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If the underlying cause can be treated, foot drop may improve or disappear. If the underlying cause can't be treated, foot drop may be permanent. Some nerve damage can heal but full recovery can take up to two years. Tendon surgery– NWB for two weeks followed by weight bearing in either a removable boot or ankle brace for at least 4 weeks You will be discharged with a copy of your operation note, which will have detailed post-operative instructions. It will also outline the follow-up after your surgery. 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
The most important potential problem is infection in the bones of the ankle. This only happens in less than 1 in 100 people, but, if it does, it is serious as further surgery to drain and remove the infected bone and any infected screws or pins will be necessary. You may then need more surgery to encourage the ankle to fuse in a satisfactory position. The result is not usually as good after such a major problem as if the ankle had healed normally. 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. Most foot blisters last between three and seven days and will normally clear up if further excessive friction is avoided. How can I prevent them?Open 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. Specialised shoes. Shoes fitted with spring-loaded braces can help prevent the foot dropping whilst walking. One type uses a cuff around the ankle, a spring above and a hook in the shoelace area which connects to the spring and pulls the foot up during walking. Metatarsal fractures (of both types) occur more easily if the metatarsal bones are weakened due to 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis). Research shows that 1 in 10 ankle fusions do not heal in exactly the position intended, either because the position achieved at surgery was not exactly right or because the bones have shifted slightly in plaster. This does not usually cause any problem, although the foot may not look “quite right” 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?
See the separate leaflet called Ageing Feet for more detail. What are the symptoms of a metatarsal fracture? Acute metatarsal fracture The fifth metatarsal bone is the most common metatarsal bone to be fractured in sudden (acute) injury to the foot. It may be broken at various points along its length, depending on the mechanism of injury. The other metatarsal bones can also be broken. The first, second and fifth metatarsals are the most commonly injured in sport. Several well-known footballers have had metatarsal fractures in recent years. Stress fracture Painkillers such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen which may help to relieve pain. Ice Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). These are specialised L-shaped ankle splints. They simply hold the foot at 90° to the lower leg so that it can't drop down. If your foot pain is increasing over time then your activity may be making an existing problem worse. In the case of a stress fracture this may mean progression to an acute fracture.Achilles tendon debridement– Non-weight bearing (NWB) for two weeks followed by full weight bearing (FWB) in removable boot for 4 weeks The majority of patients require 2-3 follow-ups but each operation has an individual post-operative course and every patient heals differently. Your follow-up will be tailored individually as necessary. Most metatarsal fractures occur in younger people, as they are more likely to be involved in the kinds of sports and marching activities that make them more likely. However, as we become older the 'springiness' and padding of our feet tend to reduce. This means that our feet absorb impact less well and it is easier to fracture bones. Supportive footwear will make this much less likely.
you can usually return to school or work with a cast, but you should avoid strenuous activities that may damage the broken bone or cast Computerised tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning is occasionally needed. 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. Typically the stress fracture causes a tender area along the line of the second or third metatarsal bone.Elevation initially aims to limit and reduce any swelling. For example, keep the foot up on a chair to at least hip level when you are sitting. When you are in bed, put your foot on a pillow. Sometimes rest is the only treatment that is needed, even in traumatic fracture. Stop stressing the foot 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
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