Joe A Shaw PA-C - 3/6/2012

Question
Thank you so much for your time.  I broke my 5th metatarsal on my left foot 2 weeks ago.  After hurting my foot, I limped around on it for about 3 days thinking I just sprained it.  I finally got an xray and was told by my family doctor that it was broken in 2 places.  He didn't tell me exactly where the breaks are but told me that one break is in a place that is hard to heal.  I am in a hard cast up to my calf of my leg.  My mother broke her foot a few years back and got a boot.  Is the cast really necessary and if so, how long should I be in it?  I am supposed to go back to have it xrayed in a few weeks.  I was not refered to a orthopedic doctor, should I go to one?  Thanks

Answer
Cast or boot either one is typically fine..with the boot you have to make sure the patient is complient.That is wears it whenever weight bearing. Midshafts can be non-union,ie it doesn't grow together..can be 40% of the time. If your Dr is comfortable with treating then he should do the same as an ortho.If you need surgery then obviously he will refer you to ortho