Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestions?

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Westcoster87
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Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestions?

Postby Westcoster87 » Tue May 27, 2014 3:44 pm

Hiya!

I'm looking for some ideas/support in addressing quite a painful fifth metatarsal fracture caused by coming down very hard on a rock while trail running yesterday morning.

The doc basically said it will take time (8-12 weeks) but was skeptical that treatments really worked, but there are many things I could do to cause more damage.

So my predicament is that I have very rigid, high arches and I find swimming irritates my feet whether injured or not. What, other than biking, would be a suitable low-impact alternative to running?

Any thoughts or experiences would be great.

Many thanks!

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Avis
Jerome Drayton
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Avis » Tue May 27, 2014 4:47 pm

Welcome to Running Mania! I've heard water-jogging is a good, non-load-bearing running alternative. I haven't tried it though. Best wishes for a quick recovery!
"We are made of dreams and bones."
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Spirit Unleashed
Lynn Williams
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Tue May 27, 2014 8:31 pm

If you truly have a fracture, it needs to heal. Take your 8 weeks and let it mend.
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Jwolf
Kevin Sullivan
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Jwolf » Tue May 27, 2014 8:51 pm

Do you have a boot for the foot?

You really should heed what the sports doc says- once the bone heals you can start back very gradually.
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Westcoster87
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Westcoster87 » Tue May 27, 2014 9:53 pm

Thank you for the warm welcome :-)

I'm positive the docs assessment is right. This hurts more than tearing my interosseous membrane and it just seems to be getting worse (and I promise I stayed off it today!). I've heard good things about the water-jogging. The doc had mentioned swimming or cycling but if either cause additional pain, stop. I don't have a boot but he did suggest fashioning a gate plate out of thin plywood to take some pressure off the foot when walking.

It's difficult wrapping my head around 8-12 weeks off :-(

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Jwolf
Kevin Sullivan
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Jwolf » Tue May 27, 2014 10:37 pm

It is tough for sure but most of us have been there in one way or another. If it's any consolation, a stress fracture usually has a very predictable recovery time-line. When you have soft tissue injury it can plague you for a long time.

Patience....
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Lynn Williams
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Wed May 28, 2014 7:30 am

You can order a boot online for way cheaper than... oh wait, I'm in US.
Or, try wearing stiff hiking boots.
But, after it heals, you'll be able to get back at it.
Athlete....Maniac 973....Marathon Maniac 6645
Live the most amazing life you can live - La
marathon runners are awesomeness personified - Ian
Bucket list: http://www.tassietrailfest.com.au/
http://ultramonk.blogspot.com/

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Lynn Williams
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Re: Metatarsal Fracture- treatment/pain management suggestio

Postby Spirit Unleashed » Fri May 30, 2014 7:04 am

This guy is a great trail runner, but has had meta. fracture 3 times. Search his blog to read about his recoveries. 2011 is the most details of surgery and such.
http://garyrobbins.blogspot.com/2014/05 ... jured.html
http://garyrobbins.blogspot.com/2011/06 ... ilure.html
Athlete....Maniac 973....Marathon Maniac 6645
Live the most amazing life you can live - La
marathon runners are awesomeness personified - Ian
Bucket list: http://www.tassietrailfest.com.au/
http://ultramonk.blogspot.com/


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