Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Board Certified Podiatrists
Expert Foot & Ankle Care
Jones Fracture Healing Time:
FASTER 5th Metatarsal Fracture Recovery!
Jones Fracture Healing Time: These are notorious for prolonged healing. It can take up to 6-8 weeks in a cast. We show you how to BE FASTER! Look: Outside of the foot, pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes. We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day. The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if possible. So, let's GO!
Outside of the Foot Pain [Lateral Foot Pain]
Jones Fracture Treatment Video
Other Causes of the Outside of the Foot Pain
Outside of the Foot Pain Picture Gallery:
- Fifth toe pain usually has nothing wrong with the bone unless it has recently been broken. The pain usually results from pressure against the front of the shoe, causing a callus or ingrown toenail.
- The fifth toe joint can cause a Tailor's bunion to occur. This can also result in nerve pain and arthritis of the fifth toe joint.
- The bone connecting to the fifth toe is called the fifth metatarsal. It is possible to develop a stress fracture or "Jones" fracture.
- The peroneal tendons can also be causing pain. This means the peroneus brevis tendon and the peroneus longus tendon.
- Cuboid syndrome can also cause pain at the back and outside of the foot.
Jones Fracture Overview:
- A Jones fracture is a break in the base of the fifth metatarsal of the foot.
- You can feel it on the side of your foot right around the middle.
- This is a notoriously difficult part of the foot to heal because the Peroneus Brevis Muscle is always pulling it apart.
- This may sometimes require surgery to heal the site if there is pain.
Jones Fracture Symptoms:
Symptoms of a broken 5th metatarsal include:
- Bruising and darkness around the foot.
- Numbness burning and tingling.
- Clear foot deformity.
- Pain along the middle outside of the foot.
- Throbbing tender outside of the foot.
Jones Fracture Causes:
Jones fractures or 5th metatarsal fractures most likely happen from:
- Trauma
- A large fall.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Severely sprained ankles.
- Twisted ankles while in high heels.
- Injury to the 5th metatarsals.
- Foot twisting down and inward.
Jones Fracture Recovery Time:
Hard to heal because:
- Peroneus Brevis Muscle is always pulling it apart.
- High rate of nonunion.
- High Rate of Malunion
- Not the best blood flow to this area of the bone.
- Healing can take up to 2-3 months in a cast without surgery.
- The more health problems, the longer it takes.
Jones Fracture Treatment:
- Jones fracture healing time can be slower without surgery.
- Yet, surgery is not always necessary.
- If the fifth metatarsal base is not significantly displaced, the 5th metatarsal fracture can heal it with casting.
- This is preferable for people who are older and have any medical history.
- This is how most people will be treated.
Broken 5th Metatarsal Walking Boot:
- A great option for a Jones fracture is initially to use an offloading walking boot or cast.
- The majority of the time, these fractures can heal without needing surgery.
- In approximately 15-30% of cases, there may be difficulty healing without surgery.
Best Jones Fracture Boots:
- A cast may be indicated initially, but gradually there are some benefits to a removal air cast.
- This has recently been shown to be more and more beneficial for ankle fractures.
- Our favorite fracture boots and their supplies:
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
$114.99
$269.99
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
It is more costly than the economy version.
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Value & Best Seller Knee Rolling Scooter.
Price:
$114.99
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.5/5 with 3,000+ reviews. Great Price.
Pros:
Great reviews, great price overall, what more can you ask for?
Cons:
Least durable and no real off-road capabilities.
Crucial Tips:
These can be tough on the knee and the lower back. Combine with physical therapy.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best All Terrain Heavy Duty Scooter.
Price:
$269.99
Overview:
Excellent overall reviews at 4.4/5 with 1,300+ reviews. Great heavy duty all terrain.
Pros:
Good for offroad, grass and dirt. This is the better choice for heavy and tall patients over 6 foot and heavy.
Cons:
It is more costly than the economy version.
Crucial Tips:
If you are a bigger person at over 6ft tall, consider this. If you need to be at work or outside, this is great option.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Crutch Free Walking Device.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Decent reviews at 3.9/5 with 4,000+ reviews. NOT for everyone!
Pros:
This is great for athletic and mobile people. We have found success for younger and more physically capable people.
Cons:
DO NOT get this if you are older, have poor balance and poor mobility. Higher fall risk.
Crucial Tips:
This is better for very mobile and physically capable people. Do not get this if you have poor weight control or poor balance.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Scooters
Best Elevating Specific Postop or Swelling Pillow
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Very good reviews at 4.7/5 with almost 2,000 Reviews. Simple job but does it well.
Pros:
Great pillow for the first 1-2 weeks after foot or ankle fracture and surgery. Decreased pain and swelling.
Cons:
Basically it is a pillow that costs $50, if you are tight on money, don’t get it.
Crucial Tips:
It can be very effective and does a great job, but if you are tight on cash, use it on a better boot or scooter.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Jones Fracture Best Scooters:
- Crutches can be very difficult on the inside of the armpits. This can cause significant pain, especially considering how long it takes to heal the broken ankle.
- These are favorite knee scooters and walking devices:
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Best Short Boot
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
$67.14
$55.49
Price not available
$15.99
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Tall Boot
Price:
$67.14
Overview:
Excellent reviews at 4.6/5 with over 800+ Reviews:
Pros:
It has an air bladder for extra cushion. It is tall for extra support, as well as air bladder.
Cons:
The inner sleeve can ride lower and the plastic around the rim can irritate the boot.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure your lift the cushioning material along the hard plastic rim. Make sure to keep it pumped up. Use an orthotic and a lift on the other side.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Short Boot
Price:
$55.49
Overview:
Very good reviews. This is 4.3/5 ratings on over 3,000+ reviews.
Pros:
Excellent lower cost walking boot. With a orthotic and cushion, it really keeps pressure off of your ankle.
Cons:
Less support with the less than full length boot. It is more comfortable but less supportive.
Crucial Tips:
Use a lift for the other foot to prevent back and hip problems. Also use an orthotic for the flat foot bed.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Fracture Boot Balance Device
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Outstanding reviews: 4.3/5 for 1,000+ reviews! Prevents hip, knee and back pain.
Pros:
This works great to balance the opposite foot. This prevents the back, hip and knees from having any pain.
Cons:
Does not work that great for slippers and less supportive shoes.
Crucial Tips:
This is very cost effective and well worth it. Just make sure both shoes have good supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Fracture Boots & Covers
Best Cast Shower Cover
Price:
$15.99
Overview:
Amazing Reviews at 4.6/5 at 500+ reviews. Best reviewed and cost effective bag.
Pros:
It is very effective but not perfect. The price is really good and it has excellent reviews.
Cons:
It can still leak, so be careful!
Crucial Tips:
Just be careful with this is not perfect. It can still get wet underneath.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Jones Fracture Cast:
Why casting over surgery?
- Casting is the less invasive method.
- It has fewer complications
- Treatment is faster with surgery.
- This is the cheaper method.
- You can also use a walking boot.
- Transition into a surgical shoe after 6-8 weeks.
This treatment method usually takes at least 6-8 weeks of wearing a cast or a walking boot. This is then followed by a couple of weeks of a surgical shoe or a stiff shoe.
- No less, and there is a serious risk of nonunion or malunion.
- It is definitely tough to hear that you will be off your feet for this long, but the consequences are dire if it does not heal.
- Nonunion or malunion can lead to limping and improper mechanics for the rest of your life.
Jones fracture healing time is faster with surgery.
- Yet, there are pros and cons.
- If you are a high-level athlete or there is significant displacement of your fifth metatarsal base.
- Surgery is never needed 100%, but it is a strong option in this case.
- The treatment of choice will be to put a 4.0- 5.5mm screw down the shaft of your metatarsal.
- This involves a small incision on the side of your foot, so scarring is minimal.
Why choose Jones fracture surgery over plaster casting?
- Surgery is invasive.
- More complications.
- More expensive.
- Faster healing time.
- Usually reserved for athletes or displacement of the bone.
- This treatment method usually takes 2-4 weeks to be back on your feet in a surgical shoe.
- For the first 2-4 weeks, you would generally be in a cast until the incision site heals.
- This number differs based on the surgeon or the method of treatment used.
Jones Fracture Treatment Home Tips:
- Take calcium
- Take vitamin D
- Eat lots of protein.
- Make sure it is well offloaded.
- Walking boot or cast for at least 6-8 weeks.
Jones Fracture Home Treatment & Rehabilitation:
- You should transition to a rigid ankle support brace after you are out of a cast or walking boot.
- These are our favorite braces.
- These stability braces are meant for when you immediately leave the immobilizing boot.
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
$47.99
Price not available
$25.45
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can’t fit in more snug shoes.
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it’s job.
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Price:
$47.99
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can’t fit in more snug shoes.
Pros:
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it’s job.
Cons:
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
Important Tips:
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
$25.45
Overview:
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Compare Stores:
5th metatarsal fracture not healing?
- If this is happening, you should see your podiatrist as quickly as possible!
- This might mean something called a non-union is occurring.
Lateral Foot Pain without a fracture?
- These are compression braces that should help you long term.
- These are meant more for compression and fit, rather than absolute stability:
Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace – Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn’t do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don’t use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace – Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn’t do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don’t use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Pain Relief Options:
- Consider menthol as an alternative to icing.
- Studies have shown that the pain relief can last 2x as long.
- This is safer than long term NSAIDs or other pills.
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
Price not available
$36.70
Price not available
$18.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$36.70
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$18.99
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 5th Metatarsal Pain Shoes:
- The key to prevent your ankle pain is to have a good supportive shoe that supports your ankle joint and subtalar joint.
- If you have a good supportive shoe, that keeps pressure your joints so that your ankle does not have to work as hard.
- This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people switch to really good supportive shoes that fit properly, the ankle pain should gradually improve.
Best 5th Metatarsal Pain Orthotics:
- These are our recommended orthotics for 5th metatarsal pain.
- There are different types of different shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic but allow for less correction.
- A full-length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot, or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
- We recommend doing everything you can to get a good supportive shoe that can fit a full-length orthotic.
- This is the best way to maximize your orthotics for great results.
For more on Stress Fractures:
From Break to Recovery: Your Guide to Healing a Jones Fracture
Don’t walk on uncertainty—here’s a useful link about Jones Fracture recovery
Outside of the Foot Pain [Lateral Foot Pain]
FAQ: Jones Fracture Healing Time – What to Expect During Recovery
A Jones fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal bone near the base of the foot, just behind the pinky toe. It’s a common injury, especially among athletes, and it has a higher risk of delayed healing due to limited blood flow in the area.
Healing time varies but typically takes 6 to 8 weeks with proper care. In some cases, especially if surgery is needed or healing is slow, it may take up to 12 weeks or more.
In most cases, patients are advised not to bear weight on the injured foot during the initial phase of healing. A boot or cast is usually worn. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to begin walking again.
Factors include the severity of the break, your age, overall health, blood circulation to the foot, and whether you follow medical instructions (like staying off your foot and wearing a boot or cast as directed).
Not all. Minor fractures may heal with conservative treatment such as rest, immobilization, and non-weight-bearing. However, surgery is often recommended for athletes or if the fracture doesn’t heal properly on its own.
Signs of healing include reduced pain, swelling going down, and improvement in walking ability once cleared. X-rays taken by your doctor will confirm whether the bone is healing as expected.
Follow your doctor’s recovery plan strictly—use your boot or cast, avoid putting weight on your foot, eat a bone-healthy diet, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking, as it can slow bone healing.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-qualified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon serving Southeast Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. A Michigan native, Dr. Biernacki earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a three-year comprehensive surgical residency in foot and ankle surgery in the Detroit metro area.
Dr. Biernacki specializes in the treatment of heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, flatfoot correction, and minimally invasive foot surgery. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that helps people of all ages stay active and pain-free.
He sees patients at multiple convenient Metro Detroit locations and is committed to community education through the MichiganFootDoctors.com resource library. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA).