Fifth metatarsal, Orthopedics FAQ

Delayed Healing of Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: What to Expect?

The fifth metatarsal fracture has not healed after five months? Hello Dr. Lee, thank you for your previous response. Since it has been over five months and I have not yet recovered, I would like to inquire about my situation again. The X-ray images show comparisons of the fractur...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on the X-ray you provided, the fracture has healed about 70 to 80%, and the healing speed is normal, so there is no need for concern. Even after the fracture is completely healed, you may feel a slight protrusion when touching the outer and bottom areas of the fractu...

Managing Linear Fractures During Early Pregnancy: Key Considerations

Linear fracture Hello, doctor. I am currently 5 weeks pregnant. I was in a car accident yesterday, August 10th. Will taking an X-ray of my foot have any effects? Today, August 11th, I visited an orthopedic specialist, and the result showed a linear fracture of the fifth metatarsa...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, taking X-rays during the first three months of pregnancy can be more harmful to the fetus. Therefore, if there is a linear fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the right foot, surgery is not necessary. You can currently use bilateral crutches to assist with mobility, and th...

Managing Linear Fractures During Early Pregnancy: Key Considerations

Linear fracture Hello, doctor. I am currently 5 weeks pregnant and was in a car accident yesterday, August 10. Will taking an X-ray of my foot have any effects? Today, August 11, I visited an orthopedic specialist and was diagnosed with a linear fracture of the fifth metatarsal i...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, taking X-rays during the first three months of pregnancy is more detrimental to the fetus. Therefore, if there is a linear fracture of the fifth metatarsal in the right foot, surgery is not necessary. You can currently use bilateral crutches to assist with mobility, and yo...

Managing Linear Fractures During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Linear fracture Hello, doctor. I am currently 5 weeks pregnant. I was in a car accident yesterday, August 10th. Will taking an X-ray of my foot have any effects? Today, August 11th, I saw an orthopedic doctor, and the result was a linear fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my rig...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, having an X-ray during the first three months of pregnancy can be more detrimental to the fetus. Therefore, if there is a linear fracture of the fifth metatarsal in the right foot, surgery may not be necessary. You can currently use bilateral crutches to assist with mobili...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Base Fractures: Surgery or Healing?

Fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal? Hello, doctor. About four months ago, I fractured the base of my fifth metatarsal in a car accident. Due to my negligence, I did not seek medical attention until recently when I started experiencing occasional soreness. After an X-ray...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your age, a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal should still have a chance to heal on its own. I recommend that you visit another orthopedic clinic for an examination and seek a second opinion. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Managing Pain and Recovery After Metatarsal Fracture Surgery

Displacement of metatarsal fractures (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th metatarsals) Hello Doctor: I suffered a fracture and displacement of the second to fifth metatarsals in my right foot due to a car accident at the end of April. I underwent internal fixation surgery with steel pins. Dur...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Walking less can reduce swelling. 2. You can visit a rehabilitation department. 3. Usually, removing the screws is beneficial. 4. Recovery is possible.

Do I Really Need a Cast for My Foot Fracture? Expert Advice

A bone fracture without casting? Hello, on May 4th, the rehabilitation doctor said I have a fracture at the junction of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. I went to an orthopedic doctor who said the bones are fine. Now, after more than a month, I had another X-ray at the rehabilit...

Dr. Cai Shanglin Reply:
After six weeks of a fracture, if the first X-ray shows stability, normal activities can be resumed without the need for excessive X-ray examinations. Thank you for your question.

Understanding Slow Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Is the recovery from a fifth metatarsal fracture slow? Hello Dr. Lee, it has been a month since I last consulted you, and it has now been two months since my fracture. I would like to inquire if my current condition is abnormal. I can walk about 70% without issues, but I still ha...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on the X-ray you provided, your fracture healing rate is normal, and there is no significant displacement of the fracture. You are currently able to walk normally and should not require surgery. Please consider the above recommendations. Thank you.

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Pain, Symptoms, and Recovery

Rehabilitation of the fifth metatarsal? Hello, Dr. Lee. I have a transverse fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot, and it has been over three months now. About a week ago, I started wearing shoes and commuting by bus as usual. While walking, I feel some pai...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, the hard lump protruding in the metatarsal area, which becomes more noticeable after your foot swells down in the morning, is likely a callus from fracture healing or a malunion due to slight displacement of the fracture. Generally speaking, if the ...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal with comminution? Hello Doctor: On March 17, 2018, I had a misstep and underwent an X-ray examination at the outpatient clinic, which confirmed a comminuted fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot. On March 21, I had surgery at the hospi...

Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello: It is fine to remove the protective gear while sleeping since there is no weight-bearing involved. If there is only one pin securing the radiated area, the risk is minimal as long as you avoid weight-bearing activities. The stitches should be removed after two weeks, and a...

Understanding Recovery from Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Common Concerns

Follow-up for fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello Dr. Lee, thank you for your previous response, which has reassured me a lot. Currently, although the affected area is still somewhat swollen, I can walk using the inner edge of my foot, but I occasionally experience a tingling sensat...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, it is normal for a fracture to still show signs of a crack on an X-ray after one month, and it typically takes at least three months for it to heal completely. Therefore, your current condition appears to be normal. Adequate calcium and vitamin D can ai...

Understanding Metatarsal Healing: Recovery Tips and Concerns

Metatarsal union Hello! My left foot's fifth metatarsal has a transverse fracture due to an ankle sprain. Ten weeks have passed, and during today's follow-up, the X-ray showed that the black line at the outer edge of the metatarsal is still present, but there is some wh...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, it is normal for a fracture to still show signs of a crack on an X-ray one month after the injury, and it typically takes at least three months for it to heal. Therefore, your current condition appears to be normal. Adequate calcium and vitamin D can ai...

Slow Healing of the Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Key Recovery Tips

Delayed union of the fifth metatarsal bone? Hello! Over eight weeks ago, I accidentally twisted my ankle, resulting in a transverse fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot. I went for a follow-up today, and the X-ray showed that the crack is still present; th...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Physical activity should be restricted. 2. Walking more does not aid in bone healing; walking less is more beneficial. 3. There is no need to walk on your heels. 4. Healing will take approximately three months. 5. There are no additional comments. 6. Exercises can be...

Should You Opt for Surgery for a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture?

Fifth metatarsal fracture: to operate or not to operate? Hello Dr. Li, I had an accident on March 3rd that resulted in a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Since I am working in Japan and cannot return to Taiwan for an extended period, I sought treatment at a nearby hospital in Ja...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms and the X-ray results, the outcomes of having surgery versus not having surgery are indeed quite similar. Since the fracture has been present for two weeks and the follow-up X-ray on March 14 showed no displacement, I recommend that you do not need s...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights

Fifth metatarsal fracture Hello, Vice Dean Li: Last Friday, March 9th, I accidentally missed a step while going down the stairs, resulting in a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my right foot. The doctor said that surgery is not necessary and has applied a splint for stabilizat...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, if there is an X-ray reference, I could provide a more accurate response, but it's okay if there isn't one; I will reply based on the majority of patient conditions. 1. Normal walking for work will require at least about one month. 2. After six weeks, you should ...

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery, Symptoms, and Future Impact

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the left foot? Hello! A few days ago, I accidentally injured my left foot. An X-ray examination revealed a transverse fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal on the left foot, with some displacement. The doctor said the situation is within...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, you have a transverse fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal in your left foot, with some displacement. It has been over six weeks now, and the area around the fracture feels soft and swollen, which is a normal phenomenon. Generally, the swelling should subside withi...

Managing Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery Tips and Future Considerations

Fifth metatarsal bone Hello! Four to five weeks ago, I twisted my ankle while running, resulting in a transverse fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot. The doctor advised me to wear a brace without crutches and to walk to work as usual. After four weeks, an...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Currently, intense exercise is not advisable. After healing, it will still be possible to engage in activities like running, and this joint is less likely to develop degenerative joint disease changes, so no correction is needed.

Understanding Fifth Metatarsal Base Fractures: Treatment Options and Recovery

Transverse fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal? Hello! Over a month ago, I injured myself while running, resulting in a transverse fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot. The doctor advised me to wear a boot similar to a snowshoe and to continue wor...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, since I haven't seen the X-ray, I cannot determine if there is any displacement of the fracture. If the displacement is not obvious, there may be a higher chance of degeneration in the future. Six months later, if there is no significant pain, you can gradually increa...

Recovery Timeline for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture After Surgery

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the right foot? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I fractured my fifth metatarsal on November 20 due to a car accident and underwent surgery on November 21, where two small screws were inserted on the side. However, they were remov...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
After more than 8 weeks post-surgery for a fifth metatarsal fracture, if X-rays show that the fracture has healed, you can walk and ride a bike normally, gradually increasing weight-bearing activities.

Post-Cast Care for Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: Walking and Healing Tips

Removal of cast for fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello, Doctor: I sustained a non-displaced closed fracture of the fifth metatarsal on December 23, 2017. Due to work obligations in Japan, I had to return there for rest and recovery. On January 5, 12, and 19, 2018, I had three layer...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, I also agree with the explanation provided by the Japanese physician. You can walk slowly without pain, and if you experience pain, then you should wear the U-shaped splint. Currently, if you are walking without pain, there is no need to wear protective gear, and it will n...

Previous｜Page ｜Next