Question - 5th metatarsal injury (return to running)

by Claire
(Belfast)

I have a jones fracture, 1 week in plaster no weight bearing and currently in a boot and weight bearing with no pain, have been in for 5 weeks.

I have been running since I was 12 and am now 39, generally every day, about 10km. When can I expect to start running again?

I have no pain now and can walk without the boot on quite comfortably, also I have full rotational movement in my foot again. I am not due to see my consultant again for 3 weeks.

Thanks.

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Question - 5th metatarsal injury (return to running)

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Jul 08, 2008
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6-8 weeks if all goes well...
by: Bart - SII

Fractures generally take about 6 weeks to heal completely - that is everything goes normal and there are no complications.

Jones fractures do occassionally have some slower healing times, depending on where the fracture is within the 5th metatarsal, diet, age, activitiy levels, etc.

The fact that you are walking without support painfree is encouraging - just don't do too much too fast. I would take the next few weeks until you see your physician again slow, and follow their recommendations - once you have your recheck and a follow up X-ray to make sure everything is healing normally, then you should be able to start to gradually return to running.

Take the time now to let things heal and you will be much more likely to make a full recovery and get back to running.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.