by Al Kline DPM
The Jones fracture describes a fracture to the base of the fifth metatarsal. It was named after Sir Robert Jones, who in 1902, sustained this fracture while dancing around a maypole at a garden dance. The injury is caused by stress plantarflexion and inversion. While there are a number of techniques used to fix the fracture, a case report is highlighted that presents an open reduction and internal fixation using a Synthese 3.0 cannulated screw. This report highlights the ideal placement for the screw in a Type 3 (Stewart Classification) fracture. Special emphasis is placed on screw head placement along the inferior depression of the metatarsal tuberosity. In an earlier article, we discussed the anatomy of the fifth metatarsal. The anatomical outline of the fifth metatarsal will be repeated in this article.
Anatomy
It is important to review the anatomy to the base of the fifth metatarsal. The metatarsal is divided into the metatarsal head, distal metaphysis, central diaphysis and proximal body of the fifth metatarsal base and its most proximal styloid process or tuberosity. Cadaveric studies by Theodorou et al showed how the anatomical attachments of the plantar aponeurosis and the peroneal tendons can influence fracture pathogensis at the tuberosity.
The entire styloid process and body of the base of the metatarsal is encompassed by broad fibrous bands formed by fibers converging from the lateral component of the plantar aponeurosis (PAL) and fibers of the peroneal brevis tendon (PB). There are also ligamentous structures inserting into the proximal portion of the tuberosity. There is an anterior frenular ligament extending from the long peroneal tendon to the base of the fifth metatarsal. This would suggest strong ligamentous and tendonous structures that can cause spontaneous avulsion of the styloid process or even body fractures to the fifth metatarsal base on stress. Because of these stresses , it is the authors opinion that any fracture to the styloid process or base of the fifth metatarsal should be fixated or reduced surgically. It is also my opinion that metatarsal stress fractures involving the fifth metatarsal distal to the body of the fifth metatarsal base, should also be repaired surgically.
When we look closer at the base of the fifth metatarsal, the fracture region of the metatarsal is divided into three distinct regions: 1) the most proximal tuberosity or styloid process (T), 2) the body to the base of the fifth metatarsal (B) and 3) the tubular surface just distal to the body of the base of the fifth metatarsal extending into the diaphysis (D).
In reviewing the literature, these ‘zones’ differ and some are delineated by distance from the end of the bone. For instance, fractures that are within 1.5 cm to the end of the styloid process is considered a ‘avulsion’ fracture. Anything distal to that is a ‘metatarsal’ fracture.
There has also been 3 zones of fracture descrbed in metatarsal base fractures: 1) zone of tuberosity fracture, 2) zone of Jones fracture and 3) zone of diaphyseal stress fracture.
For our simplified classification, it is fractures that involve the styloid process that are considered true ‘avulsion’ fractures (T). Fractures to the body of the fifth metatarsal base are considered ‘base fractures’ (B) and fractures distal to the body of the fifth metatarsal base are considered ‘metatarsal’ or diaphyseal fractures (D). In most of the literature, this is also the most common region for stress fractures associated with a Jones fracture.
Case Presentation
A 28 year old female presents post 1 week Jones fracture. She was sent to our office from the emergency room. She presented on crutches and was still experiencing significant pain, even after fracturing the bone one week prior. Initial radiographic evaluation reveals a Type 3 Stewart Classification fracture or Stage 3 (Simple Classification) fracture to the body of the base of the proximal fifth metatarsal. Radiographic indications would suggest that open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the fracture is necessary. The patient is health and was scheduled for outpatient surgery that week. We discussed fixation of this fracture with the patient and her postoperative course. This will include non weightbearing for an additional 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Surgical Technique
We make our initial incision directly over the fifth metatarsal tuberostiy. It is interesting to note the amount of bruising that occured after this fracture.
The periosteum is incised and some fibers of the PAL is reflected plantarly. Here, the fracture site is easily seen. A small curett can be used to debride the fracture edges. A small bone clamp can then be used to reduce the fracture. It is important during your dissection to not disturb the attaching fibers of the peroneal brevis tendon. In this dissection, some of the fibers are split, but the main body of attachement of the tendon is not disturbed.
In this photographic sequence, you can see how the fracture fragment is clamped down and reduced. At this stage, I like to insert a cannulated screw system using simple k-wire directional placement of the screw. It is to place the screw so the screw head is not on the weightbearing surface. There is a small depression just inferior to the PB attachement that is ideal for screw placement.
A small k-wire is used to cross the fracture site. As you can see, there is a small depression along the inferior aspect of the tuberosity that is ideal for screw head placement. If this area is not involved in the fracture site, this is an ideal placement for a screw in a fifth metatarsal base body fracture. Once the wire is in place it is ready for screw compression of the fracture.
The screw is then driven over the k-wire by simple canulated technique. The inset shows the screw length. In this case, it is roughly 22mm in length. The 3.0 mm cannulated screw is ideal for reduction and compression of the fracture site. The screw is angulated in a proximal-plantar to distal-dorsal direction.
The screw is placed with a washer. This will prevent loss of screw head compression to the fracture site. Here you can see the screw head lies in a small depression along the plantar-posterior aspect of the fifth metatarsal base tuberosity.
On the operative radiographs, you can see the orientation of the cannulated screw. It crosses the osteotomy site in an oblique fashion and compresses the fracture site. Be sure to leave one or two threads just outside the cortex for adequate compression. The threads should not pose any problem with the fourth metatarsal. You can also see here how the washer and screw head abute nicely against the cortex and the small depression just under the tuberosity. This orientation of the screw allows the patient, once the fracture is healed, to walk on the foot without screw irritation. Of course, elimination of fixation pain is never a garauntee. If the screw head becomes painful, the screw can simply be removed.
These postoperative views are non-weightbearing. I will try and have a follow-up weightbearing radiograph once the fracture is healed. On this lateral non-weightbearing view, you can see how the fracture cortices is aligned with real sign of fracture. This should allow for proper healing in its anatomical position. In the preoperative xray, the fracture fragment is actually somewhat dorsiflexed. During the reduction phase of this fracture, care was taken to align the cortex in its anatomical positioning.
Conclusion
A simple case study is discussed which outlines the proper fixation technique for a base fracture of the fifth metatarsal or Stage 3 Jones fracture. Proper understand of fifth metatarsal anatomy is discussed describing the anatomical orientation of the PAL and PB tendon. A small plantar-posterior depression is identified that allows for proper placement of a 3.0mm cannulated screw head with washer. The depression is oriented in such a manner as to allow weight-bearing without screw irritation or pain. Certainly, painful fixation can’t always be eliminated, but I believe this technique will decrease those chances.
References
Malogne, TS: Early Screw Fixation Versus casting in the Treatment of Acute Jones Fractures. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 33:970-975. 2005
Ortiguera, C, et al: A Review of the Current Treatment for Fracture of the Proximal Fifth Metatarsal as First Described by Jones Orthopedic Technology Review 2 (4), 2000
Strayer, S. et al: Fractures of the Proximal Fifth Metatarsal American Family Physician 59: 9 , 1999. Jones, R. Fractures of the Fifth Metatarsal Bone,Liverpool med. Surg. J. 42: 103-107,1902
Jones, R. Fracture of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Bone by Indirect Violence, Ann. Surg. 35: 697-700, 1902
Stewart, I.M. Jone’s Fracture: Fracture of Base of Fifth Metatarsal Clini. Orthop. 16:190-198, 1960
Dameron, T.B. Fracture and Anatomical Variations of the Proximal Portion of the Fifth Metatarsal JBJS 57A: 788-792, 1975.
Kavanaugh, J.H., et al. The Jones Fracture Revisited JBJS 60A: 776-782, 1978
Pearson, J.B. Fractures of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Br. Med J. 1: 1052-1054, 1962
Peltier, L.F. Eponymic Fractures: Robert Jones and Jone’s Fracture, Surgery 71: 522-526, 1972.
Stone, M.M. Avulsion Fracture of the base of the Fifth metatarsal, Am.J. Orthop. Surg. 10: 190-193, 1968.
Torg, J.S., et al Fracture of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Distal to the Tuberosity: Classification and Guidelines for Nonsurgical and Surgical management. JBJS 66A: 209-214, 1984.
Zelko, R.R. et al Proximal Diaphyseal Fracture of the Fifth Metatarsal: Treatment of the Fractures and their Complications in Athletes. Am. J. Sports. Med. 7: 95-101, 1979.
Pritsch, M., et al An Unusual Fracture of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Bone J. Trauma 20: 530-531, 1980
Soufflet, M. Fracture of the Base of the 5th Metatarsal (Jone’s Fracture) Radiologic Classification (After I.M. Stewart) translated from Courrier des Pedicures Romands, Chiropodist, April 1983.
Lehman RC, et al Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal distal to the tuberosity: a review. Foot Ankle 1987;7:245-52.
Torg JS. Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal distal to the tuberosity. Orthopedics 1990.
Parkinson, D.E. et al Biomechanical Principals of Tension Band Wiring Applied to Fractures of the Distal Fibular and Fifth Metatarsal Base JFS 27(2) : 149-156, 1988.
Lee, P. et al: Musculoskelatal Collloquialisms: How Did We Come Up with These Names? Radiographics 24: 1009-1027, 2004
Theodorou, D.J. et al: Fractures of Proximal Portion of Fifth Metatarsal Bone: Anatomic and Imaging Evidence of a Pathogenesis of Avulsion of the Plantar Aponeurosis and the Short Peroneal Muscle Tendon. Radiology (http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/figsonly/226/3/857).
© Al Kline DPM, 2006
November 22, 2006 at 12:10 pm
Article is good and self explanetory. I have a similar injuary on my right leg on 5th oneta taesal bone. POP is on since 8th Nov. what is the time period suggested for recovery?
November 23, 2006 at 3:00 am
6 to 8 weeks recovery period post surgery.
December 15, 2006 at 4:36 pm
Very interesting photos and explanation, I too have a fracture of the base
of the 5th metatarsal and it has been in plaster for 6 weeks then further x ray revealed bone had not mended.Now I have an ankle support only ,for another 6 weeks if not mended then the screw to be inserted.
However should I be putting any weight on my foot now as I have been ,asI was told heel bearing mainly, but is this going to affect my chances of the bone healing without an op, and what is the percentage rate of this type of fracture healing without an op ?
December 15, 2006 at 8:59 pm
If the bone has not healed in 6 weeks,you may want to discuss with your doctor the use of a bone stimulator. These fractures have a high rate of nonunion as described.
January 8, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Very interesting site. I broke my 5th metatarsal in September. The hospital plastered it for five weeks. The plaster came off, no xray was taken to see if had healed but I was sent to physio and given exercises to do for the next six weeks. In December I returned and complained that I was still in pain after which they xrayed again. It was found it was still broken and I am now waiting to see the clinic again with a view to pinning the break. If only the hospital had re-xrayed all this time delay wouldnt have happened and it now looks as if surgery is the only answer
January 20, 2007 at 7:13 pm
recently fractured my left foot 11/30
JONES FRACTURE of the fifth Metatarsal as well
casted for 6 weeks, cast was removed x-rays were taken, doctor was confident enough that it was 80% healed kept the cast off, 2weeks later re-x-rayed the doctor said it looks worse than before re-casted again for another 2 weeks, cast was removed after another 8weeks gone by, the fracture doesn’t seem to be re-healing, surgery was my only option he said??? however I recently got a second doctore to exam she suggested to stay casted for another 6 weeks No surgery was needed and that the bones looked to be aligning well, any suggestions anyone? also I heard about this alternative treatment calle cold light laser thereapy which also is used on fractures with out any casting at all, any thoughts?
January 21, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Since the fracture is not healing and is now considered a non-union, surgery with bone stimulator would probably be your best option at this point. I have not heard of cold light laser therapy? Good luck
January 23, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Hiya
Just to update on the previous log. I have now seen the fracture clinic and they have said the bone needs to be pinned so am on the waiting list – apparently urgent but this could be up to two months! Can you please explain what a bone stimulator is? Not looking forward to the prospect of the operation or the post operative 4-6 weeks in plaster again but it would be good to be comfortable walking and exercising again.
February 3, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Jones fracture during a mountain bike crash last March, ‘06. X-ray showed large fracture on the body to the base of the 5th meta.
First orthopedic put me on crutches and boot for the first two weeks until next visit where he said x-ray showed bone regeneration.
Told walking boot and stiff soled shoes until better. No follow-up needed, I was told.
Discomfort during riding and skiing led me to a different podiatrist where MRI showed a non-union of the bone.
Four weeks in a walking boot, bone stimulator to see if bone graft surgery can be avoided.
???’s: 10 months after injury, is the walking boot, with weight, going to stabilize this bone enough for any healing to occur? Is it worth the atrophy before surgery to try this? Other than the surgery itself, what are the complications of bone graft surgery?
February 6, 2007 at 2:06 pm
update – have now had surgery under BUPA and had a screw placed to mend the bones. In temporary plaster with stitches for 3 weeks and then another plaster for another three weeks. On crutches with no weight to be put on foot. Just hope this solves the problem. How could such a small bone cause such problems
February 8, 2007 at 6:26 am
Greg,
As you can see,this is a frustrating fracture to sustain and often requires fixation to achieve an adequate outcome.
March 7, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Hi All,
I have just had a small plate put in my foot due to a 5th metatarsal break. I did try 10 days in a cast first, but due to the nagging pain I opted for surgery. I had the surgery on February 16th, back in cast for 2 wks, stitches and cast removed 2nd March. Now in a Podartis shoe and a surgical stocking with a compression number 1 (if that makes any sense.) The shoe is elevated at the front so there is no pressure on the forefoot, however I am in a lot of pain still. My toes will not bend like they should and for obvious reasons neither will my foot. I am not having physio therapy as my doctor recommended not to. I am unsure as to whether this pain is normal? and unless my foot is elevated it swells? My toes look like putty most of the time with a hard mass at the sockets. Sorry if I am putting anyone off having surgery, but I myself assumed once the plate is in the pain should be less right? Not so.
Any advice?
Kind regards
Nykki
March 7, 2007 at 10:27 pm
i had a jones fracture and im now about 7 weeks out of surgey and the doctor says its healing right but i can still rub my finger and feel gap in the bone how long will it be before the gap closes
March 14, 2007 at 9:42 am
2-10-07 stepped in a frozen footprint, 5th metatarsal broke. Its a Jones Fracture and was put in a cast. A bone stimulator was purchased and worn a min. of 3hrs daily.
3-13-07 Cast removed, xrays show very little healing, space between break still. They said we could cast it, go 4 wks and keep repeating this till break heals or have surgury. I have ORIF surgury on 3-28-07 and have to use growth stimulater 6-9hrs a day now. Its been re-casted till surgury.
ABSOLUTELY NO WEIGHT ON FOOT AT ALL !!!!
I was told yesterday untill the bone is stabilized weight could shift, or re-break the small amount that has begun to heal.
March 16, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Thanks for the site:
– DOCTOR -
I am considering asking my surgeon to remove my two screws fixating a 5th metatarsal break. Is a metal-sensitivity common in fixations utilizing titanium? Do you find removing screws to be beneficial, or, is leaving them in-place more beneficial? Here’s my story: Dale
Dec 22, broke 5th metatarsal @ 45 degree angle smack @ the mid-point. Fracture aprox 1 inch long. Pain minimal. Sugery Jan 9th w/2 titanium screws placed through the “body-cylinder” of the bone. Crutches & no weight bearing for 5 weeks. Pain virtually non-existent. Walking boot for 2 weeks. Pain virtually non-existent. Stiff shoes 2 weeks. Pain minimal but minor swelling and slightly tender to the touch. No extended walking as of yet. Utilized daily (1.5 hours) a “Biostim INF” for the last 3-weeks of “crutch-time.”
Thanks so much, Dale
March 18, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Hi
like all of you – I have a fractured 5th metatarsal ( by dancing on New Year’s Eve!!)
am now in my 11th week of cast as not healing & for review in a week’s time – don’t think foot is healing as purple/cool toes when I put my foot down & I’m guessing fixation will be the answer – What is the NHS waiting list time on this? – I’m guessing I would be classed as an ‘elective’ & not ‘emergency’ – is it a day case? & I have also beem informed about ‘bone grafting’ – is this a wise option? – just not getting any answers from anybody!
thank-you for your replies
March 18, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Hi Charlotte, so very sorry to hear of your ongoing circmstance. Here are two very helpful websites citing studies re: surgical fixation of a broken 5th met. Highlight, copy, and then “paste” them into your browser address bar (erase what’s there first)and hit enter. Also, try an engine-search (google) w/ the term “jones fracture” You’ll get lots of items to see.
http://ajs.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/0363546504264929v1
http://www.podiatryonline.com/main.cfm?pg=how_to&fn=Jonesfx
After I read these and other studies, I absolutely made the choice to NOT “wait & see” if casting would fix the my. I chose the sure thing. And even THAT process is a total of 9-12 weeks from “break” to tennis shoes. And that’s just walking! I “paid the surgeon,” and can honestly say it’s money that’s very very well spent..
Wow – do I have a new compassion for anyone who has to 100% count on crutches (9-weeks) to get around.
PS: Consider getting your Doc to order a script for a “Bio Stim.” (not a TENS – next step up). It will increase circulation LOTS and help w/healing and getting blood to those toes! Mine really helped me…
March 18, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Dale and others:
There is a good article about the Jones Fracture on the Podiatry Internet Journal:
Jones Fracture Article (Podiatry Internet Journal)
In the article, Dr. Kline discusses a simple classification to determine when the Jones fracture should be fixated. Basically, if any fracture is found, even a stress fracture, then the 5th metatarsal should be fixated. In the case of a stress fracture, with an IM screw or in an overt fracture, with ORIF depending on the fracture region.
Dale, to answer your question, screw sensitivity is a common complaint, especially if the screw head is exposed. The article above also discusses the importance of screw placement through a base fracture.
I can’t stress how important it is to have this type of fracture fixated if there is any signs of fracture, even stress fractures have been known to avulse while on crutches.
Good luck
March 20, 2007 at 2:09 am
I’m now out of plaster six weeks after having my foot pinned and can now start walking increasing the pressure on the foot over a period of time. Xray and specialist in 6 weeks time again – its a long process. I did go privately but as the NHS only found the break after having 6 weeks in plaster and 6 weeks of physio and no xray. They classified it as urgent but the NHS urgent is up to 8 weeks. Good luck to anyone with this small but really inconvenient break
March 20, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Hi sandra
Glad you’re now on the road to recovery – agree how could such a small break cause all this trouble?!!!
was your operation as a day case or were you admitted?& is it a ‘proper plaster’ you had on after the op? ( I’ve got a “bootie” at the moment – although not sure how good it’s doing the break, esp as they have said I can try & weight bear on it – although only advantage I can at least take it off & have a bath!!)
sorry – lots of questions – just getting no answers from the hospital
Regards
March 21, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hi Charlotte
Dont know if you read an earlier blog but the original break was in September when they did put a full cast on which remained for six weeks. I then went to physio and they gave me exercises to do but it wasnt will three months after the accident they found it was still broken and decided to pin it.
I was a day patient and came out with stitches and temporary plaster for three weeks. Temporary was taken off, stitches out and a full cast on for another three weeks. I have not been allowed to put any weight on it till now. I had a brilliant waterproof boot cover so I have been able to shower without problem – problems come getting in and out of bath – lol. The xrays show the screw/pin still in place – hopefully it will stay that way and come the end of April I might be able to walk and not be in any pain. It does ache rather a lot at the moment but was told that was normal.
Good luck with yours
March 25, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I have a displaced fracture of right fifth metatarsal which is being treated conservatively by cast. After 4 weeks I was told there was no union. I have been heel walking but reading the above I wonder whather this was wise. I go to school where I sit in my office and teach only 6th formers who come to me. It is now 7 weeks and I am concerned that I have been too impatient and should have stayed at home. Any comments?
March 25, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Hi Maureen,
In my case I had surgery which involved “fixating” my 5th MT break w/2 screws.
As soon as it had been determined that it was a 5th MT break, I had been ordered on crutches 100% of the time. After surgery, I was in a cast and on crutches also 100% of time for 7 weeks.
It would seem, Maureen, that if I needed to be on crutches 100%, and, also had the extra advantage of 2 screws placed (proven by X-ray)which were holding the bone together – then, it certainly seems that one not having the advantage of fixation via screws would most certainly not be allowed to heel-walk. Actually, one should not be allowed to put any weight on the troubled/fixated foot. My Doc said that about 100 lbs of foot pressure could “blow” my screws (until the bone healed).
Maureen, carefully re-read the above entries. You’ve obviously missed some great info re: your situation. You have a non-union, and will almost w/o doubt need surgery & fixation. Even then you’re looking at a 10 to 14 week process to fix it, and that’s if all goes well!
The sooner you get it “fixed” the better. If you wait too long, I’ve read that a bone-graft may be necessary. I suggest you get very serious very fast and plan on becoming proficient with crutches (there is actually “right way” to use crutches).. Sorry Maureen, but it’s the truth… Dale
PS: You may seriously wish to secure a different Doctor. The one you’ve seen is obviously quite unfamiliar w/Jones Fractures.
March 26, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Hi Dale
Thank you for your comments which while not comforting has given me pause for thought. It confirms what I have been reading and the feeling of unease I have been experiencing. I have an appointment to see the surgeon this week and I go armed with questions. I have requested a second opinion.Thank you.Ido have my initial x ray which i could scan in if anyone could comment on it.
Kind regards
Maureen
March 26, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Yes, Maureen, am sorry I couldn’t be more comforting. If it helps at all, the surgery (mine) was out-patient, and was not really a big deal (although being put-under is always to be taken very serious).
Mine was done at a Surgery Center rather than a hospital, and the experience was more like an extended Doctor’s Office call than a “hospital” experience. So much less hoopla..
After my first day post-op, over-the-counter pain relief took care of it. Basically ya need it to keep your foot UP and the swelling DOWN. God Bless
March 26, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Good to see the information here is helpful. Dale is right, the sooner you have this fracture fixed by ORIF, the better. Save yourself the frustration of trying to cast a dynamic fracture without fixation. This is the main cause of the high non-union of this fracture. Good luck to all of you!
March 28, 2007 at 12:18 am
Well.. now i am really unnerved. I fell In Jan of this year and the ER misdiagnosed my foot as sprained. Still having probs my VA doctor took another Xray this monday and saw a Jones fracture with a large bone fragment floating in the “meat” around it. I am waiting for the Ortho to call to schedule a appointment. I am very concerned now.. been walking on it in pain for the last 2+ months until yesterday .. beleiving that the ER knew best, i hope i havent done anymore damage.. now i am bit scared..I am so sorry you all have had such a hard time of healing and the pain associated.. sadly I am now a part of your group. Never knew a foot injury could be so overwhelming.
March 29, 2007 at 10:32 am
Hi: Metatarsal Mates ( as I now refer to you all)
Update: Went to clinic on Monday and as suspected not healing – infact the two ends of the bone aren’t healing together & healing to itself ( if that makes sence) – so plan now- refered to foot specialist – surgery in 3 weeks – will file both ends of the bone (to make a rough edge – so bone will knit together) & then pin’n'plate.The ‘bootie’ cast has been ditched (drs orders) as not doing any good & am walking ( hobbling!!) on it – quite surprised that I can walk as well as I can as I’ve had 12weeks not walking & muscle wastage in my calf – although still painful over the fracture & surgery only answer.
Looking forward o hearing all your outcomes
Charlotte
April 2, 2007 at 10:38 am
Hi Christie; Apologies for my having sounded perhaps a bit too dramatic re: my message to Maureen about not walking on the break. The only real issue w/walking on a break is that (as I understand it) a tendon is connected to the 5th Met and, whenever one puts weight on that foot, it causes the tendon to pull on the 5th Met. So, any step or weight on the foot w/a break naturally “causes” the break to move or flex, to a greater or lessor extent. Repeated steps repeat the flexing movement.
But – for a bone-break to heal together, it needs to stay together…
Imagine a simple, deep cut from a parring knife on your palm. If about 500 times a day, you take your fingers and gently pull apart the two edges, how quickly or nicely are the two edges going to join together?
Cristie, your having walked on that foot won’t make it fall off! Thankfully!! But, based on what you say is in your x-ray, the bone has certainly not joined & healed. Thus the need for surgery & fixation. Think of it as the time-investment involved in taking a one-semester college course. The course you’re taking is; Healing My Foot.
My foot is healing quite well. I have two screws in mine and basically feel neither. I’m walking comfortably about a half-mile a day. No running or jumping yet!
God Bless & help you in this Christie.. And, a Blessed Easter to y’all… Be GLAD we’re in a position to access Doc’s & medicine that will ultimately fix everyone of us… Dale
April 2, 2007 at 8:40 pm
My horror story goes like this…Received jones fracture 3/06. Diagnosed right away. Gave me a boot and pain pills. There was a small union in about 3 months and a big gap on the rest of the bone. More pain pills, back tweaked due to walking unevenly. Referred to surgeon 10/06. Blood sugars whacked out – had to get under control. That accomplished, having surgery to have screw input 4/13 (Friday the 13th no less.)
I was fired from my job – 14 weeks into this. Lost my health insurance (hence the whacky blood sugars). Had to stop the pain pills – just too lethargic and weak. Dec, 06, bone healed up pretty good. Had CT scan in Jan. Told no surgery on 2/1. 3/15, surgery back on. Have alot of pain in both legs (from knee down) and both feet. Site of break always hurts. Difficult to walk. Basically I’ve lost over a year of my life through this and not real sure yet how to get some of it back. Have a long way to go!
April 7, 2007 at 8:55 am
hi all.. heres an update. I went to the VA doctor and he was not happy. They put me in a boot to stretch the tendon to prepare for surgery.. My foot actually hurts more now than walking on it unbraced. The hospital that took the original xray did find a break but never relayed the information to me in over 2 months. The new doctor said if they had informed me i should of had surgery within the first week of breaking my foot. Im incapacitated for 1-2 months and then surgery. They will have to re-break my foot, use “bone putty” and screws. I feel so let down by my local ER. If they would have notified me I’d be in recovery now instead of anticipating a long drawn out drama and pain. Thankfully I have good support with my boyfriend and family that are coming down to help me out. Im glad that now i am getting care for my injury but sad to know this all could have been already taken care of if the ER told me. Hope you all have better luck than I have. Its a waiting game now that I have no choice but to play.
April 13, 2007 at 8:26 am
Hello,
Ive read all your stories and I feel for all of you! I injured my R foot on April 2nd. I immediately knew I sprained or fx’d someting and after a very long eve at ER they said it was a sprain and gave me an air cast. Of course I was releived and in pain and the swelling was pretty bad. The next day the ER called me at home and said they made an error and it was a fracture and that I should see an Ortho within a week. Dismayed, I called my local Ortho and insisted to be seen ASAP. I was seen on April 5th and My doc confirmed it was a jones fracture. I had read about the 3 different types on internet and I was PRAYING it wouldnt be this one. He said that my bone was “intact” which was good news, but bad news was I was to be immobalized for 4-6wks in cast and on crutches. I already had the crutches since I requested them from ER because unlike some of you I couldnt walk on my foot from onset. So I now have a lovely purple cast and I go back on May 10th – 3wks, 6 days more. He said that he would take off cast, take another xray and it bone was healing or healed?? then I wouldnt need to put cast back on… if not healing or healed then back into cast for another 4 wks, then come back, repeat process and if not healing/healed then he would discuss surgery option. I have a 5yr old and 3 large dogs at home and work full time. Luckily I sit at a desk all day and try to keep my foot up as much as possible.. but like is just exhausting! My husband helps as much as he can, but we work opposite shits so im home alone alot. I cant imagine going the 4 more wks and then being told that its not evan healing. Is this normal or should I be requesting the surgey now?? or get second opinon? I know Im probably being impatient. I accidently leaned on my foot last night (felt it too) so I hope I didnt do any more damage. Also for those of you with the cast – I bought a great cast guard at Rx that works great! its costly about $30 but well worth it. At least I can shower.
April 19, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I’ve read through all the articles on this page and glad to see that most of the information is conistent in regard to this type of break or fracture. I have a full break where the ball of the bone has completely broken off and I did have the surgery 1 week after the break and then x-rays another week later showed that part of the bones are not touching at all even with the pin so they probably will not ever fuse together so I will probably have the pins there forever. My question is about the significance of the attached tendon. The last time I was in the office (2 weeks after surgery) the doctor made the cast removable and said I could take the cast off for showering and stretching as long as I do not put any weight on it. I’m worried that the stretching will affect the healing of the bone or the placement of the screws. Has anyone else had experience like this?
April 20, 2007 at 11:36 pm
I was changing a forklift battery at work (2654 pounds) when the hoist i was using let loose and the battery feel on my foot severly breaking the 5th metatarsal. My foot is completly purple and swollen to about 3 times the normal size. I see a doc. in a few days to see whether or not surgery is the way. The first doc i seen told me i would need a plate and some screws in the bone. How painful is the surgery? What should i expect from the surgery? will i be hurting for the rest of my life?
ben
All this a week before my honeymoon!!
April 22, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Dear All
I had my surgery as planned on Wednesday ( 18th April) – had open reduction & internal fixation (ORIF) + bone graft – basically they’ve put a pin in it with a bone graft taken from my ankle to help to stimulated the bone to heal. Surprisingly they haven’t put me in a cast I’ve just got a crepe bandage, but 6 weeks strickly non-weight bare ( this’ll be the most difficult bit) – I feel I’m back to the start with a fresh fracture, but at least now on the mend!!. I’m back to clinic in 2 weeks for an x-ray – not sure if it’ll be recovered in a bandage or what they’ll do – any exprience of this anyone? don’t under estimate the pain – it’s very painful, but worth it to get fixed ( & that’s including a ‘marcaine’ block being put in during surgery) & take all the painkillers they offer – another word of advice if any one’s hands are getting sore with the crutches ( as mine have done over the weeks , inc tingling in my fingers) buy a pair of cycle gloves with gel pads( only cost £7)& help alot ( infact have also put foam into to the gloves to give extra protection).
Good Luck to all ( infact reading your experiences have kept me going over the past 16 weeks!!)
Charlotte
May 2, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Hello to fellow sufferers
It has now been a month out of plaster with a gradual increase in pressure on the foot – not without pain I have to say. The specialist is pleased with the screw and bone healing but says the pain/ache I am still experiencing around the ankle is the tendons and soft tissue that will take longer to heal. He said that was due to the surgery not taking place sooner – five months from the original break due to NHS incompetence! Anyway I hope I’m on the road to a full recovery although that may be a few months down the line. Good luck to all of you out there suffering the same condition
May 3, 2007 at 2:41 am
I work at an after school care program. Playing football on the outside field several month’s ago I stepped into a small hole and my foot rolled over causing my ankle to hit the grass. I was in a little pain the next day so the school nurse wrapped it in an ace bandage.
Then, on April 17, 2007 I was at work playing basketball with the kids and it happened again, only this time I heard a crack. The nurse saw it happen and we immediately expected the worst. She told me it did not look so good. That night I was in tremendous pain and could barely walk. I went to the Emergency Room. My foot actually started feeling better while I was there. Good enough to walk again even. I considered leaving before the inevitable “no break” results came back (I was there for over 3 hours), but then a doctor came over to me and told me I had fractured my foot. That was all the details they gave me. A few days later I went to see an orthopedic doctor to give me my cast. He said I had actually broken my foot a few months back (while playing football), and this time I just expanded the break, making it pretty severe and painful. It was a Jones Fracture. The options were to wait 6 weeks and hope it would get better in a cast, or go for the surgery. I immediately asked for surgery. I am ready to get back on my feet and my doctor said that should only be in about three weeks or so. I miss driving my truck and riding my motorcycle. And I miss the kids at work. I am ready to go back, so I hope I can heal as fast as the doctor informed me.
May 5, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Dr. Al Kline recently published an article on ‘intramedullar fixation of the Jones fracture’ in the Podiatry Internet Journal:
http://podiatry.wordpress.com/2007/05/05/intramedullary-fixation-for-the-jones-fracture-a-case-report/
Enjoy
May 16, 2007 at 9:32 am
hello all. Well, I have surgery set for June 20th for fixing my fracture that happened Jan 4th. They will be re-breaking and setting my foot as well as carving the ends of bone off to produce fusion when the screws are placed. Another added “goody” is they have to “Z” cut my tendon to strecth it so it relieves tension on the injured area. They are very concerned about nerve damage and long time effects. A lot wont be known till the operation as to any more damage that has occured. I appreciate the suggestion for relieving hand discomfort from crutches. My fiance’ and I are trying to reset our wedding for next year as we were supposed to get married this weekend the 19th. Does anyone have any numbness/tingling in thier toes?? Im hanging in there, but sad to see my year shot and my wedding postponed… my heart goes out to you all!
May 20, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Hey all just wanted to tell you how great it was to read about your “Jones’n” injuries and experiences.
I broke my foot, Jones, last weekend and had surgery on 5/17/07 (orif). I’m in a big plaster cast art the moment. I was still out of it when I talked to the surgeon post op so i don’t know much yet for my course of recovery. He did do some wiring so hopefully that is the first step to get those bones back in place. 1st appmnt. is on Wed so I let everyone know how it is going and what he thinks i can expect. I reading the comments that is what I got the most out of, your personal experiences.
I hope you all are on a solid recovery road and I hope I headed in the same direction.
JMS
May 22, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hi All,
well after 6 wks of non weight bearing on my right foot when I had my check up my ortho said my fx didnt heal. Not even a little! And I had the cast and crutches immediatly after my fall so for those who tell you that its because you have a chronic injury, well mine wasnt and I still didnt heal. I was crushed. Since I had been on this site, read your stories,and the article above I told my ortho that I didnt want to wait it out anymore and I wanted surgery and now! He scheduled me for the following Monday which was last Monday May 14th. As someone mentioned above, yes pain. My foot hurt after the surgery and it took most of the week before I didnt need those pain meds. I had the open fixation procedure but they didnt do a bone graft because my fracture didnt need setting, it just wansnt healing? Anyway Im now 8 days post surgery and my foot feels a little better each day. What I mean by better is it doenst turn blue or purple immediatly upon putting it in a down position and it doesnt hurt. I go to Ortho this Friday for stitches out and I am currently in a cam boot (I think ortho felt bad for me and didnt want to torture me with another cast). Hopefully he doesnt put me in one Friday. I think Ill have 4wks more non weight barring so this will be 3mos total time since this mess started. Ill let you know. Good luck everyone, and Christie Im so sorry you had to post-pone your wedding because of this!
Betty-Jo
May 22, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Hi All
I read with interest Betty Jo’s comment about blue/purple feet when upright & reading this indicates that it has now resolved – I’m now 5 weeks post operative & my foot is still blue/purple & swollen when I’m upright- does anyone know if this is normal. Does anyone have any experience of this going on for a while post op? (although I’m wondering if it will subside when I begin to mobilise again – hopefully in 2 weeks!! – I just hope that the bone is fusing together as it should). Also re the scar – which is healing beautifully, although I’ve quite a lump on the side of my foot under the scar, not sure if it’s scar tissue – if it will go & more importantly will I be able to wear fashion shoes again? & yes – pain practically non existance – although get the occassional ’stab’ from what I recon is the pin!!!( or it certainly feels like that)
& yes – Christie – sorry to hear about your wedding- you must be gutted?
Take Care everyone
Charlotte
May 23, 2007 at 5:13 am
Hello
Sorry to hear about all your woes.
I am still, nearly 4 months later, waiting for my fracture to heal.
4 weeks in cast and 11 weeks in an aircast boot.
Back to the hospital next week to see if I need an operation, which I will as I can still feel a huge crack in my bone.
I was wondering if any of you could give me some info about having your metatarsal bone pinned, I also will need a bone graft to fill the crack. Any ideas about whats in store and also about the recovery process, am feeling low and worried so any info would be appreciated.
Thanks alot
Hope your all healing!
Rebecca
May 25, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Hi All,
Saw Ortho doc today for 2 wk post op visit. He removed sutures and did 3 xrays. Wound healing nicely, no evidence of bone healing yet, but he said that was normal this soon.? He told me to come back in 4-5wks and if he saw healing then he would allow me to start some weight barring on that foot. Im just so scared that I go back and ther will still be no healing. I cant take another disapointment. I was so hoping today he would say that it at least started. oh well. Rececca I didnt have the bone grafting but the surgery I did have and it wasnt bad. YOu will be in pain for 2-4 days after sugery and take the pain meds they give you. I am 12 days after surgery and I dont have any pain except my ankle is bothering me some but I think its the tendons that havnt gotton much use and the ortho and nurses all messed with my foot today. Hope your surgery goes great!
Betty-Jo
May 26, 2007 at 3:12 pm
“Dale” Update:
Hello Christi, Charlotte, Betty Jo & Rebecca & all. I still check this site now & then to see what’s been happening. Folks “in our” particular circumstance r’ sure a club, eh?
My “fix” is still progressing well and I’m typically either walking or riding bike a mile a day. I’m 55 & not risking running quite yet (my choice – my Doc didn’t order this). It seems I remember reading someplace that it takes about 1 year for a complete return to similar bone strength (if healing is normal). Both my screws are still in and don’t seem to bother unless I go to manupulating the area.
Now – here’s some general helpful thoughts about y’all.
Shamelessly ask and badger your Doc to order a script for a bone-growth stimulator. Mine was an “Exogen 4000,” by “Smith & Nephew. If they can’t get one of those yet (ask why), then ask for a circulation stimulator. Mine was a BioStim, INF. This was NOT a TENS unit, but is the next step up. The salesman said that a TENS unit was pretty useless compared to a BioStim INF.
Sleep: As I understand it, ones body best heals & regenerates as we sleep. And the very “best hours” for regeneration are between 10pm and 2am, but most everybody needs 7-8 hours no matter waht they say. Get to bed early and sleep!!
FOCUS: Whenever you move & “step” to go anyplace on those crutches. One little slip because of a moments thoughtless impatience can cancel WEEKS of healing. I was being very careful but I still fell 3Xs (using crutches) while in first several weeks of healing. I had previously realized & decided to fall on ANYTHING BUT THAT FOOT! And did so. It hurt, but I kept that foot safe! I actually took to “walking” around my place on my knees. Humbling & slower, but reasonably effective.
Eat right: Microwave nothing!! The waves “nuke” nutrients out of food! You’ll get “tons more” out of your frozen veggies by eating them frozen! Obviously, eat a balanced diet and take as well a quality multi-vitamin every day (at least while you’re healing). I ate Wendy’s drive-thru chili for days on-end. It’s delicious! Healthy! Balanced! Easy! And cheap!
Also, I took 1000 IU’s of vit D every day as well. I also took extra calc/mag/zinc (Wal-Mart has this in a combo pak). You may also want to consider taking Vitimin K. Here’s why:
http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/misc_topics/vitamink.html
Increased risk of fractures or reduced bone density may result from inadequate intake of vitamin K, due to its necessary role in production of bone proteins such as osteocalcin. Several clinical trials have supported the proposition that, in certain situations, vitamin K supplements enhance the integrity of bone. In seems clear that use of vitamin K antagonists like Warfarin for purposes of anticoagulation have toxic effects on rapidly-growing bone.
I bought my Vit K at Whole Foods. The online address for the specific product is: http://www.nutraceutical.com However, I assume most any Vit K would suffice.
Happy: Be as happy as possible. Watch funny movies & sitcoms(the nightly news IS NOT funny). Read fun & funny books & articles. Watch Joel! Laugh.. Forgive those who have sinned against you – it helps YOU more than it “helps” them.
Finally, God Bless Y’all w’ the wisdom to want The only God of this vast Universe and our little teeny “ball of dirt” on your (spiritual) INsides.. Father-God never promised anyone a “pain-free ride!” But, He has promised to never leave or forsake us! He’ll be there with us whatever we’re “going through!”
Invite His Son (and my Brother) Jesus, into your heart & life tonight! You will never be the same!! Dale
June 5, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Hi Everyone
It’s now 7wks since my ORIF & bone graft – went to clinic today & had the go ahead to start walking – couldn’t believe how easy it is to walk again!! – I’ve been off my crutches two hours & although slow & hobbling am not needing my crutches & not painful – just a slight pinching – just hope this continues & that I don’t wake up in the morning regretting having so much determination!! – I’ve also been given the go ahead to swim, although no driving for a while. My wounds are healing well, although my ankle remains swollen I’ve been told it will be a while until this subsides.
I hope this is a positive message for all of you concerned about your outcomes – I’ll keep you updated with my longterm progress – how are you all doing? ( it’s so nice to feel that I’m not alone going through this & hearing all your experiences!)
Charlotte :-)
June 6, 2007 at 11:19 am
Hi Charlotte,
So glad to hear your news! How are you feeling today? Im now 3wks 2 days post op my surgery. In your earlier post you mentioned a pain or stab from the pin. Im now getting this. Did you doctor say that was normal? I do still have the purple & swelling just after I get up in the am and sometimes when my foot is down for a long time. I have my next f/u next week which will be 4 wks 2 days post op. I’d love for him to say that I could start walking soon but the whole process just has me discouraged.
Dale- thanks for your comments and advise!
Betty-Jo
June 8, 2007 at 11:45 am
Hi – I’ve now been “walking” for 3 days & so far so good – although I do feel as if I’ve run a marathon by the end of the day!!, but I guess that is to be expected.
And the worse time is the morning & evening. The swelling & blue feet has subsided since I’ve started mobilising, although ankle still swollen. Am planning to go swimming with my daughter over the weekend + will start physio soon & just hope recovery continues well. I’ve been told that hopefully back to ‘normal’ in July
Charlotte:-)
June 19, 2007 at 5:13 am
Hi everyone, i know its a bit long but heres my story, about my exsperiences with the whole ordeal, hopefully i can relate to some and put some positives into others. thank you
- I broke my 5th metatarsal (left foot) playing basketball on May the 18th. Thought i had a severe sprained ankle as usual, but a visit to the Podiatrist told me different. It happend on Friday May 18th, didnt want to go to the emergency room even though the pain was pretty bad, not to mention it was swollen and bruised. i figured, if i go to the emergency room, they would take the xray, diagnose me and tell me i need to see a specialist or worst case put me in a cast, which i’m not thrill about. So waited out the weekend and on Monday – May 21th, Went to see a Podiatrist, (reffered by a friend) they took several X-Rays, he sat me down and told the BAD NEWS! A broken “5th metatarsal, jones fracture, non union”. I havent a clue what he was talking about but it sounded bad. (When they start using medical terms to xcess ur damage, its not a good thing). He gave me two options, one – wear a plastic removable boot and do treatment (bone stimulator thingy-ma-jig) for 30 minutes twice a day for 6-8 weeks then come back for an evaluation. If it does not show any signs of healing, then i would have to opt for surgery (putting a screw to fixate the broken bones together).
-The other option #2 – Sugery ASAP! I’m a very athleltic person, can not and will not sit for a long period of time. I love to play basketball and golf 2 -3 times a week! Still young, 31 but feel 18 at heart. I just couldnt sacrifice 2 months of my time, just to see if the non-operative solution would work. Decided to have the surgery Thursday May 24th. Out patient with general anesthetic, pretty creepy if u ask! A simple 30 minutes operation, so i wasnt under for long, guess it was a good thing. Woke up feeling a little woosie but came out of it pretty quick. After surgery i was put in a removable plastic boot cast. Told that when i shower i must not get the stitches wet for the first 4 days (kinda hard to do but managed)But overall, recovery at home was a pain in the butt. Stay in bed with ur foot elevated and iced at all time, cant walk anywhere had to crawl(My wife was basically my hands and feet for the first 3-4 days). A little less then week later, May the 29th, went back for a check up. The doc took a few X-Rays, says everything looked good, he just wanted to make sure the bones were in line and screw was set correctly. At the time i was on a non-weight bearing order, walking with crutches of course. After the check up, he told me i could start walking without the crutches. I was a bit suprised after reading all the reports and blogs of others who said they were on “non-weight bearing” for atleast 4 weeks after post op. And here i am the first week after my operation i could walk in my plastic removable cast without the aid of the crutches! Something didnt sound right, but i trust what he does and says. After all he is a very well known and respectable Podiatry in the city. Anyway its been closed to 4 weeks since my surgery. They got me off the removable plastic boot cast two weeks ago and gave my some funky looking shoes to wear (Darco Post-Operative
Surgical Shoes).
-Today June 19th, i can dispose of the funny shoe and start wearing normal tennis shoes! The swelling is still there but very little, which is common as i was told for a few more weeks. Started playing golf again just last week but very limited, just chipping and putting. Went to play a round yesterday, again limited range of motion, due to the fact that i cant put too much weight on the left side. But other then that everything is good so far. I can walk kinda normal without pain, although at home i’m not walking bare foot. still wearing the funny shoe just to get around. Waiting for the Doc to give me the okay, when i come back for a check up in 2 weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed, and hope everything is okay.
So to you others out there, keep ur head up, think positive and things will be better. thank you for the other who posted here, i enjoyed evey story and info. Again, thank you and have a speedy recovery!
-tommie
June 19, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Hi Tommie,
Wow! sounds like your recovery is going great! I wish my ortho doc had given me the option of surgery right off…no I HAD to do the coservative thing for 6wks and find out there was no healing. Your lucky! You say you cant walk bare foot yet, is that because of pain or just because of what your doc said? Do you have any pain at all? I mean like small jabs of pain if you walk on uneven surfaces? I ask because I got the ok from my orho last week June 13th to start walking on my R foot. I was 4wks 2 days post op. Since I hadnt used that foot at all for a total of 10wks 2 days, I was very shaky and it was like learning to walk again. Doc basically said that I was showing some healing (it was too soon for much but he did see that the bone was healing) and as long as it didnt hurt I could walk on my foot with my walking boot. I too dont walk barefoot yet…that does hurt but not in just the site that had the fracture but my whole foot and I think its because of the “atrophy” of my foot and leg. If I lean too much on my R side I do feel an ache …Is that what you meant about not leaning too much on the L side?
Anyway, Im very happy to be off crutches and I taking it very easy. Ortho said that I will know when I can start usuing running shoe’s again and when Im ready to go ahead.
What confuses me is the post from Darryl that his doc told him that 100pds would break or move the screw and that he couldnt walk at all till his fracture was healed or healing for 6wks +?? This is definately a contradiction to what my doc and Tommie’s doc said. I guess everyone is different.
Charlotte glad your waling again as well! I find my worst time is also am and eve since Im stiff and tired then.
Everyone else good luck with your healing!!
Betty-Jo
June 20, 2007 at 2:23 am
Hey Betty-Jo!
Glad to hear you are recovering well too. Isnt it great to be able to walk without crutches? We take the simple things in life for granted, dont we?
i dont walk bare foot b/c my doc told me not too. As far as pain, i do feel a little bit not a whole lot. Honestly, i played a round of golf the other day for about 4 hours(riding a cart, of course)but when it came to getting on the putting greens i had to walk and stand around alot. At the end of the day, i was a bit sore but nothing exuashting. Dont know, maybe i’m rushing things a bit,but judging from all the post i read in here. No one is doing what i’m doing 4 weeks after operation. i guess i have to slow down just a tad bit. Maybe until i come in for my “1 1/2 month” post op evaluation. The last thing i want is to go through it all over again (not to mention the COST!).
When i lean on my left side of my fractured foot too much, i do feel a little pain, not alot. I try not to, but yes the ache is still there. Just yesterday i started walking heel to toe (what normal waling should be) versus before i was walking on my heels only to avoid putting pressure on the fractured side of my foot.
As for the post about the 100lbs of pressure, i really dont know. My Doc says it’s not that easy to break the titanium screw, metal yes, but titanium, no. But like you said every doctor has their own theory or advice.
Again good luck people!
tommie
June 20, 2007 at 9:05 am
Hi All
I am about 2 1/2 weeks post ORIF surgery. I have a smiliar story. 35 years old, female. broke my foot on mothers day. actually crushed it. put in a cast for 3 weeks and no healing, like you all! I think I broke it in 4 places, but 2 places were just wide open. so I had surgery. I still take pain meds now but really only later in the day for the “good stuff”, can go earlier in teh day with tylenol. Initially the doctor said 7-10 days after surgery many patients go into a walking boot. I, of course, was put back into a non-weight bearing cast… which is so hard b/c I have 3 kids, oldest is almost 5, so this is crazy. I got 6 or 7 screws, a plate and bone graft. all went well, but now the waiting period. In theory I get the cast off next week, do you think that is realistic?
What I am really curious about is return to work, how long were most of you out of work? I mean my toes are still discolored and swollen at night… just wondering if I should go back to work now or how long most of you stayed out during this. you can also email me
thanks
June 21, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Hey Everyone,
My story is similar to Tommie’s. I broke my 5th metatarsal on Memorial Day (May 28th), and had surgery two weeks later on June 12th. I had a screw put in. Today, only a week and two days after surgery I went to the doc to get the cast off and stitches out and the doctor says I can start walking on it again. Already! He said that there’s no way I will break anything if I walk on it. But it’s hard for me to trust that little screw enough to start walking on it a only week and a few days after surgery!.. Especially after reading that others have been told they can’t walk for at least a couple weeks after surgery. It’s very painful to try and walk, like a burning on the bottom of my foot, but the doctor said it’s normal. So, as long as I can stand the pain, I can walk on it. I’m walking on it, but using my crutches still to support some of my weight. Baby steps lol.
Anyway, good luck to everyone with their healing.
June 21, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Hi Betty, Tommie, Mia, All,
Re: the 100-lbs of pressure thing; I’ve learned along-the-way that my 5th met break was not a typical “Jones Fracture.” I broke my 5th met like a stick at the middle, at a 45-degree angle. My Doc had to put TWO titanium screws in, directly thru the round “body” of the bone, drawing the aprox 1-inch break together at both ends of the break.
This was different from a typical Jones Fracture, where they usually put 1-screw into the “end” of the bone (like what is displayed above the comment section). Apologies to those who I may have ignorantly communicated to. In my passion re: the “experience” of a broken 5th met that we all share, It seemed to me that a; “broken 5th met w/a screw is a broken 5th met with a screw..” But, I now realize that my 5th met break was fundamentally different.
The 1st Family Practice Doc I saw re: my break refered to it as a Jones Fracture, which was “loosely correct,” but technically was, I believe, a simple metatarsal fracture, as described above.
Hopefully this adds the basic info that clears up my misunderstanding re: how soon one might walk on a true “Jones Fracture” repair.
Very obviously, each person’s break will have subtle or major differences. Thus, their Surgeon will be their best and first information source, and specifically aware of their individual differences.
Dale
June 22, 2007 at 12:15 am
Hello everyone!
Dale hit it dead on! i think each person is a different case, depending on the type of breaks or how servere the break. Recovery may vary by each individual and cases. Good point DALE!
Mia, glad to hear you’re walking again. Today is the 2nd day (06/21) that i’m walking in tennis shoes. Hurts a bit but takes a little time to get use to. Havent worn normal shoes on my left foot for a month. My doctor told me its okay to walk in it, but like you, i’m a little worried. Dont want anythong bad to happen and go through all THIS again for a tiny little pain in the ass bone!
good luck to all! i’ve enjoyed reading this posts!
tommie
June 22, 2007 at 7:47 am
still curious how long you all missed work for this….? Can someone help me here
I also didnt have a typical jones fracture, but more of a dancers fracture at the neck of the fifth metatarsal. I am back in a cast, so I guess my doctor was right when he said MOST people start walking 7-10 days after surgery but not me (sigh) (remember I had 6 or 7 screws, I thought the doc said 7, but I counted 6)…
Tommie, how long before you wore tennis shoes? did you wear timberlands first?
I am terrified because I broke my other foot 19 months ago, but it was minor, I guess, because after 6 weeks (no surgery) I was able to walk a little and 2 weeks later wearing timberlands…
So, I recommend timberlands for anyone a little weary. I wore them to work (lst break) for a while. believe me — no one will say anything if its for health reasons.
okay, any thoughts about how much work you all missed?
June 22, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Hello! I wouldn’t wish this experience on any of you but since we’re all here, it’s nice to have some company. I broke my 5th met May 15th and had a non-weight-bearing cast for 3 weeks when my doc said no healing had taken place.
Had the screw installed June 6th and am going back to work on Monday the 25th. During the operation the doc had to move a nerve out of the way to get to the fracture. Ooooh, the nerve was ANGRY about it, too. It burned for almost 2 days straight afterwards. I was alternating Vicodin and Ibuprofin around the clock until it calmed down.
Originally my surgeon said I’d be in the cast for the full 8 weeks post-op and then switch to the boot, but I guess there is a chance I might “graduate” a bit earlier if all goes well. So far so good. Trying not to get my hopes up yet.
It’s encouraging to read other people’s stories of finally getting out of the little fiberglass prison and being able to take those first few steps. Thank you for the reminders that the weeks will pass, the bone will heal, and the other shoe will be worn again. I wish it could have happened in time for me to not have to miss seeing “Weird Al” Yankovic next weekend, but whattayagonnadoo?
Oh, on a lighter note, my most surreal moment so far was last night when there was a HUGE spider in my kitchen and I couldn’t stomp it with my casted foot (eew), I couldn’t stomp it with my good foot because I couldn’t lift it without putting weight on my bad foot, and I couldn’t bend over far enough to just squish it with a paper towel without falling over. By the time my husband got downstairs, it was hiding.
It’s amazing how many little mundane things we take for granted until suddenly we can’t do them!
Best of luck and a speedy recovery to all.
Julie
June 22, 2007 at 2:38 pm
P.S. As soon as the spider skittered away I realized – duh – I could have easily squished it with the end of my crutch. LOL I’ll be ready for you next time, you little creepy-crawly.
Julie
June 23, 2007 at 8:59 am
Hi Julie
did you go for your post-op yet and get the stiches out? A cast for 8 weeks. yikes.
I broke my foot may 13 and had surgery june 6 as well. good luck. I am surprised you are going back so soon…. my doctor told me yesterday Ill be out another month. I have a desk job. odd. I guess b/c I have good disability insurance?
June 23, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Hi Felicia – (6 screws? Eeek!) My doc said the stitches would dissolve after a while. I’m nervous about going back to work but I have a desk job too, and as long as I can keep my foot propped up, I think being busy will make the remaining weeks go by faster. I probably would have given it one more full week, except I just started this job and I’m on unpaid leave right now.
Best of luck with your recovery – I can’t imagine being in a cast and on crutches with little kids to look after. (I finally got the spider though.)
June 24, 2007 at 10:56 am
Julie
yes, 6 screws, a plate and bone graft. first follow up visit showed successful surgery, but was back in a cast. glad you got the spider. I have feared one crawling into my cast. tell me how it goes when you return to work.
June 24, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I was really glad to find all of your comments and stories. I too, like all of you, broke my 5th met. Broke it 3 weeks ago today and had surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. I had the dancer’s version of the injury and had basically crushed a section of the bone. The dr. removed one piece of the bone and then put in a screw. 12 days after surgery he put me in a fiberglass cast that goes up to my knee. I’m not supposed to walk on it at all, but have been putting some weight on my heel just because I can’t handle the crutches. I never realized just how much I do for myself until I did this!!! I went back to work last week and was absolutely exhausted by the time Friday rolled around.
It sounds like all of you have been given a lesser recovery time following the surgery. My dr. told me that it would take the full 6 weeks because it was a little bitty bone and a little tiny screw. He stressed how fragile it is and how careful I have to be. Did any of your dr’s say anything like that? Are any of you concerned about re-fracturing the bone? I’m reading that that happens frequently, but wonder if it’s more frequent with or without surgery.
And I never worried about a spider crawling into my cast…but I will now! lol
June 25, 2007 at 10:26 am
Hi Liz,
actually my doctor told me I would be out of work I guess near 7 weeks post surgery… I also had the dancers fracture, but I just crushed the bone and there were 4 unique visible fractures (thus the 6 screws instead of one). geez, odd how some doctors tell you to return right away and others much longer.
June 27, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Hi Liz,Julie,Felicia, & Tommie:
Felicia – I didnt miss any work because I work at a computer all day and I was able to put my foot up on an adjustable stool. I only missed the day of my surgery and days after.
Julie – I loved your spider comment. Its amazing how many things we take for granted. I have been walking in my R foot for 2 weeks today. Im 6 wks 2 days post op today. My doc only told me that if it didnt hurt that I could walk on it. I still use my walking boot and per his instructions I take it off 2 -3 times a day and I can now walk around at home barefoot and it doesnt hurt BUT its not totally normal yet either. My foot is still stiff around the ankle and I think that will just have to loosen up with time or maybe PT. Yesturday I put a sandle on just to feel it out and I was able to walk around the house with it but I know I would be really sore it I tried it all day. My Ortho told me to wear the boot for 3 more weeks so thats one more week and then I should be fine to wear my sneaker shoes etc. He is basically leaving it up to me. I have a f/u with him on August 1st. My foot get a little better each day walking and a little stronger. Its slow but it is progress.
Dale thanks for clearing that up for me, you definatley had more detailed surgery than me.
Tommie- hows your healing?
Everyone take care and good luck!!
Betty-Jo
June 28, 2007 at 8:00 am
Hi Betty-Jo
That is amazing about your story. I just got out of a cast and into a walking boot. I am suppose to use the crutches 100% and only take off the boot for showers (baths, really)but I am only suppose to put about 10% weight on it, and go back in 3 weeks. I injured my ankle as well in the accident, so I am starting PT today for that in hopes of avoiding another surgery.
I also have a computer job, but it is a high stress job, so I am taking another 2 weeks off, because I cant concentrate with the pain… and it seems like my disability company will approve this.
how is everyone else doing??
July 1, 2007 at 9:35 am
Hi everyone. Hope you’re all having a great weekend. I’ve been taking it easy, which has been my usual routine on the weekends since going back to work. Although I work at a computer and only have to get up to go to meetings, by Fridays my foot is pretty swollen and I’m worn out from the routine on the crutches.
I have a couple more questions for y’all.
How long does the swelling continue? Like right now, I just got up and my foot is fine. I have all kinds of room in my cast and my toes look and feel normal. By this afternoon though, if I’m up and about very much, that won’t be the case.
Did you feel all kinds of different sensations in your toes and feet at any given time? Everything from numbness to slight pain? Luckily I’m not having any sharp pain.
And once you started walking on your foot, at the end of the day if it was tired and maybe swollen, did it ever seem like you could feel exactly where the screw was in your foot?
Other than just being totally frustrated with this whole situations of having a cast, crutches, having to rely on other people and not being able to get around as quickly and easily as I’d like, I’m doing well. I go back to the dr on Tuesday. Oh, one more question….I had a ace bandage wrapped splint for the first week following surgery and then for the last two weeks I’ve been in a hard cast. Do you think the dr will take off this cast at my visit to check out the incision? I know he might need to put it back on, but I’m thinking he’d at least need to make sure everything looks ok. Thoughts?
Have a great week everyone!
July 1, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Hi
Ill try to help. I got my cast off tuesday, and I am now in a walking boot. I had a cast on for 3 weeks post op, 6 1/2 weeks total. I had all sorts of wierd feelinds in my feet and yes, they swelled aweful. Oddly now I feel almost no pain, and believe it or not, part of the area around the incision (which measures about 3 inches) is actually not sensitive to touch, but I was told that may be normal. Its scary to have no sensation there, but I guess all is free game . I have never felt the screws, I just know I have 6 b/c I have a copy of the x-ray. I too cheat at home and walk w/o crutches some, and I fear going back to work b/c it will wear me out. My ankle is still quite swollen so hopefully that wont need to be repaired as well… who knows
the doctor took off my hard cast 3 weeks post op, so you may also get a boot! keep me posted
July 2, 2007 at 7:20 am
Liz:
Every Dr. is different but at week 5 1/2 my Dr. tooked off the hard cast automatically and xrayed my foot. To me this was strange because I am fairly certain that one can xray through a fiberglass cast, but my wife suggested that he might have wanted to get the best possible view of the healing of the break.
He took a long look at the xrays and the previous xrays and announced that the healing would take more time. He showed that there was some opaqueness between the parts of the bone but not enough to put
weight on it. Then he put on a boot
and told me that I could use my foot for balance but not for walking. He never looked at the incision site, but there was
need to look there. It is healing normally.
This whole business of determining what the status of the foot is from the xray is where
the Dr. earns his fee. It requires experience.
July 2, 2007 at 7:53 am
Ed,
thanks for your input. I was wondering if there is a lot of swelling. I am in a boot now (you can read my story above) and there is hardly any swelling. Unfortunately, there is still swelling in my ankle, so I am worried that too is something that will require surgery, because its been 7 1/2 weeks since my injury. but where I had the screws, there is little swelling. I started PT and making really good progress, I think!!
July 2, 2007 at 9:15 am
Felicia:
No, I don’t have much swelling and most of swelling is in my toes in the evening. By morning it goes away. I try to keep my foot raised but one can only do so much of that.
I am in the boot but non-weight bearing. My
suspicion is that I will have much more swelling when the Dr. says that I can put weight on my foot.
Ed
July 2, 2007 at 2:00 pm
wow you are still non weight bearing? I have little pain, but I still have swelling, esp at my ankle. I cant help but think that 7.5 weeks after the accident its more than a sprain, that I tore something that will require surgery.
thanks for your input, Ed
July 4, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hi! I went back to the Dr. on Tuesday. He took a new xray and told me that now I could walk in the boot with crutches. It is
quite a difference. Climbing the stairs like a human being is now possible and my wheelchair where I have spent the 7.5 weeks since the operation is now put aside. The Dr. is even allowing me to sleep
without having the boot on.
It has been a marvelous Independence Day.
Felicia, I think that you should tell your Dr. about the ankle swelling.
July 4, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Dear All
I am now 11weeks following my ORIF & have been weightbearing for 4 weeks. Went for a routine outpatients appointment yesterday to be told that although the fracture is healing – it’s still not fully fused & not to do high impact sports ( not that I did these before!!)& i guess that’s why it’s still tender if I’ve been on my feet for a while
Does anyone have any experience of delayed bone healing following a ORIF & bone graft?
although one good thing – I’ve been given the OK to drive
Charlotte :-)
July 4, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Hi Ed and Charlotte,
Thanks, Ed, for the advice on the ankle, I did tell my doctor, but he insists to give it two weeks of PT first… hope I dont need surgery on that also. Have you started PT yet? are you back at work? I will go back next week as long as my follow up appointment goes well.
Charlotte, I had a bone graft as well as 6 screws and a plate with my ORIF (I broke the bone in 4 places)… but I cant say for sure how its healing… at my 3 week follow-up they had an electrical outage in the area, so no x-ray. my one week follow-up, though, did show that the bone was still broken. does that help?
I “cheat” in the house and walk without the crutches….
has anyone had a problem with the incision area healing? its been 4 weeks since surgery, and I am still having an issue with part of the incision area not healing
happy fourth.
July 4, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Charlotte,
forgot to mention that I also had a dancers fracture, like you, not a true jones fracture
July 5, 2007 at 8:45 am
Felicia:
My Dr. has not mentioned PT as yet. I teach
part time at a local University and my next class is on Sept. 4. Fortunately, I had no summer classes although I had to call off
going to a Conference in NH and flying to Ft. Collins, CO to grade Advanced Placement Exams. I saw no way that I could do either
of those activities without a working right foot.
My incision area healed up and the scab fell off in a bath in week 7 after the surgery. The Dr. paid quite a bit of attention to my incision area on Thursday before he looked at the x-rays and gave me the okay of walking on crutches. I told him that the foot outside the boot felt like “a normal foot”. He was satisfied with that.
July 5, 2007 at 10:43 am
Hi Ed,
Not sure what you teach… (just curious) but that is amazing about no PT yet…. I cant believe how weak my foot is after just 7 weeks, but some of it is my ankle injury I think, and not the broken foot. Thanks for the informaiton about the scab, I am watching mine closely, one area in particular, but I feel better knowing someone elses took forever to heal. Makes me a little less worried about an infection.
July 5, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Felicia:
My subjects are Physics and Software Engineering.
I am also surprised by how weak my foot is.
I have never been laid up before. All the
sicknesses that I have had were over in a week or less.
July 8, 2007 at 10:04 am
Well I went to the dr last week. He removed the cast, did an x-ray, said it was looking good but wasn’t quite ready yet and then put me back in a cast for 2 more weeks. :o( I wasn’t completely surprised, but was really hoping for the boot. I would SO love to be able to take a normal, nice, hot bath about now! lol
There’s a section of the bone that is a little “off”. I’m assuming this is the part where he completely removed one little piece. The bone was crushed and there was a little triangle piece that he just took out. Anyway, he said he thinks it will be fine, but I couldn’t help but think when looking at the x-ray that the little “off” section was going to need to be shaved down or something later. We’ll see. He’s the dr. so I really hope he’s right.
I was really nervous when he took the cast off. I had to go down the hall to the x-ray area and not having the cast as protection was kinda scary. I was afraid I was going to hurt my foot! I didn’t dare walk on it, but just from looking at my ankle/foot, it sure looked weak from 5 weeks of all this. I asked my dr awhile back about weakness and the fact that this would be strange once I was able to walk again. He said it would be ok. It would be strange for a little while, but the strength and mobility would come back. We’ll see. I wonder about needing PT too.
I’m still experiencing quite a bit of swelling by the time the evening rolls around. And I’m not in pain, but the swelling does make it a little uncomfortable. My swelling is gone by morning too, but I wonder how long this swelling part of the game is going to last. It just seems like wearing normal shoes/sandals and doing the things I used to do won’t be possible for a very, very long time.
I just want to say that I’m really glad I ran across this board. I’m sorry that all of you are going through this, but having never broken a bone or been laid up like this before either, it’s really been nice to communicate with others who are dealing with the same type of injury.
Take care all and have a great week!
July 9, 2007 at 3:30 am
Hello everyone! it’s been awhile since i’ve been back to read the posts. Just thought i’d give an update and shout out to all my 5th Meta breakers!
Felicia- hang in there babe! 6 screws! WOW! But before you know it you will heal and ur back to ur normal activities. I wouln’t get too caught up and concern about ur reovery. The important thing is listen to ur doc, relax and be very paitent!
I went in for my 1 1/2 month post op visit, last tuesday july 3rd. Got several xrays. Doc says everything is perfect and healing faster then he imagined. 1st few weeks after surgery i was in a removable walking boot and cruches! (hate those stupid things, but it was pretty helpful) by the 3rd week they had me wearing some funky looking otho shoes (its fugly!) but looks sorta like a normal shoe, atleast i was out of that knee high walking boot. I wore the fugly shoe for 2 weeks (went to my backyard and burned it). Eversince then i started wearing regular tennis shoe. Walking normal, went back to work roughly around 3 weeks after surgery. At first my foot got tired by the end each day of walking and standing. But after a few days it felt better and less ache. I think the thing that help me through it all was being paitent and do what the doctor says. If he says to rest…REST! if he says you can walk on it, then you can…if not DONT! Even though you think u can or theres no pain. trust me, i dont think anyone would like to go through it all again. BE PATENT! Next week i’m startin’ to train again for a 1/2 marathon i’m running in 3 months. There are times i am aware that i can refracture the bone at anytime, therefore i’m a bit more cautious and aware of what i do and how i do things. There some days i still a little sore around the stiched area, but thats due to alot of walking on it/after a round of golf from the day before. I’m aware that it’ll never be 100% again, but 90 will do. Good luck to everyone and hope you have a speedy recovery. Again, dont dwell on it too much, theres nothing you can do but to rest and be paitent. If you can’t do that, then learn how to…:P
feel free to email me (tommiegunn@hotmail.com) if you guys have other questions or need any advices. i can try and help & talk if u need, but be aware…i’m no doctor! We’re all in the same boat here, trying to help each other get through this! best of luck!
July 9, 2007 at 6:47 am
Hi All
Tommie, thanks for your email. I will email you as well at your hotmail account. I am so bad, I cheat. I walk in the house without cturches (but with the boot on). Its been 5 weeks since my operation (yes, 6 screws!!) and I will go back to work wednesday unless something is wrong with my ankle that requires further evaluation. this morning I had almost no swelling in my foot or my ankle when I woke up… but of course mid day the foot and ankle swell, but not my toes any more.
Did you go to rehab for your injury? I am amazed at your recovery. Wow! I am hoping to graduate to no crutches (a cane would work) when I go back tomorrow! I am pretty sure I will need something, as much for the ankle as the foot… but who knows. no pain no gain (ha!)
take care
July 10, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Hello,
Monday I was 8 weeks post op. I have been walking in sneekers/sandals since last Wed. Felicia I think you asked about the swelling in your ankle. I was 6wks in a cast w/o healing then another 4 wks in boot (non weight bareing) total of 10 weeks and my ankle was so “messed up” when I started to walk on my R foot w/boot. I had so much atrophy in my foot and calf. Now at 8 weeks post op & 14 weeks since the injury I still have some swelling in my ankle. Itw worse today because of the heat I think, but generally I have it under my out side of ankle and some swelling on top of my foot. My incision healed great its a faint line now. At my 4wk post op appt my ortho said that I was healing and so he let me gradually start to walk. I had to wear the boot at least 3 more weeks (last Wed). Im stiff in the am and tired at night. My ankle (not my fracture) especially gets some pain/stiffness. I know I didnt fracture it so I hope that helps you. I would assume that I may have PT if its still this stiff when I see Ortho doc on August 1st. It does get better every day, but I dont walk a slight limp not because of my foot but my ankle and I think Im “out of alignment” as well. I see a DO for OMT treatment( Osteopathic Manipulation) kinda like a chiropractor but better and she does wonders to put me back to together. Charlotte I was glad to hear that you do still have some aches at the end of the day (not that I would wish that on you) but I also do and so maybe Im “normal” too! So anyway I am praying that when I see doc August 1st that everythin is as it should be. I finally feel like Ive reclaimed part of my life!
Betty-Jo
July 11, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Hi Betty Jo and others!
I am 5 weeks post op and walking without a boot or crutches. However, it is so difficult, so I use a cane. I have been in PT for 2 weeks now, and I started work today! I think my ankle is improving, and my foot is doing great, doctor said if it keeps up, I can even do sports like things in 4 – 6 weeks….. anyway, I am not stiff in the morning, more at night now from movement, but I think my ankle is healing… if not the doctor said he will do tests in a few weeks. hope you are all well, and keep me posted
July 12, 2007 at 9:36 am
Felicia:
Congratulations! It sounds to me like you have pretty much completed the return to
normalcy from the 5th meta break. It has been quite a summer!
Ed
July 15, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Hi Ed
Thanks for the warm greeting. I went back to work wednesday. I still need a cane and have trouble walking, but its so nice to walk> Does anyone else have pain walking from their ankle? Trying to figure out (still) if this is normal. Of course, my foot hurts, but the main problem is my ankle and I wonder if that is normal? Im in PT 2x a week now.
Hope you are well,
July 16, 2007 at 8:23 am
Felicia:
I am still walking in my boot with crutches but my ankle swells up to 1/4″ larger than normal during the day if I have a good bit of walking. There is no pain there.
I need to increase my physical activity to prepare for school in the Fall.
Ed
July 16, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Hi
Yes I’m finding that my ankle is tender – but I think due to immobility for so long & therefore stiff & ligament damage ( am now 13 weeks post surgery now)
I find if I have sat down for a while I hobble 10 fold until I’ve been on my feet for a few minutes
Foot still tender & a bit more so than before – although catch 22 as I’m doing more and working 4 hour continous shifts on my feet which is my limit at the moment – am getting the occassional ’shooting pain’ in my foot, but again am putting this down to the fact that it is not 100% fused yet & I am walking more on it – this is the advice from the doctor to walk on it – I’m not orthopaedic minded or convinced it is wise, but am so determined to get up & going again – just really hated having to rely on people
Definately think that this is the longest fracture in history to heel!!! – it’s now 6 1/2 months since my fall!!
Again – great to read all your stories & realise I’m not alone
Charlotte :-)
July 16, 2007 at 10:45 pm
hey everyone..
i broke my 5th meta on may 5th of 07.. jumping rope.. that same day i was put into a splint 2 weeks later i was placed on a non weight bearing cast for 6 weeks.. when i went bak on june 21 i was put on a weight bearing cast with a ortho shoe for another 4 weeks.. now this thursday the 19 of july i have to go back and see if i can walk without anything. in the beginning i needed a wheelchair. then i was given a cane. a few days ago it rained and the walking cast got wet. so i went to a diff emergency room lasted til 3 am only to be told i had to go to a clinic in the morning. the surgeon there told me that i was csted for too long ( 10 weeks in total) and that it was time to be taken off. she didnt take any x rays only gave me a shoe with a stiff sole. i only wore it the first day. i have been walking without it ever since. i have no pain. only the day the fractured happened. i feel the bone in place. and have minimal swelling since the cast came off. i walk in slippers and it feels fine. i want to wear a sneaker but cant wait til thursday.. to find out..lol. i ahve no bruising or pain or discomfort of any kind. i dont know what to do.. i dont wear the shoe with the stiff sole cause it has given me pain .. in the pelvic area. since i was walking unevely for almsot 3 months. its called tendonitis. but i want to ask my doc if i can wear sneakers wich feel so comfy around and idotn limp at all. i have movement, and i can move my toes. my foot looks normal but since i dont have x ray vision i guess ill have to wait. i hope thursday i receive good news.
July 17, 2007 at 8:50 am
Felicia, Ness, Charlotte:
It appears like a number of us are reaching the end of this process. It appears that every recovery is a little different and the only connection is that it requires an
optimistic attitude and desire to regain our independence.
I have been walking on my crutches and in my boot up and down the block in front of my house. I call it the Tour of the Neighborhood and have offered to race my wife. She laughs. Last night I ran into two neighbors who have had far worse foot problems than I. One broke both feet in falling off a roof; the other had an operation on her foot that laid her up for a full year. (Both walk perfectly today!)
Ed
July 17, 2007 at 10:26 am
Hey, I want to thank all of you for your detailed experiences throughout your ordeal. I unfortunately am just beginning this process. I was in Bacelona, Spain for some rest, relaxation, and site-seeing, only to fracture my 5th meta on the first day there. After going to two hospitals, and finally to a specialist in Madrid, I was told this fracture requires surgical repair. Of course, at first I dismissed the thought, how could a fracture of a little bone like that be that big of a deal. Well, I finally took the advice of the specialist, flew back home, cutting my trip short by about 2 weeks.
Now I am scheduled to go in for surgery a week from today. My doctor said that he will not be using a screw, rather he is using a tension band wiring technique because the fractured section is almost too small for a screw, as the screw would almost replace the entire fractured piece of the bone, meaning the tendon would be fused to the bone by way of the screw. Anyways, I am NOT looking forward to the down time. Here’s hoping it goes by fast. At least reading y’all’s posts reminds me that others have done this, and thus I can do this too!
Thanks, and best wishes to you all as you return to walking!!
Brian
July 18, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Hi All!
Well I went to the doctor this morning and I got the boot!!! I was so glad to see that cast go in the trash can. I was afraid that after all of the cheating I’d been doing (walking on the cast when I wasn’t supposed to) that I might’ve set myself back. But the xray showed otherwise, thank goodness. I told the dr. that if he had put me back in a cast again, I would’ve cried. He chuckled and said actually, he’s been threatened by people who come in holding their crutches like a baseball bat, so crying actually sounded pretty good!
The boot is ugly and hot too, but it’s progress. I have a permanant grin on my face today and I don’t think anyone will be able to wipe it off. The dr. said that he wanted me to try the boot, using crutches with it first and then use my judgement as to how I felt to slowly ease off the crutches. Well, that’s when I fessed up to all of my cheating over the last 3 weeks. He laughed and said, well ok, then you already know pretty much what I’m talking about. He said my healing looked good even with the walking I’ve been doing and that timeline wise, I was where I needed to be. (I think I’m probably just lucky. I don’t reccommend walking in the cast.) He said to still play it by ear and listen to my pain though because I had a really bad break. (He hasn’t been doing this all that long and I’m sensing mine may be the worst he’s worked on….nice, I was his guinea pig!) He said that in a couple of weeks, come back and he’d probably put me in a surgical shoe for a couple of weeks and then he thinks I’ll be ready to start going back into regular shoes. Maybe not high heels, but at least tennis shoes and flat shoes. I can only hope!!!
So of course I got to work and what do you think I did with those crutches? Left ‘em in the car. I was off and running in this boot. And Felicia, yes, my ankle is KILLING me. It’s a little swollen now and I’m expecting it will be worse tonight when I get home. It has to be from it being immobilized for so long. While I was waiting for my x-ray this morning I was rotating my foot in a circle, flexing my foot back and forth…I could feel the pain in my ankle (had to stop and remember just what it was that I had broken!) and I think it just takes some time to get going again. The dr. still didn’t mention PT. I may do some searching on Google to see if there are strengthening exercises I can do on my own.
Brian….you poor thing. It’s bad enough that you had to break your foot, but to do it on vacation in Spain? I’m SO sorry. I know that had to be frustrating. As bad as it all seems right now though, you WILL get through this. I won’t lie to you though. The crutch & cast bit is a pain in the butt. You didn’t say, is the break on your right or left foot? Hopefully it’s the left so you can drive. I was fortunate, if you can call any of this fortunate that mine was my left. But being very independent before the break/surgery and having to rely so heavily on others afterwards was upsetting at times, especially in the beginning, and always frustrating. I didn’t have a lot of pain throughout my process. For me it’s been about not being able to do the things I need or want to do. But you will definitely be fine. Just keep your chin up, keep a positive attitude throughout. The weeks will go slow at first, but before you know it, you’ll be looking at 6-7 weeks post-op and wondering where all the time went.
Ok, I’m off to smile a little more!
July 20, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I just wrote a long blurb to you all, and computer crashed, so this will be short since I am at work. Im 6 weeks post op and walking, although with a cane. Ankle is still bothersome, but I’ve been in PT for 4 weeks, and makes a difference. Brian, good luck and keep us posted. Liz, congrats on breaking free! Ill write more when I am not at work.
How is everyone else walking?
July 21, 2007 at 7:53 am
Hi!
Yes, I am now 11 weeks postop and am walking with crutches in a boot. Inside the house I walk with one crutch and outside I still take two. My foot feels pretty good except on stairs where I really use the crutch.
My Dr. told me to use a bone stimulator to fill in the remaining gap in the 5th meta. It runs on batteries and is quite portable; so I keep it on as hobble around the home. It is supposed to be used at least three hours a day and I have been using it six hours. The vendor says that it makes a difference in six weeks and I have been using it for two weeks.
My follow-up visit to the Dr. is on Tuesday so we will see what is happening. My wife thinks that I should not have my hopes set too high. She appears to enjoy putting away stuff having to do with my previous stages of recovery as soon as possible. It would be nice to delight her.
Ed
July 23, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Ok, I have a stupid question for you guys. Does anyone’s little toe look different? Mine doesn’t look like it sits the same way it used to. Maybe it’s just still healing and is a little swollen. I’m wondering how well my shoe is going to fit and/or how comfortable it will be.
Liz
July 24, 2007 at 9:01 am
Liz:
I would compare the little toe in your impacted foot with its counterpart on the other foot. If they are substantially different, then one might have some concern. It is probably just still healing and is a bit swollen.
Perhaps, you are longing to return to walking in a real shoe. It does sound nice.
Ed
July 24, 2007 at 7:43 pm
broke my 5th about 4 weeks ago. I do not have health insurance, clinic dr 1st put me in walking boot. 3 weeks later went back and showing no real healing. now on crutches and cast for 4 more weeks. I am very worried about proper healing and the potental cost of surgery. any ideas wuold sure help!!
July 24, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Thanks for the comments!
Well, today was my surgery on my left foot, yes, Liz, thankfully it was my left for future driving purposes. The surgery went well, I guess, I don’t really remember much of the procedure! :) However, when I woke up, I could definitely tell something had been done, partially because of the huge wrapping on my foot, but mostly because of the pain. It has been hurting off and on throughout the day, and that is with pain meds, and elevation, and ice. Fortunately, I am one SMALL step closer to getting this thing done with.
For those of you walking, enjoy it and be careful! I am anxiously awaiting that day.
brian
July 27, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Brian, I was wondering how your surgery went. Yeah, I think we could all say that the first few days were a little painful. Luckily you should move beyond that pretty soon and it’ll start feeling better. I think I took pain meds pretty regularly for at least 2 weeks. I’m going to be curious about how yours heals with that tension band the dr used. It sounds like something my dr should’ve considered. I’m really wondering how mine will end up healing and if I’ll have to have more surgery later.
Christi, I really don’t know what advice to offer for your situation. You didn’t say what state you live in, but I know that sometimes here in Texas you can find aid through Health & Human Services. You could search online for individual insurance policies, but unfortunately it might be hard to find one since you now have a pre-existing condition (aka, the broken foot). If you can find one, it may be expensive. Hopefully yours will heal in the cast and you won’t end up needing surgery. If you do have surgery though, I think a lot of places might work with you on a payment plan. You’ll have to ask.
Well, I’m off to try shopping while wearing this boot tomorrow. First time to the mall in almost 8 weeks. I’m dyin’ over here! Then on Tuesday it’s back to the dr to see if I stay in the boot or get the ugly little shoe thing.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Liz
July 27, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Well, three days after the surgery and almost no pain, the occasional sharp pain around the incision but nothing much. I am taking mostly just advil now, and all seems well. My toes seem a little swollen, but not too bad. I am keeping it elevated almost always with time down for restroom, to get snack, etc. All I can do is sit and wonder if this is actually working or not.
I have taken Dale’s advice, consuming a rather heavy dosage of vitamins, in hopes that it will help increase the fusion process. It feels like this cast/wrap gets heavier and heavier every day, a good workout for sure.
Liz, I know what it’s like to walk around a mall with the boot on. Before I could get a ticket back to the US, I was walking in a boot in Spain, and I HAD to have some American “comfort” food, so I made my way to a mall in Barcelona, where there was an American fast food restaraunt, which I am sure anyone here could guess the name of. It was a pain hobling around in that thing then, but now, oh what I wouldn’t do to have the boot back. Oh well, my time will come.
Take care, be safe, and best wishes to you all!
Brian
July 28, 2007 at 11:33 am
Hi All
For those of you… there is hope. I broke my bone in 4 places and sprained my ankle in May. Surgery in June. Im less than 2 months post op, and one month into PT and you would not believe how I walk. Amlost no limt. I had 6 screws and a plate and bone graft (saving you the trouble of reading way up). One part of the incision is still healing and scabbed, but trust me, after all I went through, you will all be fine.
Christi, As for no insurance– Uh oh. I work for a clinical trials company, Ill ask around if people have thoughts on that. Some of the people in my department are experts on that stuff.
So, as I said, Ive been in PT for 4 weeks, and I am doing great! Minor swelling in the ankle and foot, but the PT people are AMAZED based on the extent of injuries the rapid progress. I even walked to PT the other day (its 0.5 miles), limped some of the way, but you can do it!!
July 28, 2007 at 11:35 am
forgot to add…
Ed… good luck, I am sorry its taking so long for you. I started PT while I was still non weight bearing, you should see if you can to help speed up things. 11 weeks post op – ouch.
July 28, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I went back to the Dr. on Tuesday and he is
now letting me walk without crutches in the boot. Today, I walked up and down the aisles doing grocery shopping as well as visited my bank which I hadn’t been in in three months.
Hopefully, Brian has the same quick healing powers as Felicia. But, it is true; one follows all of these procedures without really knowing about what is happening inside. To a large extent it is a matter of trusting your Dr.
Christi, I don’t know what to say other than hopefully the cast will work. If not, ask around about how others in your area handle the costs of such an operation without health insurance.
Ed
July 28, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Christi – one other thought and hope for you… I broke my other foot now 20 months ago, and it healed without surgery – it also was my 5th metatarsal, jones fracture…
July 30, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Hello again. Roughly 11 weeks post-break and 8 weeks post-surgery, I am out of the cast and into the boot. It’s big and klunky and Herman Munster-ish , but … ohhh happy day… I can take it OFF to sleep, shower, sit around, or scratch my ankle when it itches. Ahhhhhh.
Julie
July 31, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Congrats on your Herman Munster-ish boot, Julie! I know how excited I was when I got mine. I was actually kinda sad to say bye to it today (ok, not really) when I got the infamous ugly surgical shoe. As bulky as the boot was, it gave me a great sense of security. But don’t get me wrong, I’m as happy as a pig in poo to be making progress and get into this shoe.
I’ll be 8 weeks post op on Thursday. I don’t have any pain, but my foot doesn’t really feel “normal” yet either. The dr told me this morning that he’s very pleased with my progress, especially considering how bad my break was, and he attributes that to me being a good patient and doing what he’s told me to do. So Brian….listen to your dr and do what he says.
I saw my xray today which was the first one I’d seen in about 4 weeks and I was so happy (ok, actually amazed) at how the bone has completed fused back together. The last time I saw it, it still had a little jagged edge sticking out and I thought I was going to be in for more surgery for sure. But low and behold, aside from the obvious screw, my foot looked like a normal foot on the xray.
I’m still having a lot of swelling, but we’re attributing some of that to wearing the boot in this Texas heat & humidity. My ankle still hurts some too, more so now without the support of the boot. I’m having to take walking a little slower than I did with the boot just to get used to how this is supposed to feel again.
SO, I’m looking at 2 weeks in the surgical shoe and then into tennis shoes after that. At that time the dr said he’ll also decide about whether he thinks I’ll need PT. I see a definite difference in the size of my calf muscles. Everyone else asks about me having PT and it sounds like all of you are having it, but he’s not wanting to do it yet. He’s the dr, and he’s gotten me this far, so I guess I’ll continue to listen to him.
Take care everyone…Julie, enjoy getting to know your foot again, post-cast….Brian, hang in there….Ed, be strong and keep on walkin’…Felicia, keep up the great work!
Liz
August 1, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Hey all!!
Rolled over on my foot on Sunday morning…hospital on Monday night…Jones Fracture/Boot/Crutches!! I’m getting a little worried at all of the postings saying that they need surgery regardless of how long they wear a boot/cast immediately after injury. I’m having a horrible time with my crutches as I have absolutely no upper body strength. I have to be honest and say that I have been putting weight on my foot (heel).
Is it common to have virtually no pain? The only time it hurts is when weight is put directly on the side of the foot with the fracture, and the odd ache when I’m sitting with my leg raised. Is this normal?? It almost feels like I’m wearing this clunky boot for nothing. I have to keep reminding myself that there is a break there!
Anyone else like this? (muzakshal@hotmail.com)
~Shalyn
August 2, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Shalyn,
I do hope that a cast and rest will solve your fracture. To answer your question, I did not experience much pain at all. I walked around quite a bit in Spain with a compression cast at one point, and a boot the other. Both times I was not at all uncomfortable, other than the obvious bulkiness of the casts. It was hard for me to believe the ortho. when he said I needed surgery, as I had fractured a bone in my right foot years ago which healed with rest and relaxation and a cast. The difference was that fracture wasn’t the 5th meta, and it wasn’t displaced. My current fracture was displaced at the joint, and was not going to heal properly.
Is the only doctor you have seen the doctor at the ER? Or have you seen an orthopaedic doctor, specifically a foot and ankle specialist? If you have not, I would recommend trying to see one. You should be able to request a consult at insurance expense, if you have insurance. Hopefully the doctor was right, and he very well might be, but I would hate for you to wait, and 6 weeks out find no change in the condition.
As for my current condition, I am hanging in there. Liz, I am most definitely following the doc’s advice. I go in on Monday to get this big surgical wrap/cast/thing off and a real cast on. I am anxious to see my foot for the first time since surgery. I do not like the feel of this wrap as the tape inside pulls and stretches a bit as my foot moves around.
I teach, and unfortunately, next week is pre-planning, with students returning the following week. Going to be an interesting first part of the year!!
Best wishes for all!
Brian
August 3, 2007 at 11:24 am
Hey Brian!
I have an appointment with my family doctor on Tuesday. The hospital is sending over the report and X-rays from the ER today so that they will be there for Tuesday. We’ll see what happens.
I am also a teacher. Elementary School…grade 1!!! That being said, you can imagine with the beginning of this school year is going to be like!! We don’t start until the beginning of September, so I’ve got soooooooome time to rest prior.
~Shalyn
August 3, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Shalyn – I had hardly any pain after I got my first cast put on. My doctor said that was fairly common, just because the foot was immobilized and not necessarily an indication that it was healing under there. In my case, I did need surgery (almost cried in his office), … but I’m so glad I found out 3 weeks into it instead of 6 or 8.
I’m with you on the no-upper-body-strength thing, though. It was rough getting used to the crutches. I’m a big marshmallow but my abs and arms really firmed up after a while. It gets easier, I promise.
Julie
August 3, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Shalyn right now I wish we started in mid-September, that would be about the time I should be walking again. I hope the doctor visit goes well for you; keep me posted.
For everyone else, I almost laughed out loud when I read this note about fractures of the 5th meta, specifically the Jones Fracture (which mines isn’t actually classified as)
I think the researcher needs to do some case studies, because his time tables are a bit different then what I hear from everyone I’ve talked to:
from: http://www.mdmercy.com/footandankle/conditions/trauma/fractures_metatarsals.html
“On the other hand, surgery for the Jones fracture has about a 95% success rate.[true] Therefore, surgery is preferable for most Jones fractures. In this treatment, a tiny puncture is made in the skin on the outside of the foot and a screw is inserted. An x-ray monitor is used to help position the screw. The screw helps speed up the healing process. Healing occurs quite rapidly and walking on the foot, with a removable boot, is permitted within a few days after surgery. [days--I wish!] Typically, bike exercise can be commenced at about four weeks. Patients may return to running approximately six weeks after this type of surgery. [in my dreams!]”
Of course the [] were my words. If only everyone’s recovery was so speedy, that would be wonderful!
Well, it’s off to bed now. I found out today the scraping feel inside the surgical dressing is most likely the staples they used to close the incision as opposed to stitches. The feel is driving me crazy. As long as healing is happpening, I’ll get over it.
Good night!
August 4, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Shalyn, I’m with you too with not having any upper body strength. I thought I was going to die on those crutches. I too walked on my heel quite a bit…wore through 2 casts…it’s not what the dr wanted me to do, but luckily it didn’t set me back with my recovery. So I wouldn’t recommend it, but hopefully if you keep it to a minimum, you’ll be ok. The crutches do get easier.
I had very little pain when I broke mine too. Matter of fact, I was able to find a way to walk on my heel and actually walked into the ER on my own. This was why my husband thought I had only sprained my ankle and was just being a wuss. But the xray showing the lightning bolt looking break and the triangle piece of bone sitting off to the side spelled a crushed 5th. There was no way to set it, so surgery was really my only choice.
I didn’t have a lot of pain after surgery. Wierd feelings at times and some achy type pains, but nothing like I expected. Even now that I’m walking, I don’t have any pain related to the surgery itself. It’s mainly been the loss of muscle in my leg and getting my ankle going again that’s been pretty uncomfortable at times. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me to get back to normal.
Brian, I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well! And I feel for you and Shalyn both with being teachers. I’ll bet the kids will help you a lot though. I met a lot of really nice people while I was on crutches. Total strangers were willing to help. Bribe the kids with extra credit for whoever helps you the most!
Good luck with your dr appts next week. Be sure to keep me posted on how it goes. Shalyn, I’ll cross my fingers for no surgery! Brian, get a colored cast that will stop traffic and be your conversation piece for the next few weeks. Ya gotta have some fun with this ’cause hopefully we’ll never do it again!
G’nite all…
August 6, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Hi everyone,
My 39-yr old daughter just had surgery today due to a jones fracture of the met. bone. When the Dr. inserted the screw the bone shattered. He put some putty on it. Has anyone here ever heard about this happening? Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Worried Mom
August 7, 2007 at 7:20 am
Brian,
Your absolutely correct in your assessment of the Mercy link you provided. It just goes to show how this fracture is misunderstood. The picture they provide of the 5th metatarsal fracture is actually a midtarsal shaft fracture. The caption reads:
“This fracture of the 5th metatarsal shaft is a relatively easy one to treat, and usually heals quite well in a special shoe or boot, without any surgical treatment.”
As a practicing surgeon, I would certainly fix this fracture surgically. They also discuss the Jones fracture down below and describe the fixation as “a simple puncture wound, etc” This is misleading, suggesting that all Jones fractures can be corrected by “Intramedullary fixation”. This is simply not true. We have 3 articles that highlight this condition and its treatment:
http://podiatry.wordpress.com/2007/05/05/intramedullary-fixation-for-the-jones-fracture-a-case-report/
http://podiatry.wordpress.com/2006/12/18/a-review-of-the-jones-fracture-with-simple-classification-for-conservative-versus-surgical-treatment/
http://podiatry.wordpress.com/2006/12/18/jones-fracture-a-case-report-with-special-emphasis-on-fixation-placement/
August 7, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Hi all!
Went to see my family doctor today. I had the x-rays and report sent from the hospital ER to him. My fracture is 1 week old now. I’ve been on crutches and a Herman Munster boot. Doc says that he wants me to try and start walking with the boot, and to go for more x-rays in 5 weeks. SO…5 more weeks walking around in this thing.
I was not having any pain when using the crutches, but am now feeling an ache at the fracture site and in my ankle. Is it too soon to be putting weight on this?
Doc also told me today that my fracture is not displaced so I should not need surgery. Again…sound right?
LIZ…I also walked into the ER last week. My boyfriend and I thought we would sit there and only be told to keep my foot up and iced..motrin..etc…. I was actually a little happy to hear that there was some substance and a reason for sitting in the ER for 4 hours. hahaha
~Shalyn
August 7, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Here is my long ordeal with the dreaded Jones fracture. Hopefully this will be a guide to some of you who are in different phases of your injury.
I rolled my ankle playing basketball (Landed on somebody’s foot. Nothing new since i had done numerous times in the past over 45 years) but i thought i heard a cracking sound this time as i fell in a heap to the floor. Wasn’t sure if i imagined this or not. I hobbled to the car and drove home (luckily it was my left foot) and walking was very difficult. By the time i woke up in the middle of the night I could not walk it hurt so bad. I was injured on May 9th of this year.
My wife took me to a Sports Medicine Doctor i had gone to in the past and the diagnosis was i had a sprained ankle and the dreaded Jones fracture. His advice was to go on crutches (non weight bearing) for 6 weeks and he would x-ray again to see if it was healing. He did warn me that this is a tricky injury to heal because of the poor blood supply in that area of the foot but we should proceed in this manner.
As you can guess, there was no signs of healing and i was advised to go another 4 weeks each visit to see if it would heal. Finally, by the time mid July rolled around (more than 2 months after injury) still no sign of healing. He offered to refer me to a specialist for surgery but he would continue with the crutches if it were him to give it a chance to heal. He said that is what he would do and told me the risks of a screw as to infection, rejection, etc. At this point i had enough and made an appointment with an ortho specialist in the area. His advice was for surgery that if it had not healed yet it probably would not. The other Doctor indicated that being 45 it could take several months to heal. I was no longer willing to wait for this and i had surgery on July 23rd. As a side note, in the whole time i was on crutches it would hurt to try to walk. I don’t think i could have walked on my foot if i had to. I read where some others could still walk on it but not me. The other thing was everytime i would get out of bed my foot whole foot would turn very purple and this was 2 months after initial injury.
The surgery itself was outpatient. I got a nerve block in my leg and as a result they did not need to put me under as deeply as they otherwise would which was ok with me. Surgery took about a half hour and i was awake about a half hour later. I was not in much pain but they offered me two pain pills and luckily i only took one. I couldn’t believe how good I felt when they took me on a wheel chair to my car ( my wife drove not me). This all changed by the time i got home 15 minutes later. I broke out in a cold sweat and got sick to my stomach. I realized i had nothing to eat or drink since midnight the day before and my surgery was late afternoon. Several crackers were not enough to tolerate the pain medication. That night it felt sore and i tried another pain pill and got sick again. I decided at that point to forego the pain medication since it really did not hurt that bad anyway.
I kept it elevated the first 3 days almost the whole time. When i would walk on my crutches i felt a stabbing pain in my foot. The fourth day i ventured out of the house for several hours but was ready to get home and elevate my foot again.
I had a splint on my foot going up to the knee and it was wrapped in ace bandages. My initial feeling was panic that I could not get this thing off but this got better over time. It did not itch that much either but i had a long spoon i used to help reach most itches i had. The hot weather did not help. Once the heat wave hit the wrap felt clammy and wet which is not a comfortable feeling to endure for a weeks time.
Today (August 7th) they took the splint off, cut off the gauze and removed the stitches. The x-ray showed the screw in place and there was some slight healing shown in the fracture area but not completely by any means. This bummed me out. but the Doctor did not seem too concerned about this. I got my removable boot back and he indicated he did not need to see me for 4 weeks. I could take the boot off at night when i sleep. (Thank God! A small but welcome freedom ) He wants me to start putting weight on the foot gradually over the next 4 weeks. If i do not feel pain i can continue to put more weight on it. He expects me to be off the crutches and putting full weight on the boot when i show up for my next appointment.
I have been on crutches for 3 months and it finally looks as if there is an end in sight. I wish i would have had the surgery much earlier. It is amazing how much smaller my calf and leg muscles on my injured side are compared to my other leg. I need to strengthen these and learn how to walk again.
Good luck to everybody and I hope this helps some people know what to expect. I would be glad to answer any questions you might have.
August 7, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Shalyn, my fracture was displaced, which is why the doctor immediately said surgery, not really an option in my case. So, the fact that he said it is NOT displaced is comforting to some degree. Where exactly along 5th meta did you fracture it? And did it completely break apart, or was it more of a stress fracture? I am surprised he allows you to walk on it, seems like that could easily cause more damage? If you do not feel comfortable with his diagnosis, ask to see a specialist, preferably a foot/ankle surgeon. I am amazed at reading how many doctors, especially ER docs, fail to treat this injury properly. In Spain, I saw three doctors, one an ortho., and none of them even hinted at surgery, while two specialists, one in Madrid and one here, immediately upon seeing the x-ray suggested surgery. The procedure is certainly more difficult to perform the more time elapses between break and surgery. I know my surgery was about 2.5 weeks after fracture, and the surgeon said it was more complicated then he had originally anticipated, thanks to, as he said, “mother nature doing her thing and TRYING to put it back in the ‘right’ place.” haha
As for my condition, Yesterday I went to the doctor for two week post-op. Got the BIG surgical wrap off, felt good to breathe down there, and then was put into a regular cast. (Liz, it’s blue, it was either blue or white that day, so, blue it was) It was great to get the staples out, which were being tugged by the gauze in the wrapping. Now, though, the cast irritates the incision and doesn’t feel to well at certain times, but I am being as patient as I can, no choice. In three weeks I go in for x-rays?!?!! Hopefully the bone will be showing good signs of regrowth. I live in the Atlanta area, and oh what fun it is to be wearing this cast in the upper 90’s with loads of humidity, and living on the third floor, no elevator.
Hey John, thanks for sharing your experience. I know as I go through this, it’s nice to read what others have experienced along the way, and often it is comforting to hear someone say they experienced some of the same “feelings” I am encountering. Nice to know it’s “normal” for this kind of thing. Good luck with your walking. Take it easy, and work back up the strength with out over doing it.
Buenos Noches!
Brian
August 7, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Chris, sorry to hear about your daughter. I do hope things begin to improve in her situation. To answer your question, I have heard of a few instances where surgeons have attempted to insert a screw only to have the bone “shatter” as a result. I am not too familiar with this though, so that’s about all I can say on that issue. Hang in there, and be patient and willing to help your daughter as much as she needs it. I can truly say my family and friends have been a blessing to me; I couldn’t have made it this far without their love and support.
brian
August 8, 2007 at 8:47 am
Brian,
Thanks for your update. My memory is that
while the “real” cast was no fun, I felt lost when it was removed for a boot after
the three weeks of use. I nearly asked the
Doctor to put a fiberglass one back on after
the x-ray.
As I said in an email to Shayln, the judgment of a foot and ankle surgeon is really helpful. My podiatric surgeon has been in the business for at least 15 years.
It took him exactly 20 seconds to review the
x-ray and conclude that surgery was the only
thing that could heal my fifth metatarsal. Once again it was the displacement of the fracture that made it clear. I am not too surprised about your experience in Spain. The quality of the foot medicine in Madrid is probably similar to that in most of the US.
I too have been blessed with the help of friends and mostly my wife who is a registered nurse. Most everyone has had an experience with a broken foot and I have heard everyone of their stories which make my problems appear
small. My wife is so at home at the hospital where the surgery was done and in my Dr.’s office. It has gotten to the point where the Dr. asks her to roll up the bandages and find things in his office. At home during my time with total immobilzation and crutches my wife would think ahead and figure out where I might fall and place herself there to prevent me from losing my balance. She saved me at least twice.Then there was the day that she brought home a shower stool and some suction cup handles which actually worked. Real baths were then possible.
Everyone needs a wife who is a nurse.
Ed
August 8, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Brian, thanks so much for the response. Unfortunately my daughter has been experiencing alot of pain since her surgery two days ago. She has been taking vicadin for pain but it’s effectiveness has worn off. The Doc prescribed another pain pill today. Yesterday she fainted when she tried to get up..good thing her husband was there.
She finally realized that she needs to stay in bed a few days and not try to get up.
Take care, Chris
August 9, 2007 at 11:40 am
Thanks for the advice, pretty much what I thought I was up againced, which is I pay out of pocket if I need the surgury. Its been 4 weeks now that I have been in a fiberglass cast (on top of the 3 weeks in the boot). Summer has been fun, haha. The only good thing that has come of this is I get a good work out. Before i broke my foot I had lost about 75 pounds this year and had been at the gym nearly daily. So when it came time to use these crutches, I was able to work with them. I know it would have been way harder if I had no upper body strenght. I was really affrad I would gain the weight back, but i have found I have fermed up even more.
However I am very tired of this trouble it takes to do anything or go anywhere. I go back to the DR on Monday and I am praying for good news. I can wiggle my toes now and I seem to have control again over my foot movement. Or what I can tell from when I take the cast off for a shower.
I’ll let everyone know how my dr visit goes. as for medical costs, so far I am under a $1,000 with two dr visits and half a dozen xrays. I know it could be worse. I sure hope and pray that on Monday the DR tells me “OK, your bone’s all healed up. You can walk now.” lol.
Thanks again,
Christi
August 9, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Hi Brian – I am the daughter of Chris who you recently replied to in regards to the bone shattering during operation. The putty used was a form of bone graft which will hopefully stimulate the fusing of the bones. I will be finding out more on the 20th when I return for the removal of stitches and casting and I will let you know. I am glad to hear about this website, I know I will have plenty of time on my hands I can’t believe all that is involved with this injury. I am still in shock!
August 9, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Ed, While the fracture was certainly unfortunate, you truly are blessed to have a wife that was able and willing to help you recover. Stay safe!
Christi, I do hope your appointment on Monday goes well. I hope that the fracture was not displaced, and that it was able to heal on its own. I know exactly what you mean about how difficult it is to do even the simplest things, forget the hard things!! I am getting frustrated “crutching” all over my school trying to get ready for next week. Congratulations on the losing of 75 pounds, that’s something to be proud of for sure! Keep me posted.
Tawnie (Chris), I am sorry that you encountered this difficulty during surgery. I do hope that the pain lessens and that the fusion will take place. Hang in there, and REST!!
August 10, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Wow….you all have been busy adding notes on here! For awhile there it was just Ed, Felicia and I. Our broken foot, crutch hobbling group has grown suddenly. Not necessarily a good thing because, even though I know there are worse things in life to have to endure, this is certainly something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
Tawnie, that is awful about your situation. I hope everything fuses together as the dr has indicated it should. The pain should definitely get less as time goes on. Just take it easy and don’t over do it.
Brian, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying your blue cast. I went for the hot pink…the kind that would stop traffic. I didn’t have to deal so much with the heat & humidity while in the cast as I did rain. That’s when Texas was having all of the flooding. Ever tried to hold an umbrella while you’re on crutches? Ain’t gonna happen. So I dodged thunderstorms for 6 weeks! lol…what fun! Guess the rain, mud and stairs were sort of how I got started walking on my heel. When it didn’t hurt, I just kept on. Probably not one of my smarter moves.
Ed, I’m so glad you have a wife who is a nurse and who took such good care of you. My husband, well let’s just say that if this ever happens to him, it’s payback time! Not really. I’d be right there by his side like your wife was for you. I’m glad to hear too that you appreciate her so much. :o)
Well, real quick with me, I’m almost through my 2 weeks in the ugly surgical shoe. I think I dislike this thing more than the ace bandage splint, the cast & the boot combined. It has no support and it’s not the same height as any other shoe I own. I’ve been doing a lot of walking and really focusing on trying to walk correctly. You know, rolling your foot forward (heel to toe) as you normally would. It’s hard to do when you haven’t done it in over 8 weeks! I’ve got going up the stairs down, but going down I still do the Herman Munster dance. My daughter laughs at me, but says I’ve gotten pretty good at it.
Still having some swelling, but not anything like I had when I first went from the boot to the surgical shoe. And so far, nothing hurts. I’m still treating my foot more like a fine piece of china though. I’m sure it’s not quite that fragile, but how many of you want to start over from day 1? If I’m in a crowd or if there are little kids jumping around, I immediately strike a stork pose to keep my foot out of danger. That balance we learned on the crutches? Well it comes right back to you when you have to lift that foot to keep it from getting stepped on.
I go back to the dr. on Tuesday. Should move into a tennis shoe and get further instructions on what to do and what not to do. Hang in there those of you who are just starting or are early in your recovery. There is hope and you will get there. I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 weeks since this began. There were some times when I really had my chin down and just couldn’t believe this was happening to me. But try and stay positive, do what your dr says, ask questions and try to have fun with this when you can. Pick a crazy colored cast and let everyone sign it like you were a kid in school, decorate your crutches for football season (Hook ‘em Horns!), wave your crutches in the air when you get frustrated…whatever it takes to keep your spirits up.
Hang in there everyone!
August 10, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Almost been in da’ boot for 2 weeks. Annoyed like crazy at how much more time it takes to get around and how awkward it is to do anything! The velcro straps are starting to give now with use.
I’ve been almost a week without the crutches (2nd week after injury). The first day off crutches the base of my toes turned faint black/blue/purple. That is gone now and I have an ache from my knee down. I’m assuming that it’s from hauling the dead weight (boot) around. Another 4 weeks of this before X-rays.
~Shalyn
August 11, 2007 at 9:35 pm
About the pain…My surgery was 5 days ago, I am in a splint with bandage and have been keeping my foot elevated and only getting up to go to the bathroom. If I do not take my pain med every four hours my foot starts to hurt everywhere. My heel, the front of my foot, ankle toes and arch. It also feels like it is expanding or being stretched out in every direction. I feel like such a complainer, maybe this is normal – my Dr. isn’t surprised, just wondering about others who have experienced this. As of now I am not missing a dose of medicine, every time I do I regret it.
August 12, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Well, I am having weird pains in the area where the surgery was. It is very strange and hard to describe. I can’t tell if it is the actual incision moving against the inside of the cast some causing pain or the actual hardware inside my foot used to hold the bone together. I saw an x-ray of the work, and I would think it could cause some pain as it shifts a bit under the skin. I had the tension band wiring instead of the screw done to correct the break. I think I will call on Monday to be sure everything sounds normal. It comes and goes, so it is hard to say exactly what it is.
Did others have “strange” sharp pains almost like something is poking around the foot?
Well, hope everyone had a good weekend. Tkcare@
August 12, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Brian, Tawnie:
I did not have much pain after the operation; but there were twinges of pain like Brian described which lasted only a second or so. they became to be more of a nuisance. They ended about two weeks into my permanent cast.
My foot never had the problem that Tawnie refers to. The pain was never constant or
exquisite. The twinges of pain were held in
check by over-the-counter medicine and after
two weeks I found no need to take that even
at night.
My wife tells me that I have a high threshold of pain so maybe my experience with pain is different than others. My Dr.
wrote a prescription for a serious pain medicine but I never used those pills.
Take care everyone!
Ed
August 12, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Well…2 weeks down since the injury. No weight the first week…doctor advised to walk on it this past week. I’ve been experiencing much more achy-type pain this week. After sitting down with my foot elevated..then walking, it feels like there is a lump directly under the break..almost like I’m walking on a balled up tissue. I think I’ll see how this week goes and then contact my doctor is the pain does not subside. Not unbearable pain..just an overall ache up to my ankle.
~Shalyn
August 13, 2007 at 9:36 am
Shalyn, I felt that balled up tissue feeling. For a few weeks, I thought I could feel the screw in my foot & the other broken part too. It’s better now, but I still have that feeling on the bottom of my foot and the whole side of my foot feels kinda stiff or something. It’s hard to describe, but I think I know exactly what feeling you’re talking about. I feel it more at the end of the day now, which makes me think it’s somewhat attributed to swelling. Since it’s not as bad now as it used to be, maybe it’s part of the healing process. What helps me sometimes, and you’ll have to wait until you’re out of dat boot to do it, is to wiggle my toes and point/flex my foot. It’s like it works out some of that stiff feeling. And then yes, part of the pain in your ankle is from hauling around the boot. My ankle is still super weak and usually very sore by the end of the day.
Brian & Tawnie, I had all kinds of crazy pains. For the first couple of weeks, it was sort of like having a headache in my foot, so I took the pain medication pretty much on schedule. And then there were all kinds of pinches and sharp pains at times, but nothing that lasted for very long. I asked about it at the dr’s office one day and the nurse told me that yes, it was very normal to feel these things. I guess it’s just your body trying to heal itself. BUT, if you have sharp pain for very long or if you have a lot of pain around the incision area for a long time, I’d definitely be asking the dr about it. Call and ask them. That’s one of the reasons they’re there. In the end, you might feel a little silly for having asked, but it’s better than finding out you have an infection brewing or that something is wrong and “if you’d just said something sooner”… Tawnie, you’ve got a unique situation anyway. I have a high pain tolerance, but I think I’d be hurting too if I were you. But you might check w/the dr, just to ask if it’s supposed to be hurting that much.
August 13, 2007 at 10:38 am
Thank you everyone for your responses. I am continuing to stay in bed and take my meds (my motto) I am keeping a list of questions to ask the Dr. during my next visit. I am going to get more information on the bone graph, as well as the unusual pains and feelings in the foot. I have a whole new understanding for people experiencing pain, since I have never broken a bone nor injured myself except for the occasional stubbed toe (that will be nothing now). I will stub my toe and laugh!
I have always cringed when I would see an athlete fall to the ground in pain, however now I know exactly what they are feeling. I can imagine how they are thinking of the recovery and the repair…all the work and patience involved.
The good thing is how I can’t wait to get bi-pedal again! I will appreciate doing the things I use to complain about. I can’t wait to do housework and cook..even the laundry, let alone the fun stuff.
Thanks again for the quick responses. I look forward to getting as much information as possible from my doc and sharing it with you. Well, it’s back to Little House on the Prairie episodes and crocheting. I guess it could be worse..Here’s to a speedy recovery. Take care, everyone.
August 13, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Good afternoon to all! Just stumbled across this website I imagine in the same way most other people did: while laid up, bored, after breaking that dreaded bone. I broke that darn 5th metatarsal back on June 29th, after going a whole 30 feet into my 3-4 mile run that I planned for that morning. I hit a gutter on the side of the road, rolling my left foot to the outside (like I have done many, many times before), heard a crunch, but managed to remain standing. Since I was still outside of my office, I limped back to my desk and put my foot up. After 5 minutes, I took my shoe off to look at the damage, only get very concerned as it looked like a stack of quarters had been inserted under the skin. Promptly decided that was the time to go the hospital.
Being in the military, it was handy to have an ER less than a mile away, so driving was not too difficult, but I think it was the shock of the injury that kept me going. I have a manual transmission on my truck, so it was not until I got into the parking lot of the hospital that my foot really started to complain about trying to operate the clutch.
Somehow, the ER staff actually decided my injury was severe enough to not leave me in the waiting room for the standard 2-3 hours that I expect to wait when ever I am in there. They had me in a “temporary” splint two hours after my break and an appointment with Orthopedics for an hour later. By that afternoon, I was into a short cast (knee high) with bottles of ibuprofen and percocet for the next four weeks. I had seen the xrays, and from what I know now, it appears to have been a Jones fracture, possibly straight across the width of the bone. Since that occurred on a Friday, I was back at work on Monday, sitting at my desk, with my foot up (and a very helpful Reservist to do my running around–he showed up at a perfect time to help out!).
After my four weeks of being in the cast, it was removed, and the Pediatrist did an xray of the foot. I don’t know what kind of machine it was, but instead of a photo, he held my foot over a cylinder, which showed real-time xrays (akin to using an overhead projector). It was kind of creepy to see him moving my foot, and seeing the bone flexing at the point of the break. I think it had been healing previously, but since I have always been used to popping of the joints in my foot (especially first thing in the morning), I tend to flex my foot periodically. Well, I can clearly remember once, a couple of weeks into that first cast when I absentmindedly flexed my left foot and felt a very, very painful pop. I think I might have re-broke my own foot by doing that.
So after getting my first cast off, the prognosis was surgery a week later. During the interim was the frankenstein boot. I was happy to see it, if only to let my foot breathe. I already had an established routine down for showering without getting my cast wet, but it was heavenly to stand (carefully) in a shower like a normal person.
On August 2nd, I went in for surgery, where they were able to put me under with only a local, and a mild sedative (enough so that I would be out, but not need the tube down the throat). Originally I was told that I would get the screw and cable to tighten the fracture up, but he changed up after he opened the side of my foot up.
What he ended up doing was opening up about a 5″ incision in the side of my foot, cleaning up the edges of the fracture, running a screw down the length of the bone, and then packing in some type of pellets, which I presume were a new material used for stimulating bone growth. (While the general public may not be aware of it, in the last 5 or 6 years, military research has come up with quite a few new developments to aid in life support and healing of the injured.) I went back in once, 4 days later, to change my bandages on the incision and receive another short cast (I left the operating room with a nasty version of a short cast–it had an extra extension that constantly jabbed into the back of my knee). I only needed my percocet for two days, but lots of ibuprofen to help with the swelling.
Within two days, I was off the couch, and able to carefully make it up to the bed (on the second floor of my house). I still have some swelling and discomfort, if I am up and about for more than 20 or 30 minutes. I try very hard not to put any weight on my foot, but there are moments that I slip up. Additionally, while being almost pain-free, it is the ache that gets me. I can tell the difference between the ache of when my stitches are pushing up against the cast, and the much deeper ache that I feel that comes and goes, I think, in the bone.
I have another week until my next follow-up, and I hope to see another xray of the fracture to see how well it is healing. I want this to get better, because I can understand the doctor’s greatest concern was for me to snap the screw (the thought really scares me).
For those of you still healing, good luck, and may this never happen again to any of us!
Robert
August 14, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Good evening to all! Two days of the school year down, and it has been interesting. I instinctively go to stand up to address the class, only to remember, I can’t stand up. So, I stay seated! No fun for sure, though the students are handling it fine.
Liz, the pinches and pokes are what is driving me crazy. It’s like having a crab pinching and pulling. Weirdest feeling. I keep trying to figure out what in the world could cause that, but to no avail. I did contact the nurse, and she said it sounds pretty normal. The thing is, it isn’t bad enough for pain meds, and it is very sporadic, so taken meds would be overkill. But when it does hit, it would be great if it was gone.
Under two weeks and counting until I get to go in and get x-rays! Yeah!! Here’s hoping!
Y’all (I’m from the south) take care!
brian
August 14, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Hello again. Sorry that my last posting was so long. Try to keep it brief.
Brian, when you are talking about the “pinches and pokes,” are you feeling a sporadic spike of pain, or the occasional dull aches that feels like it is coming from inside of the bone. I agree that it doesn’t feel bad enough to go for the meds, but it is so annoying.
Have a good night.
Robert
August 14, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Hey everyone! Well first, the pinches and pokes…I don’t remember them lasting for a very long time after surgery. So Brian, being 2 weeks post-op, you may not feel them for too much longer. I remember that it wasn’t very pleasant and was a little scary the first few times I felt it. I really think it’s your body healing & mending itself. Same thing with that balled up tissue feeling that Shalyn and I were talking about.
Well today was an exciting day for me. I received the ok from my dr to wear tennis shoes. I wore the ugly little surgical shoe to the appt but had my Nikes in the car. I couldn’t wait to get outside and put on a real shoe. So I booked it out to the car, put on the shoe, took a few steps next to the car and then promptly put the surgical shoe back on! After everything that my foot has been through for the last 10 weeks, that Nike was almost scary.
Now don’t get me wrong. The surgical shoe didn’t stay back on for long. I got back to work, took my shoes in with me and put them on at my desk. The surgical shoe had been so flat that the tennis shoe felt like I was wearing high heels. I had to stand up, get my balance and then slowly make my way down the hall. By the time I got home tonight I was walking better, but this is going to take some practice. The stairs are still pretty nerve wracking too.
Anyway, the dr said to just take it slow and listen to my body. If it hurts, don’t do it. Keep the surgical shoe handy just in case shoes are too painful or I over do it. He said he didn’t think I’d just step wrong and re-break it. He felt it would be more likely that I’d feel pain for awhile and then if I didn’t stop what I was doing, THEN it might break. So I’m to go easy, start with tennis shoes and then try out other types of flat shoes. I go back in 4 weeks and if I’m still not having any pain, then he’ll probably turn me loose….which is good because that’s right when I have a wedding to attend and that surgical shoe just ain’t gonna cut it!
The nurse offered some advice from when he recently was recovering from a similar injury. He said that at first he’d wrap his foot with an ace bandage to provide some support and a little sense of security. Gradually as he began to run again, he moved out of it and now only wears it to play tennis. Sheesh…I just want to walk around the block right now! But I’ll be picking up an ace bandage tomorrow to test his advice. It makes sense to me.
Alright, as usual, I’m writing a book, so I’ll end this now. Hang in there everyone!
G’nite
August 15, 2007 at 1:20 am
I like the idea of the pinches and pokes being the body healing itself, I’m goin with that one. I was thinking that this was the feeling I was getting, while I was on pain meds and just wasn’t feeling the pain part of it. Now that I see it is what you are experiencing sounds like it is not pain related. I will try tomorrow to see how long I can go with out meds, maybe the pain is gone. I will find out from Dr. (hopefully) how long these pokes and pulls last. Mine feel like my foot is being pulled apart and I do feel it in the bone. Bye for now…
August 15, 2007 at 9:53 am
Maybe, my Dr. and Liz’s Dr. graduated from the same school. I went to him yesterday and he took another xray and pronounced my bone as being healed. Then he told me that he was going to move me from the boot to a surgical shoe for two weeks followed by a tennis shoe. It is tough walking in that the surgical shoe.
Brian is my hero; there he is teaching a class with a (blue) cast on. According to plan I should be in a tennis shoe on the first day of my class and I am wondering a bit of how that will be. It is just three weeks away.
I talked to my wife about Robert’s experience with military medicine. She was
a Army nurse at Landstuhl, Ft. Rucker…
She smiled about the efficiency of military
medicine. Robert went in complaining of a pain in the foot, was seen in the ER just about immediately, and was operated on later that day. She said the military way is if you have all of the necessary resources available, you deploy them. She wishes that civilian medicine would be better organized.
My wife has now hidden away my “boot” and
I am ‘ordered” to do my walks in this poor excuse for a shoe.
I hope that the “pinches and pokes” calm for all of you and in particular the dull pain that Shalyn and others complain about go away.
August 15, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I have more of the ache pain after walking around in this dreaded boot. I still haven’t had surgery so I’m assuming the balled up tissue feeling and ache are my foot trying to heal itself.
I do notice too that after a day of walking/resting/walking/resting…when i take the boot off there is a definite ball of swelling directly below the ankle joint above the 5th met. I’m assuming this is normal swelling. 4 more weeks until x-rays and then I find out the next step, whether it’s more boot, a cast, surgery….who knows at this point!
Brian…you are a brave soul to be teaching! I am living vicariously through you. I have 2.5 more weeks until I start teaching my grade 1’s. I still have to go in to set up my classroom. THAT will be an adventure in itself!
~Shalyn
August 15, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Hey all! Well, the pinches, pokes, vise grip, etc. is mostly felt in the evening/night. Usually it is accompanied by a little swelling and some darkening of the toes. At times I feel like saying to my foot, “Enough, already! settle down and relax!” haha. Not that it would accomplish much, actually, you know, maybe I just will try that; can’t hurt!
As for school, the students are great, fellow teachers are great, stairs are NOT. As long as I have been teaching, I have always said I was going to get a chair with wheels, but I never have, until this year. Shalyn, I realized as I sat in my classroom prior to the school year, that I couldn’t move anything with crutches. So, it was off to Office Depot to buy a chair. (I love shopping at places that have those little electric wheel chairs!) Now I am rolling all over the classroom in my new leather chair, handing out papers, moving books, and saying hello and goodbye to my students as they come and go. I will not lie, I cannot wait until I can move around while I teach, but until then, I am trying to make the best of it.
Hearing everyone else’s story is certainly comforting. Knowing I am not alone feeling the “aches” helps ease my mind. For those walking, enjoy, be safe, and take an extra step or two for those of us who can’t…yet!
Good night, Brian
August 16, 2007 at 9:46 am
Brian:
The use of an office chair with casters is
a good tip for getting around a classroom.
How do you handle the stairs?
Ed
August 16, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Brian,
Has the doctor said anything to you as what is causing the darkening of your toes? That sounds very unusual, and I would think it could be an issue of concern.
Robert
August 16, 2007 at 3:30 pm
I am off the pain medicine and out of bed. I am starting to think the more you do, the quicker it heals. I am using a walker (only in my house) and it is much easier than the crutches. I even cleaned house today and was able to vacuum. It feels much better to be mobile and there is no pain. Just the annowing feeling we all seem to get.
Brian – I would check on the toes if they are darkening. One thing you could do is squeeze your big toe a few seconds and when you stop it should be white and then take no more than 3 seconds to come back to the color. I have purple toes, I asked the Dr. and that it was they told me to watch out for. It has been 10 days since my surgery.
Tawnie
August 17, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Yes, the darkening (or even the purple tint) would suggest to me that there could be a small amount of blood under the skin that is moving to the lowest area (the toes).
If the darkness was persistent (all the time) and significant difference from your normal skin tone, it could signal a major emergency (necrosis of the limb). I do not think this is likely at all, since you have already be dealing with medical personnel repeatedly since your injury.
I am jealous, Tawnie. Two weeks after surgery, and I am still in a cast. I have a follow-up on Monday, so hopefully I get to move back into the boot. Yes, I agree that, at a minimum, being up and productive is a good boost for your morale. Three more days…
Have a good weekend!
Robert
August 17, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Don’t be too jealous Robert, I will get my cast on Monday, I was doing the housework on one foot (using the walker). It did make me feel better though, I am resting today – elevating my foot (man am I sick of elevating my foot). I still have 6 weeks in a non-bearing cast to go…I am so restless!!! I am having trouble getting comfortable at night, and I am wondering what it is like to sleep with the cast on. I will soon find out. The reason I want the cast is because of the stability – even though I can’t stand on the damn thing! Overall, I am greatful of the fact that my Dr. chose surgery right away. This dreaded bone sure takes its toll.
Have a good weekend- here’s to a speedy recovery for all of us. Hope you are able to find out about the discoloring of your toes Brian.
Tawnie
August 17, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Hello. One week of school done, hopefully only one more to go with this cast on. As for the darker color, I am not too concerned because I have great feeling in the toes, and I do check often to ensure good circulation. It is a bit strange, but I think it is just a result of a long days, with not quite enough foot elevated time. By the time I wake up, all is normal. The past couple of nights have had a little less pinching, etc. down there, which is wonderful!
It’s been about 6 weeks since my injury, and I cannot wait to walk on two feet again.
Well, I am going to enjoy the weekend, as much as I can. Take care.
August 17, 2007 at 10:17 pm
I am also seeing a slight discolouration at the base of my 3 inner toes. Been having a lot of pain in my foot these last two days and have taken more pain meds now than I had during the initial injury days. I’ve been walking in the boot for about 2 weeks now and have 3 weeks to go before x-rays. I’m thinking it might be wise to see the doctor before these 3 weeks as the pain is only getting worse. Something to decide I suppose. Only 2 weeks left before school starts.
August 18, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Hello again,
Sorry to hear about your pain Shalyn. Yes, I agree that you need to see your doctor again. You mentioned in one of your earlier postings about the straps on your boot loosening up. Are you able to get the boot tightened down enough to prevent your foot from flexing up and down as you walk? If the joints in your foot are able to move about, the fracture point probably is moving, too. The foot will find ways to heal itself, but the pain is most likely your body’s way of saying that something isn’t going right in the healing process.
Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!
Robert
August 18, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Robert-
Where are you stationed? Just curious, I’m also in the military. Tyndall AFB. Anyway, I’m off to get my cast off and more pics taken after 5 weeks in a short cast. HOPING for the best obviously and that it has healed. My foot feels pretty good so we’ll see. Just can’t wait to get off those crutches and out of the cast!
August 20, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Hi everyone!
Well first, about the discoloring of the toes, some of that could come from the surgery and the swelling that’s been taking place underneath the casts, boots, etc. I’m very fair skinned and I gotta tell ya…my foot turned colors I didn’t even know existed. I was in sad shape after a long day at work, but just like you Brian, the next morning everything would be back to normal.
I’d take somewhat into consideration what your poor foot has been through. And then, mention it to your dr at your next visit or call and talk to the nurse. I’m a firm believer in asking questions until they give me some answers and make me feel better about the situation. Don’t be afraid to ask about whatever is on your mind or what’s concerning you.
Shalyn, are you doing more than you were doing before with trying to get ready for school? If so, that could be part of your pain too. If you’re like me, you’ve got a lot to do, but sometimes you have to draw that line and make yourself stop. If you don’t do it now, it’ll only be worse later. Like my dr says, a lot of this is listening to your body. If it hurts, don’t do it. And if it keeps hurting, you need to say something.
I’m enjoying my tennis shoes and have been trying to get in as much walking as I can. I still had quite a limp though and it was really bothering me. On Saturday we had to do a lot of running around and my foot was absolutely throbbing by the time we got home. But we weren’t done. We had a party to go to that night. I was so glad to get into bed that night! But do you know that I got up on Sunday, put on my shoes and we were off on more errands and guess what? My limp was gone. I even had a couple of people comment today at work that I wasn’t limping.
I haven’t branched out too far from tennis shoes yet. I tried on some flip flops and they were ok around the house, but the strap hit right where one of the breaks was on my foot. So I chickened out and put the tennis shoes back on. And I still catch myself walking on my heel in the house when I’m barefoot. So I’ve still got a ways to go.
Alright, I’m outta here for now. My husband keeps picking at me about how silly this foot forum is. I kinda like it. I’ve really enjoyed exchanging stories and experiences with all of you!
G’night and keep posting about your progress!
Liz
August 21, 2007 at 1:54 am
Good morning all.
Went in for my follow-up, which was enough to get the stitches out, and get xray’ed. Still have a little movement at the fracture, so at 18 days after surgery, I am back in another non-weight bearing cast until the 30th of August. I was so hoping to start walking up and down the block today.
I was not able to elevate my foot until late this afternoon, and it was swelling up on me the longer I had to wait. This was the first time that I saw my toes going a light shade of purple. Cannot imagine that it could be from any trauma under the skin.
Enough for now. Time for some sleep.
Robert
August 21, 2007 at 8:50 am
hello all. Its been 2 months since i had surgery and just able to put some weight on my heal. My doctor is concerned the screws that were put in are too long. The tip is protruding out the bone between the toes and the head is very visible out the side of the foot. I still have a lot of numbness and worried of possible nerve damage and muscle atrophy. It is still a work in progress. Ive been put on a bone stimulator to help bone growth, find out friday it is helping any. I really hope that I get mobile again… 8months and counting… I think Im stir crazy.. or just crazy anymore haha I just got a call from my best friend in NC and she just found out she broke her foot today.. thankfully she only needs a cast and no surgery. She was terrified that she’d be laid up as long as I have. So we have made a vacation pack for her birthday and go to Cancun (if it is still there after hurricane Dean) to celebrate, boy could i use it! Good luck to everyone!!!
August 21, 2007 at 11:39 am
Hello all:
I tried out a tennis shoe last night and it was actually more comfortable than the surgical shoe that I was placed in last Tuesday.
It has been 15 weeks since my surgery so progress is being made. I too used a bone stimulator and it took five weeks for the help that it provided to be obvious. At the first checkup after two weeks of bone stimulator use the rate of bone healing had improved but after five weeks it was clear that the bone stimulator had been a big help.
Christie, it sounds to me that you are on your way to your vacation in Cancun.
Ed
August 21, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hi All
Its been so long since Ive written that I cant catch up on it all now. But, I just wanted to provide encouragement again… I broke my foot in 4 places and 3 months later Im walking great. I did find out I have metabolic bone disease (osteopenia) which explains why I broke 2 bones in 19 months.
Good luck to all!
August 21, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Robert, your discoloration is from the swelling. Get your foot up and relax if you can. I went 2 rounds in the casts too. Don’t rush the walking. You’ll get there!
Christie, all I can say is “ouch”. You and Tawnie are running a close race in the “who has had the worst experience” stories. I’m sorry for what you’re going through. You’re making me feel very, very fortunate to be doing better. I agree that you can look forward to Cancun though!
Ed, isn’t a tennis shoe a wonderful improvement in comfort? Once I got my balance again, wearing tennis shoes was like a dream come true. Have you gone down many stairs? They still really scare me. I’m afraid I’m going to step, it’s going to hurt or break and then I’m going to fall. I’m just taking stairs one at a time. If you have any tips, I’d love to hear them.
Best of luck, everyone!
August 22, 2007 at 12:01 am
Hi all!
went to the dr a week ago and he said my bone is healing fine and took me out of the fiborglass cast and into the ugly shoe boot. Looks like I will not need the surgury they first warned me about. I am very greatful since I don’t have medical insurance..
At first I was surpirsed to see just how weak the foot and leg were. In the first few days I could hardly bear weight without feeling sharp pins and needles on the bottom of my foot.
i’ve spent alot of time trying to give myself physical therapy at home. I’ve been using the resestance bands to strech front and back and immediatly noticed a difference in ablilty to hold weight. Still having difficulty moving foot sideways or rotating. Just taking time and working with it. I should be off crutches in about a week. Then a week or two more with the boot…. Looking back I am not sure how anyone makes it through this. But I am coming out the other side… Walking.. soon anyway.
Here is a TIP for all you out there unable to bear weight and on crutches. one way I found to get around my kitchen to cook and to basic cleaning was to use one of my kitchen chairs as a “knee rest” and I would scoot aound my kitchen that way. these are not hard wooden chairs that I am talking about, but if that is what you’ve got throw a pillow on to rest your knee. I have three kids ages (9,8,8) and a husband who works odd hours, so I had to figure out something.
best of luck to everyone and day by day you’ll make it to the other side too.
August 22, 2007 at 8:15 am
Steps are difficult. When I was walking with
crutches and wasn’t weightbearing, they were impossible. Yes, there is a technique to walk up and downstairs with crutches but I never mastered it. I would crawl upstairs and would by using the bannisters hop downstairs. What it meant was that the only steps that I would venture to go on were the carpet covered staircase to the upstairs at my home. These stairs have two
bannisters.
Now that I am weightbearing, I still use the bannisters for support but am able to traverse these stairs with a bit of caution. I am standing up and happy when I reach the top. In a couple of weeks I will be at school and wonder how I will handle those outside stairs typically two or three steps high which don’t have a bannister.
With all of the talk about handicap accessible one would think that steps without bannisters would not exist or that
there would be a ramp.
The other day I got an email from the school that this fall they were going to close at times the handicap access to the Student Center for construction. For me this means it is either the stairs or “no lunch”.
Ed
August 22, 2007 at 10:16 am
Hello-
I am now out of the surgical bandage and into the non-weight bearing cast. The Dr. did not x-ray, will do so in four weeks and hopefully remove cast and put me in da boot. My foot feels as though it is healing properly, (no pain).
I asked the Dr. about the pulls and pinches and these are muscle spasms, he explained that the nerves are the last to heal.
I purchased one of those full length body pillows which really helps in getting comfortable for bed and all of my restlessness. Excersizes help with this, also.
My toes are definately swollen and turn purple quickly when I am up and about, I just give it a rest and elevate it, along the way.
Four more weeks till da boot! Tawnie
August 22, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Hello to all! Well, I am anxiously counting down the days until I go in on Monday for x-rays! I am trying not to get my hopes up too much, as I do not want to be let down if the x-ray does not show enough union of the bone for me to get into a walking boot. I will continue to think positively, take my vitamins, rest as often as possible, and wait. I am just excited either way to see what is happening inside the foot. I am also looking forward to getting this fiberglass cast off, even if it is only for a little while pending non-union. I just might request to stay/live in the doctor’s offices until it is better, so that I can keep the cast off! haha
Pinches, pokes, etc. have lessened dramatically, hopefully a good sign of the repairing of the nerves, muscle, and bone. Tawnie, I had heard the same idea about the strange feelings in the area, which was comforting to know it was normal. It certainly was weird, and still hard to explain to people. I just tell them, hopefully you will never have to know what it feels like because you definitely do NOT want to go through this experience.
My students are doing great and have adpated to my sitting-while-teaching style. Probably the most difficult thing is making copies– it’s a long way to the copier, nevermind I can’t carry anything while on crutches. So, I make my way down on crutches with my backpack on carrying the papers in there. I guess one good thing is I don’t have bus duty! All the teachers think I am crazy when I say, “I can’t wait until I can do bus duty again!”
So, how many of you that are walking now, were placed into a walking boot of some sort after your first round of the fiberglass cast? So far I had two weeks in the surgical ball-and-chain, followed by my now three weeks of the fiberglass cast. I am hoping that will be enough to go into a boot. What do you think?? Dreaming or possible reality???
tkcare, Brian
August 22, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I am now 4 weeks post surgery and 2 weeks back in the boot. I have been bearing weight on my injured foot with crutches. (probably 50-75%)It feels great to feel like I am walking (somewhat) again.
I have swelling in my foot when it is not elevated and the whole foot continues to turn purple when in a down position with the boot off. (Every morning when I get up along with other times during the day when I take my boot off and walk non-weight bearing on crutches)
I went to the doctor today and he took x-rays and the screw is still solidly in place and the fracture line is still there but maybe slightly better than 2 weeks ago.
My Doctor told me that the swelling will go down ( and the purple foot) once I am out of the boot and able to walk on it and push blood thru it normally. I can’t do this until the bone has healed. He did not seem too concerned about it and he told me it would just take time to heal. I was concerned because it doesn’t appear a lot of you are experiencing as much swelling and discoloration as I am. Thank goodness the x-ray looked ok. I had badly sprained my ankle at the same time I was injured so I don’t know if this plays into my symptoms as well?
August 22, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Brian, I think it’s definitely reality to think that you may go into the boot on Monday. I was 2 weeks in the surgical wrap and 4 weeks in the fiberglass cast. Since our breaks seem to be pretty similar, I think you might just be in luck when you go to your next visit. And you remember the boot…you can just get up and go with that thing. Even though it was still a hassle, it sure beat the crutches. I was never so happy to be able to carry my own stuff and not have to ask for help.
Christi, great news about your progress. I know how worried you were about the surgery w/no insurance.
Tawnie, you’re just making progress by leaps and bounds, aren’t you? That’s great news too. I know you still have a ways to go, but think back a couple of weeks (or read up above). You are doing so much better now!
Ed, did you let someone at the school know about your situation? I’d say something so they can try to accommodate you. The last thing you need to do is to re-injure yourself.
Later y’all!
August 22, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Hello all:
Brian:
My vote is “definite possibility” that you will be walking in a boot come Monday. In my case I went from cast to 3 1/2 weeks of nonweightbearing in a boot. This was the worst situation; I almost returned to Dr. and asked to have another fiberglass cast put on. But after a bit I began to realize that I could have a natural bath and that I was allowed to balance myself on the “booted” leg’s heel. It was a step in the right direction.
Liz:
The folks at the School know about me and I am sure they will provide help if needed. Like you I don’t like to ask for help.
It sounds like many us are making great strides in our recovery.
Ed
August 24, 2007 at 11:25 am
Thanks Liz for your words of encouragement. You are right, looking back on these blogs helps to see the progress. So far so good with the cast. Everyone seems to experience the swelling of the toes and lack of circulation to the toes when they are up and about. I am doing things in spurts and elevating my foot when I see it turning purple. I went to the movies the other night and used my crutches to help keep my foot up on the seat in front of me. Worked great and ensured no one would sit in front of me and block my view!
I think we all know the true meaning of getting back on your feet. Can’t wait!!! Tawnie
August 25, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Brian…just wanted to wish you good luck at the dr on Monday! Hope you walk out in da boot!
Liz
August 27, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Well, frustration would be a great word to describe my visit to the doc. Everything looks great, hardware is in place, the bone is looking good, but he said the average time in cast after the surgery is 8 weeks. I have only been in a cast for 5 weeks, so, you guessed it, 3 more weeks. Oh well. Being funny, I got a black cast this time, which I said was a sign of mourning for my leg. haha
I am upset as far as my teaching goes because it is so difficult. I continued to try to be postive telling myself I was almost there. Now it will be difficult telling myself that again for another 3 weeks. BUT, I must say, I am very glad to have seen the progress. It was good to see the bone in place and healing. I know that in time 3 weeks will come and go, and I will be back up and moving. I certainly would rather be on the side of caution to make sure it heals properly, than to rush it and end up with it breaking again.
That’s about it for now. Tkcare everyone and keep us updated on conditions.
Good luck, Brian
August 27, 2007 at 5:49 pm
One quick clarification. I mentioned 8 weeks in cast, what I meant by that was 8 weeks post-op non-weight bearing. I was 2 weeks in wrap followed by 3 weeks in fiberglass cast. Now another 3 weeks in cast. So, just wanted to make that clear for those of you wondering.
brian
August 27, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Awww man….that’s no fun, Brian! I guess to look at the good side though, a little more healing time should only make your foot stronger. You sound like a real go getter, so I’m not thinking you’re going to take it extra slow and easy once you’re cast free and given the green light. I was really hoping for a different report though, just as I know you were.
I’m still working on walking correctly. I got tired of my tennis shoes and have started alternating with a pair of slip on shoes that are fairly sturdy. I do fine in the mornings, but by the afternoon my foot still gets tired and starts swelling. I notice that I start limping more and dragging my foot late in the day. The dr said I may have swelling for quite some time, but I was really hoping he’d be wrong about that. And I’ve stepped wrong a couple of times and had a little pain. Nothing severe, but enough to make me pay attention.
Anyway, nothing exciting to report from me. Hang in there everyone!
Liz
August 28, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Brian: glad to hear everything is healing properly. I know how long 3 weeks is in a cast, hope it goes by quickly since you are on the mend. Did the Dr. take off your cast and do the xray and then put on another fiberglass cast? Your stages seem to be the same as mine. It is nice to get a heads up on the outcome, like we can with this site. I was thinking that my cast would be coming off and a boot would take its place, but now I know there is a chance that even though it is healing properly it may need more time in the cast. (God I Hope Not)!! Tawnie
August 28, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Liz, you are absolutely right about me, so I am thinking the cast is the best thing right now for me too, though I don’t like it. And actually, the doctor put the cast on this time because the nurse was not in, and I am not liking it. It seems to fit weird around my leg, in that the upper rim is pushing on the bone, especially if I rest it on a chair while standing. The angle of the foot is pretty awkward too, it’s not at a 90degree angle, in fact it’s more like a 120-130degree angle. So, it’s like my toes are always pointing down. Might call the nurse, one week would be ok, but three, I don’t know.
Tawnie, they did take the cast off, and it was soo nice to get a few moments of freedom, but it quickly came to an end. It’s possible you might have the same results, but according to some here, they got a boot, but still had to use crutches. I wouldn’t have minded that, but I bet I would have tried walking on it too early, so I guess it’s best. I hope you get da boot!!
Did anyone’s doctor mention about the bone in the x-rays how the part that was broken off was somewhat lighter in color on the x-ray? Mine was saying that was a good sign, that it shows the activity in that area, most likely the body’s repsonse, such as sending calcium, etc. to that region to repair the damage. I thought that was interesting because I did notice the fractured piece was considerably lighter in the x-ray.
Well, that’s all for now. Good night!
brian
August 31, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Hi, I was just curious if my toe is broken. It is actually the middle toe in my left foot. I don’t have insurance so I am trying to diagnosed it myself. I can move my toe and the top most joint can easily bent but the one before is so swollen or at least surrounded by some flammatory fluid that I can bend it at all at that joint. I am just worried because this is keeping me from work and sports. It has been almost 3 weeks and has not fully healed yet but it is not as swollen as it used to be. I didn’t ice it because ice in europe isn’t really an ideal norm at households in Holland. I just need an input. Oh yea, I can project to used that my left feet because it hurts the injured when I try to jump. What do you think?
September 2, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Hi all!
Brian, that was very interesting about the lighter color of the bone. My dr didn’t say anything like that to me and I didn’t notice it on the xray either. I’ll have to look next time he shows me the xrays.
Man, you think we’ve got it bad with what we’re dealing with. I talked to a friend last night whose daughter broke her leg a few months ago. Long story short, she has a titanium rod in her leg that will remain there for a couple of years while the bone heals. They’ll have to go back in and surgically remove it in a couple of years. Her bone isn’t showing a lot of healing and although she’s not on crutches, she’s limited as to what she can do. So geez…I guess a few months isn’t so bad after all when you compare it to 2 years.
Anyway, I definitely put my foot to the test yesterday. UT had their first home game of the football season so it was time for tailgating, BBQ, beer and football! I went easy on the beer because all I needed to do was fall off a curb or something stupid and break my foot. But I did stand at the tailgate party for 3 hours and hike to and from the stadium. Luckily we got to our seats via ramps and I didn’t have to maneuver many stairs (cause you all know me and my fear of going down stairs that I still have). By the time I got home last night though, my foot was really swollen and it’s sore today. So I’m going to take it easy the rest of the weekend. My right foot is sore too because I’m still over compensating for the injured left foot.
But just like the Longhorns, my first time out for the season wasn’t pretty, but I survived it and walked away with a win. I’m going to tell the dr about it and see if he thinks the soreness is normal or if I still might need some PT. Lots of other people have had PT, but my dr doesn’t seem to be inclined to prescribe it.
Brian, I’d ask about the cast if it bothers you that much. My 2nd one was bothersome too…maybe because I wanted it off so bad! More likely though because a different nurse (a rookie) did it. She was learning and I was one of her guinea pigs. I can’t believe the dr put it at that angle though. My dr was adamant about it being as close to a 90 degree angle as possible.
Tawnie, good luck on your next dr visit. I hope you get da boot as long as your foot is really ready for it. I know you hope it is!
And Ryan, I don’t know what to tell you. What you described doesn’t sound good, but I’m not a doctor. And since this was the first time I’ve ever dealt with a broken bone, I don’t have any past experience to think back on.
Take care everyone!
Liz
September 3, 2007 at 10:52 am
Liz: It must have been great to attend the football game and tailgate party. It sounds like you are on your way to being bi-pedal again! I am expecting to be dealing with swelling for quite some time. I think the best thing is being sure to rest the next day, like you mentioned. What is PT?
Ryan: I would see a Dr. if possible in any way, in order to avoid any complications that could prolong the injury.
Two more weeks for me until my x-ray, I too will watch and ask about the difference in the color of the bone.
Here’s to getting back on our feet…putting one foot in front of another…as for right now we are going to have to hop to it.
Tawnie
September 3, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Tawnie…PT is physical therapy. I seem to be one of the few whose dr hasn’t recommended it.
September 3, 2007 at 3:29 pm
I am getting around fairly well with
an occasional hobble. Tomorrow is my game day with two 75 minute classes.
My Dr. has not mentioned PT either although I see his associate on Thursday and it might come up. In the last three weeks outside the boot I have gone from a surgical shoe to tennis shoe. At first my leg with the broken foot wanted to walk stiff legged and my knee hurt. Now I am walking a little more normally and my knee is not complaining.
My problem is one of endurance which sounds like where Liz is at.
Tawnie: my Dr. said to look at the opaqueness of the areas of the x-ray whether the opaqueness is white or black. These are the areas with healing.
Ed
September 4, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I’m so glad to have found this site! I fractured my fifth metatarsil (Jones fracture) on August 21st, doing some silly partner acrobatics. It didn’t hurt unless I tried to stand on it, then it hurt a lot. So I went to the ER, got X-rayed, was told I broke my foot, wrapped in a temporary cast, and told to follow up with an orthopedist in a few days. During that few days, I looked online and realized that I probably had a Jones fracture and couldn’t believe my bad luck. A saw the orthopedist that Friday, was told it was a Jones fracture and that I should have surgery to put a screw in so that it would heal better given that I am a very active person, and that was that. I had the surgery on Aug. 27th and go back for my first follow-up to have my stitches out this Thursday. I haven’t been in pain at all (didn’t even take the pain meds), but this immobility is killing me!
Right after the surgery I was in a temporary cast (sort of a half-cast that was hard at the back of my leg and secured to me with some sort of fancy ace bandages and gauze). I was told to remove it in 3 days and wear my Aircast boot, which I did. My doctor says I should not put any weight on my foot for 6 weeks, and that I can take the boot off to shower. For now I have to sleep in it though.
My pre-surgery xray is online if anyone is curious: http://www.partneryogacharleston.com/jordansbrokenfoot.jpg
Anyway this is all pretty devastating to me because I teach yoga full-time and have a physically active lifestyle. I have gone back to teaching and just have to sit in the front of the class and verbally lead and correct the students instead of walking around and making physical adjustments. Luckily the students are very supportive and I’m really glad to be back! But for myself, I am used to doing a practice every day, and biking everywhere instead of driving. So this lack of physical activity is a real challenge.
I was wondering if anyone who spent lots of time in a cast, on crutches, could share some ideas on what they did to stay in shape during that time. I have been doing lots of upper body yoga and pilates poses, but would like to do more. I’m unsure if I should even put any pressure on my foot (will ask the doc when I see him this week), but for example, I would love to stretch by pushing my feet into a wall or flexing my foot to help stretch my hamstrings. But I don’t know if this is a good idea or not. Any stretching experiences you’ve had would be greatly appreciated!
Anyway best of luck to everyone…it sounds like you are all much further along the healing path than I am since I just started. I’m glad to be able to learn about your experiences to help me get through mine!
-Jordan
PS. I’m glad I’ve been doing yoga…it really helps me balance on one foot, get up and down without too much of a production, and even take a shower standing on one foot without falling over. My good leg is going to be a lot stronger than my broken foot leg once I’m healed!
September 4, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Well, it has been some time since I have written here. Things have been quite busy. Liz, the cast has loosened-up somewhat, so it is not as bad, I am going to try and make it through, as I think some of the “discomfort” is more mental, as I am REALLY ready to get out of this thing! Less than 2 weeks now, and I think I will make it. Everything seems to be getting a little easier, as I have mastered most of the everyday activities I have to do. Sorry about the beginning of the football season for ya, my team, UGA, did quite fine. Of course, it could’ve been worse, you could have been a Michigan fan!! Woops!
My doctor has not acted like I will be having any physical therapy, other than walking. He basically said, as I feel comfortable, once I get the boot, walk when I can.
Ryan- I thought Holland had healthcare for all its citizens? Am I wrong, or is it not quite what we are lead to believe here by “free” public healthcare?
Jordan- Wow, I sure wish my doctor had been as agressive in my recovery as yours. I am in very good shape, excercise often, but have been told NO weight bearing for 8 weeks post-surgery. I had to have my “temporary” cast after surgery on for two solid weeks, mainly because of the incision. I didn’t realize the incision was almost the length of my foot. Apparently, because almost 3 weeks had lapsed since my break, there was a little more work to repair than initially expected. Also, my doctor used a tension-band wiring as opposed to screw-fixation because of the location of the break. So, best of luck to you, and I would HIGHLY recommend asking the doctor before any walking on it, just to be sure. I am sure you will be up and going quicker than most, as you sound to be in very good athletic shape.
Tawnie- do you go for your appointment on Sept. 17? If so, that is my day to return to the doctor as well! I am anxiously counting down the days! Best of luck.
Well, take care everyone. Brian
September 4, 2007 at 7:20 pm
By the way, forget my comment regarding Holland’s health care system. I just did a little updating of my international health care knowledge, and basically it’s too confusing to me at this point of the day.
I would echo Tawnie’s advice to see a doctor regardless as I would hate for you to cause more damage, but I am no doctor so not sure my advice is worth much. But hey, it’s free advice, so what do you expect! :)
Good luck!
September 4, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Brian, that sounds like a major incision! Mine is small…it only required 2 stitches. Even though I’m in the aircast boot, I’ve also been told no weight-bearing for 6 weeks post-surgery. I guess the doctor felt like I didn’t need the full plaster cast experience and that the boot would hold it in place well enough. I won’t be walking for another 5 weeks at least, but I’ll post back what the doctor tells me about the exercises I mentioned wanting to do.
In struggling with the crutches I’ve found a good way to walk with crutches (I found this tip online somewhere) is to swing the bad leg forward as you bring the crutches forward, as if you were taking a big step, but obviously don’t put the foot down on the ground. Then swing it back as you hop forward. It makes me feel less like I’m hobbling, more like I’m actually walking even though I’m not even touching the ground, and it gets me places a little bit faster. I hope that helps someone.
Good luck to everyone in their recovery!
-Jordan
September 4, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Jordan – My experience was a little different. I had surgery on July 23rd and was in a splint with the gauze for 2 weeks. As soon as that was removed (around August 6) my doctor instructed me to put weight on my injured foot as long as it was comfortable. He indicated by the time of my appointment on September 4 that he thought I could be walking with the boot and not using the crutches at all.
I had my appointment today and the bone is healing but is not yet fully healed. He wants me to stay in the boot 2 more weeks until another x-ray. He said if I am comfortable I can walk in the boot without the use of crutches. It makes me a little nervous but I have pretty much walked all day today without the crutches and have not had a problem.
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September 5, 2007 at 4:19 pm
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Anyways. Jordan, fortunately crutches have always been pretty easy for me. I had to use them once before when I broke my right foot as a teenager. At least that time I was doing something that warranted a broken foot-playing street ball with some BIG guys. Unfortunately, two came down on top of me, as I was landing awkwardly on the base of the basketball goal; snap. That time was cast, no surgery; easy fix. That is why at first I laughed (quietly) at the surgeon in Spain who said I needed surgery. I told him I broke my other foot and didn’t need surgery, and it actually hurt. This fracture I was able to walk on and did for over a day. Of course, when I got back to the States and the surgeon here said the same thing, I made sure to call up the Doctor back in Spain and said OK, you were right. He laughed and said he wished he was wrong, but knew immediately this break required surgical fixation. Time does seem to be moving quickly, except when I need to go somewhere, then it seems like this will never end! But, I know it will.
Liz, seeing other people in this world who are truly suffering with long term, sometimes even permanent conditions, often shuts me up for a while. I try to remember how blessed I am that this is only temporary. I certainly am able to sympathize with people a little more who live with disabilities, even if my experience has only been for a short time.
John, I am happy for you. Live it up! Of course, don’t over do it.
Ed, how did your first couple days back go? I was thinking about you. Hoping it is going well. I am sure it is “different”, but it will get better. Be thankful that you are at least on two feet, not one foot and two crutches! :)
Here’s to speedy recovers! Brian
September 5, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Liz: Ahhhhh physical therapy (PT) that makes sense. I have been doing a little of my own physical therapy. I think it should be prescribed with this type of injury, however my Dr. has not mentioned it. I try to massage my legs and do leg lifts.
Jordan: I too have been doing excersizes as not to slow down too much and put on weight. Don’t think I could take a shower with one leg, but I do hop around alot on one foot. I am feeling stronger everyday and appreciate my mobility more and more.
Brian: yes my Dr. appt. is on 9/17 (Yipeeeee!!!) this should be a good one for you. I am hoping for da boot.
Well-gotta go…THIS TO SHALL PASS!!
September 6, 2007 at 11:12 am
Well, I promised to let you all know how my doctor’s appointment went and what he said about exercise. This was my first post-op follow-up (the surgery was 10 days ago). He said the surgery could not have gone better, the screw is firmly in place, and the foot looks good. He says that I should stay off the foot for 5 more weeks, then he’ll start me walking in my cast boot for a couple of weeks. During this 5 weeks, the good news is that he said in my case the cast-boot is not doing anything except to protect the foot in case of a fall, so I only need to wear it while crutching around. He said I should take it off as much as I can while I’m sitting, sleeping, etc, and move the foot around (flex, point, spread toes, etc). He said I should not press my foot against anything yet (not even a yoga strap) or move it out to the side. But anything else is good and he said I should swim but not do too much kicking. In 3 weeks time he’d like me to walk in the pool in at least waist-deep water!
I think it went about as good as it could, better than I expected since I can now take the cast off a lot more than I thought I’d be able to! This means I can get back to doing some basic seated and supine yoga poses which is really important to me.
He also said that leg lifts and isometric quad exercises are a good idea to keep the quad strong so that when it comes time to walk it will be easier.
Anyway this is my news. My doctor is a sports doc but was very surprised to see how far I can spread the toes of my good foot. I’ll see if my bad foot gets that same range of motion back once it’s healed!
Best of luck to everyone else on their follow-ups! It’s nice to hear about all the good progress being made.
-Jordan
September 6, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Hi!
I went to the Dr. today in two light weight shoes. My regular Dr was out so I talked to his associate. He took a look at the xray, flexed the affected foot, and told me to keep walking and return in 6 weeks.
It is a bit anticlimatic but this is what I had
been wanting to happen since my surgery on May 10. Hurrah!!
Brian: yes, I taught two classes on Tuesday and am readying myself for a class today. I was able to walk across campus and stand for 75 minutes and at the end drive home. Yes, it was
tiring but my foot did not have any pain. One of my Monday students I learned just broke his heel and gets around on two crutches and a boot.
Well at least he has one sympathetic instructor, me. For those of you who are teaching in a cast, once again here is my salute.
Ed
September 6, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Jordan, that’s great news about the cast you have. What I wouldn’t have given to get a removable cast. I would love right now to be able to take this thing off. But, less than one-and-a-half weeks, and I should be walking! I have struggled to find excercises to do to keep my leg muscles strong. As a sports referee, I really don’t want to have to spend more than one season, this season, out of the “game.” I was at the ballfield tonight, and I sooo wanted to be out there running around.
Ed, congratulations. Enjoy the opportunity to inspire minds to accomplish great things.
Tawnie, less than 12 days ’til we get some more news. I like seeing how things are going on the x-ray.
I went back in today to get a new cast put on. The one the doctor put on was bothering me because of the angle of the ankle. I was worried it was going to be even that much “stiffer” because of the angle, and it was when they took the cast off so I am glad I had them change it. The nurse put a new one on, and it was so nice to have nothing on there for the 20 minutes I sat there waiting. The new cast is ok, it’s great everywhere, except on top of the ankle it’s a bit tight, but not cut-off circulation tight. It will do.
Brian
September 6, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Brian: 20 minutes of freedom! I can’t wait until the 17th. I do not want to hex myself and count on getting da boot, HOWEVER I do find myself humming the tune “These Boots Were Made For Walking, and That’s Just What I’ll Do”….I am losing it! Anyway, I am feeling like a veteran now that I am getting closer to recovery. Good thing you had them put on a new cast, because the pain of the tightness on one particular spot is so annoying. I had that with my surgical wrap.
Here’s to Monday, September 17th. It’s like waiting for x-mas. Tawnie
September 7, 2007 at 2:47 pm
well – there is light at the end of the tunnel ( although a very long tunnel – Jones’s fracture on New Years Eve) see initial blogs. Went to clinic on tuesday & the bone has now officially healed ( 8 months later)& am back to normal!! ( or well as normal as can be!!). the only think I’ve got is a slight limb if I’ve been sitting down for a while, other wise I’m OK. Good Luck to you all
Charlotte :-)
September 8, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Surgery on tuesday. Yay! Broke July 21 and hasn’t had significant healing so time to get screwed. I’ll tell you though, they took my cast of 5 weeks off 2 weeks ago and gave me a “non weight bearing” cam walking boot, but I’ve been walking on it like a champ… Crutches suck! Little discomfort I suppose but well worth it. I can even walk barefoot as long as it’s flat footed steps. Wonder if it is really that bad to be doing…
September 9, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Charlotte I am very glad to hear that. Congratulations! You are certainly deserving of the right to walk again! Enjoy it!!
Josh, your statement “so time to get screwed,” cracked me up! I think we were all “screwed” when we had this aweful break, but oh well. As Tawnie likes to say, “This too shall pass!” Good luck with the surgery.
Brian
September 10, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Josh: Good luck on Tuesday, it sounds like you may have an easy recovery because you have been able to walk. NOT REALLY, YOU’RE SCREWED! Sorry couldn’t help it. I laughed when I read your comments. I had my surgery on August 6th and am 7 days away from getting a walking boot ( I hope, knock on wood, with any luck..)
Brian, One more week. Tawnie
September 10, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Thanks, surgery @ 1030 tomorrow. Pretty excited really… Time to get back on the rugby field!! Am I the only one who can walk on their broken foot? I find that hard to believe, it really doesn’t hurt unless I misstep or flex my foot. Ahh, oh well. Doc said I should be starting weight bearing in the cam walker 7-10 days after surgery to get range of motion and all going again and to see the effects it has on my rehab. I’ll let ya know how it goes. Next week should be pretty relaxing with 50 percocet though!!
September 11, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Hey, strangers! I haven’t been on here in awhile and it took some time to read and get caught up on how everyone is doing.
Brian, I’m glad to hear you had them change out your cast. I can still remember the 20-30 minutes of freedom when they’d take my cast off at the dr’s office for xrays and re-casting. It was heaven!
Josh…good one about being screwed. This kinda screwed up my whole summer! I’ve lost count of the weeks, but I guess I’m about 3 months post op and I still have to wonder when I’ll be back to normal. Some people seem to have much easier recoveries. Not sure if it’s the dr who did the surgery, the type of break, a screw or a tension band, PT or no PT, how active you were before the injury or what. I’ll just have to chalk this up to being one of the more frustrating road blocks I’ve dealt with in a really long time.
Charlotte, sounds like you’re just doing all the good. Way to go, girl! Just listen to your dr though and don’t rush anything. I know it’s driving you nuts not being able to be as physical as you’d like, but you don’t want to have to do all of this again!
Ed, you still hanging in there? My endurance is getting better. Those first couple of weeks were rough, but I’ve been forcing myself to do a little more as I feel comfortable. My ankle still feels tight by the time I get home at night and I do still have some swelling. Some days worse than others.
I was supposed to go to what was hopefully going to be my final appt. this week. When I called last week to make my appt though, I found out that my dr is off vacationing in Europe for 2 weeks. The nerve of him!! I was looking forward to finding out what I really can and can’t do right now. Again, I’m probably still being way too gentle with my foot.
You ladies will appreciate this though, I tried on a pair of sandals over the weekend. They have about a 2 inch heel on them…not much, but more than I’ve had on since May. We have a wedding to go to this Saturday and I refuse to wear tennis shoes! Anyway, I put them on and gently walked across the bedroom. Then out into the living room. And I could do it!!! I was so happy. Here I was decked out in my UT football garb for the game and sporting a pair of dressy sandals. Quite a site, I’m sure. But I figure that if I keep my foot elevated on Saturday morning and take some ibuprofen, I can get the sandals on Saturday afternoon and make it to the wedding reception before my foot starts to swell. I’ll keep my tennis shoes in the car, just in case. After I see how this goes, then next week I may start trying to get into some regular shoes again.
Brian & Tawnie, one more week until your dr appts! I’ll have to try and keep the 17th in my mind so I can check back and see how y’all are doing.
Gotta run! Ok wait, gotta walk…I can’t run yet! lol
September 11, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Liz, I was living vicariously through you as I read about the sandals. What a feeling! I will never take them for granted again. Let us know how it goes, when you have the chance.
Josh, hope your surgery went well, you are probably laying down with your foot elevated and full of pain meds. My advice is to take the medication as indicated for the first week or so. Hope you are doing alright, check in when you have time.
Brian, six mo to go…
September 11, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Surgery was a good time… How long was your guys’ foot numb? Been like 10 hours and my foot, left leg up to calf is still extremely numb. I’m sure it’s normal, just curious though.
September 11, 2007 at 9:32 pm
X-rays tomorrow! Here’s hoping for healing of some sort!
September 12, 2007 at 11:59 am
Josh: It is normal for your foot to remain numb, I think mine was numb for almost one week after surgery. They probably gave you a “block” from the knee down prior to surgery and it takes awhile to wear off. Don’t forget to keep your foot elevated and ice every couple of hours. Take your pain meds without missing a dose at least for the first week. I made the mistake of trying to do too much after surgery and passed out! I also decided to stop taking the pain medicine, and soon regretted it. In my case the surgery was much more dabilitating and painful then the days after the initial break. I think that is why you were able to be mobile. Once I learned how to control the pain and rest, I began to heal. Good luck, glad to hear everything went well.
Shalyn: Good luck tomorrow, let us know
September 12, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Folks:
I have been teaching now for a week and a day. It has only been about 3 weeks since I
started wearing shoes of any sort. Now I wear shoes with crepe soles to teach and tennis shoes at home.
I do get tired after standing for long periods of time, but no swelling as Liz indicated that she has occasionally. Yesterday after standing for a 3 hr Lab, my foot gave a slight twinge of pain as if to remind me that it was still there. The tiny pain is gone today.
My wife keeps reminding me not to limp or hobble. I have given her immunity from the charge of nagging so as to aid me in my return to normal walking. She laughed when I told her that for the moment I consider it “constructive criticism”.
Ed
September 13, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Ed, how great to be standing and walking normally! How long did it take you before your foot stopped swelling?
Josh, hope you’re recovering well. After my surgery I just elevated and iced for a few days of doing nothing. I never felt much in my foot, including pain. I think I got really lucky in not needing the pain meds, everyone else I’ve talked to says “take them!”
I’ve noticed a LOT of muscle atrophy in the calf of my broken foot. It’s almost half the size of my good leg calf, and I’ve only been off it for 3 weeks! Did anyone else experience this, and how long did it take once you were walking again to build that muscle back up? Any suggestions for non-weight bearing exercises to strengthen the calf?
Also curious if anyone knows how long is normal to have swelling in your foot. I don’t have much but I do have some and it just seems strange, but then again I’ve never broken anything before now so don’t really have any guidelines to measure it against.
Thanks,
Jordan
September 13, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Will hear from the doctor tomorrow. This morning I woke up and had no feeling in my leg. I’m hping that this is just because of the way I slept. I tried walking and failed 5 times. So I dragged myself into the living room to rest until I had feeling again. Has this happened to anyone?
~S.
September 13, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Shalyn: That must have been scary! I think it is from the way you were sleeping and since that foot is recovering still. It is good you let your Dr. know about it. Let me know what he says. Good luck. Tawnie
September 14, 2007 at 8:03 am
Jordan:
The swelling in my foot stopped when I started to put weight on it. It seemed for a long time that I would wrap my foot in an ace bandage and place it in the boot. Whenever I did that the toes in particular looked swollen. Yes, I kept my foot raised but the toes kept some swelling.
Within a week of walking in the boot with crutches (partial weight-bearing) the swelling went away . Even then I continued to keep my foot raised.
I checked with my wife for accuracy in my answer and she thinks that you are asking an important question.
Ed
September 14, 2007 at 10:47 am
Hello all, you guys sound like the ones to talk to! So glad I found this site. I fractured my 5th metatarsal on 09/11, I just went to the ER yesterday because the swelling and pain was not getting any better. They did x-rays and also said there was a slight displacement but not enough for him to realign it. He gave me a blue shoe and said if no better in a week to call a surgeon. He made me feel as though this was no big deal. After reading what you guys have gone thru it makes me think that surgery may be a real possibility. I am a little leary of his not wanting to put my bone back in the proper place even though he said it is not too bad. I don’t want it to heal incorrectly and cause problems in the future. When I get up in the morning it is not as swollen but after walking around a bit the whole top of my foot and little toe swell a lot. Am I making this out to be more than it is? Please help!
September 14, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Kelly- I would be making an appointment ASAP. Sounds like a real class act ER that you visited… My doc didn’t think my break was bad either, but here I am 2 months later and needed surgery to fix the break. Good luck.
September 17, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Jordan, you should mention your swelling to your doctor, but be prepared for him to say it’s normal. Mine told me I could experience swelling for a year or longer. My swelling has gotten much better as I’ve been moving more, but I have days where it’s a little worse. Especially if I push myself to do more. But I always say it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ask your doctor and see what he says. I’d never broken a bone either until this and I know I’ve asked my doctor, what he probably felt, were some silly questions. But I felt better hearing the answer come out of his mouth.
And YES, did I notice the muscle atrophy. When they removed my cast and I compared my calves, my left one was about half the size of my right one. It was a little upsetting, to be honest with you. Slowly I’m building that muscle back up. Might help if I threw in some weights or something. I think part of my fear of going down stairs comes from knowing that my left leg is significantly weaker than my right, or so it seems, so I worry that it’s going to give out and I’ll fall. And I don’t want to be looking for the broken shoulder forum!!! But if you can do some leg curls or something like that on a weight machine, that would probably help.
Shalyn, what did your doctor say? Did the feeling in your leg come back? Was it just the way you had slept?
Well Tawnie, Brian, if my calculations are correct, today is your day to go see your docs. I’m hoping to hear about you guys wearing da boot!
And Kelly, yes, definitely make an appointment to see someone about your foot. I don’t know what your situation is with insurance, having to get referrals, etc., but if you can get in to see a podiatrist or an orthopedist that specializes in foot injuries, that would be the thing to do.
I’m still making progress with my recovery. I’m branching out and trying different shoes. I haven’t tried anything with too high of a heel and flip flops don’t feel very good because the strap hits right where one of my breaks was. I go to the dr next week and then I can really find out what my limitations are.
Take care, all!
September 17, 2007 at 5:33 pm
YES! 8 weeks and I am now in da boot! I walked out of the office, with crutches, lightly in place, just in case I needed them. It does feel weird in the heel, but overall it feels so good to walk and not have to rely on crutches. I am sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops, and I actually got to order and carry my food/coffee to my seat myself without hopping on one foot or doing anything silly like that. I go back in 5 weeks, and my doctor said I better be in tennis shoes all day by then. So, here we go! I will take it easy and wear the boot for a while, then slowly work up to shoes.
Kelly- I would recommend a second opinion. One reason I would say that is because of the mention of the word displacement. I can see the difference in the joint area from pre-surgery to post-surgery in my foot on the x-rays. Of course the broken bone is connected, but even the area around the joint is back in line.
Liz- I don’t know how the tension band wiring compared to the screw fixation, but it sure looks cool on the x-ray. It is quite interesting to see the technique, and it is clear to see that my doctor was the perfectionist I knew he was. It is perfectly placed and looped and everything. As of today, walking with the boot, there is no pain only a tingling feeling in the heel. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Jordan- Definitely muscle loss in that leg. It is strange, doesn’t even look like my leg. I think it will come back pretty quickly. Also, the extra swelling is often a result of extra blood being pumped to that region in the body’s attempt to heal itself. What an amazing machine the human body is!
Ed- I am looking forward to actually being able to stand in class at the board, on TWO legs, and write. Previously I would have to balance on one leg, which my balance now is amazing, at least on my right leg.
Tawnine- Any good news??
Well, to everyone hang in there! Brian
September 17, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Five, four, three, two, one…CAST OFF!!! Yeah, I received da boot. My foot is still pretty weak, I can’t quite walk without the assistance of the crutches, but I can’t wait to ditch the crutches so I am sure in no time my foot will be strong enough to walk only with the boot.
Brian, I am glad to hear you were freed as well, I can’t believe you were able to carry your Starbucks goods on your on, that is great!
Liz, beware of the flip-flops, I was wearing flip-flops when I broke my foot and the Dr. said that too many accidents happen in them. It is nice to hear of your recovery and how you are able to try out differen’t styles, keep me posted.
Here’s to baby steps in big ol huge boots!! Yipeee.
September 18, 2007 at 5:02 am
Tawnie- That is great news! Take it easy but have fun walking again!
Brian
September 18, 2007 at 8:22 am
Tawnie, Brian:
Congratulations! You are well on your way to normalcy. The boot is a burden but I found that I missed it when I was told to move into a shoe.
In terms of teaching, you can do just about
everything needed in a boot. You can stand,
write, pace up and down, and even carry most things. Be careful about carrying heavy items. Your body isn’t used to that and you don’t want to throw your back out.
There is probably a back blog but they probably are not as encouraging as folks like Liz and Tawnie are.
My life has returned to pretty much normal.
I teach my classes; no one notices the occasional hobble that I have. I don’t have the same endurance or strength for lifting that I had before the foot break, but it should return. I have no pain except when I am tired and the foot lets me
know to slow down. Stairs are no longer a problem. My surgery was on May 10 and
like many of you I wonder where the summer went.
Ed
September 18, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Ed…
I too have been teaching in a boot. I hobble and have been told to watch out for my back. Ironically, about 3 months prior to the foot break, I fell down a flight of 13 stairs, injuring my back and buising my tailbone.
I find that I’m very tired at the end of the day from the awkward walking and added weight of the boot. I have my x-ray readings tomorrow morning. Here’s hoping for some positive news. I’ve been in the boot for 7 weeks now since my injury. There has to be SOME sort of positive outcome.
September 18, 2007 at 10:11 pm
YAY!!!! Congrats to Brian & Tawnie for making the move to da boot! Ed’s right about it becoming something you’ll miss at times. It gave me my freedom back, but also a sense of security and protection for my foot. But don’t get me wrong…it’s tucked away in my closet somewhere and I’m not looking to get acquainted with again!
Shalyn, I hope you get some good news when you go to the doctor. And you’re not going to believe this. About 6 weeks before I broke my foot, I fell down the stairs too. This probably helps to explain my fear of going down stairs now with a foot that’s not 100%. I tore muscles in my chest and thank goodness the muscles had healed by the time I had to go on the crutches. But what a coincidence that you also fell. I’ve never been this much of a klutz in my entire life. But, like Brian, after this experience I also have better balance on my right foot now than I think I’ve ever had.
And don’t worry Tawnie. The flip flops are a thing of the past, at least until next summer. I’ve put them on a couple of times, but I’m not even out of the closet before they’re off. It’s just not worth it.
Alright, I’m outta here. Brian & Tawnie, remember to walk heel to toe, heel to toe. Don’t get comfortable just clomping around in your boot. Start practicing your usual walking style now.
September 18, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Mmmm, percocet is good. Think they’ll give me a lifetime supply? I haven’t left my house or my couch for that matter for 8 days now.
September 19, 2007 at 7:28 pm
well…saw the doctor today. He said that the x-ray shows (after 7 weeks) that there is no healing and no significant callus formed over the break. I’m to wear this boot for another month…then more x-rays. If no healing then, I’m off to see a specialist. I’m wondering if I should see a secialist sooner than wait another month.
Walking in this boot at school is making things very difficult, and painful. My thigh muscles feel like they’re ripping in two.
September 19, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Shalyn- I am sorry to hear that. I personally would ask to see a specialist sooner rather than later. Best of luck in whatever you decide.
Liz- I have to remind myself that all the time-heel to toe. I get in a hurry sometimes, and it is easier to just stomp away. But, I know in the future I will be glad I take the little extra time to walk correctly.
So far walking has been MUCH easier than I expected. I have little if any pain. Occassional soreness/weakness when first standing on foot again after sitting for a while. Ankle is still very stiff, so I have been trying to move/rotate it as I sit and watch tv, etc.
Well, Tawnie hope your able to enjoy a little more freedom now. It sure is nice carrying things with one’s own hands. On the down side, I see my excellent parking place fading away as it is hard to expect to park along the curb forever, especially when I get out and walk to my classroom up the stairs! :)
Josh- That stuff is pretty strong. The person who stayed with me during surgery heard the doctor wrong and thus told me wrong. Shortly after surgery I took two percocet, followed shortly by two extra strength tylenol. Ooops. And boy did I feel it. I was loopy big time. And then came a low fever. Fortunately I could tell something wasn’t right. My poor liver. I quickly put that stuff aside, read the instructions a little closer, and decided one percocet would be enough with no other medicines. Later I adjusted it to one percocet+1 advil. That seemed to work fine. By the end of the next day, I was off of the prescription stuff, not big on pills– too hard to remember to take. Anyways, be careful, enjoy the rest, and good luck with the recovery.
Well, off to bed. It is so nice sleeping without a cast on! The little things.
Brian
September 20, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Well, I have been busy! The more you practice the better it gets with the boot. My foot is sore, but I think it is one of those “no pain, no gain situations”. I spent a good part of the day outside gardening, it was great!
Josh- I enjoyed my percocet too. I have not needed anything for pain for quite some time now, but I think I will be using Advil for the soreness in my foot from walking. Percocet is gone!
Shalyn- Sorry to hear about your delay, hopefully it won’t be needed for another month. Hang in there. I would do my best to have a second opinion if it were possible because I would be so frustrated. If you can, you should.
Brian and Liz – The heel toe, heel toe is important. I keep saying over and over in my head while I walk. I can see easily devoloping a way of using the boot to walk without actually benefiting the healing of the foot. It is almost like a bionic foot! Well, that may be an exaggeration but I’m goin with it.
Ed, I hope you are near the end, you deserve to boot the boot!
Here’s to getting stronger!
Tawnie
September 23, 2007 at 11:37 am
Three more weeks to go until my x-ray. I’m still not allowed any pressure or weight on the foot, but I do get to take the boot off when I’m not crutching or hopping around.
I’ve been trying to stay active, and have made a video showing how I do some of my yoga practice (my sun salutations) without using my foot. If anyone is interested, it’s on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KguJMupwEgA and is only about 2 minutes long. Let me know what you think.
If anyone knows of any links with exercise ideas for the foot impaired please share! I really need to stay active to feel normal and am easily bored by exercise so I need something interesting to keep me going.
I can’t wait to join all of you that are learning to walk again!
PS. Those health insurance claims are coming in! It’s like a full-time job making sense of them.
-Jordan
September 24, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Hi!
My story:
July 26th, my band was playing a show, i sing, and i went to jump and came down on my ankle.
I ended up with a jones fracture to the 5th metarasal.
It’s been 2 month’s since i’ve been in a cast and crutches. I went back to the orthopedic place 2 weeks ago and there has been no bone growth.
He then gave me a bone stimulator and for the past 2 weeks i have been using it.
I got back in 2 days to see if their has been any more bone growth, if their hasn’t then i have to get surgery. I hope it doesn’t come down to that.
I give credit to everyone on this board who has expierenced this fracture. It’s not easy walking on crutches for 10 weeks and not walking.
September 25, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Jordan, your video is great you look so graceful it gives me hope! I have had the boot now for a little over a week and have started putting pressure on my foot without the boot, just to see if I can transission into walking. I limp and my foot swells, but it does seem to get stronger. I do a massage on my foot and leg and that also seems to help. I am going to try the yoga, I will let you know how it goes. Thanks.
Allan, be prepared to have the surgery it seems that everyone ends up having to get it done. Keep us posted on what your Dr. says.
Hope everyone is doing well, what a year! Tawnie
September 26, 2007 at 11:28 am
Allan, did you finish the show? At least you have a good story for how you broke it. Good luck with healing! In my experience the surgery was not bad at all, and I was pretty nervous about it. Let us know what happens.
Tawnie, are you still walking with crutches? I’m just wondering how long it takes to make that transition. A massage therapist friend of mine told me that massaging the foot in the direction of the heart will help reduce scar tissue which she said will be important later on in the healing process. I’ve been doing that and it does seem to help (I do a pretty light massage around the broken area). Yoga will definitely strengthen your feet and ankles, just be careful as you’re still healing not to push yourself. In yoga, “no pain no pain” does not apply! So if anything hurts as you practice (especially in your foot), back off! Let me know how it goes.
I’ve got 2 weeks to go until my x-ray and transition to weight-bearing in the boot. Tomorrow I start “walking” in waist-deep water at the pool, as per my doctor’s instructions.
Anyone have any good Halloween costume ideas for those of us on crutches/in a cast/in a boot?
-Jordan
September 26, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Jordan, I am not using the crutches with the boot. It takes some practice, but the trasition is pretty easy. It helps me to focus on putting pressure on the heel and ending with the toe, while walking in the boot. You will probably feel pain in your toes and your foot in general as you start walking in the boot and it will catch you by surprise, in my situation each time I used it the pain lessened, however my foot does hurt by the end of the day and needs a good rest throughout. I have not tried yoga yet, I am going to start this weekend. I will use your video for the poses and position of my foot, I love to stretch (and yes without pain!) My husband thinks a pirate would be a good halloween costume to work in crutches and boot, or a ski instructor ( we live near a ski resort) I let you know if we have any good ideas, I’m sure there is something really creative.
Today I drove my car for the first time in eight weeks, things are definately looking up!
Tawnie
September 27, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Hey there, my fellow broke foot buddies!
Well I went to the dr yesterday. The timing was actually pretty good. We’re doing some remodeling at home so I had really done a lot over the weekend and my foot has been reminding me about it ever since. It’s been a little sore and I’ve had more swelling than I’ve had in awhile. So I had more questions for the dr than I normally would’ve had.
I asked him point blank, if my foot would ever feel “normal” again. I think I had tears in my eyes when I said it! He told me yes, but that it might be a year or so before it did. I didn’t like the year part, but knowing that some day it would be normal was good. He said I’d probably just start realizing that hey, a month ago when I tried to do this or that, it bothered me. Now it doesn’t. It’s not like one day I’ll just pop out of bed and it’ll feel like my old foot again. So obviously I conveyed this message to my husband and reminded him that since this was partially his fault that I broke my foot, he’d be paying for another 9 months or so.
I still have that feeling like there’s a knot on the bottom of my foot. It’s especially noticible when it’s swollen. I asked about this too. The dr didn’t really say exactly what it was, but said that my foot was still healing. The x-rays look great, but there is one part of my bone that still shows some hollowing. This isn’t bad, but it just means there’s still more healing necessary. Because I crushed the bone, the circulation isn’t the same as it was before, so it’s going to take a little longer to heal.
He also recommended that I be fitted for an orthotic insert. I’m none too happy about this development. He said it’s mainly for exercising. Since I need more support and stability on the outside edge of my foot, he thinks this will be beneficial. I’m not sure that I’m going to do it though. Depends on how much it’s going to cost because I don’t think my insurance will cover it. And I can’t wear that big ugly thing with sandals. I’ll have to get bigger shoes. The whole idea just really ticked me off. So hubby dealt with hearing about that last night too!
And lastly, I wore a pair of sandals yesterday with about a 2 1/2 inch heel. I did pretty good, but by the time I got home last night, my foot was almost as swollen as it was before I had surgery. It was bad. So I iced it down, put it up, etc. By this morning it was fine. I’m back in tennis shoes for a couple of days, but hey, I did it!
Brian – keep up the ankle rotations and such. Mine was super stiff too for quite awhile. But you know, it’s like the dr said, I just flexed/pointed my foot and my ankle doesn’t bother me anymore. Wonder when that stopped?
Tawnie – congrats on driving! I notice too that when I push myself to do a little more, then the next time it’s not as bad. There shouldn’t be too much pain (no pain, no gain isn’t completely true), but even the doctor agreed that that’s really what physical therapy is. Pushing yourself to do a little bit more each time, dealing with a little pain but not too much, and then getting back to normal. It’s all in how much you want it and how much time you want to put into it.
Jordan, I’ll have to check out your yoga video this weekend. If you come up with any other exercises of interest, feel free to pass them along!
Allan, great story about how you broke your foot. Sorry you had to join us, but glad you’re here!
And Josh, dude, enjoy the percocet for me! I only had vicodin and I was wierd about even wanting to take much of that. I’m not big on meds either, but I sure took enough of it when I needed it to get me out of pain!
Alright y’all, gotta get back to work. Take care!
Liz
September 27, 2007 at 7:25 pm
So today I walked in a pool for the first time! I’m still not allowed to bear any weight on the foot for another 2 weeks until my next x-ray, but the doctor said I could walk in waist-deep or higher water starting today. It was much more difficult than I expected!
I started in chest-deep water and found that I was resisting putting weight on the foot. Once I could stand comfortably I started walking…it felt like pins and needles in the heel and ball of the foot and it was difficult to balance even in the water. I could only take small steps…when I tried to take anything close to my normal stride it didn’t work. It’s been almost 6 weeks since the break, and I haven’t put any weight or pressure on the foot so I guess I’ve lost lots of muscle in the foot and ankle, not to mention the calf. I’ve also lost lots of flexibility, so when I push off to walk the ankle hurts. My toes don’t curl or spread anything like they used to. Anyway I hope it’s a good sign that the pain was not near the break, but everywhere else in the foot!
Hopefully tomorrow will be easier…today was a little discouraging even though it did feel good to attempt walking again. I wonder if walking in the boot (once I get there) will be easier, since the foot won’t really move at all so the flexibility won’t be as much of an issue?
-Jordan
September 27, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Well, I am back! I have so busy “running” around. haha I am moving quite well these days. Around my place I walk without the boot, and on Monday of next week I will teach without it, but will wear it to school just to be safe. So far, no pain. The incision was the only area that was bothering me, but the scab has completely gone away, and the new skin looks good. I feel that “knot” on the bottom of the foot under the spot of the break. It is weird, doesn’t hurt, just feels strange. Still walk awkward when not in the boot, but I know flexibility is an issue as well as muscle loss.
Jordan- The pins and needles is exactly what I felt when I walked out of the doctor’s office for the first time after getting the boot. It subsided after a while. For a couple days, that feeling would return when I would first place weight on that foot after having been sitting for a while, especially in the morning when waking up. The good news is, I no longer have that feeling. In fact, I have no pain at all at this time.
Tawnie- I am so glad you are driving again. I could not imagine having been without my car all this time. It seemed the car was one place I was “normal” because I was able to drive with my right foot. Have fun, and keep walking!
Liz- I do hope your return to “normalcy” is quicker than a year. Regardless, anytime you might get discouraged, think back to the the days with the leg in the air with the big, huge cast following surgery. That should cheer ya up a bit!?
Josh- Any word?
Well, I am going to get ready for bed. Friday mornings are early mornings for me– drama club at school. Fun times! At least I can walk in there and walk out. I will never take that for granite again.
brian
September 28, 2007 at 9:40 am
Josh, are you out there? Josh? Josh, put the percocet down and step away from the bottle. ;o)
I had to go to a middle school football game yesterday (my daughter is a cheerleader) and it was raining. I had to walk on all kinds of slippery, muddy and uneven surfaces. I was SO nervous. For one, I didn’t want to break my foot again and two, I didn’t want to bust my butt in front of everyone! I just took it slow and easy, saying a little prayer with every step!! lol Before this break, I never would’ve given it a second thought. Talk about just one more thing I’ll never take for granted either!
Jordan – don’t let yourself feel discouraged. Even though you’ve always been super active, this is something you don’t want to rush. It takes time for your body to heal, and it’s not going to let you push things too far without giving you some warning signals to slow it down or stop all together. So push yourself a little, but not too far to where you end up setting your progress back. You’ll be fine and just know that we’ve all experienced the sensations, muscle loss, etc. It’s frustrating as hell, but it’s all part of the process. You’ve been really positive up to this point, so keep your chin up, chickie!! And yes, you will be amazed at how much easier life will be with da boot.
Liz
September 29, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Ha, I’m here… Had my post op appt. last week. X-rays looked as expected and back in a cast for another 3 long weeks! Hope to go back to the boot Oct 17th and start walking again. To tell you the truth, I can’t believe the problems/pain/discomfort some people are having walking afterwards. I know I shouldn’t, but sometimes put my weight on my casted foot with no problems… I was walking on my foot pre-surgery too. Ahh, the 2 weeks off work was alright, but got extremely boring and am glad to be going back to work! Went to the gym again for the first time in 3 weeks too. It’s hard going from extremely active to basically sedentary.
September 29, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Hey Josh, just be careful. Lack of pain is not a sign of strength of bone. Before the surgery I walked on my foot too. In fact, in Spain, where I broke my foot, I walked around the night I broke it, walked on the beach, and drove a manual transmission pushing the clutch in with the broken foot. But, obviously, that wasn’t a sign of an “ok” foot. I followed the doc’s advice- 8 weeks post-op with no weight bearing, and now I am happy because today I went all over town with no boot–two tennis shoes! It was nice. Ankle is weak, but growing in sterngth. Take care, and it’ll be here before you know it!
Brian
September 29, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Thanks for your encouragement Liz! I just have to remember it’s a journey. Maybe a longer more frustrating journey than I hoped but still a journey!
I’ve been walking in the pool for a couple more days now, and I’m feeling some really weird sensations. After the first day the pins and needles went away. Now what I feel is a pulling sensation of pain below my anklebone when I push off of the foot to take a step. Anyone else experience that? I’m trying to get some phone time with my doctor but you know how hard that can be. I wonder if it could be scar tissue or something. Any pain in my foot is always as I push off of it in my stride. So for now I’m just taking little tiny steps so I can always have both feet on the ground and not have to push off too much, even though I’m only in the pool. It helps to not have the pain in the foot if I take little steps. It’s hard to tell whether the pain is just muscle or ligament stretching or coming back, or if it’s something to be more wary of. I’ll let you know what my doctor says when I can finally talk to him.
Also wondering, what did you all do to strengthen your calf back up? Now that I can put a little pressure on the foot I’m doing heel raises in the pool, and just pushing the ball of my foot against my hand as I sit and engaging the calf. Any other ideas?
Congratulations to everyone making progress!
-Jordan
September 30, 2007 at 9:54 am
Glad to hear that everyone is making progress….one step at a time.
Still in the boot until the end of October. I’m seriously considering calling my doctor and asking for an early referral to a specialist. 2 months with no healing concerns me.
September 30, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Jordan- My poor calf muscle was shot when I finally got out of the cast, 8 weeks post-op, plus almost 3 weeks pre-op traveling back from Spain and waiting for surgery. I am happy to say that within the last two days I have been walking with tennis shoes, and the build-up of muscle even in those two days has been amazing. I don’t think it will take long to get it back. As for the pain when pushing off, I still struggle with rolling onto toe to push off. It is gradually getting better, not much pain, just very stiff. First few steps down the stairs and I thought I was about to snap something. I realized quickly that I couldn’t go down as fast as I used to. In fact, I could go down much faster in the boot because of the curved bottom. Things are getting better though, that is for sure. I was feeling some strange popping around the base of the ankle, but that seems to be gone.
Shalyn- If you are concerned, I would most definitely request a refferal to a specialist. If I had followed the ER docs in Spain, even the tramuatologist who specialized in fractures, I would have probably been having surgery last week. He told me eight weeks in a cast, and it would heal. I am thankful I was encouraged to go visit an ortho. specialist because I am now walking again. Good luck in whatever you decide!
Well, happy Sunday to all!
Brian
September 30, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Josh – my bone was crushed and I managed to walk into the ER on my own…in flip flops. And walking in the boot was a breeze! I would imagine it depends on the extent of your break and the location w/in your foot, but I’d expect a little pain during your recovery.
Jordan – Calf muscle was shot after everything. Just getting back to my normal daily activities has helped build it back up. I’ve wanted to do heel raises, but have been afraid to. But now that I’m branching out in my activities, I’m going to have to try it. My dr suggested taking it slow…bike riding first, eliptical machine, treadmill, etc. The pool idea is something he didn’t mention, but I think it sounds good.
Liz
October 1, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Jordan -i’m sorry to hear about your calf. Glad it’s getting built back up.
Also thanks liz for the words of encouragment.
Yea i finished the show, but was in extreme pain after.
So i went back to my doctor and he said that there has been a little bone growth but not much. He said that he thinks it will fill in. He said i could’ve got surgery or i could wait another 3 weeks.
I decided to wait another 3 weeks and take calcium pills and use my bone stimulator.
I will know on Oct 17th if i need to get surgery.
October 2, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Wow, I am feeling it now! I have been walking in shoes all the time for a couple days, and I am fine, except when I try to walk heel to toe. I am still doing it, but when I go to roll onto the ball of my foot, it hurts around the joint area. Maybe I overdid it, or maybe it’s just normal for healing, I don’t know. It certainly is nice to be walking though.
Liz, Ed– Sound familiar? Did you have pain in the joint area along the top part of the foot? Were you able to stand on your toes at all, or was that a little to painful? Anyways, Hope you are both doing well.
Brian
October 3, 2007 at 7:57 am
Brian, how are you walking if not heel to toe? This may be a stupid question, but I hopefully will start walking in my boot next week and then the answer may be obvious. As I’m walking in the pool I find I’m taking much smaller steps than usual, and have to remind myself to push off with the toes. But this is only in water where there’s not much pressure on the foot.
So, what is your walk like these days? Also, for those walking, are you having any trouble with the balance? I find standing in the pool tough on the balance because the muscles in my foot are shot.
Thanks!
-Jordan
October 3, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Brian – yes, I had a lot of pain at first in the top part of my foot. It just took some time to work it out. I didn’t try standing on my tip toes at all until I finally branched out a few weeks ago and put on a pair of heeled sandals. Now I’m sure you’re not going to bust out a pair of high heeled pumps to head off to work, but standing on the ball of your foot is basically the same thing. After that day of wearing the heels, I paid dearly with swelling and some pain. I was back in tennis shoes for a week! But I feel now like I could do it again. And just like with physical therapy, you push yourself a little, have to recover, push yourself a little more, recover a little more. It’s a process. It will get better. It may take a month or so, but just keep doing ankle rotations, flexing your foot, walking heel to toe, maybe apply some ice at the end of the day if it’s bothering you. I think this part of the healing process is pretty frustrating because you’re mobile again and want to be back to your old self. But then there’s that foot….it just won’t act like it used to!
Jordan, I don’t remember a lot of trouble with my balance post-cast/crutches. I had trouble with it when I was on the crutches though! I think I actually came off of them with better balance in some ways. I did experience challenges with things like stairs, stepping off a curb, or anything where I’d normally use my left foot first. Not because of the break/surgery, but because the muscle was shot and I knew it. Some of my issues, I think, were mental just because my head was telling me “you’re gonna fall if you try that.” You’ll get it back pretty quickly though. I think part of it could be the weightlessness of the pool too.
Oh, and I’m sure Brian would agree that walking in the boot can easily become clomping around in the boot. It’s big, you’re back on 2 feet again, and it’s just easy to get going and then realize that you’re walking like Frankenstein or something. And after the boot when you get into a shoe, you really have to make a conscious effort to walk correctly and not drag your foot or limp. It’s crazy.
Take care!
Liz
October 3, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Brian, Liz, Shalyn, Jordan, Josh and Everyone else:
I don’t recall the pain in the toe joint area. My leg still goes stiff-legged as it was in the boot when I am tired or in unfamiliar surroundings.
My wife has me going to craft fairs; she calls it “shopping therapy”.
My energy level has returned a bit and so has my strength to lift things.
My foot is no longer the center of my life.
Hopefully, each of the bloggers can say the same soon.
Ed
October 4, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hey all!
I finally got fed up today. Called the doctor and fortunately got to see him today. He’s referred me to a fracture specialist, took more x-rays and wants me in a knee-high boot.
I went to be fitted for a new boot. The woman at the store said that the tall boots are usually for ankle injuries and that for foot injuries they use a short boot.
When trying on the tall boot (as the doctor recommended), my ankle and leg were fully supported but when I walked, the bottom of the boot felt like a squishy pillow. I don’t know…but I think that to keep the foot stable, the base of the interior boot should be firm. ?? The store didn’t have short boots in stock or I would have tried one of those.
**frustrated***
Does anyone out there have an aircast? Tall or short?
I should here from the x-rays/specialist referral by Tuesday. argh!!
~S.
October 4, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Jordan, I am walking heal to toe, but it does hurt. It is much less painful to walk flat footed, like place heal down, then, instead of rocking forward onto the ball of the foot, just pick-up foot. It is really hard to explain, and I can almost pull it off without anyone noticing the limp. I am working it though, and it seems like it’s getting better. As for the boot, I didn’t have too much trouble with walking heel-toe in it because the bottom of the boot was slightly rounded. I found it pretty easy to rock it.
Liz, Ya, no heels for me. haha When I mentioned standing on toes, I really was speaking more of the ball of the foot. That is when I feel the pain. I feel some improvement over the past day or so. Of course I am only 2 and 1/2 weeks off crutches, so I guess I have to be patient. I do enjoy walking again and carrying things.
Ed, if you see this, enjoy life, you deserve it afer all of this. Happy walking.
Take care! Brian
October 5, 2007 at 8:13 pm
hello all.. boy the site is active im sorry to say.. some good and bad.. Congrads to the recoveries and sympathy for the ailing. Well, had my appointment today.. been 10 months since I broke my foot and I have been upgraded to a cane and surgical stockings for swelling. There has hardly been much healing to the surgical site.. cant walk on anything but level ground and no steps(not too far). Still have numbness and pain. My foot mobility is very limited and the screw head is protruding too far making me to use spacers in my shoe to not rub the thin layer of skin through,exposing the head of screw. The doctor is leaning towards removing the screw after the holidays IF the bone heals. Then it would be considered a stress fracture again.. so a second recovery. If not then I will have to wear special shoes. Im keeping upbeat, least I have my foot, may not work right but least I have it. To all new bloggers, dont scare yourself of my case, it is abnormal due to a hospital misdiagnois/negligence. Everybody hang in there…dont get down, i know its hard but we will survive :-) At least I tell myself this haha..Good luck to ALL!!
October 6, 2007 at 7:34 am
Christie, I am sorry to hear that. I do hope the healing does take place, so that you will be able to have the screw removed. I can feel the “hardware” in my foot alond the outside of my foot, but it doesn’t hurt. It just feels strange. I had a tension-band wiring procedure done, as opposed to the screw. My doctor said the part of the bone that was separated was not large enough to make a screw the best option for repair. So, instead it was a metal plate, with some wiring. So far, it seems to be working very well. 10 weeks post-op and walking. Still pain in pushing off with ball of foot, but getting better. Hang in there!
October 8, 2007 at 10:11 am
Hi,
It is good to see so many intresting stories.
I have a same 5 th metatarsal fracture and I am on cast still.My doctor suggested boot.But had so much pain walking with the boot on.It is quite heavy to sleep with.I decided to stay on cast and walk with clutches till my next doctor appointment.It is been 2 weeks.My doctor told me it is going to take 8 weeks to heal.
I am not allowed to drive .It is such a frustating situation.I am not sure how everybody is doing with their work.Temoporarily i am working from home.I am not sure how many days i will be doing that.Hope it ends soon.
October 9, 2007 at 11:12 am
Shalyn,
What did the specialist say? I have a short aircast but haven’t been walking on it yet…I’m still non-weightbearing. I have a friend who also broke his fifth metatarsil, although his is not a Jones fracture. He’s actually in a tall aircast boot. So I guess it depends on your particular break. As I understand it, my friend is in a tall boot and is not allowed to move his foot at all, so he has to wear it all the time. I am in a short boot and am encouraged to take it off frequently and move my foot, since the screw is holding the bone in place. Anyway I hope you find a boot that helps you!
Brian, thanks for explaining the walk. That sounds like how I’m walking in the water…I have a lot of trouble pushing off unless I’m in water up to my chin! I get an x-ray this thursday and hopefully will be allowed to bear weight in the boot at that point…I’m glad to hear the rounded bottom will make walking a little easier. I pretty much live m y life barefoot since I teach yoga so I’m hoping I’ll be able to walk normally in my own bare feet sooner than later.
Just curious if anyone who is recovering has tried MBT sneakers? They have a rounded sole…I used to wear mine a lot before I broke my foot and love them, but since they are supposed to simulate walking barefoot I’m not sure if they’d be recommended to go to right away once I’m out of the boot.
Good luck to all!
-Jordan
October 9, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Jordan, not to discourage you, but the barefoot walking may take a little longer. That’s the one thing I still find that bothers me and I’m about 4 months post-op. It’s not really, really bad anymore. It just feels different. My left foot doesn’t go as flat as my right foot does. It’s hard to explain, but if you experience the same thing then you’ll know what I’m talking about.
I’ve always been one to run around the house barefoot, but I’m finding that putting on my tennis shoes while I’m doing housework or if I’m in the kitchen cooking for any extended amount of time, gives me the comfort and support I still need.
I’m not familiar with MBT sneakers, but if they still give you support and are comfortable (once you get to the sneaker stage of your recovery), then they’re probably ok. Once your x-rays show the healing has taken place and the doc gives you the green light, you’ll just have to listen to your foot a little. It’s going to let you know when you’re doing something wrong. Like my dr said, that’s when you stop what you were doing….if you keep on, then that’s when you’ll re-injure it.
Liz
October 9, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Hey Brian,
Your procedure sounds like it would of done better with my break than the screws. Im gonna bring that up with my doctor to see if that could be a possibility in his eyes. I have had others suggest also to saw the head of the screw off since the bone pieces that were placed in the vacant area of the break havent shown healing to keep the bone sound. I am so glad your recovery is coming along. This site really helps me with knowing others that are going through the same scenerios of sorts. It has helped me tremendously with info and guidance as well as hope. Here everyone understands the frustration, anxiety . etc… Wish you all the best!!
Christie
October 9, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Hi Everyone, it has been awhile just thought I would check in. My next Dr. appt is on 10/22. I am still using the boot in order to move quickly, and wearing tennis shoes when I don’t mind limping and moving slow. My foot is definately not the same, I can’t believe how long it takes to get back to normal. I am doing everything, it is just not the same! The fall weather is nice works well with the boot and tennis shoes. Some day we will all be posting our full recoveries and limpless strides. Oh yeah, Frankenstein would be an excellent costume with the boot. Tawnie
October 10, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Hi Friends,
I sustained a fracture on my 5th metatarsal on 19th Sep. I was on Plaster for about 16 days and since the pain was no longer there..i got it removed. The doctor has asked me to be on bandages for the next one month. I’m able to walk now with no support but still have minimal pain. Moreover, i’m a runner. The only concern i have is that will i be able to run again. Currently i have been asked not to run for a period of 2 months. Please advice.
Thanks
October 10, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Liz,
I know exactly what you mean about the foot not going flat. I experience that when I walk in the swimming pool. I’ve been walking in the pool daily for the past two weeks and it’s improved a lot…at first I couldn’t even get my toes to go down but now I can. I’m expecting the walking on land to go about the same. I can really feel how weak my ankles have gotten.
This is something that’s helped me and might be helpful to others who are learning to walk again. In yoga we talk about grounding through the four corners of your feet evenly. Basically you want even weight on the inner and outer ball of each foot, and the inner and outer heel. The arches should feel a sense of lift. Once you’ve got that you lift your toes and carefully spread them apart, then put your big toes down first, then the little toes, then the rest of the toes. You can do this seated with your feet flat on the floor or standing. I’m finding it really helpful in regaining some balance and strength in the foot.
Thanks,
Jordan
October 11, 2007 at 12:30 pm
6 weeks post-surgery and today I’m off the crutches! My x-ray showed very good healing. I couldn’t see the break at all looking at the x-ray and my doctor said he could barely see it. So now I’m instructed to walk in the aircast boot for the next 4 weeks. At that point he expects I’ll be able to walk comfortably barefoot.
I took my first couple steps using the crutches for support, but once I got out to my car I ditched the crutches and took a walk without them. It was nice! He said I’ll be feeling lots of weird sensations in my foot and should be aware if I feel any intensifying pain at the break site that that’s bad, but most other pain is muscular or something that can be walked out. I’ve also been given the green light to stand in barefeet and do yoga without the cast. He says I should also continue swimming and doing whatever exercises I want to in the pool, including heel raises to strengthen the calf.
I also found out the screw in my foot is stainless steel and could set off metal detectors.
Off and walking! (lurching at this point)…
-Jordan
October 11, 2007 at 10:42 pm
I finally have an appointment with the surgeon/specialist on Wed of next week. I’m excited at finally having something done to create ANY sort of healing (it’s been 2 and a half months and last weeks x-rays show that there is still no healing). I’m nervous though at what may need to be done.
I haven’t purchased a new boot yet as I want to wait to see what the doc has to say first. Been using the old boot. The velcro on the strap is wearing down and the sole of the boot is starting to fall apart. ick.
Also felt throbbing pain at the break site today for the first time since the initial week after the break. I was at work but thankfully in the staff room and able to put my foot up. I’m wondering if my job (I’m a teacher and on my feet all day) has been a factor in the lack of healing?
Will keep you posted. I’m going to take my crutches to the surgeon with me, in case he wants to plaster cast the foot. Could be interesting.
October 12, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I am facing surgery for torn peroneal tendons in my left foot. Do you know of ANY sites that explain it step by step, that let me know how long my hospital stay will be. or anything concerning this>>
October 13, 2007 at 1:41 am
According to my doctors, I have won the “fracture trifecta”. On September 4th, I fell and broke my 5th metatarsal, my distal fibula and (worst of all) – my calcaneus. Basically, the heel was broken in half. Surgery at Scripps was done after some initial observation, but the heel fixation failed and surgery had to be repeated 9 days later. My question is on how much pain a healing fracture should have. I am in a wheelchair and absolutely non-weightbearing. But, I am having excruciating pains in both my metatarsal and calcaneus area. They seem to come from out of the blue…but they are agonizing. How much pain should I be having three weeks post surgery? Or are the stabbing pains signs of healing??? Thank you in advance!!!
October 13, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Just wondering for those of you walking in the aircast boot, how’s the pain? I’ve only been walking for a couple of days now in the boot, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. I feel pain in the heel and around the ankle, and sometimes around the break site which I take as a sign to rest. I’m hoping it gets easier after a week or so…I’m supposed to walk in the aircast for 4 weeks then get another x-ray and hopefully move to shoes and bare feet.
Just wondering what sorts of pain anyone else experienced when they started walking again.
Thanks,
Jordan
October 13, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Chana, Sorry to hear you are having pain. Sounds like you had a pretty in-depth procedure. I do recall having a period of “strange” pains, and I remember it was surprising to me because it came 3-4 weeks post-op. It wasn’t a constant pain, rather more of a comes-and-goes pain. I do hope it lessens for you. I encourage you to call your doctor if you are ever concerned. I called on different occassions and was comforted by the answers I got from the nurse. Most of the issues I called with were normal.
Jordan, I hate to tell ya, but I still have pain in the foot along the area of the joint, which crosses the foot. I think you are walking a little sooner in a cast than I did, so I would imagine your level of discomfort would have been lesser if you were in a cast, non-weight bearing, a couple more weeks. I do remember the pain was most intense in the heel, at times, more of a tingling feeling. Keep working on it, and as you said, listen to your foot. On a positive note, I was able to walk barefoot very soon after getting into the boot. It doesn’t hurt, unless I push off with my toes. Well, best of luck.
October 14, 2007 at 8:23 am
Fellow Bloggers:
I went back to the Dr. on Thursday and he
pronounced me healed and said that I didn’t have to return unless I felt pain. This was
4 months post-op.
To celebrate I played my first game of Bocce
on Saturday without a problem and put on the same slippers that were on when I broke my foot.
Does my affected foot feel the same as my
unaffected foot? No! The Dr. indicated that will happen as some point but it may be a while yet. Do I still limp especially when I am tired? Yes! I need to work on this.
I read your blog entries and try to remember when what the foot felt like at various stages of the healing. The memory
is fleeting and it is great that we have a written record in this Blog so that others can ascertain what is normal.
Jordan, I am pleased about how quickly you are returning to wellness. The use of water therapy is interesting and I wish that I had done this.
Brian, the “come and goes” feelings I think are normal even now.
Take care,
Ed
October 14, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Sounds like those of us who are well in to our post ops are slowly getting better. I am attempting a bit of mobile normalcy as often as I can. I have found that if I try not to think about it and just start walking like I use to that I can do it, and for longer periods of time. I definately limp when I am tired or trying too hard not to! My boot is now used as armor if needed (things can get a little rough in the mountains ha ha). When I am out and about I feel so fragile, I am sure you all know what I mean.
My scar seems to be one of the most sensitive areas now, my toes are getting stronger. I do feel the pains that Brian and Ed mentioned.
Jordan, It is great that you are able to do the water therapy, and your yoga skills will probably expedite things for you. The pains, I believe, are due to the foot getting use to moving again. In my case it did get better it’s just the whole thing about the foot not being up to par that seems to take a long time.
Ed, I can’t believe you put the same slippers on that you had when you broke your foot. You are brave! I have thrown out my flip flops that I was in on that dreaded day ha ha.
Brian, I think walking barefoot is good practice for the pushing off of the toes, it helped me.
Shailyn, you are a real trooper. I hope everything goes well. My boot is looking pretty warped too. Good luck.
Chana, I can’t imagine what you are going through. If the pain you are experiencing is anything like mine was after surgery (yours would be three times that) you need to make sure you stay on top of your pain meds and it should subside within a week or two. Good luck.
Brian and Ed sounds like we are in the same boat, or shall I say boot.
Take Care, Tawnie
October 15, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Hi all!
I really don’t have anything new to report. I’m at just over 4 months post op and I think things are about as normal at this point as I should expect. I still limp and/or experience a little swelling if I over do it, but otherwise I rarely have any pain. I haven’t tried running or jumping, or spending an extended amount of time in anything other than tennis shoes or flat sandals. I’m getting ready to start doing some walking and very low impact aerobics as part of an effort to lose some weight, so we’ll see how that goes!
Tawnie, it’s funny that you mentioned the sensitivity around your scar. I had the same thing. I don’t have it anymore (first time I’d really paid attention to it in a few weeks) so I think yours may subside as well. Even this far out from surgery though, my foot still feels “fragile”. According to my dr though, once it’s completely healed (a year or so) the bone should actually be stronger than it was before.
Ed, I’m glad to hear you’re back on track again and I’m proud of you for putting on the same slippers and getting back out there and doing the same activity. I was barefoot when I broke mine. I haven’t tried getting back on our boat though, so when I do that, I’ll probably handle it a little differently!
Chana, your break just sounds scary painful. Hopefully if you stay on top of your meds, rest and then follow your doc’s instructions, you’ll be back on both feet soon. The pains around your 5th met may definitely be the pains we all experienced during the intial healing. It’s pretty wierd and catches you off guard sometimes. But like Brian said, and I’ve preached many times, if you have questions ask your dr’s office. That’s what they’re there for and they need to help ease your mind. You’ve never been through this before, so they will expect you to ask questions.
And Ed hit the nail on the head…isn’t it interesting that the further along we get in our healing, the more we forget about the little pains, strange feelings and some of the details of this ordeal we’ve all been through? At the time it was going on, nothing was a bigger deal. But now it’s becoming a bad memory…hopefully just a memory and not anything any of us will go through again!
Shalyn, hang in there, girl. You’ve been on this board as long as I have and I’m so sorry to hear that you still haven’t experienced any healing. Hopefully this new doctor will get on the stick and get you on the road to recovery. Yeah, you may have to have surgery, but look at all of the wonderful blog entries you have to read on here during your recovery! lol I think we’ve run the gammut on just about every feeling and experience of a 5th met break. It’s been good though. As silly as my husband thinks this is, you all have been a great support system during this ordeal.
Have a great week!
Liz
October 15, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Ooops…I forgot about Josh. Josh, you’re about due for a boot sometime this week, aren’t you? If you read this, give us an update and let us know how you’re doing!
Liz
October 16, 2007 at 1:42 am
Yep, have my next set of glamour shots on friday. Hope they come out a bit better 6 weeks post-op. Looking forward to getting this f’n cast off finally and back on my feet.
October 16, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Hi Liz, I am starting to go for walks this week too. Walking has always been my form of excersize, and there is a beautiful bike path near where I live, so I can’t wait to get back out there. I am going to use walking poles, I don’t know if it is something you would be interested in, but they sell them at the sporting goods stores and can be very helpful.
Josh, hope you get out of the f’n cast! Tawnie
October 16, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Has anyone heard of taking Symphytum or Comfrey for fractures? There’s a student teacher at my school who is also a homeopathic doctor. She gave me some Symphytum. I’m a little weary of taking it. Going to see what the surgeon says tomorrow.
Is it normal to be THIS EXCITED about seeing a surgeon??? I’m just happy that I’ll finally have some progress with this.
~Shalyn
October 17, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Back from the hospital. Verdict?…6 more weeks in the boot. He didn’t do ANYTHING!!! I was so upset that there is nothing to do!! Just keep walking in the awful boot.
WELL…my boot is beyond repair. Some of the tread has fallen off the bottom and the boot is taking on water. The velcro doesn’t hold anymore and I can just about pull my whole foot out of the boot with very little force. I went to Shopper’s Home Health Care today to order an aircast short boot. Let’s hope it comes in soon. I need some support for this foot. I’m sure that wobbling around in the rickity boot is not helping the healing factor.
sorry…just needed to vent.
~Shalyn