Question
I broke my fifth metatarsal by most likely stepping wrong on the sidewalk/ grass area as I was passing someone. I have not seen a Podiatrist yet. At this time, the ER has me in a splint until I can see one.
I have three questions-
In general how long does it that for this type of break take to heal and how long until the pain level goes down or you start to feel better?
2nd question how will being on prednisone for over 3 years without stopping effect the healing process? I am still currently on prednisone right now at 20 mg per day. Before my three year run I was on prednisone nearly monthly of multiple years.
3rd How will the podiatrist be able to tell if there is ligament damage being when I fall I could feel a pulling sensation and could hear a noise being made?
Thanks for any information you can provided.


Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist says....

The prednisone will slow down healing. If you are a smoker that will slow down healing also.Talk to your doctor to see if it is an issue.
Ice, ice, ice it as much as you can and elevate above heart level and rest it also for 3 days after the injury. Not sure if you can take any additional anti inflammatories.
Don't worry about any ligament damage. Whatever damage may occur will not be as important of an issue as the metatarsal fracture. The pulling you felt was the strong ligament pulling the metatarsal and causing the break.
These breaks can take anywhere from four to twelve weeks-depending on where the 5th metatarsal fracture has occurred.
These breaks may need fixing with a screw and so seek a foot surgery expert.



Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

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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