Question
QUESTION: Hello Doc:
I had a twisting L ankle injury Labor Day weekend chasing my dog on cobblestones which was basically untreated right away because truthfully we had been drinking some.  Two days later had a MRI at work showed severe sprain, no tear or fx.
So i babied it, did RICE, etc but was definitely weightbearing. 3 weeks later tho' was not really better so had a repeat MRI which showed 2-cm non-displaced anterolatearl calcaneal stress fx or partial fx adjacent to the cuboid, that had grown from 7-mm, when compared to prior MRI, due to weightbearing!!!
I went to a podiatrist the next day and he said 10 days boot and crutches, 10 days boot.
I am concerned because everything on the internet sez 4-6 weeks minimum for these bones to heal with total NWB.  I am having a very hard time using crutches because my wrists and shoulders are weak, but do have a knee walker at work.
BTW I am 53 years old female, latest bone density showed some osteoporosis.  I quit smoking a year ago except for a few days a couple weeks ago.  My basic question is: NWB for approx how long?  From the date of the injury (9/7) or from date I learned I had a fx (9/27) and actually was vigiliant about NWB.  I have been full NWB only 1 week now and having much much difficulty.  I have slight swelling and tenderness laterally over the ankles when I take the boot off at night to do ROM exercises but no real pain when squeezing the heel or anything.  Thank you and God bless you.

ANSWER: A calcaneal fracture should generally be immobilized and Non weightbearing for 6-8 weeks.  If it hurts to be weightbearing, stop.  if you're concerned that you're not getting the right advice, get another opinion.  Just make sure you bring all your records and films with you.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonPodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/HoustonFootDoc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Dr Schneider. One more quick question - I am due to see my podiatrist again 10/20 for followup. I will be NWB til then at least (3 weeks total).  My last study was a MRI done 9/27/10.  My question:  Is it better to get a followup MRI or CT scan to determine if the fracture has healed or is healing?
THANKS AGAIN!

Answer
Both an MRI or CT should be able to show what is needed.  In fact, a simple plain X-ray may be sufficient now that it is diagnosed.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonPodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/HoustonFootDoc