Question
I twisted/sprained what I thought was my ankle on 4/4/10 in my "second floor" apartment. I was sleeping in my chair in the living room, and was starting to come out of a deep sleep, when my husband asked me a question, and I must of had my legs crossed, because when I got up from the chair, I fell and I twisted my right foot, and I did hear some cracks and I thought I heard a popping sound (I'am not sure), it happened so fast. After the accident, I was able to get right up, and was able to walk on both my feet with some discomfort. On 4/5/10 I called up the health center I go to, and I wasn't able to see my doctor until 4/7/10. The doctor ordered x-rays that I had done at the health center, same day, and when she reviewed them, she said she didn't see any fractures (WRONG). So I was doing the RICE Method of putting ice on it, and elevating it, taking ibuprofen, but no compression, and walking on my foot.  On 4/9/10 just after I get back from the laundromat, I get a call from the health center telling me that I have a Fifth Metatarsal Fracture long bone(RF,I almost died. I have an appointment with a podiatrist surgeon on 4/16/10, which obviously was for another reason (toenails).  Could you please tell me what to expect, this will be my first visit with this podiatrist. I will be taking the x-rays and a full report with me to my doctor's visit, which I have to drive to get. will I have to wear a boot or cast, and I'am on financial aid at stony brook medical associates, and I also have ghi hospitalization. I take care of my disabled veteran husband and don't work, so my finances are not that great. How expensive are these casts, boots, bone simulator etc. I can bearly afford this visit, we live on a fixed income. I do not qualify for medcaid/medicare.  I'am also worried about being on the second floor and how I'am going to get around. My husband does not drive. All my relatives live far away.  Is it possible that I may be able to drive with this injury? It would be almost impossible for me to stay off my feet 24/7 to heal my injury, plus I do everything around and outside the house (Food Shopping, take my husband to doctors appointments etc. Can you drive with a shoe boot? Please advise. Thank You in advance for all your help & advice.


Sincerely,


Marie


PS: I have a private entrance to my apartment. It is not inside a building where they have elevators, so I have to climb my stairs to enter my apartment.

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says.......

Dear Marie,

Depending on the location of the metarsal fracture-you may or may not need surgical treatment.
Usually most metatarsal fractures that have not moved heal without surgery. The fact that the first doctor did not see the foot fracture may indicate that there was minimal movement of the fracture area. Immobilization is key! If they give you a surgical shoe or cast boot-wear an ace wrap also to decrease movement in the area. If it is pain free-it is probably not moving.
The healing time will be about 3 months-but won't be bad and you should be able to take care of your husband. Make sure you wear a shoe that brings to you to the same height with the walker or surgical shoe-that will allow you to walk easier. Step with the good foot first & then bring the bad foot to the good foot.
Tell your podiatrist about your situation and ask him to do it for free. Then tell him you will contact the media and get the story out as a human interest story and about foot fractures-Both of you will be winners. If not, then go to an institution for the surgery if you need it.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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