Can you walk on a metatarsal fracture?
Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may be able to walk on a broken metatarsal. Some people find they can’t tolerate any weight at all. Others can still walk, especially if it’s a mild fracture.
How long does it take for a metatarsal fracture to heal?
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.
What is the fastest way to heal a 5th metatarsal fracture?
Treatment for a fifth metatarsal fracture
- Cold therapy. Putting ice on the area may reduce swelling and pain, especially in the first few days after injury.
- Elevation.
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines.
- Immobilization.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Surgery.
Can you walk on a fractured fifth metatarsal?
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.
What is the fastest way to heal a metatarsal fracture?
Treatment of Metatarsal Fractures
- 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.
How can I speed up the healing of a broken metatarsal?
The three key steps to faster bone healing are:
- Alignment of the broken bone fragments.
- Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization.
- Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.
Is 5th metatarsal fracture serious?
The fifth metatarsal is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the smallest toe. A Jones fracture is a common type of metatarsal fracture and is the most severe type of fracture that can occur in this bone.
How painful is a 5th metatarsal fracture?
Symptoms of a fifth metatarsal fracture Sudden pain along the outside of your foot is the main symptom. A stress fracture may develop more slowly. You may feel chronic pain for a period of time. Your foot may also swell up and bruise.
When can you start walking after a metatarsal fracture?
As you recover, your provider will instruct you to begin moving your foot. This may be as soon as 3 weeks or as long 8 weeks after your injury.
How long should you stay off a fractured foot?
Foot fracture – 3 weeks in a boot
| Healing: | This injury normally takes 6 weeks to heal. |
|---|---|
| Pain and Swelling: | The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating your foot will help. Take pain killers as prescribed. |
How do you sleep with a broken metatarsal?
Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn’t work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.
