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Fractured 4th Metatarsal healed after 3 weeks?

Discussion in 'Ask your questions here' started by Katherine, Feb 5, 2011.

  1. Katherine

    Katherine Guest


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    Hello, around 18 days ago I fractured my 4th metatarsal (not a stress/sports related- someone heavy stood directly on my foot) I went to A&E the day after, and a x-ray and examination confirmed my 4th metatarsal was indeed fractured. I kept off my foot completely for the weekend and the Monday after I went to the fracture clinic at hospital, I saw a specialist doctor he said I didn't need plaster and didn't recommend a walking boot, I was given crutches and told to use them for a week or so and to start walking as soon as I felt possible. I used crutches and kept off my broken foot for the last 2 weeks. I have started walking a bit more the last couple of days, although my foot is no longer swollen it is still bruised, I'm very stiff in both legs and the ankle of my affected foot, there is also slight pain in the area of the fracture after about 10 minutes of walking. I am just wondering if I should ignore this pain and carry on attempting to walk, or not? I'm a student and have to walk roughly a mile to campus, I can't afford to miss any more lectures as I don't want to get behind any more than I already have- would a mile be to far to walk? even if I take it slow and keep off my foot on days off- any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks for reading.
     
  2. 8BM

    8BM New Member

    Well, although the lack of swelling is a good sign, pain isn't good. My guess is that certain muscle groups in your foot/ankle/leg got weaker during your stint on crutches. (I'm still on my crutches) Do mild strength exercises and stretching in the morning to warm up those muscle groups. I think the fractured area will become less sensitive as time goes by, it just never seems to happen quick enough.
     
  3. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    From what I've read on the internet, metatarsal fractures usually don't heal that fast. My first ortho specialist for a 5th metatarsal fracture and 4th metatarsal stress fracture had me walk, too. 20 weeks later, I've been in soft casts, boot and hard cast and am still struggling. Please be careful and talk to your doctor.
     
  4. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Hi Katherine
    I'm wondering how you are doing.
    I just broke my fourth metatarsal on my foot this past Wednesday ( 3days ago) Ive been to the hospital who gave me a walking boot and sent me home. I've yet to see a doctor -- that's arranged for next Thursday. I have seen my own xrays - it's a clear oblique break nearly as long as the metatarsal with some separation. It wasn't rocket science to see I'd done it good. I'm surprised at the seemingly lack of concern to act quickly to resolve it.

    So may i assumed you've healed well without complication? Therefore Was the advice given to you effective? What did you find the most helpful? Do you have any advice to someone just starting the healing journey? What questions should I ask the doctor ... Or what should I insist on? Any suggestions?
    Feel free to answer here or email me directly at karan.gerard@me.com and many thanks for your assistance.
    Kind regards
    Karan
     
  5. psdaskas

    psdaskas Guest

    Wow!! I fractured my 4th metatarsal running a marathon. It was extremely painful to apply any pressure on that foot the next day, and was also swollen and bruised. Once it was confirmed that it was a fracture, I was immediately put into a cast. I will be in this cast for about 8 weeks. I can't believe they just sent you home with crutches like it was a sprain. I would go somewhere else for a second opinion. I have a friend who fractured their metatarsal and also wore a cast. They were completely healed and back running marathons within 16 weeks.
     
  6. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am 4 weeks post fx 4th Metarsal - was dx after 3 weeks of pain. This was trauma related not stress fx. I was told yes I have a fracture, bone in good alignment, healing is occuring at fracture site. Advised to walk "flat footed" and don't use this foot to push off when swimming. No boot, cast or crutches. It still hurts alot if I try to walk normally and "roll up" on the ball of my foot. Otherwise it just hurts all the time. Told to expect pain for at least 6-8 weeks.
     
  7. Moses

    Moses Guest

    I had 3rd and 4th metatarsal non-displaced fracture on my right foot. I have been one week on hard plaster cast, then 2 and a half weeks in an aircast walking boot, doing as much as possible non-weight bearing. I tried but it's tough since sometimes I have to put the foot down on the floor. I have no pain, no swelling anymore, no bruises anymore, when I walk a bit with the boot it feels fine. My appt with the orthopedist will be in week and a half, may 3 for new x rays and hopefully everything goes ok and I can walk with the boot ad return to work.
     
  8. Moses

    Moses Guest

    I want to quote, that the ortho doc told me not to put weight on it, however it has been difficult since I have been by myself in home, so there has been times that I have put weight. Do you think that will change the course of the healing, I mean if I have put some weight. I am scared. My x rays are in one week, I hope everything is ok. Thanks
     
  9. Ravi Malhan

    Ravi Malhan Guest

    I am a cancer survivor and running is a very important part of my life. Very important. Recently I fractured my fourth metatarsal. I am in the second week of healing and have been advised an air cast . May I please interact with you and your running friends to understand better my rehabilitation and return to running. I will be most most grateful.
    ravimalhan@yahoo.com
     
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