Therapy for a metatarsal fracture
Which therapy is used for a metatarsal fracture depends on which metatarsal bone is affected and how complicated the fracture is. For simple fractures, conservative therapy is often sufficient, but if the fracture is more complicated, it is usually treated surgically. In general, however, the therapy is always divided into different phases, which can be of varying length depending on the severity of the injury.
Resting phase: In this phase, the foot is immobilized with a plaster cast, tape or a special shoe. Crutches are used to ensure that the foot is relieved. Healing phase: During this phase, we ensure that the swelling is reduced and the muscle breakdown is counteracted by elevated, cool and passive physiotherapy and lymph drainage.
Load phase: After about 6-8 weeks, the splint is removed and the foot can slowly be partially loaded again. Especially the muscle build-up and the stabilization and mobilization are very important now. Full weight bearing: Once the fracture has healed completely and the muscle build-up is progressing well, the foot can be fully loaded again.Return to sport is possible after about 3 months in the case of uncomplicated fractures.
- Resting phase: The foot is immobilized with a plaster cast, tape or special shoes. With the help of forearm crutches it is ensured that the foot is relieved.
- Healing phase: During this phase, we ensure that the swelling is reduced and the muscle breakdown is counteracted by elevated, cool and passive physiotherapy and lymph drainage.
- Loading phase: After approx. 6-8 weeks, the splint is removed and the foot can slowly be partially loaded again. Especially the muscle build-up and the stabilization and mobilization are very important now.
- Full weight bearing: Once the fracture has healed completely and the muscle build-up is progressing well, the foot can be fully loaded again. Return to sport is possible after about 3 months in the case of uncomplicated fractures.
