Question
Hi, i originally broke my 2nd metatarsal on the joint which joins to the toe bone and there was a small fracture on the toe, this healed very well and 6 weeks later i was able to walk with little problem however a week later (7 weeks from break) while walking i felt pain in the foot, x-ray shown the original break was fixed brilliantly however the toe bone had broken where the original fracture was

4 weeks after this 2nd break the doctor has told me that he wants me to walk on it and start to put pressure on it even tho the break is not 100 healed and "still gelling", so ive walked around a little and a week later the spot where the break is aches, ive not used my foot properly for 12 weeks and its very stiff and difficult to move my toes

now i understand that im aprehensive, but i just dont think that my foot is ready and im terrified that by bending my toes i will do damage to the break and either re-break (again) or end up doing some permenant damage to my foot, im only 20 and dont want to ruin my foot by being to hastey with the recovery altho after 12 weeks i also want to be more active

Please do you have any advice on the rehabilitation and recovery of my foot but also the mental block that i have with doing anything with it because of fear of more damage
Thank you for any advice, it is greatly appreciated

Answer
You probably have some tendinitis of the long flexor tendons. This should respond to massage and some possible physical therapy. Heat is good for the stiffness but if it hurts-ice it down. Try wrapping the toe and ball of foot with a miniature ace wrap.
Usually non-displaced toe fractures heal fine on their own. At 12 weeks the bone should be well healed to prevent re-break ,but is still doing additional healing to decrease swelling and stiffness.
Don't be scarred to use the toes. Wear comfortable shoes with some support-like a Doc Marten and give it another month to stop bothering you.
Good Luck!
Dr George Tsatsos-Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
AnkleNFoot.com

Not med advice-just info for all