5th Metatarsal Fracture

Appointment: 

• I usually see my fracture consultations within 7 days of receiving the consultation.

Pain: 

• For the first 24-48 hours you may require the occasional Tylenol and/or Advil.

• After the first 48 hours you most likely will not require any pain medications.

• I recommend starting Vitamin C, 500mg twice daily. This helps with pain. A prescription will be given to you at your consultation.

• I recommend taking Vitamin D, 2000mg per day. This may help with pain and bone healing. A prescription will be given to you at your consultation.

Devices: 

• Walking Boot: You will be placed in a short walking boot. This should be used at all times with walking. You may remove the boot when sitting, sleeping, showering, and doing therapy. Some patients prefer to wear their boot at night for support.

• Game Ready: Game Ready is an optional ice compression machine. A sleeve wraps around your leg and ice water is pumped around your surgically repaired Achilles while simultaneously compressing your lower leg. This helps limit swelling and pain. You may remove your boot and use this 5-6 times per day. Use whatever setting on the machine which you can tolerate. 

Weight Bearing:

• You may fully weight bear immediately.

• You may need crutches to help. A knee walker is probably the best way to get around the first couple weeks.

Activity:

• There are no true limitations in activity with the boot on. However, I would avoid any strenuous exercise as significant swelling may occur which will be painful and slow your overall recovery.

Therapy:

• You may begin ankle range of motion. Focus on dorsiflexion and plantarflexion only (moving your ankle up and down). I recommend doing 3 sets of 10 repetitions 3-4 times per day. The reason for this to avoid stiffness and also help with swelling.

• A prescription will be given to you at your consultation for formal therapy. You may see a therapist at this stage if you would like.