Question
After a slip and fall (12-06-07) I'd a 5th Metatarsal fracture in the right foot. I had surgery (3 screws placed) on 12-18-07. I was on a cast for 15 days, later on a walking boot for 4 weeks. Physical therapy began on 2-08 although the fracture wasn't completely healed. I was told then I could wear normal shoes. I'm doing really fine in physical therapy (a little discomfort at the met fracture) but walking is increasingly painful. Pain is mostly in the ankle but spreads out to the leg (external side) and hip, often accompanied by a burning sensation in the upper side of the foot. Lately I have pain even at rest. Due to pain I can't walk at a regular pace. I've a slight limp. Mild swelling. Last week I was told that the fracture was finally healed.

Answer
Hi Esther,

It sounds like you had a severe metatarsal fracture if you needed 3 screws.  There is a good chance that you have a nerve that is being irritated by the screw or a nerve entrapment from the injury or surgery.  The nerve in this area is a branch of the sural nerve.  The sural nerve comes down the leg and behind the ankle.

I would seek another opinion to make sure proper healing has indeed occured.  Treatments for sural nerve entrapemnt may include injections or surgery.  I prefer cryosurgery for this problem.  See my cryosurgery site below for the details.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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