$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Often, this initial period is followed by use of a removable walking cast on a month to month basis, dependent on exam and x-ray evidence of healing progress.Typically, 6-8 weeks of non-weight bearing in a non-removable cast.Often, followed by use of a removable walking cast.Non-removable cast – typically no weight bearing allowed.The total recovery time (until swelling, tenderness and/or stiffness) have resolved and near-full functional capacity is regained): 4-6 months.A home physical therapy rehab program may be recommended by your surgeon, and there is typically no need for formal physical therapy appointments.However, if the healing is not sufficient to allow the above progression, the doctor may recommend continuing the removable walking cast and repeating x-rays in another month.Based on the x-rays and how you are physically coming along, you may be allowed to resume footwear, and start a gradual resumption of your activities.An appointment for x-rays to be taken typically occurs at about 6-8 weeks into the treatment.Your employer’s policies and capacity to offer modifications of your duties.The type of work that you do (sedentary off feet vs active on feet).The time needed for off work is dependent on: If you smoke, stop – it can interfere with bone healing.Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc.), because they can interfere with bone healing.Reduce activity level, rest, and elevate the affected limb as much as possible every day – for at least 2-3 weeks.Ice pack the fracture area for 15-20 minutes, three times per day for at least 2-3 weeks.It is OK to remove the removable walking cast for: sleep, bathing, icing.Use the removable walking cast for all weight bearing activities as long as you doctor designates.(note: in cases of slower bone healing, the treatment may take another 4-8 weeks) (note: in some cases, the treating doctor may allow a surgical shoe instead of the removable walking cast)

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Removable walking cast – weight bearing allowed.

Please click here to read the Foot and Ankle Surgery Department’s comprehensive patient resource on foot and ankle fractures and their treatment.

Some medications (such as prednisone and anti-inflammatory medications).

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Excess weight bearing (when weight bearing is allowed).Premature weight bearing (when non-weight bearing has been recommended).It is possible for these factors to severely slow the bone healing process or even result in non-healing of your fracture: Change in shoe size or inability to wear desired footwearĪlso, keep in mind that there are a number of factors that can impair bone healing.Transfer of pain, fracture, or callus to new site.Failure or breakage of hardware or implanted materials.Intolerance of hardware or implanted materials.Wound or scar problems (poor or slow healing, thick scar, sensitive scar, unsightly scar).Circulation disturbance of soft tissues or bone (including avascular necrosis of bone).

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Tendon injury or disruption of tendon function.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS or RSD).

Growth disturbance (particularly with growth center injuries).

Malalignment and deformity (malunion of bone).

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Failure of bone healing (delayed or non-healing of bone).

General complications of foot and ankle fractures may include:

Tips and Instructions from the Cast RoomĪlthough 5th metatarsal fractures are typically successfully managed with non-surgical care, there are some potential risks of the fracture and the management of the fracture.

Ankle Fracture with Unstable Syndesmosis.

Patients with Sensation or Circulation Loss in the Feet.

Midfoot Impingement Syndrome and Degenerative Joint Disease of the Midfoot.

Excess Body Weight and Foot and Ankle Problems.

$nondisplaced metatarsal fracture$

Nondisplaced metatarsal fracture