Therapy | Midfoot bone fracture

Therapy

The treatment of a metatarsal fracture depends in principle on the severity and shape of the fracture. In general, the pieces of bone that deviate from each other due to the fracture must be restored to their original shape. This is important in order to achieve adequate function of the foot after healing.

Wires, plates and screws can be used to guide the bones together. In some cases, fixation of the bones with wires without surgery is sufficient. Often, however, open surgery is required in the case of a metatarsal fracture, in which the bone fragments are joined together by means of plates and screws.

If the bone fragments are not displaced against each other, conservative treatment with a plaster cast may be sufficient. The plaster can usually be removed after six weeks. Even after the therapy, the recommendations of the treating physician should be followed without fail to avoid complications and to ensure complete healing. After removal of the cast, recommended exercises should be performed and straining movements should be avoided as far as possible, so that the foot attains the stability and strength it had before the injury. The treating physician and physiotherapist can, if necessary, give further advice on how the healing process can be positively influenced by carrying out special exercises and rest periods.

Healing

Bones generally belong to very slow healing structures of the human body. In addition to slow healing, a broken bone also needs a strong fixation to regain its initial state. After repositioning and fixing the bone fragments, the foot is usually immobilized with a plaster cast so that the healing of the bones is not delayed and disturbed by movement.

After about six weeks, the plaster can be removed and the foot is usually already slightly loaded. Through specific mobilizing exercises of the foot, the muscles can be built up without putting too much strain on the damaged structures.The individual duration of the healing phase depends on the type of injury and a number of individual factors. In particular, the extent of soft tissue involvement associated with a metatarsal fracture determines the course of the disease. A healing of the foot after which the affected foot can be fully loaded is usually only achieved after about 6 months. In individual cases, full weight bearing of the foot can only be achieved after one year.