Exercises
The metatarsus must not be moved during immobilization. In this case, exercises should only be performed after prior practice with a therapist alone, since continued movement often causes a movement of the metatarsal bones when moving healthy joints. 1.)
After the release of the movement, a light grasping and spreading movement of the toes is started. Initially, the metatarsus can be manually stabilized by gently gripping the back of the foot and securing it during the exercise. 2.)
If the movement may continue into the metatarsus, this stabilization is no longer necessary. The toes can be bent and stretched, and grasping a pencil, for example (the thinner the more difficult) can be helpful as sensory input during the exercise. Grasping should be performed approx.
12 times in 3 sets. 3.) It is also important to train the arch of the foot again after a metatarsal fracture.
For this purpose, the forefoot against the heel is practiced. The foot can be put down on a sheet of paper. In a sitting position without transferring the body weight to the foot, the therapist can try to pull the sheet of paper outwards from under the heel while the patient tries to keep contact with the ball of the little toe on the floor.
The heel must tense towards the inside. The exercise can also be performed in the other direction. 4.)
Furthermore, exercises from the field of spiral dynamics or PNF can be used. Later, coordination exercises on flexible surfaces, therapy spinning tops or similar exercises can be included in the exercise repertoire. More exercises can be found in the articles:
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Exercises against forefoot pain
Healing time
The healing time of fracture healing after a metatarsal fracture depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Slight fractures can be treated conservatively and may only need to be immobilized for a short time (e.g. plaster shoe). The immobilization can last between 4-6 weeks.
In more difficult cases or complications, immobilization may last longer with conservative therapy. After an operation, a certain degree of mobility in the foot is usually possible. Rest is also possible for 4-8 weeks.
Depending on the results of the operation, immobilization may also be necessary after surgical treatment.A fatigue fracture, as a result of intensive overloading, e.g. in competitive sports, is healed after about 3 months with conservative treatment to the extent that training can be started again. The complete rehabilitation depends on the individual healing process and the severity of the fracture. For detailed information please refer to the article: “Midfoot fracture – healing time”.
