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5th metatarsal fracture
Hello . I got injured on 22 july as 5th Metatarsal Fracture. Cast applied . Cast removed on 29 August. Doctor allow me to walk with full weight bearing , but I can't do that . Do I need physiotherapy or not ? Please suggest.
Answers (12)
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Definitely you should take proper rehab as cast for 6 weeks will cause lots of tissue stiffness, muscle wasting & whole limb weakness, only fracture healing is not the only Goal of a treatment.
Next Steps
Do some active movement of foot & ankle
Health Tips
Consult us online or offline for a proper treatment plan.
Answered
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Difficulty with full weight-bearing is common after cast removal due to stiffness and weakness. Since your doctor has cleared weight bearing, physiotherapy can help you gradually regain normal walking, strength and balance.
Next Steps
Start physiotherapy with gradual weight-bearing, ankle/foot mobility and strengthening exercises. You can consult me online for assessment and guidance.
Health Tips
*Don't force full weight bearing immediately if you are unable to tolerate it; progress gradually as comfortable.
*Start with gentle ankle and foot movements within a pain-free range.
*Use your prescribed walking support if needed and gradually reduce it as your walking improves.
*Avoid running, jumping and high-impact activities until you are appropriately cleared.
*Follow your orthopaedic doctor's weight-bearing instructions and attend follow-up X-rays as advised.
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Yes, physiotherapy can be helpful after removal of the cast for a 5th metatarsal fracture. After several weeks of immobilization, it is common to have ankle/foot stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling and difficulty putting full weight on the affected foot. Since your doctor has already permitted full weight bearing, rehabilitation can help you return to normal walking gradually and safely.
Next Steps
Consult a physiotherapist for assessment of pain, swelling, ankle/foot range of motion, muscle strength and walking pattern. Treatment can include gentle ankle and toe mobility exercises, progressive strengthening, balance exercises and gradual weight-bearing/gait training according to your tolerance.
Health Tips
Do not force full weight bearing if it causes significant pain. Increase the load gradually and use support temporarily if required. Avoid running, jumping or high-impact activities until adequate healing and strength have been achieved. If pain or swelling is increasing rather than improving, follow up with your orthopaedic doctor and consider repeat imaging as advised.
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After cast removal, it is quite common to have stiffness, weakness and difficulty putting full weight on the foot. Since your doctor has already allowed full weight-bearing, physiotherapy can help you regain ankle/foot mobility, strength, balance and a normal walking pattern.
Next Steps
A gradual, supervised rehabilitation program is usually the safest way to return to comfortable walking and daily activities.
Health Tips
Any time you can connect me , I’ll give you proper home program exercises for best and fast recovery. Thnq
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Hello sir!
Yes after metatarsal fracture post cast removal you need gait training and rehabilitation exercises . I have seen most of my patients limping during weight bearing.
Kindly consult online for exercises plan. Click on consult button.
Regards
Your physio
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Yes, physiotherapy can be helpful, especially because you are having difficulty putting full weight on the foot after the cast was removed. But because this is a 5th metatarsal fracture, the exact fracture location base on 5th metatarsal and the latest X-ray healing are important.
Next Steps
Not every uncomplicated 5th-metatarsal fracture requires formal physiotherapy; some patients recover with a home exercise program. But in your case, because you cannot yet walk with full weight despite being cleared to do so, I would recommend at least u take a 5 to 6 session in local physiotherapy
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Yes, physiotherapy can be helpful after a 5th metatarsal fracture, especially after cast removal, but the exact timing and weight-bearing level should follow the treating orthopaedic doctor's advice and the fracture's healing on X-ray.
After immobilisation, it is common to have pain, stiffness, weakness, reduced ankle/foot movement and difficulty putting full weight on the foot. Physiotherapy can help with:
Gradual weight-bearing and walking retraining
Ankle and foot mobility
Strengthening of the foot, ankle and calf
Balance and proprioception
Reducing stiffness and swelling
Safe return to normal activities
Next Steps
Do not force full weight-bearing if you are unable to tolerate it. A physiotherapist should assess you and progress exercises according to your healing status.
Health Tips
📍 Sai Therapy Centre, Kharghar
For a personalised post-fracture physiotherapy assessment and rehabilitation plan, contact us.
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