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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Broke My 5th Metatarsal. Dr Put Knee Length Splint. Could Not Bend The Knee. Pain In The Foot. SHould I Wear It 24/7?

I broke my 5th metatarsal on Wednesday. the er put it in a knee length splint. went to the dr yesterday and they took that off and gave me a aircast. I hated the splint because I couldn't bend my knee but this aircast is so much worse. it casues so much pain in my foot and toes I have to take it off. do I need to wear it 24/7 or just when im up and walking? they said to keep it elevated and iced but not how much I need to wear the stupid thing
Wed, 28 Aug 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

It is customary to wear the aircast when you are up and walking.It should provide a snug fit around the injured area but not too tightly that it restricts the blood flow. But it can be removed once you lie supine with your foot end elevated.

A metatarsal fracture takes around 6-8 weeks to unite. Untill that time your foot needs some form of immobilization lest it may result in nonunion of the fracture.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day

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Psychiatrist Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

Sorry to hear about your fracture in 5th metatarsal.

I would recommend you wear the aircast as prescribed until you see the doctor.
Ideally it should be removed only when you are having a bath. That is a strict rule to follow but will give you best results for your fracture healing.

Regular X rays need to be taken to confirm healing by callus formation. They are notorious for healing very slowly. Non-weight bearing until calcification is noted on the x-ray is essential to healing a fracture of the foot.

The sooner it heals the faster you get off the aircast.

Hope this helps.
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Broke My 5th Metatarsal. Dr Put Knee Length Splint. Could Not Bend The Knee. Pain In The Foot. SHould I Wear It 24/7?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. It is customary to wear the aircast when you are up and walking.It should provide a snug fit around the injured area but not too tightly that it restricts the blood flow. But it can be removed once you lie supine with your foot end elevated. A metatarsal fracture takes around 6-8 weeks to unite. Untill that time your foot needs some form of immobilization lest it may result in nonunion of the fracture. Hope this information is helpful. Good day