I have a broken metatarsil in my right foot. Here's the history of how it happened. About five years ago, I was caving in West Virginia. I started to fall, to put my leg out to stop the fall, and stepped on it wrong. Something popped and I had extreme pain. I knew it was broken, that was the first time that I know of, ever having a broken bone. (Had to walk a mile back out). X-rays showed it was a break - he said I've rebroken a childhood break. Well since I did not know about the first break, it came as a surprise. Anyway, I got a removeable walking shoe type support and that was it.
Fast forward to a month ago, foot started aching again so I went to podiatrist and he said yep, it's broke. What'd you do? Nothing, said I. Have no idea how it happened. Now I'm in a walking boot (removeable) and he wants me to use an electronic bone growth stimulator. Anyone heard of this technology?
The med. supply place hasn't yet gotten me the device that supposedly emits electromagnetic waves, guess insurance hasn't approved it yet. I've left messages but nobody will call me back. Annoyed because he called and said he would check in with me and let me know the status, how it's going, and I've left two messages and he hasn't called me back.
The bone is really aching today and I wonder if I should keep the walking boot on more than I have been. I can't drive with it on, or bathe/shower, and he said take it off while sleeping, too. It seems like removing it and putting it back on aggravates my foot more. Opinions? Ideas? Thoughts? Thanks.
Re: Bone resists healing, walking boot not helping?
I received the device, it works with ultrasound technology. Dr's office said use for 2 months before you see any improvement from the device. So how the hell am I supposed to know it's working? In two months it might be healed anyway.
Re: Bone resists healing, walking boot not helping?
That's the trouble. There's SOME evidence that bone stimulators help, but there's no way to know what would have happened if you didn't use it.
But since you have it, try it. Also keep your foot elevated as much as possible, ice it, and minimize the time you spend standing and walking. If you have a plastic chair, you may want to try showering while seated.
The Following User Says Thank You to janewhite1 For This Useful Post: shortyblueyes (04-18-2012)
Bone resists healing, walking boot not helping? 
