Introduction
The healing time for a metatarsal fracture cannot be given as a lump sum. It varies from person to person and depends on the following factors:
- The age of the patient
- The severity of the fracture
- The accompanying damage to the surrounding tissue
- The selected therapy method
Healing time for a metatarsal fracture
As already described, the healing process and thus the duration depends on various factors. In the case of a course without complications, the healing process takes about 6-8 weeks. In case of a fracture of the 1st metatarsal, the healing process can take longer, as this is often treated conservatively with a plaster cast in the first 6 weeks.
Afterwards, a further 6 weeks with a slight increase in load should be observed. Depending on age, complete healing of the fracture can be expected after about 6 to 12 months. However, the completion of the healing process is not the same as complete freedom from symptoms. While some patients suffer only minor impairments from a metatarsal fracture in the long term and are quickly able to resume full use, some patients also undergo a very lengthy rehabilitation process involving a great deal of pain, strain and visits to the doctor, which in the end cannot necessarily be concluded with a completely satisfactory healing process.
Healing time depending on the therapy method
The healing process can take different lengths of time depending on the treatment. Which treatment is best for you is best discussed with your doctor. Depending on the form of the metatarsal fracture, the age of the person affected and the extent of soft tissue involvement, surgery may be necessary to generate an optimal healing process.
The time until complete healing is achieved is only slightly influenced by the decision whether surgery is necessary or whether fixation with wires is sufficient. During surgery, the bone fragments are returned to their original position and any damaged soft tissue is repaired if possible. The main purpose of the operation is thus the so-called repositioning of the bone fragments in order to allow the bone parts to grow together correctly.
After the operation, however, the affected foot should not be loaded so that the bone can heal and regain the usual stability. For this reason, support aids are often necessary to avoid loading the bone for the time being. After about six weeks, partial weight-bearing of the foot can begin.
Even after the various operations that can be performed to treat a more serious metatarsal fracture, the intensive phase of recovery is usually about 6 weeks. During this time, many doctors recommend wearing a plaster cast. Once the 6 weeks have elapsed, one should schedule another visit to the doctor, because on the one hand, wires or screws that have been inserted can then be removed, and on the other hand, the doctor should evaluate the healing process that has taken place up to that point and discuss the further procedure with the patient.
In addition to repositioning, which is the process of bringing the bones back into the correct position and fixing the broken bone, a plaster cast is sometimes necessary to stabilize the foot and prevent movement in the metatarsus. Plaster is usually used when the bone fragments are not displaced and conservative therapy is sufficient to treat the fracture. The plaster enables a quick and complication-free healing process.
The plaster cast is usually applied for about six weeks. After this time, the bone is largely healed and partial weight-bearing of the foot is possible. It should be noted that the plaster cast should tend to be applied less long in children and can be removed for about four to five weeks. Due to the restricted movement of the foot, the muscles underneath the cast are reduced. Through various exercises, a targeted and moderate muscle build-up should take place after removal of the plaster from the foot.
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