Hi everyone,
I just wanted to share my injury experience with everyone, mainly because when searching for things myself, I couldn't find much that was relevant!
I broke my 5th Metatarsal in my left foot on November 2nd, 2013. I was playing hockey (my other passion besides running) and was struck with the ball at some velocity. Immediately I knew something was not right as it was a pain like I've never experienced and I could barely put weight on it. I went off and iced and then found I could put no weight at all on it and it was swollen up like a balloon.
Naturally, I went to A&E and after an X-ray was told it was a comminuted fracture of my fifth metatarsal. In Lehman's terms, it was broken into a couple of pieces. However, they said it was a good location on the bone and should heal well.
I was in a cast for two weeks, which as anyone else who has been in one will tell you, is hell for someone who is sporty and active.
Anyway, I went back to have the cast off. The doctor looked at my foot, squeezed it a bit and said it would be fine and no further x-ray was necessary. He said to continue on the crutches for 1-2 weeks and start to bear weight when I felt comfortable - a very blasé and vague follow up, I thought!
I decided to stay on crutches for two weeks after to be sure I was giving myself the best chance. I'm now about to enter my sixth week and I am able to walk (hobble) around with next to no pain. I am unable to push off on the fore of my foot though, I think walking correctly may take another week or so. I thnk it's a combination of the healing still going on and the weakness of the muscles in my foot. I am staying off sport until January, depending on how it feels.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I'd love to hear your stories. If not, I hope this helps someone else unfortunate enough to have an injury like this. My only matra would be: don't rush! Do things as and when you feel you're ready!
Comments
If anyone is interested, just so they can compare recovery times etc, I managed to get back to treadmill running around 7-8 weeks after the injury. Now, 11 weeks on, I am back to road running and hockey with very little discomfort and almost full strength.
HI all I would like to share my story...
1st October whilst skipping in gym I land on foot sideways and I hear a snap sound! Hurts like hell but make way home, visit hospital next day as severe pain all night. No swelling or bruising So no x-ray ! told I have a partial tear of tendon and to go home and apply r.i.c.e.
39 days later still not right so I revisit hospital who decided to x-ray it......then told you have broken your 5th metatarsal and will need operation to insert a screw and wear cast for 6 weeks
I have been able to swim now since cast off and only this week it finally feels really strong but not able to run or MTB as of yet. 10 weeks of work as well
Not a nice injury to have folks
Tazdevil, that sounds particularly nasty! I can't believe they didn't x-ray you straight away. Hopefully your recovery won't be too affected from not acting straight away.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, but don't rush it once you get back on your feet. Listen to your body and be patient
Broke my 5th metatarsal 2 days ago, heading to fracture clinic tomorrow.
I am hoping that I will still be able to run the Thames Path Challenge in Mid September.
http://dereksiddle.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/broken-5th-metatarsal.html