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On Apr 29, I Experienced A Comminuted Fracture Of My

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Posted on Wed, 12 Jun 2019
Question: On Apr 29, I experienced a comminuted fracture of my right 5th metarsal. I have been wearing a tall boot all the time except for when I am icing it 2-3 times per day. I have bruising on the top and on the bottom of my foot, more or less along the bottom length of the injured metarsal. I am putting no weight on my foot and use a scooter and sometimes, crutches. I have soreness and if I bump my toes or heel, feel strong pins and needles for a few seconds. I am praying to avoid surgery and allow the injury to heal. I do not have a doctor where I now live and the injury occurred while I was out of town. I got X-rays, a wrap, and boot from a podiatrist I saw there. Any advice or direction would be most helpful and appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can heal without surgery.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.

I have reviewed the attached X-ray. You seem to have a fracture of the fifth metatarsal with displacement. This can heal without surgery.

You need to completely immobilize the area with plaster and remain non-weight bearing on the foot for 4-6 weeks. The pins and needles sensation in the area is due to mild nerve irritation.

This will gradually decrease as the local swelling subsides.

I hope this answers your query.

In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 hours later)
Must I get a cast or will the tall boot I am wearing be sufficient? It does keep my foot immobile. I wear it all the time,even during sleep and do not bear any weight on my foot. I have been in the boot for 3 weeks. Also, should I continue to ice 2-3x/day or use heat or both, or neither?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Continue with the boot.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
You can continue with the tall boot if it is providing a complete immobilization. There is no need to ice or heat the area. It is a three weeks old injury. There is no active bleeding. The bruise will gradually decrease on its own.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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On Apr 29, I Experienced A Comminuted Fracture Of My

Brief Answer: Can heal without surgery. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. I have reviewed the attached X-ray. You seem to have a fracture of the fifth metatarsal with displacement. This can heal without surgery. You need to completely immobilize the area with plaster and remain non-weight bearing on the foot for 4-6 weeks. The pins and needles sensation in the area is due to mild nerve irritation. This will gradually decrease as the local swelling subsides. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal