Can I walk with a metatarsal fracture cast?

Question

Hello doctor,

I sustained a 5th metatarsal avulsion fracture a month ago and have been in a cast since then. The doctor recommended wearing it for a total of five weeks. For the first three weeks, I completely avoided putting any weight on it, except for a few unavoidable moments when I briefly put my foot down; otherwise, I have been using a wheelchair.

However, during this last week, I will need to walk around 50 to 70 steps daily due to exams.

Will that be okay?
I still feel some pain when I move my foot slightly inside the cast, particularly around the fracture area. Is this pain normal?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Since you are at four weeks of healing with a five-week plaster cast, your bone is still in the process of healing. Here is what you need to know:

Is it normal to feel pain at week four?

Mild pain when moving inside the cast is common, as the fracture site is still healing.
Pain should not be sharp or worsening. If it is, the fracture might not be healing properly.

Can you walk fifty to seventy steps daily?

Limited weight-bearing may be acceptable if the doctor allows it.
However, too much pressure too soon can delay healing or cause re-fracture.
Since you have been non-weight-bearing for more than three weeks, your foot and muscles are weak. Sudden walking could strain the fracture site.

What you should do:

Use crutches or a walker to offload some weight.
If allowed, wear a walking boot. Check with the doctor.
Pay attention to pain. If it worsens, stop weight-bearing immediately.
Ask the doctor for a quick check-up or X-ray before the exam to confirm healing.
If the exam is unavoidable, consider using a knee scooter or crutches instead of walking directly.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.