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How Long Does Recovery From Metatarsal Fracture Take?

Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016

Question: I've acquired on here before about my broken foot. but I've fractured it in four places. Fourth metatarsal and such. I've been in a walking boot for going on 6 weeks. It still has swelling, I can't apply any pressure on my full heal, on any part on my pinky toe area. And now I have pain in my ankle area, in the front.
I didn't have an appointment until the 22nd, but I called and I am being seen on Monday. My question is, is this normal for being this long? I'm not one to be overreact. Don't have the time to.
Figuring though that its going on 6 weeks I wouldn't have all this going on still.
I will add that this past week I had to start adding a half rolled up sock into the arch of my foot to help with walking and pain. Is this a bad thing?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Swelling can stay for months

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. Pain due to fracture metatarsal can stay for six weeks and swelling can stay for six months. Swelling is due to increase blood flow in foot. This is body's mechanism to heal fracture. So it is a normal. You do not need to worry about this. I have following suggestions for you.
1. Keep your feet elevated when you are not walking ,on pillow or a stool.
2.Hot water fomentation is helpful. You can apply volini gel local application if pain is there.
3.Compression bandage should be applied.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Not worried about the swelling. Worried about everything else I mentioned.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pain at ankle joint and pinky can be there

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I want to tell you that since your foot was in a splint for six weeks some amount of ankle stiffness is common. So when you start walking there can be some pain on movements. Also when you start walking then it can cause some pain in little finger or heel. As complete bone union takes 3 months.
So Swelling , pain on walking and ankle pain all three symptoms are common when patient walks after six weeks.Pain on pressure will be there for three to four months. Even when you get x rays now, you will see fracture line visible.
Your healing is in right direction. You will be fine in next three months.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar