Broken Foot - Foot Problems Message Board

ChiefoSupremo · 04-19-2005, 11:53 PM

Hey,
It's only been a little over two weeks and my doctor told me I should stop wearing the boot now and try walking on it, and getting a stiff soled shoe. Well, first off I dont know where the heck to find a stiff soled shoe..
Second, it still hurts a bit when I push off on it.

Anyone ever broken a 5th metatarsal? along the shaft, NOt the base?

Should I stay in the boot another week to let it heal up a little more or do you think I should walk around on it?

I mean, the doc seemed pretty should but he did preface the conversation with, "I may eat my words..." But he told me if it still hurts in 10 days to call him.

Thanks,
Reg

igel44 · 04-20-2005, 05:28 PM

I didn't break the my 5th metatarsal but I can try to answer your question about the boot. I used the boot for a few extra days when I had a lot of walking, but then I put it away knowing that I had to get on healing without it. The pain did get better. If you want to use the boot for an extra week try to use it only when necessary and make sure you stop using it as soon as possible.

vickib_tx · 04-20-2005, 06:19 PM

I broke my fifth metarsal last June. I wore the boot for 12 weeks and the bone did not heal. The ortho finally ordered a "bone growth stimulator" machine which I used every night for six months. The foot was deemed "healed" a couple of months ago.

sungirlcali · 04-21-2005, 01:05 AM

Vicki,

I'm curious about this "bone growth stimulator" machine. How did you use it?

vickib_tx · 04-23-2005, 08:50 PM

The machine looked like two U's (one at each end with a bar down the middle) and was battery operated. I would put my foot in the machine for 30 minutes each day. I couldn't feel a thing, but it must have worked. The foot was not healing before I started using the machine. My ortho said the insurance co would not pay for the machine until I'd worn the boot for twelve weeks and had xrays to show the need for the machine. My insurance approved the machine without any problems. Cost to my insurance company was $2800. I asked about "renting" a machine but was told that was not an option. The machine has it's own timer and counter. After 270 uses, the machine no longer works.

Hope that answers your questions. If not, I'll try again.

Vicki