Often asked: Why Does My Orthopedist Want Me To Wear White Socks When I Fractured My 5th Metatarsal Fracture?

What is the fastest way to heal a 5th metatarsal fracture?

Ice pack the fracture area for 15-20 minutes, three times per day for at least 2-3 weeks. Reduce activity level, rest, and elevate the affected limb as much as possible every day – for at least 2-3 weeks.

How long does it take for a 5th metatarsal fracture to heal?

How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in about six weeks. However, it may take three to six months for your symptoms to settle completely – these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling.

How long does a 5th metatarsal fracture hurt?

Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely. Occasionally the fracture may fail to heal and will continue to be painful, even after several months.

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.

What happens if you walk on a broken foot too soon?

Until you see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan, you should not walk on a suspected broken foot, because walking on a broken foot too soon could cause more damage to the foot.

How soon can I run after breaking my 5th metatarsal?

Return to running and sports should be delayed for six weeks. Physiotherapy is initiated and a brace worn to avoid re-‐injury. At a very specific location on the fifth metatarsal, the blood supply to the bone is poor(figure 2).

Can I drive with a 5th metatarsal fracture?

You may notice pain walking on uneven ground for weeks, or months, after the break has healed. Sports should not be considered until walking is pain free. Exceptions would be swimming and cycling – as long as there is no pain while doing them. Driving should only be done if you can safely do an emergency stop.

How do you treat a fifth metatarsal fracture?

Treatment for a fifth metatarsal fracture

1. Cold therapy. Putting ice on the area may reduce swelling and pain, especially in the first few days after injury.
2. Elevation.
3. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines.
4. Immobilization.
5. Stretching and strengthening exercises.
6. Surgery.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken foot?

Compound fractures are severe and require immediate medical attention. Loss of Mobility – If you can ‘t say where any of them are broken, wiggle your fingers or toes. If doing so happens to be difficult or painful, you may have a break above that point. Intense Pain – Breaks are painful, especially under pressure.

Can a healed fracture still hurt?

Chronic Pain – After Healing is Complete Many people who fracture will eventually heal and recover to the point where they no longer experience any pain. However, some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have healed.

Can you break a metatarsal and still walk?

People sometimes say that it isn’t possible to walk on a broken foot but this is not correct. Whether you can walk on a broken foot depends on which bone is broken (and whereabouts along its length), whether the fracture is displaced, how supportive your shoes are, and your personal tolerance to pain.

Can you walk with a broken metatarsal?

A patient with a broken metatarsal may be able to walk, depending on how painful the injury is. Despite this, the patient with a metatarsal fracture is advised to avoid excessive walking, especially on uneven ground, to eliminate the risk of displacement.

Do they cast a broken metatarsal?

Most metatarsal fractures can be treated without surgery. A stiff soled shoe, walking boot, or even a cast may be used. The amount of pressure you are able to put on your foot will depend on which bones are broken.

What is the easiest and least painful bone to break?

What are the Easiest Bones to Break in the Body?

• Clavicle. The clavicle or collarbone is located near the front side of the chest near the shoulders and can fracture when pressure or stress is placed on the shoulders or when the arms are stretched out.
• Arm.
• Leg.
• Hip.
• Wrist.

How do you know if you broke your 5th metacarpal?

Symptoms of a metacarpal fracture usually include one or more of the following:

1. Hand pain and tenderness to touch (over the back of the hand or palm)
2. Hand swelling.
3. Hand bruising.
4. Hand pain / grinding when making a fist.
5. Hand deformity (fingers may not line up normally when making a fist)