Fifth metatarsal fracture
The reason why I decide to start this blog is because mainly I had a fifth metatarsal fracture and let me tell you it wasn’t any pretty. If you are reading this because you have at the moment a fifth metatarsal fracture, llet me tell you: I understand what you are feeling. It is not easy, and the pain doesn’t help.
I think one of the worst things that happens is also the emotional part, when you brake your metatarsal, you also loose confidence and you realize quickly how fragile you are. It sucks because deep inside they tell you that there is nothing that you can do to recover. Well my theory is a bit different to what doctors keep telling you. In my case my doctors was a bit of a witch and told me that simply I just had to wait to recover. If you don’t recover after 3 months we will have to operate.
Are you kidding me?
I was in panic, and everyone told me that with a fifth metatarsal fracture, you can’t really speed time, well in my case I was scuba diving after just 6 weeks after. You may wonder how… well, I did everything I could to recover as fast as possible, even doing very non “normal” procedures. I was simply focus in one thing only: to heal.
Now my fifth metatarsal fracture was very bad, so bad that I was almost ready to be send to the surgeon, but they decided at last moment to give the foot a chance of healing by itself.
Later on in this blog I will write more about how I manage to heal quicker of my nasty fifth metatarsal fracture . Thanks for reading and see you very soon.
Hi. I am a ballet dancer and landing from a jump i broke the 5th metatarsus. It’a already 7 weeks ago and I did the RX to see how it looks, hopping to get better and in 10 days to take out the walking boot. Aparently the bone that brokw in a triangle so had had 2 pieces to heal, was good one, but the other they think is not connecting. I went to make a CT scan today, Monday I’ll know what’s going on, maibe i’ll have to operate. is being so hard for me since I’m loosing so many oportunities at my carear, and I never had a big injury so is quite hard to be off so long.
I was quite hoping that was fine, cause i have no pain on it, the pain is more on the ankle that lost all the movement, but in the bone nothing hurts, is it normal not to hurt and then is not connected?
Please let me know what did you do to make your fracture have a happy end.
Bring me some sun to my clody sky.:-)
Comment by Filipe Portugal — September 4, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
Hi, I broke my 5th metatarsal bone about 8 weeks ago and it’s still not fixed, i’ve had a cast on for 3 weeks. They said I could walk on it after thta which I did but it’s not really any better.
I went back for a xray about 2 weeks ago and he said it’s healing ok, anyone got any advice as to whether this may be a permanent thing? I’d really appreciate any advice anyone can give me as i’m a dancer and pretty fed up of the whole thing.
Comment by Debs — April 15, 2009 @ 6:39 am
no it will not be permanent, don’t panic… I know you are fed up but be patient… my advise to is wait as long as possible, you can try to workout a bit in the pool…. it usually helps a lot.
Comment by Metatarsal Treatment — April 15, 2009 @ 6:49 am
Thanks for the advice that’s something I never do so could be worth a try, will it help the foot gain strength as well? and does it speed up the healing process? anything that helps will be a good thing.
Comment by Debs — April 15, 2009 @ 7:03 am
you could get my ebook, about how did I recovered from my metatarsal fracture
http://www.metatarsaltreatment.com/ebook
Comment by Metatarsal Treatment — April 15, 2009 @ 7:07 am
Ok thanks for your help, i’ll consider it.
Comment by Debs — April 15, 2009 @ 7:11 am
I fractured the 5th metatarsal in my rt. foot on the 25th of Feb. and was released to go back to work on 4-13 with no restrictions. The foot wasn’t feeling too bad until I returned to work. I’m in retail, so I stand all the time. I only worked 4 hour shifts but noticed that there was a lot of pain on the left side of the foot after I worked for two days. I seem to be shifting my weight to my left foot so as a result, both feet hurt. I’m just wondering if I was released to go back too soon. The doctor told me it was healing and that there was no reason why I couldn’t return to working a full schedule. Any comments on this ?
Comment by Sonya — April 20, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Just a followup…..I decided to get a second opinion because of the pain I had after returning to work and was told that my foot should have been casted, which it wasn’t by the first doctor I went to. I’m now in a walking cast and off of work again and run the risk of having my dream vacation ruined because I didn’t receive the proper treatment. Had I been casted in the first place, the healing would have been further along, if not complete at this point. When in doubt, get that second opinion. Listen to your body and that little inner voice. I’m glad that I did.
Comment by Sonya — April 23, 2009 @ 8:13 am
I broke my 5th metatarsal at the base and had a severe high ankle sprain on 4/10. No cast, wrapped with ace bandage and used an air cast and crutches for three weeks. After about a week I was slightly weight bearing, now after four weeks later it’s much better. Still going up and down stairs slowly, Probably another two weeks and I should be good to go back at the gym.
Comment by Mike — May 6, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
Just going back to my origianl post, I wish to let everyone know my foot is now fully healed, this is to give hope to others regarding recovery, i went through a long phase of thinking my foot would never get better, it just takes time and all bones heal in the end, good luck to everyone in their recovery.
Comment by Debs — May 31, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
Since I broke my foot on 9 April this year, I have spent some time checking out experiences of a fractured 5th metatarsal - some give me the absolute horrors and then I read someone’s story which gives me some hope!
I was in a cast for 6 weeks, non weight bearing, for most of this time. I am still on crutches (sometimes one) and my foot has very slowly shown signs of recovery - thank goodness! However, when I went back to the hopsital to have my cast removed, I was not given an x-ray and it still plays on my mind that it may not be quite right! I am certain it is all in the brain but I was given very little advice on what to expect and how my foot would feel. Stairs are still difficult and walking makes my foot and ankle sore. I cannot comfortably walk without a trainer on. Any thoughts? Has anyone else not had a second x-ray?
I am such a hypocondriact but I am so anxious to do the right thing and get my life back to normal! Thanks for your thoughts!
Comment by Carole — June 7, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
hi, i just purchesed this book, payed through paypal and never got it. do you have an idea?
Comment by andrea — June 14, 2009 @ 4:16 am
I BROKE MY FIFTH METATARSAL ON MAY10 09 UNTIL NOW MY FOOT STILL NOT WELL. SOMETIME WHEN I WALK MY FOOT FEELS LIKE A NOT IS UNDER MY FOOT MY BABY TOE STILL HURT AT TIME
Comment by JEAN — July 4, 2009 @ 9:16 pm
I just fractured my 5th met yesterday - ER xray confirmed. I called Rothman Institute - best reputation in my area. Disaapoined to learn my appointment is with a podiatrist (DPM) - not with an MD. Apparently the podiatrist can cast me as well as screen and refer to Orthopedic Surgeon.
Is this typical? Should I be concerned?
I have very little pain and what appears to be a simple fracture -not anticipating surgery at all.
Thanks for any replies,
Kathy
Comment by Kathy — August 9, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
Fractured metatarsal 6 wks ago no plaster etc.Advised I could go back to work at end of third week.However after 7 dys foot so painful GP signed me off for two weeks.Foot is still swollen and although I can walk just not right.Help!!
Comment by Deb — August 14, 2009 @ 8:59 am
I just broke my fifth metatarsal 3 days ago and the swelling hasn’t gone down yet and I’m still very upset that this happened playing basketball when I don’t even enjoy the sport.
Are there any supplements that can speed or aid the recovery? What’s your opinion on getting a shot of Forteo? Is it too risky? I have a 3/4 break and I’m wearing an air boot. I’m really upset about this.
Comment by Beryl Rosenberg — September 8, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
No offense, but did you check my Ebook?
http://www.metatarsaltreatment.com/ebook/
Comment by Metatarsal Treatment — September 8, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
I am unable to download the ebook after purchasing, please advise.
Thanks,
Beryl
Comment by Beryl Rosenberg — September 9, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Am a senior with osteoporosis ..on June 15th was dashing down a couple of stairs when I rolled my ankle on an item at the bottom of the step …. result - a transverse fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal … tore stuff in my ankle but no broken bones there. X-rayed and given a removable walking boot cast … no pain once it was put on … it is now 12 weeks and five x-rays later … healing coming along nicely but not complete yet … it takes time but is not painful - just a huge nuisance.
Comment by Mary Lang — September 10, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
I broke my 5th Metatarsal about 6 weeks ago. I have been in a cast for 6 weeks and the DR told me that I was not allowed to walk on it or put any weight on it. I go on Thursday for and x-ray and to take the cast off. It has just recently starting hurting. Could that mean it’s still broken?
Comment by Kady — September 13, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
Broke 5th metatarsal on 4/36/09. Fiberglass cast for 6 weeks, followed by walking cast with one crutch/cane, followed by a lace up ankle support. Why is my foot so stiff (ankle and toe joints in particular). Yesterday I jammed my big toe by accident and the pain is very strong (not even near the fracture, just the whole foot is generally very stiff).
Comment by dd — September 16, 2009 @ 5:46 am
broke 5th metatarsal on 7/15/09. It has still not healed. i wore a post op. shoe for about 3 weeks,then went to a fracture boot, end of august until first of September. changed toa nother fracture boot and in the middle or 3 week of September began using a bone stimulator which is where I am now, in my 3rd month. I have on ly been off the foot for the first 5 days, and back to work in sometype of fx boot. I am thinking of getting a second opinion, from a foot and ankle specialist, and possibly have surgery? tell me your experience with surgery on the 5th metatarsal
Comment by skswan — October 1, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
I broke my 5th metatarsal on Sept 27th, and got a fiberglass cast that is non-weight-bearing. I am very active with this cast because I have a lot of important things to do! I am wondering if this will slow the healing process.
Also I am taking many supplements to try to speed healing. Has anyone had any success taking supplements? I’m taking calcium and others.
Comment by Larry — October 6, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Tripped on hidden step June ‘09 and foot rolled inwards - much pain but thought a sprain/strain as ankle bruised. after rest, hot and cold support bandage, pain increased whole foot and GP sent me to A&E hospital 2 wks later. X-ray proved a 5th metatarsal break and was referred for fibreglass plaster cast and crutches for 4 weeks. After some recovery time, further symptoms appear i.e. pain the leg and increasing ‘nerve’ like discomfort. Visit GP ths week, but feel ‘late’ symptoms could be related. Yes, feeling of fragility is certainly a symptom after a break and almost a fear it might happen again.
Comment by S DELANEY — October 8, 2009 @ 7:11 am
Broke my 5th metatarsal on 21st June and was in plaster cast , non weight bearing for 5 weeks. Went back to fracture clinic after the 5 weeks expecting a further x ray but removed pot and said foot now healed without any further x-ray. Unable to walk so had to be wheeled out of fracture clinic in wheelchair but perservered doing (my own) exercises. It is now almost four months and foot is still larger than other foot and there is still quite alot of swelling and I am still walking with a slight limp. Will I ever fully recover?
Comment by Depressed — October 14, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
broke my 5th met 3 weeks ago in a football game which i got 2 footed tackle the ref waved play on try walking on it couldnt bear it the pain was just killing hopped of the pitch decided 5 days later to go to hosiptal in which i found out i broke it in an aircast you can remove it just concernd ive got a good future ahead of me getting a scholarship to usa and playing semi pro here in england my right foot is my life and please shout out to you all any and i mean any information on how to make sure/increase the recover please fill me in i cant stress to you how my life went from training 2-3 hours a day to not been able to walk is just torture for me.. feel you pain
Comment by oj — October 17, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
i fractured my 5th metatarsal night of sept 26 09. i landed wrongly from a grand jete’ and injured my foot. i thought it was only a sprain so i just iced it. wasn’t able to walk from then til the next day. forced to walk it after. danced with it again for like 2 weeks. i went to see a doctor because the swelling remained and it turned out to be fractured. i am now in full cast but was advised to wear it for 4 weeks only. my doctor advised me to go back to dancing by january. to which i was disheartened since dancing is my living. but i won’t lose hope. i pray for faster recovery. i hope all of us will not lose hope with our healing and going back to how things were before the injury.
Comment by anne jenelle — October 19, 2009 @ 5:48 am
I broke my 5th on July 28th in Kung Fu. I had an undiagnosed stress fracture which blew apart on a bad step. I was booted for 8 weeks and then to a brace. I was able to return to Kung Fu with no problem. My doc has the bone stimulator on it and it seems to be working. However, last weekend I was dancing at a wedding and the next morning I had pain. I rebooted myself and will wear until my next xray in two weeks.
Everbody tells me this is an injury that takes a lot of time to heal. I don’t mind, I just don’t want surgery!
Comment by Peggy — October 20, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
I broke my 5th metatarsal 3 weeks ago and have now developed 2 below the knee DVT’s!!! I am wearing a boot and am on daily Clexane injections to thin the blood. No one is telling me if there is anything else I can do, ie. should I be wearing a stocking, should I be trying to exercise the calf??
I read the blogs hoping I wasn’t the only one who developed DVT’s but looks like I am. Let’s hope it doesn’t embolise and cause a PE!
Comment by Eva — October 28, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
Hi,
I purchased your ebook and got payment confirmation email. How do I obtain the ebook? I see no download link?
Thanks!
Comment by Larry — November 3, 2009 @ 4:19 am
On Halloween afternoon, I fell on a wet & dry vac hose in the basement where the side of my left foot met with a concrete floor. Oooowww. The next day I went to the emergency room and they put a fiberglass split on it and told me not to walk on it at all. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon three days later who casted it and told me not to bare any weight on it what so ever (i.e.crutches and a roll-about). He indicated it probably wouldn’t heal and would require surgery.
The cast hurt because he wrapped it with very little padding and it was cutting off my circulation in my ankle. So I got a second opinion from a podiatrist. She told me I was find I could ware a boot and walk on my foot and that there would be no surgery needed. I felt hopeful and happy until I began walking on it and was in dire pain. I am casted again and using crutches and very concerned about what the so called professionals know bout this issues. Gee go figure, surgeons recommend surgery and non surgeons don’t. Pain is hard to deny.
Comment by Carol — November 6, 2009 @ 12:12 am
Hi I fractured my 5th metatarsal on my left foot 5 days ago. I went to emergency that night because of the pain of only taking a couple of steps after falling. I found out after an x-ray by the ER doctor that I had a slight fracture on the 5th metatarsal, so I was put in a soft cast until I was seen by the foot specialist a couple days after. At my appointment with the foot specialist he asked me how I fell & he explained to me how I fractured my foot. When my ankle rolled in it caused the ligament to pull on my 5th metatarsal causing a slight fracture. I’m not too worried about this foot injury because 10 years ago I had fractured my tib/fib which was very painful compared to this, however, what does concern me is going back to work & from reading the comments above if the bone isn’t properly healed than my injury could extend longer in the healing process & possibly surgery. With the foot specialist he told me every person is different when healing so it’s up to me as far as when I can go back to work & what I can do on my foot. The nurse took off the soft cast & I’m in a ROBO boot that allows me to walk on it with little pain. I have been walking with the boot 2 days now & I have noticed more swelling & bruising on my foot. I had a good discussion with my mom who is a nurse & I have come to the conclusion that it would be best for me to take a sick leave from work for 4-6 wks & go back to work 100% healed (hopefully), it seems that time & minimal movement on the injury would be the safest route to go. I do have another appt. with the foot specialist in 5 wks time for an x-ray to make sure the bone healed fine. Let me know if you have any concerns/comments regarding my plan.
Thanks, Jadda.
Comment by Jadda — November 6, 2009 @ 3:06 am
The podiatrist had me in a boot for 14 weeks for a non-union 5th metatarsal fracture. He suggested that I then get a bone stimulator and then begin physical therapy sometime later. I finally decided to get a second opinion with an ortho doctor. The ortho doctor reviewed all my x-rays and said that my foot was solid. He told me to take the boot off and begin walking with good athletic shoes on. He said that I didn’t need a bone stimulator nor did I have to have any physical therapy whatsoever. I do have a little pain, but he told me that would be expected for a while. Go figure!!
Comment by Sam — November 9, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
Ok, guys, Comments closed. If you want to know how I recovered in less than 5 weeks from my metatarsal fracture, check my ebook at
http://www.metatarsaltreatment.com/ebook/
Good luck
Comment by Metatarsal Treatment — November 9, 2009 @ 9:38 pm