Fractured Metatarsel - timely healing process

[Tellso]

Hi,

Approximately 6weeks ago i hurt my foot whilst playing football. I swung with my right foot and caught the bottom of someones studded boot. I found it very painful putting any weight on it and 2days later went to hospital for an X-ray.

The doctor at the time couldnt see any breaks/cracks or dislocation possibly due to swelling. By now i had dark purple bruising above the long toe next to the big toe and my 3rd toe. Also the bottom of my foot showed dark purple bruising. I asked for a set of crutches but was told as it wasnt anything more serious than tenden damage i should walk on it.

Struggled on for 3weeks before finally giving in and returning to another hospital where i had another X-ray which showed a crack on the 3rd metatarsel which seemed to be healing. It was too late to be put in cast or give me one of those funny boots. Although i did get a shiney new set of crutches!

Ive since been back to a fracture specialist who took another X-ray to make sure there was no missed dislocations i was still having pain on the outside of my foot but he gave the all clear and discharged me.

Its now been six weeks and im itching to get back out and start playing Football and Tennis. I still have slight pain in the area of the fracture and a pain on the outside of my foot if i hold it in my hand and give it a slight twist pushing my little toe side up. But the pain is on the outside of my foot away from the bone fractured. Also my calf muscle feels very tight (almost bruise like feeling on the back) but i assume this is down to the fact ive had to walk in a slightly distorted way to keep weight off the foot.

I have just started stretching my calf and doing exercises on my foot and toes.

Will i cause more damage if i start doing running/tennis or football now. I will continue stretching etc.. Also will the fact i was still attempting to walk on the foot for the first 3weeks likely to prolongue the healing process or cause any concerns for the future? When i had the 2nd X-ray the Doctor said it seemed to be healing well.

Thank you in advance for your help and i apologise for the essay!

Ben

[Heidi]

Hi
Walking on a fracture can cause problems in that it may not heal in alignment, but as you have had several x-rays since and it seems ok then I think you have nothing to worry about.
I would hoever urge you not to return to playing football until daily activities and running are completely pain-free.
The pain you are experiencing on the outer ankle may be due to ligament damage that you didn't notice at the time as the foot pain was worse.
Definately keep up with stretching the calf muscles - tight calf muscles can be a cause of future injuries and problems such as shin splints or achilles tendonitis etc.