Can you walk on a broken 3rd metatarsal?

A patient with a broken metatarsal may be able to walk, depending on how painful the injury is. Despite this, the patient with a metatarsal fracture is advised to avoid excessive walking, especially on uneven ground, to eliminate the risk of displacement.

How long does it take for a 3rd metatarsal fracture to heal?

A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again. Do not return to your usual activities until your doctor says you can.

How is a broken 3rd metatarsal treated?

Most metatarsal fractures can be treated without surgery. A stiff soled shoe, walking boot, or even a cast may be used. The amount of pressure you are able to put on your foot will depend on which bones are broken. Your treating physician will decide this.

What is a 3rd metatarsal fracture?

Metatarsal stress fractures Stress fractures involving the second or third metatarsal often occur in the shaft or metatarsal neck region. They commonly occur in individuals who have had a sudden increase in their activity level such as a new military recruit who goes on a long hike.

Can a metatarsal fracture heal in 4 weeks?

How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in about six weeks. However, it may take three to six months for your symptoms to settle completely – these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling.

Can a broken metatarsal heal on its own?

Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely. Occasionally the fracture may fail to heal and will continue to be painful, even after several months.

Does a broken metatarsal need a cast?

The the long bones in your foot are called metatarsals. They are numbered from 1 to 5. This fracture is at the base of the 5th metatarsal, which is where the name comes from. The break has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals without a problem, so you won’t need to have a plaster cast.

What are the first signs of a metatarsal stress fracture?

Symptoms of a metatarsal stress fracture include: Pain in the forefoot which develops gradually over time. The pain will be usually be located towards the middle, or front of the foot. Symptoms are made worse with weight-bearing activities such as walking, running or dancing.

What are fifth metatarsal fractures?

Fifth metatarsal fractures are breaks in the fifth metatarsal bone, the bone that connects the little toe’s proximal phalanx — that is, the phalanx closest to the ankle — to the cuboid bone. This bone can be susceptible to breaks, particularly for very active people.

What is a metatarsal stress fracture?

A metatarsal stress fracture is a hairline fracture in one of the long metatarsal bones in the foot. They occur through overuse or poor foot biomechanics. The second metatarsal is the bone most commonly injured.