What exercises can I still do that will help strengthen my leg? 

(3) Pre-cautions/advice?

Any help is HIGHLY appreciated, I’m feeling pretty depressed and scared right now. I feel like my life has changed.

2

Sorry to read about your injury. Remember this is temporary and it will heal.  Talk with your parents; then your badminton coach.  Do you have an athletic trainer at your school?  Your coach and AT should be able to help guide your recovery and rehab. 

IF you do NOT wear the boot (cast) and use the crutches you risk delayed healing and increase the risk of issues during your recovery and rehab.  Wear the boot/cast AT SCHOOL and use the crutches!  Ice and ice some more.  Rest and elevate the foot to reduce swelling and manage pain/discomfort.

Keep your parents, coach, and AT in the loop with your concerns and fears.

FYI I was a highly trained athlete back in my day; I fractured the fifth metatarsal of my right foot at the start of the season.  I swam with a fiberglass cast toe to knee for 6 weeks.  The cast was heavy wet and difficult to pull through the water.  I had to dry the cast with a hairdryer after each practice.  It sucked eggs; I hated the whole situation.  Frustrated and disappointed.  My senior year of college.  I was a conference (repeat) champion back to back individual event titles and a member of champion relay teams.  I also qualified for nationals and earned All-American recognition for my finishes.  I used crutches for the first 4-5 weeks then walked in the rubber plug under the cast the sixth week. 

My point - it is what it is.  Remember it is temporary. Good luck!

 

3

Thank you, that helps a lot. You’re right, it is what’s it is. I guess I’ll have to wait it out and do whatever I can’t to boost recovery. I’ll post updates.