It's advised to break in new running shoes gradually - many injuries result from a sudden change in running shoes. They are also frequently seen in ballet dancers and gymnasts. People's choices and needs for running shoes vary. However, before choosing something unusual such as barefoot shoes or corrective shoes, make sure you take advice. For example, for barefoot running you need to be taught the right technique. Some doctors recommend re-applying for 15 minutes every two hours (during daytime) for the first 48-72 hours. Do not leave ice on while asleep. This is an operation to “fuse” or stiffen the ankle joint. Why is it performed? Ankle fusions are performed for two main reasons: Typically the stress fracture causes a tender area along the line of the second or third metatarsal bone.

As with many broken bones, pain is a key identifier of a broken foot. If the top of the foot is extremely sore and tender to the touch, possibly even so much that it’s very difficult or impossible to place enough weight on the foot to walk, there could be a break to the top of the foot. Broken foot symptoms are similar to those of a strain, which may actually be even more painful in the short term. One way of differentiating between a sprain and broken foot symptoms is to apply ice to the top of the foot; in the event of a sprain, the pain and swelling will subside. What Broken Foot Treatment is Available on the NHS? You may walk taking a partial degree of weight through the operated foot, using a walking aid. You will be instructed on the degree of weight that is acceptable. Touch weight bearing (TWB) In the case of an acute fracture it may be worsening displacement of the bones and preventing the two ends of the bone from knitting together. Always return to your doctor or health professional for further advice if you have gradually worsening symptoms. What are the complications of metatarsal fractures? Computerised tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning is occasionally needed. A fusion would be advised. If you have a severe foot deformity, you may be advised to have this corrected at the same time as your ankle fusion by fusing other joints and/ or breaking and realigning the foot bones. This would be discussed at the same time as your ankle fusion. We have other information leaflets giving information about major foot fusions. It is generally not possible to change a fusion to an ankle replacement later. The foot becomes too stiff for an ankle replacement to work. We often inject local anaesthetic or steroid into damaged joints, before any surgery is considered, to see if this eases the pain. For some, this removes the pain and surgery is not necessary. For others, pain relief does not last but the results of the injection help us to decide which joints to fuse. What is involved?

Plaster cast care advice

You may walk, taking most of the weight through the non-operated foot and crutches and only touching the ground with the affected foot for balance. Non-weight bearing (NWB) Movement of your foot may also be limited. Surprisingly, however, pain can settle within a few hours.

Plaster casts are made up of a bandage and a hard covering, usually plaster of paris. They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks. Most people prefer not to drive until the plaster is off, they can wear a shoe and are able to fully weight bear. Drive short distances before long ones. If you cannot safely make an emergency stop your insurance will not cover you in the event of an accident. If only your left foot is operated on and you have an automatic car, you can drive within a few weeks of the operation, when your foot is comfortable enough and you can bear weight through it. Play sportOpen or closed: an open fracture is one where the skin is broken over the fracture so that there is a route of possible infection from the outside into the broken bones. This is a more serious type of fracture, with more damage to the soft tissues around it making treatment and healing more complicated. Specialist assessment is needed. See the separate leaflet called Ageing Feet for more detail. What are the symptoms of a metatarsal fracture? Acute metatarsal fracture You certainly can – exercises assigned by a physical therapist can speed up the process of healing the broken bone in the top of your foot, and ensure that your foot heals appropriately and does not leave you immobilized for any prolonged period of time upon recovery. If you are interested in finding a physiotherapist close to you, get in touch with Medical Expert. We will be able to locate any complementary treatment outside of the NHS that you may be entitled to. What is a Common Cause of Broken Foot? You will need to wear a plaster or brace from your knee to your toes until the ankle has fused usually 3-4 months. What will happen after I go home? Change your child’s nappy frequently to avoid soiling the plaster. Disposable nappies with elasticated legs work well but make sure that the leg of the nappy is above the top of the plaster cast. This stops urine leaking onto the plaster.

The following is a rough guide of what to expect when you come out of surgery for some common procedures (note this may change depending on individual considerations). Most patients find that simple measures can make a big difference to the outcome of surgery. The evidence from studies and our experience supports this:Achilles tendon repair – NWB for two weeks followed by WBAT in removable boot (with 4 wedges) for 5-6 weeks Ankle arthroscopy (simple)– Touch weight bearing (TWB) 48 hours and then WBAT, bandage to be removed 48 hours post surgery It will become obvious to you that when you stand up and put your foot down it will start to throb and hurt. Elevating the foot & ankle will alleviate the pain and discomfort post-operatively. Bleeding They can also occur in people who have lost nerve sensation in their feet due to neurological problems - for example, diabetes that has affected the feet. Does osteoporosis cause metatarsal fractures? People sometimes say that it isn't possible to walk on a broken foot but this is not correct. Whether you can walk on a broken foot depends on which bone is broken (and whereabouts along its length), whether the fracture is displaced, how supportive your shoes are, and your personal tolerance to pain. It is, therefore, possible to walk on a broken foot, although it is likely to be very uncomfortable to do so and it may well make matters worse if you do. Stress fractures

It is important to note that only after an injection or proximal medial gastrocnemius release are you expected to walk normally following the procedure.

It's possible to buy special covers for plaster casts to keep them dry when washing or bathing. Ask a pharmacist for more information. Do not try to use plastic bags, bin liners, cling film or similar to keep the cast dry, as these are not reliable methods. If properly treated then metatarsal fractures should heal without long-term consequences. If not recognised and treated then some of these problems can occur: Arthritis of the joint, a previous injury that has damaged the joint, a generalised condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis or because the joint is just wearing out for some other reason. The following is a rough guide of weight bearing status post surgery for some common procedures (note this may change depending on individual considerations).