Question
I broke my 2nd metatarsal and my big toe 2 weeks ago (clean break, nothing crazy). It appears to be healing well (bruising/swelling has gone down significantly) and the orthopedic doctor put me in a hard-soled shoe after only 5 days. However, I can't find much information online as to what I should expect during the healing process, i.e. how do I know everything is looking ok? I have a fairly noticeable lump both on the top and botton of my foot around the area of the break. I have an x-ray/appointment in just over two weeks, but am very concerned that I do everything to facilitate healing.
I am (well, prior to injury) an avid runner, and have already noticed significant atrophy in my right calf. I've thought about really gentle swimming (is this too much right now?), but any other ideas as to what I can do to stay active and not hurt myself? Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Alexandra,

It is important to decrease your activities to simple daily tasks when you have a metatarsal fx. Any excessive movements or exercise may cause a simple fracture to become more complex.  Increased activity may also prolong the healing time.  If you wear the shoe for 4-6 weeks you should be fine.  You can do upper body exercise.  With my patients, I allow them to swim.  Just be careful not to bear your full weight on the pool bottom.  You could also get some leg weights and do non-weight bearing leg lifts with the weight around your ankle.  This should cause no problems.  Physical therapy may be helpful.

The general rule is that if you are creating pain then the activity is too much.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

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


DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.