When can the foot be loaded again? | Metatarsal fracture – pain afterwards

When can the foot be loaded again?

The question of when the foot should be loaded again after a metatarsal fracture also depends on what type of fracture it is and whether surrounding tissue is also damaged. The choice of the treatment method also influences the duration until full weight-bearing is achieved. In general, the foot should be immobilized in a special splint.

The splint has a straight sole so that no rolling movement is possible. During this phase, the foot should be loaded in a pain-adapted manner. Forearm crutches can be helpful for support.

In the case of uncomplicated fractures, it is usually possible to slowly return the foot to full weight-bearing after about 6 weeks. This is done starting from the heel. However, it can take 12 weeks and in complicated cases even several months before the foot can be fully loaded.

For the transition to full weight bearing, tapes can be used. These offer the metatarsus additional stability without affecting the mobility of the foot. In this phase, physiotherapy is indispensable, which provides an ideal basis for the strains of the load through targeted training of the surrounding musculature.

It is also important to load the foot only as much as possible and not to risk overloading and possible complications. When the foot can be loaded again depends on how well the healing process is progressing and which therapy method is appropriate to the degree of injury. The individual case therefore decides on the duration until full weight-bearing.

Duration of healing

The duration of healing of a metatarsal fracture depends on the type, severity and extent of the injury. If only a single bone is affected, the fracture usually heals after about 6-8 weeks, whether conservative or surgical treatment is used. However, it is possible that a significantly longer healing phase can be expected in the case of complicated fractures involving ligaments or tissue, as well as open fractures.

This means that, depending on the degree of injury, the full load is only reached again between 2 and 12 months after the injury. For those affected, this means a lot of discipline and stamina. You will find detailed information in the article: “Midfoot fracture – healing period”.