Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
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
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.
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