Can you walk on a broken metatarsal?

A patient with a broken metatarsal may be able to walk, depending on how painful the injury is. Despite this, the patient with a metatarsal fracture is advised to avoid excessive walking, especially on uneven ground, to eliminate the risk of displacement.

How long does a metatarsal fracture take to heal?

You may have been given crutches to use to keep weight off your foot. A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again.

Is it OK to walk with a metatarsal stress fracture?

How Is a Metatarsal Stress Fracture Treated? Treatment of a metatarsal stress fracture requires a period of rest from your activity, usually at least 3-4 weeks. If there is pain with daily activities, you may need to use crutches or a walking boot for a short time until you can walk comfortably without pain.

Do metatarsal fractures require surgery?

Most metatarsal fractures can be treated without surgery. A stiff soled shoe, walking boot, or even a cast may be used. The amount of pressure you are able to put on your foot will depend on which bones are broken.

Can a metatarsal fracture be missed?

Examples of each proximal fifth metatarsal fracture are shown in Figures 4 through 6. Up to one fourth of tuberosity fractures may be missed on foot series….

Torg classification	Radiographic appearance
Type I (early)	No intramedullary sclerosis
	Fracture line with sharp margins and no widening
	Minimal cortical hypertrophy

Can a metatarsal fracture heal without a boot?

The boot you have been given is not needed to aid fracture healing but will help to settle your symptoms. Wear the boot when you are walking.

What is the fastest way to heal a metatarsal stress fracture?

First Aid

1. Rest. Avoid activities that put weight on your foot.
2. Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down.
3. Compression. To prevent additional swelling, lightly wrap the area in a soft bandage.
4. Elevation. As often as possible, rest with your foot raised up higher than your heart.

Is the metatarsal head distal or proximal?

Structure. The five metatarsals are dorsally convex long bones consisting of a shaft or body, a base (proximally), and a head (distally).

Does MRI show bone fractures?

However, many types of bone problems look alike on bone scans, so the test isn’t specific for stress fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of your bones and soft tissues. An MRI is considered the best way to diagnose stress fractures.

Will walking on a fractured foot make it worse?

This fracture gets worse with time if you keep walking on it, so non-weight bearing is very important. People with this fracture are more likely to develop problems healing that require an operation.

When can you start walking after a metatarsal fracture?

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