I have a fractured 5th metatarsal (aligned, fortunately) was put in a plaster splint at the ER and told by the doctor to use crutches. Unfortunately I have Meniere's Syndrome and major balance issues, my attempts to use crutches were ludicrous (I kept falling and landing on the injured foot). I saw a doctor (an assistant actually) and explained my problem and she prescribed an air boot, but none of the medical suppliers in my area stock them and I ended up with a CAM Walker. When I was walking carefully with the plaster splint I really felt as though I was healing, the pain was reduced to almost nothing. With the CAM Walker I feel as though I'm causing myself injury--as though I'm pulling the fractured bone apart and re-injuring it every time I walk more than a few steps. My doctor gave me a foam and metal splint but it lasted only one day and ripped apart into jagged shreds. Don't know quite what to do now. Thanks for listening...