Anyone ever suffered this? I need opinions guys, please

[Chiefo]

Hey,
So a little over two weeks ago I broke my 5th metatarsal, which is the bone that is in line with my pinky toe. It isn't a Jones fracture, thank God...it is a midshaft fracture that didn't go all the way through, but it is pretty significant, and it goes about half way through. It was definitely from trauma (basketball injury) and it shows, because it is more significant than a hairline stress fracture.
Anyways, I have been walking around in a removable cast boot, and today I went to the Doc and he told me I could start walking around on it, and that I could maybe find a stiff soled shoe. It still hurts moderately (I dont know what's normal...my pain threshold is high. The only reason I went to see the doc is because my foot wouldn't support weight..I fell down. Embarrassing.)
So..it still hurts moderately when I bear weight on it and is slightly swollen. The doctor told me to call him back in 10 days if it still hurts.

I am at college so I am going through the doctor at a local hospital. He IS an orthopedic surgeon, so I feel a little better. But I just don't feel very comfortable with him...it's probably just because I'm no where near my regular docs. What I really wanted to do was see a sports med doc but he was 4 hours away.

My questions:
-Anybody have any experience with this?
-Does the doctor know what he's talking about? Or is he nuts?
-Will the pain go away from walking on it or will it do more damage to a healing bone?
-My plan is to keep wearing the cast boot to classes, but when I'm in the dorm I am going to walk around a little without it.

I suppose I really just need reassurance that he isn't messing up my foot! I have a lot of basketball to play and summer is just starting.

Thanks for any info guys,
Reg

P.S.
-I understand he's a doctor, but I would just like some second opinions from anyone who's experienced this before or is semi-qualified to comment.
-Sorry for the long post!

[Chiefo]

Anyone?
Sorry to bump, but I'll take any opinions I can get.
Yes, I've read both relevant articles under the injury tab..I was hoping maybe Joe would have some advice for me.
I think I'm just going to keep wearing the boot for another week or two.

Anyone?

Thanks,
Reg

[G o r t]

It would seem more normal to me if he had you use crutches.

Fresh hairline fractures will bond like any other break in 5 days if they are immobilized. Bone strength goes up from there. If there is any flexing of the fracture, the bone will not knit and the condition can become chronic and resist healing.

The bone will ache for some time even if healing is going well but there should be no sharp pain. I would stay off it as much as possible and position my weight on the inside edge of the foot for a couple of weeks. Keep it raised up whenever possible to reduce swelling. Excessive swelling will extend the healing time.

[Jaden]

Gives a new meaning to walking it off doesn't it.

[takenoprisoners]

I had a very similar fracture a little over a year ago. I would advise listening to the doctor, im sure he knows what hes doing. I know what you mean about not knowing what a normal pain level is, it took me a few days to see a doctor about any broken bones Ive suffered. With my break I failed to understand the severity of it due to it not hurting as much as it "normaly" should, and in my infinit wisdom didnt listen to my doctor and took my cast off within a few days. It took foever for mine to heal because of this and thinking it was healed enough to start useing it regulary again. So i would listen to the doctor, he deals with plenty of broken bones and im sure knows what is best to do.

[D-Dog]

Rest, Ice(15-20min's per hour), Compression, Elevation.

Stay off it. Just give it some time it will heal.

[Agent_89]

I just fractured my 2nd metatarsal about 3 months ago.
It was a mid-line fracture and did not break all the way through. I went to see an orthopedic surgeon as well.
he hooked me up with an air cast (funny sponge boot)
and a set of crutches. Do not be afraid of the orthopedic surgeon - you are in good hands - this is what they specialize in. I could not apply full pressure on my foot for at least 6 weeks. After 6 weeks the pain while walking was pretty much gone. Go to Google and type in Metatarsal bone fracture.
You will be amazed at the amout of info that is out there.
Its just a matter of time - it will heal and you will get full use from your foot again.
The doc told me to supplement with calcium and eat foods rich in vitamin D. The body uses calcium and vitamin D combined to help heal bone fractures.
Between 6 and 10 weeks - when you go back for another x-ray you will see a calcium ball form around the fracture site.
The doc will look for this as it is a good sign that the fracture is healing.
Check out this link ....some good info here as well:
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/foot.php
My doc told me to still workout - but to avoid doing exercises that involve the feet (squats)
Hope this helps my friend

Agent_89