Can you walk on a broken foot. How long does it take for a metatarsal fracture to heal. What are the symptoms of a broken foot. How is a fractured foot treated. Are there different types of metatarsal fractures. What exercises can help with foot mobility after a fracture. When should you seek medical attention for a foot injury.

Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Types and Causes

Metatarsal fractures are common foot injuries that can significantly impact mobility and daily activities. The metatarsal bones, which connect the ankle to the toes, play a crucial role in balance and walking. These fractures can occur due to sudden impacts, severe twisting motions, or repetitive stress.

Common Types of Metatarsal Fractures

• Jones fracture: Affects the fifth metatarsal bone near the ankle
• Avulsion fracture: Occurs when a tendon pulls a piece of bone away
• Stress fracture: Caused by repetitive force or overuse

The fifth metatarsal, connected to the little toe, is most prone to fractures. Jones fractures, in particular, can be challenging to heal due to limited blood flow in that area.

Identifying Symptoms of a Fractured Foot

Recognizing the signs of a metatarsal fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. While a definitive diagnosis often requires medical imaging, several symptoms can indicate a potential fracture.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

• Sharp, localized pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Visible deformity in severe cases
• Tenderness and inflammation

Is it possible to walk with a broken foot? While some individuals may be able to bear weight on a fractured foot, it’s generally not recommended without medical clearance. Attempting to walk on a broken foot can exacerbate the injury and prolong healing time.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Metatarsal Fractures

Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal healing of metatarsal fractures. Healthcare providers typically use X-rays to confirm the presence and severity of the fracture.

Treatment Approaches

1. Conservative treatment: For aligned fractures, involving casting or splinting
2. Surgical intervention: Necessary for misaligned bones or complex fractures
3. Supportive devices: Special shoes or boots to allow limited weight-bearing

How long does recovery from a metatarsal fracture typically take? The healing process usually spans 6 to 8 weeks, during which time patients may need to use crutches or other mobility aids. The exact duration depends on the fracture’s severity and the individual’s overall health.

Managing Pain and Swelling in a Fractured Foot

Effective pain and swelling management are crucial components of the recovery process for metatarsal fractures. Implementing proper care techniques can significantly improve comfort and promote healing.

Strategies for Reducing Pain and Swelling

• Rest and elevation of the affected foot
• Application of ice packs for 20 minutes every hour (first 48 hours)
• Use of over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Compression bandages to minimize swelling

When using ice therapy, it’s important to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent skin damage. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking any pain medications, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Metatarsal Fracture Recovery

As the healing process progresses, incorporating specific exercises can help improve foot mobility and strength. These exercises should only be initiated under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Beneficial Exercises for Foot Rehabilitation

1. Alphabet tracing: Write the alphabet with your toes
2. Toe pointing and flexing: Alternate between pointing toes up and down
3. Toe spreading and curling: Practice spreading toes wide and then curling them
4. Towel scrunches: Use toes to pull a towel across the floor

When is it safe to begin rehabilitation exercises after a metatarsal fracture? Typically, these exercises can be started between 3 to 8 weeks post-injury, depending on the fracture’s severity and the healing progress. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Gradual Return to Normal Activities Post-Fracture

Returning to regular activities after a metatarsal fracture requires a gradual, cautious approach. Rushing the process can lead to re-injury or delayed healing.

Steps for Safe Activity Resumption

• Follow your healthcare provider’s timeline for weight-bearing activities
• Start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity
• Monitor pain levels and stop if discomfort increases
• Use supportive footwear during the transition period
• Consider physical therapy for guided rehabilitation

How can you determine if you’re ready to resume normal activities? Your healthcare provider will assess your healing progress through follow-up appointments and may use imaging to confirm bone healing before clearing you for full activity.

Preventing Future Metatarsal Fractures

While not all fractures are preventable, taking certain precautions can significantly reduce the risk of future metatarsal injuries.

Preventive Measures for Foot Health

1. Wear appropriate, supportive footwear for your activities
2. Gradually increase intensity in sports and exercise routines
3. Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health
4. Practice proper landing techniques in high-impact sports
5. Address any underlying foot conditions or biomechanical issues

Are there specific populations at higher risk for metatarsal fractures? Athletes, dancers, and individuals with osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions may be more susceptible to these injuries. Regular check-ups and preventive care can help mitigate risks for these groups.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While most metatarsal fractures heal well with proper care, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

Red Flags Requiring Urgent Care

• Severe, worsening pain or swelling
• Numbness or tingling in the foot or leg
• Discoloration of the foot, especially purple hues
• Fever, which may indicate infection
• Open wounds or visible bone

Should you go to the emergency room for a suspected foot fracture? If you experience any of the above symptoms or have suffered a high-impact injury to your foot, seeking immediate medical care is advisable to rule out severe fractures or complications.

Understanding metatarsal fractures, their treatment, and the recovery process is crucial for anyone who has experienced or is at risk of foot injuries. By following proper care guidelines, engaging in appropriate rehabilitation exercises, and taking preventive measures, individuals can optimize their recovery and reduce the likelihood of future fractures. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.

Metatarsal fracture (acute) – aftercare: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

You were treated for a broken bone in your foot. The bone that was broken is called the metatarsal.

At home, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take care of your broken foot so that it heals well.

The metatarsal bones are the long bones in your foot that connect your ankle to your toes. They also help you balance when you stand and walk.

A sudden blow or severe twist of your foot, or overuse, can cause a break, or acute (sudden) fracture, in one of the bones.

There are five metatarsal bones in your foot. The fifth metatarsal is the outer bone that connects to your little toe. It is the most commonly fractured metatarsal bone.

A common type of break in the part of your fifth metatarsal bone closest to the ankle is called a Jones fracture. This area of the bone has low blood flow. This makes healing difficult.

An avulsion fracture occurs when a tendon pulls a piece of bone away from the rest of the bone. An avulsion fracture on the fifth metatarsal bone is sometimes called a “dancer’s fracture.”

If your bones are still aligned (meaning that the broken ends meet), you will probably wear a cast or splint for 6 to 8 weeks.

• You may be told to not put weight on your foot. You will need crutches or other support to help you get around.
• You may also be fitted for a special shoe or boot that may allow you to bear weight.

If the bones are not aligned, you may need surgery. A bone doctor (orthopedic surgeon) will do your surgery. After surgery you will wear a cast for 6 to 8 weeks.

You can decrease swelling by:

• Resting and not putting weight on your foot
• Elevating your foot

Make an ice pack by putting ice in a plastic bag and wrapping a cloth around it.

• Do not put the bag of ice directly on your skin. Cold from the ice could damage your skin.
• Ice your foot for about 20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 48 hours, then 2 to 3 times a day.

For pain, you can use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, and others).

• Talk with your health care provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.
• Do not take more than the amount recommended on the bottle or more than your provider tells you to take.

As you recover, your provider will instruct you to begin moving your foot. This may be as soon as 3 weeks or as long 8 weeks after your injury.

When you restart an activity after a fracture, build up slowly. If your foot begins to hurt, stop and rest.

Some exercises you can do to help increase your foot mobility and strength are:

• Write the alphabet in the air or on the floor with your toes.
• Point your toes up and down, then spread them out and curl them up. Hold each position for a few seconds.
• Put a cloth on the floor. Use your toes to slowly pull the cloth toward you while you keep your heel on the floor.

As you recover, your provider will check how well your foot is healing. You will be told when you can:

• Stop using crutches
• Have your cast removed
• Start doing your normal activities again

Contact your provider if you have any of these symptoms:

• Swelling, pain, numbness, or tingling in your leg, ankle, or foot that becomes worse
• Your leg or foot turns purple
• Fever

Broken foot – metatarsal; Jones fracture; Dancer’s fracture; Foot fracture

Bettin CC. Fractures and dislocations of the foot. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 89.

Kwon JY, Gitajn IL, Richter M,. Foot injuries. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, eds. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 67.

Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Foot Fracture

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body. There are three different parts of the foot, the hind-foot, mid-foot, and forefoot. Between all three parts of each foot, there is a total of 26 bones. With the high number of bones in each foot, it is not uncommon for injuries such as breaks or fractures.

Anatomy of a foot fracture

How Do You Know If You Have A Fracture In Your Foot?

It is tough to tell if there is a fracture in the foot with the naked eye. Typically, the help of X-rays is needed. Symptoms of a fractured foot might include: 

• Swelling.
• Sharp Pain.
• Inability to bear weight.
• Deformity observed
• Bruising
• Inflammation, redness, and tenderness

To learn more about ankle sprains of the foot and ankle, please watch this VIDEO.  

Broken Foot

Can You Have A Broken Foot And Still Walk On It?

Many factors go into whether or not you can walk with a fractured foot. As previously mentioned, there are 26 bones in each foot.  The quick answer is sometimes it depends on which bone in the foot is fractured when determining if you can still walk. For example, broken toes are usually not as painful as other broken bones in the foot, so that walking can be possible on most occasions. The type of fracture is critical as well. Some fractures may heal on their own or with the help of a boot or cast, while some may require surgery. Furthermore, if there is an involvement of soft tissue injury or severe ankle sprains, walking may be out of the question. Watch this VIDEO 5 foot and ankle symptoms you should not ignore.

Bones of the Foot

How Is A Fractured Foot Treated? 

Treatment on a broken or fractured foot varies. Several factors should be considered when determining treatment, such as the location of the fracture, type of fracture, and involvement of another important anatomy in the area. Different types of treatment include: 

• R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
• Immobilization in cast or boot, such as ActivArmor.

JOI Walking Boot

• Surgical procedure.
• Rehabilitation.

If you have a more severe fracture, you may need surgery to repair the fracture in addition to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. JOI Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialists are experts in fracture repair of the foot and ankle.

JOI Foot and Ankle Doctor Services Include:

• Foot Fractures
• Ankle Stress Fractures
• Sports Injuries
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Tendon Injuries
• Fusions
• Ligament Reconstruction
• Total Ankle Reconstruction

Please read this related article: 4 cardio workouts you can do with an injured leg

Related Articles:

• Walking Boots & Foot and Ankle Injuries
•  Fibular Fractures.

To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.

If you need to schedule an appointment with an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click below. 

By: Genesis Villanueva PT/DPT

How to walk correctly on crutches

Contents of the article:

• General rules for walking on crutches
• Rules for the use of axillary crutches
• Use of elbow crutches
• How to walk with crutches on stairs

During the rehabilitation period after injuries, surgical interventions on the legs, as well as with a permanent violation of the functions of one of them, patients are forced to use crutches to maintain mobility. They help keep the balance of the body when moving and relieve the load on the injured limb, as the weight of the body is transferred to the upper torso and arms.

Moving on crutches, despite its apparent simplicity, causes difficulties for many people. At the same time, the correct use of crutches gives maximum rest to the injured or operated leg, and allows the patient to safely return to normal life after a period of rehabilitation.

If patients after fractures, emergency operations have to learn how to walk on crutches in a short time – immediately after applying a cast or a short time after surgery, then during planned operations, for example, with joint replacement, you can learn how to use crutches correctly in advance. Then the recovery period will be much easier for the patient.

General rules for walking on crutches

Different types of crutches are used for different situations. Usually, axillary crutches are used for the initial stage of rehabilitation after leg amputation, other operations, and plastering. After completion of the first stage of rehabilitation, when the patient is allowed to give a minimum load on the injured limb, he can switch to elbow crutches, which are also called Canadian .

It is important to choose the right shoes for moving on crutches. It is worth using the usual shoes that a person wore before, so that the discomfort from the new shoes does not add to the inconvenience of using crutches. However, it is obvious that we are not talking about shoes with heels or a high platform. It is necessary to give preference to the most comfortable shoes for the season, which can be easily put on and taken off the foot, without complex lacing or decorative elements.

When walking on crutches, you need pay attention to the road . The ideal option is asphalt or a smooth, rolled ground surface. Soft earth, grass, sand will not provide a strong enough support for crutches, and the patient may lose balance, and even a small stone or hole may cause a fall. Be very careful when walking on wet or slippery surfaces.

During the movement it is necessary to pause and periodically rest , since the body is not used to such loads, the muscles, especially the upper body, perform functions that are unusual for them, they are overstrained.

To use both axillary and elbow crutches, a person must have well-developed muscles of the arms, shoulder girdle, and torso. Weakened and elderly people are often advised by doctors to use walkers instead of crutches.

How to walk correctly with axillary crutches

The main condition for comfortable movement on crutches is their correct selection. There are two main criteria: the overall height of the crutch and the location of the palm rest.

To calculate the total height of the crutch , subtract 40 cm from the height of a person (in cm). When measuring height, it is necessary that a person wears the shoes in which he will most often move on crutches, or a sole close to it in height. The crutch for measurement is not placed strictly vertically, but 15-20 cm away from the foot, and its upper crossbar should be 4-5 cm below the level of the armpit.

For locating the palm rest the patient leans on crutches, bending his arms at an angle of about 30 degrees. The crossbar in this case should be at the level of the palms. If a person is standing with straightened arms lowered, the support should be slightly above the line of the wrists.

Choosing the right height is very important – if the crutches are too high, the pressure on the armpits increases. This, in addition to discomfort, scuffs, rashes, can cause serious consequences. One of them is radial nerve palsy. This condition is characterized by weakness of the wrist and palm, loss of sensation in the back of the hand. Paralysis disappears after normalization of pressure, but it is better to prevent its occurrence.

In order to move correctly on crutches, you need to remember a simple algorithm:

1. Crutches must be placed on the side of the injured leg to get up from a chair or bed. The patient takes them from the inside, passes one of the crutches to the other hand and, straightening the injured limb, gently stands up.
2. The patient places the crutches strictly vertically on the side of each of the legs. The width between the shoulder pads should be sufficient to fit the torso between them. The palms are on a support.
3. Relying on both crutches, the patient transfers body weight to a healthy leg.
4. The crutches are moved in turn forward by the length of the step, then the person transfers the weight of the body to the crutches, transfers the diseased leg forward, on the same level with the crutches, keeps it on weight or carefully leans on the foot or toe, and moves the healthy leg one step forward of the patient. The correct position of crutches when walking is not in close proximity to the foot, but at a distance of about 15-20 cm to the side.
5. With the foot of a healthy leg, the patient rests on the floor or the road and repeats the previous actions.

For those who are just learning to walk on crutches, it may be easier to start with “shuttle” walking. With this method, the crutches are first rearranged forward, then the patient transfers the weight of the body to them, leaning on his hands, and first pulls the diseased, and then the healthy leg.

The main emphasis on crutches is done not under the armpits, but with the palms, while it is necessary to use the muscles of the hands. But the palms do not need to squeeze the crossbar too hard, this can lead to numbness of the fingers and cramps.

When walking, the head should be kept straight, and the body should be as even as possible, without bending the back. When turning, you should lean on a healthy leg. If you need to carry some things, it is better to use a backpack or fanny pack, a shoulder bag will interfere with movement. When climbing a hill, you need to ensure that the crutches do not remain behind the body.

How to walk correctly on crutches

Let us dwell on the rules for the selection of elbow crutches. The main task is to adjust the position of the cuffs and handles.

To check the position of the cuff, the patient stands up straight, places the crutch 15 cm away from the foot, and directs the arm, bent at the elbow at an angle of 15-20 degrees, into the cuff. With a patient height of about 1.7 m, the cuff should be at a distance of 5-7 cm from the elbow, with growth over 1.8 m, the distance should be about 10 cm, below 1.5 m – 4.5-5 cm. can be performed while the patient is sitting. In this case, he puts the cuff on his arm and directs the tip of the crutch straight up with it bent at 90 degrees elbow. The width of the cuff is also important. It should not press and squeeze the hand, and also not be excessively wide.

The level of the handles for the palms is checked simply – when the patient is positioned straight with his hands down, the line of the wrist should correspond to the upper level of the handle. If the bend of the wrist is higher, then the crutches are shorter than necessary, if lower, they are longer.

In general, walking on underarm crutches does not differ from walking on axillary crutches, with the difference that the fulcrum is located in the elbow area. The crutches are alternately rearranged forward and slightly to the side of the feet, with emphasis on the healthy leg, the diseased leg is transferred, then the healthy one takes a step.

How to walk with crutches on stairs

An important condition for the safe ascent and descent of the stairs – the patient must hold the crutches in one hand, and the other – hold on to the railing. In this case, you can use two crutches folded together as a support, or lean on one, and keep the second under your arm. You need to go down and up slowly, watching the balance of the body. For a better understanding of the ascent and descent algorithm, you can remember the expression: a healthy leg is always higher, and a sick one is lower.

Climbing stairs:

• leaning on one side with a crutch on the floor or ground at the beginning of the ascent, and on the other hand, holding on to the railing, the patient puts his healthy leg on the step above;
• moves the injured leg to the same step;
• rearranges the crutches on the step.

Descending stairs:

• crutches are placed one step lower;
• the patient puts the affected leg on the same step;
• moves the healthy leg to the same place.

The duration of the use of crutches depends on the severity of the injury, the complexity of the surgical intervention. So, after joint replacement, it is at least 6 weeks. After an ankle fracture, it may take 1 to 2 months to use crutches. Therefore, the rules for using crutches are very important for comfortable and safe movement.

All materials posted on the site are for informational purposes and cannot be used as medical advice. For diagnosis, choice of treatment methods, contact your doctor.

Features of using the cane

How to hold the cane correctly

According to the recommendations of traumatologists, the cane should be carried in the hand opposite to the injured or weakened leg – only in this case the load is distributed correctly. That is, if your left leg is injured, then the cane should be held in your right hand. Before you go outside with a cane, you need to practice walking with it at home in someone’s presence.

How to walk with a cane

The first step is to make sure that the cane is in the correct hand. Then, leaning on a healthy leg, step forward with a cane and a sore leg at the same time, and only after that, leaning on a cane, step with a healthy leg. When walking with a cane, the weight of the body should be transferred to it as much as possible, thereby facilitating the load on the injured limb.

How to go up and down stairs

When going up stairs, grab the railing with your free hand, place your good leg on the step above, then place the cane on the step, and already leaning on the cane, step up with your bad foot. In this case, the leg and cane should be on the same line. When descending stairs, reverse the order: first place both feet together and place the cane on the step below, then step with the injured leg, leaning forward slightly and holding onto the handrail with your free hand. After that, put your healthy foot on the same step. In order not to make mistakes when descending or ascent, you can remember the simple phrase “Up – with a healthy leg, down – with a sick one. ”

Tip

In order for a cane to be truly reliable, it must be equipped with a tip. Tips are made of plastic or soft rubber with a small metal plate inside to protect the tip from being pierced by the shaft tube. The tips are available in diameters from 2.5 to 5 cm and are selected depending on the thickness of the cane – before you start using the cane, you need to make sure that the tip fits snugly against the shaft and does not slip off while walking. In the cold season, do not neglect various anti-slip devices.

Caring for your cane

To keep your cane longer, keep it clean and wipe it regularly, first with a damp cloth and then with a dry cloth. All plastic parts can be wiped down with special cleaning fluids for plastics. Do not use solvents or oily liquids as a cleaner. The reed should be checked regularly for cracks and wear on the tip. Do not wait until the tip is completely worn out – it is better to replace it at the first sign of damage or wear.