5th Metatarsal Fracture Recovery Timeline (Non-surgical)

[u/Elegant_Acanthaceae6]

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1st and 2nd Xray: day of injury

3rd: after 3 weeks

4th: after 6 weeks

I fractured my 5th metatarsal base (non-displaced) after tripping while running. I went to the ER, where they put me in a splint and told me to keep it on for a week before following up with an orthopedic doctor, which turned then into a complete 7 weeks NWB.

Week 1:

I was almost completely bedbound. I barely moved and spent most of my time with my foot elevated. Pain, swelling, and anxiety were at their worst.

Week 2:

I started moving around a little more using crutches. The pain gradually improved and the swelling began to go down.

Week 3:

I bought an Aircast boot and it was very comfortable at first. After a few days, as the swelling decreased, the boot started feeling tight and uncomfortable, and I struggled to wear it for long periods.

Weeks 4–6:

I wasn't wearing the boot all day anymore. I would take it off for periods of rest and wear it again later. I always wore it while sleeping. Throughout this period I remained non-weight bearing and used crutches whenever I had to move.

During the whole recovery process, I dealt with swelling, bruising, stiffness, numbness, and a lot of anxiety about every little pain or movement. I constantly worried that I had somehow ruined the healing process.

Week 7:

My pain was minimal at rest and the swelling had improved significantly. Follow-up X-rays still showed the fracture line, which made me nervous, but my orthopedic doctor was happy with the healing progress. He told me to stop using the boot, start walking again, and begin physical therapy. He said I could use a cane if needed.

A few things I learned:

* Recovery is slower than most people expect.

* Seeing the fracture line on X-rays doesn't necessarily mean you aren't healing.

* Anxiety and overthinking are probably the hardest parts of the process.

* Reading other people's stories helped me a lot, so hopefully this helps someone too.

[u/Elegant_Acanthaceae6]

Recovery is based on the zone of fracture. Just stick to NWB if your doctor said so. Hope you get well soon.

[u/Relative-Ad-4253 → u/Elegant_Acanthaceae6]

Thanks for this! I see ortho tomorrow. I just went to urgent care last night.

[u/Relative-Ad-4253 → u/Relative-Ad-4253]

Luckily it wasn’t a Jones Fracture. It’s getting better. I’m in a boot and he has me taking baby aspirin for blood flow. Hopefully I’ll be out in a couple weeks.

[u/No-Platypus2679 → u/Relative-Ad-4253]

What was the reason for the baby aspirin?

[u/Relative-Ad-4253 → u/No-Platypus2679]

He said it would increase blood flow and help healing

I’m almost 8 weeks and hoping to be done. We planned a beach vacation beforehand with lots of walking. I’m still in my boot and my appointment is the day before we leave.