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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Will Fracture Of 5th Metatarsal Take To Heal?

i fell five days ago and was diagonosed with fracture of the 5th metatarsal. i am in a walking boot with crutches putting no weight on any partof the foot other than the heal so i can walk with crutches. pain is almost gone and swelling is present but minimal with some bruising. how long should it be necessary to stay in boot ? i am sure that i can bear weight on my foot already but am being a good girl and am not doing so. my daughter is getting married in 2 weeks and i really dont like the look crutches with my gown. what do you think
Thu, 10 Jul 2014
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Emergency Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi..
Any fracture requires a minimum period of 5 weeks to heal.
If fractured bone is actively aiding in walking or weight bearing then chance of displacement of fractured fragment are high on weight bearing and can cause delay in fracture healing.
In your scenario-
it looks like you have a undisplaced fracture of 5th metatarsal that is the reason they applied a walking boot. if you start bearing weight so early then chance of displacement of fracture fragment is high which can cause delay in healing or nonunion ( fracture not healing/ joining).
Things to do-
1)I would suggest you to continue walking cast for atleast 3-4 weeks.
2)Take pan killer if required.
3) Do not bear weight unless advised by an orthopeadician.
4) take serriopeptidase twice daily to reduce swelling.
5)Keep limb elevate over pillow to reduce swelling of the limb.
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How Long Will Fracture Of 5th Metatarsal Take To Heal?

Hi.. Any fracture requires a minimum period of 5 weeks to heal. If fractured bone is actively aiding in walking or weight bearing then chance of displacement of fractured fragment are high on weight bearing and can cause delay in fracture healing. In your scenario- it looks like you have a undisplaced fracture of 5th metatarsal that is the reason they applied a walking boot. if you start bearing weight so early then chance of displacement of fracture fragment is high which can cause delay in healing or nonunion ( fracture not healing/ joining). Things to do- 1)I would suggest you to continue walking cast for atleast 3-4 weeks. 2)Take pan killer if required. 3) Do not bear weight unless advised by an orthopeadician. 4) take serriopeptidase twice daily to reduce swelling. 5)Keep limb elevate over pillow to reduce swelling of the limb.