Question
I had a fall that resulted in two broken metatarsals on my right foot.  They were the 4th and 5th "long bones" the surgeon called them, and the 5th one was displaced.  I was put in a cast and on crutches for 4 weeks.  Then I went into a boot and crutches for 4 more weeks.  I kept hearing "give it a full year".  Well, tomorrow, Oct. 10th will be a full year and my foot is still not normal.  I was a walker for exercise and had walked two miles the morning before I broke the foot in the afternoon.  I cannot walk for exercise anymore, or stand for any period of time without a lot of pain.  The metatarcel heads seemed to strike first when I step and they get so sore.  I have asked my doctor, a therapist, and others about this with no satisfactory answer.  Can anything be done this far after the break?  I would hate to have to have surgery at this stage and go back in a cast etc.  Is there anything else that would help me?  Thank you for your time, I greatly appreciate it.  Connie  

Answer
Connie,

It sound like the dispacement of the fractures resulted in an abnormal postion of the bones.  In this case custom orthotic devices(shoe inserts) with special modifications may be helpful to relieve the pressure.

I would also seek another opinion and make sure the fractures have actually healed completely.

If you get no further relief, surgery may be needed to put the metatarsals in better alignment.

It also may be the case that you will have chronic pain from the injury regardless of the treatment.

Hope you get some answers.