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Original poster

5th metatarsal fracture recovery

15 replies

JustAnotherCrack · 05/03/2022 21:09

I’m 1 week into fracturing my foot, 5th metatarsal spiral fracture plus some ligament damage. A&E have given me a boot and crutches, spoke with fracture clinic on the phone who don’t need to see me unless I’m still in pain after 6 weeks but by god it’s hurts! Still on round the clock pain relief, have some swelling and interesting bruising.
Extremely bored just sitting about all day but trying to move increases the swelling and pain, any tips to recover faster. And how long until normality is actually realistic?!

5th metatarsal fracture recovery
OP posts:
Whyevencare · 05/03/2022 21:31

I had the same injury 15+ years ago although no boot or crutches, it took approx 4 weeks to fully recover. I would recommended rest (elevated) as much as possible for as long as you can.

On a side note, I went back to work after 4 weeks and on the first day back I slipped and fractured the opposite foot Confused I had 7 weeks off work in total, but no lasting effects.

Original poster
JustAnotherCrack · 05/03/2022 21:34

@Whyevencare

I had the same injury 15+ years ago although no boot or crutches, it took approx 4 weeks to fully recover. I would recommended rest (elevated) as much as possible for as long as you can.

On a side note, I went back to work after 4 weeks and on the first day back I slipped and fractured the opposite foot Confused I had 7 weeks off work in total, but no lasting effects.

4 weeks seems doable, trying to rest it but I just want to get on with things, very annoying.

Oh no ouch! That’s the sort of luck I have! Glad to hear no lasting effects though.

OP posts:
Whyevencare · 05/03/2022 21:39

It's early days and will be painful but that should ease, as long as you rest it. Unfortunately this type of injury takes time to heal.

BirdOnTheWire · 05/03/2022 21:42

I did that 4 years ago although I didn't go ro A&E for a week.
I wore the boot all day for 4 weeks then slowly weaned off it. Probably 2 months to complete recovery. Although oddly it's been hurting recently, four years later, for no obvious reason.

AllLopsided · 05/03/2022 21:42

Agree with elevating it as much as you can - ideally above the level of your heart. Can you take the boot off? If you can, apply an ice pack regularly. If you can't take the boot off try icing behind your knee. When you are more mobile, a cross-body bag is useful for carrying stuff around, eg from the kitchen to the couch. (Veteran of 3 ankle surgeries)

Alwayswaiting · 05/03/2022 21:48

I fractured my 4 and 5 metatarsal having a bad dream and fell out of bed. Was absolutely agony for a week then went to a&e for an X-ray, had the boot on for around 6 weeks. It took what felt some time to heal.

StormBaby · 05/03/2022 21:51

I still can’t move my toes after a fall down the stairs 4 years ago. Was in a boot for 4 weeks. Hope you heal better than me!

Original poster
JustAnotherCrack · 05/03/2022 22:01

Thanks all,
Cross body bag is genius! I’ve been wearing a hoodie with a big pocket but keep dropping things out the sides, bag would be better.
I fell from a height and knew instantly it was bad, nearly threw up with the pain.
Hate the boot, it’s so heavy! And feels claustrophobic 😢

OP posts:
SatinHeart · 05/03/2022 22:33

I had a boot for 8 weeks with similar. The circulation to the area isn't great so agree with pp you need to elevate it a lot to promote healing

Pushkinia · 06/03/2022 07:29

Not a metatarsal fracture, but I fractured my heel bone and had ankle ligament damage after a fall from height (5 stairs!) and was in a boot for 4 weeks before weaning off it. I’ve needed a lot of Physiotherapy though - it might be worth considering that for the ligament damage.

5th metatarsal fracture recovery
Tsg · 20/02/2023 18:23

Hi, I’m wondering what your recovery was like ?
I have a 5th metatarsal fracture ( done it last week) and have been having a lot of pain and stiffness in the back on my calf. I went to the emergency department to check for DVT, no signs of that or cause for concern. Today however I’ve also noticed that I can’t lift my foot at all and can only raise my toes off the ground.

FurAndFeathers · 20/02/2023 18:47

Same injury years ago and ended up with a cast up to my knee for 6 weeks

was back to work on crutches after 2 days. Non weight bearing movement and pain relief will help with the swelling

makingarunforit · 20/02/2023 19:00

You just need to be patient I think. Rest and elevate for a fracture for the first few weeks.

Whattodowithallthebooks · 20/02/2023 19:12

I was on crutches for 8 weeks and off work for 10. Not sure if it healed fully because it's still painful sometimes 18 years later.

XenoBitch · 20/02/2023 23:25

I did this a few years back. Had the big boot for about 6 weeks, and all was fine after.
I recently did the same on my other foot and had no treatment at all. Is also fine now (although probably healed wonky).

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