Metatarsal fracture, Orthopedics FAQ

Understanding Treatment Options for 2nd and 3rd Metatarsal Fractures

Metatarsal Fracture of the Second and Third Metatarsals Hello, I have sustained fractures of the second and third metatarsals due to a car accident. The doctor mentioned that there is displacement and I have the option to continue with a cast, or to use screws or plates. The doct...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, for displaced fractures of the second and third metatarsals, you can choose to continue with casting, or use screws or plates. The outcomes and recovery speeds of these three methods are quite similar. Personally, I would recommend against surgery. If y...

Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery?

Should the titanium alloy screw be removed after a fifth metatarsal fracture? Hello, on November 14, I suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in my left foot due to a fall. I visited an orthopedic outpatient clinic nearby, where they advised me to use a brace and undergo reh...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the bone has healed and the bone screws have not shifted, there is no need to remove them. The deterioration of bone quality typically occurs in long bones (such as the femur or tibia), while in the metatarsal bones of the foot, the screws can often be left in place without re...

Concerns About Healing After Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Surgery

Fifth metatarsal bone healing issues? Hello, doctor! I suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture from a fall on September 10th and underwent surgery to have a plate inserted for stabilization. I had a follow-up appointment a few days ago, and the doctor said it is healing well, but I ...

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, it has been two months since your fifth metatarsal fracture surgery. You accidentally exerted yourself yesterday and experienced some pain. I recommend that you return for a follow-up appointment to get an X-ray, as it is generally safer to assess the fracture after three ...

Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Walking Tips

Fractures of the first, second, and third metatarsals? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions. I was in a car accident on August 14th and was diagnosed with a comminuted fracture of the first metatarsal, with the second and third ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The second metatarsal appears to be not fully healed yet, but you can walk on it. It will take some more time for it to heal; typically, small bones take about six months to be considered truly non-union if they haven't healed by then. If treatment is needed at that point, i...

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...

Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery and Weight-Bearing Guidelines

Fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone? Hello, doctor: I have just confirmed my pregnancy. A few days ago, I was involved in a car accident and my right foot is swollen and painful. An X-ray of my right foot showed a linear fracture (hairline fracture). Surgery is not required. Wh...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Weight-bearing walking for about four to six weeks will likely result in reduced pain. X-ray follow-ups are typically done at six weeks and twelve weeks, and healing usually occurs around three months.

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.

Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Care

Metatarsal fracture 1. The diagnosis certificate states that you should not work or engage in activities for 8 weeks. Does this mean that you will be healed enough to walk normally after 8 weeks? 2. How long until I can start walking slowly and putting weight on my foot? 3. Appro...

Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Typically heals in six to eight weeks. 2. Approximately two to four weeks. 3. Rehabilitation for two months. 4. Three months. 5. Rehabilitation is possible. 6. Three to four days. 7. Different areas.

Recovery Time for Non-Displaced Second Metatarsal Fracture

Non-displaced fracture of the second metatarsal? Hello, I have a non-displaced fracture of the second metatarsal in my right foot, and it is not completely broken. The doctor has applied a removable cast for stabilization. How long will it take to heal?

Dr. Li Yongheng Reply:
Hello, based on your age and symptoms, a non-displaced fracture of the second metatarsal in your right foot typically takes about 2-3 months to heal. You should be able to walk normally after three months and resume normal activities after six months. Wishing you a speedy recover...

Should You Operate on Closed Metatarsal Fractures in the Foot?

Metatarsal fracture Closed fractures of the first, second, third, and fourth metatarsals in the left foot: Is surgery necessary?

Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, not all fractures require surgery, and not all non-surgical cases are the same; it depends on whether there is displacement. The main purpose of surgery is to realign and stabilize the fracture. If there is no displacement, it can be treated with a cast. Please visit an or...

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...

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.

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.

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