Or any medical peeps willing to offer their thoughts?

Almost 7 weeks ago, I broke my fifth metatarsal. At four weeks, I had an appointment at the fracture clinic and after an (very brief) examination and x-ray, I was told it was healing well and that I could start walking without the moon boot, as pain allowed (I already had been a little bit in the house). The consultant did comment mention it was still quite swollen, obviously I was aware of that, but he didn't elaborate, so I assumed it was not a major concern.

Thing is, I am now 3 weeks on from that appointment and the swelling just doesn't seem to be going down. I'm not due to go back to the hospital again, just physio in a couple of weeks, so in the meantime, I was just interested to hear of other people's experiences (or professional input) with regards the swelling. I know everybody is different, but I am a little concerned it doesn't seem to be going down after all this time.

Thanks in advance for any helpful input.

 

I imagine it must have set right , aligned and stuff .from xray .

I broke the three toes across the middle. I didn't do anything for a few days, just thought it was swollen ( never bust anything before) . Then went doc who referred me

My swelling went down from the time I finished with the boot I'd say. ( same sort time scale as you)

 

All I'll say to you is be prepared for about 2yrs of grief from it, mine is almost 2yrs to the day and I still know it's there, I'm generally a good healer but this has probably been my worst injury and I've had quite a few, when it happens to footballers it can be career ending.

It's a real pain of an injury and you'll just have to learn to live with it for a while I'm afraid, make sure you stretch your achilles tendon and keep doing circles with your ankle in both directions and tip toe but it will be a while before you can do that with any weight on it.

Mine still bothers me if I'm on it too long, I have just got back into walking but still taking it easy, I used to do 5 /6 miles a day I can cope with 2 miles now but not every day without any major problems.

My advice, take it easy and don't try to rush it, listen to your injury.

 

As for the swelling, stay on your **** with your foot in the air for like a week, I'm sure micky will love that.

 

I don't suppose you have a copy of the x ray Lisa?

 

I broke a bone in my ankle about 15 years ago, it gives me grief during very cold weather still

 

I have a really old shoulder injury that's the same.

 

I am 2 months into recovery from a fall which saw my heel fractured into several pieces. I am walking , but only just, with an aircast boot. Consultant wants me to wear it for another 4-6 weeks building up my walking. I don't know what the future holds re total recovery , I am being positive given the outcome if I hadn't landed on my feet.

Re swelling keep your foot above heart level Also icing (bag of covered frozenn peas 3 or 4 times a day) If you can try as best you can with mobility, range of movement exercises. Research the internet for similar injuries and physio exercises. Time is the best healer but foot injuries can take a long while as I am finding out

 

What a surprise old elephant bag has done it

 

I wouldn't worry about the swelling too much, probably just soft tissue.
I broke my foot 14 months ago playing football (Two rear studs into the top of my foot) I too was in an air cast for weeks after, even now walking barefoot is far more painful than it should be but that could also be in part down to the Avulsion fracture I have in the same leg that just won't fully heal (10+ years now) although with the foot supported by shoes / trainers its nearly ok.

I had quite a pronounced lump on the top of my foot for about a year (Can still see it now) but my other half (A+E Nurse) said it was nothing serious.

I have always been told after every injury I have had that the last be of recovery and to speed it up is to exercise and build strength back up the longer you leave it the harder it is.

I have mind seemed to go up a shoe size in the last year or so lol

 

Get well soon lisa

 

Yes.

Broke all my metatarsals, displaced the large bone that runs up to the big toe, it was pushing the skin up but didnt break through, I have now got 2 scars one about 2inches between my little toe and the next one and one about 6inches from my big toe down my foot.

It was 21 years ago and in certain weather I get issues lol.

Get well soon

 

Afraid not Ding. I never even got to see it. All he said, is it looked to be healing nicely. When I did it, the nurse said it looked like a clean break (as in nothing poking out).

The reason I'm asking is because work are getting a little impatient now about me getting back to my normal job. I went back after two weeks off, but only onto a till, so I could at least spend most of my time off my feet if I needed. My usual job is shop floor (range of different jobs) but it means being on my feet all day. Now that doesn't bother me too much as I'm not getting loads of pain any more, but the problem is they don't really want me on the floor in the boot/it makes my job awkward and I can't get about out of the house without it as I can't fit any of my shoes/trainers on properly (without quite a bit of pain and discomfort). I think I might have to see if I can just get some different shoes that don't press so much, money I could do without spending but needs must.

Thank you all for the advice and well wishes.

 

Then, as others have said

1) Cold application when you can

2) Keep the foot raised when you can

3) Regular ibuprofen or diclofenac for seven days (if not contraindicated)

It will get better but we all heal at different rates.

 

You have no idea, for you in particular I wish a similar injury.

Karma will get you in the end, and I pity you when it does.

 

I think treatment for that if it keeps up is weld the ankle up