Metatarsal fracture left foot.

Injury occurred in the last week, probably from running or coming off a boulder project. I haven’t noticed it so much while Climbing, but also haven’t been paying too much attention to it. I fear that I will have to stop Climbing for this to heal properly, I’m giving up on running and of course that Boulder problem. Has anyone out there continued Climbing with a stress fracture and been okay? 

What did the Dr. say?

Don’t judge me, I haven’t seen a podiatrist yet, I’m just going off of past stress fractures I have had on that foot. 

The quality of the advice you receive is directly proportional to how much you pay for it and the medical expertise of said adviser. (FrankPS 2018)

Kim Bow wrote:

Don’t judge me, I haven’t seen a podiatrist yet, I’m just going off of past stress fractures I have had on that foot. 

No judgement, figured if you knew it was fractured you had an xray and were looking for validation to climb. 

If it's cracked and you don't get it in a boot and stay off it for about 6 weeks it will still heal. BUT, it will take longer, not heal as well AND if you put enough stress on it to turn the crack into a complete break you are hosed.

If you can climb without really "noticing" it, it may not be fractured.

(JB 2018)

I actually also broke a metatarsal on the left foot. Please, see a pediatrist and do proper PT after it heals. I laid ow on it for several months after the fact because you can be left with permanent pain in the foot if you agitate it during the healing process, and that really sucks. Even then, it still hurt for almost a year after the injury. I wouldn't do much on it for at least a couple of months after you get out of a boot, speaking from experience.

i am a foot and ankle surgeon, happy to help if you still need it.  it would be helpful to know which metatarsal and if it is involving a joint.  great toe joint vs 5th met base are not areas to ignore. 

john gregory wrote:

i am a foot and ankle surgeon, happy to help if you still need it.  it would be helpful to know which metatarsal and if it is involving a joint.  great toe joint vs 5th met base are not areas to ignore. 

Unfortunately that is the area that seems to be most inflamed. It isn’t as painful as my previous metatarsal fractures, but when I apply pressure to my big toe on the outside edge, it’s a discomfort  ache. Also I can see how inflamed that area is, visually I see the difference. 

GO TO A PODIATRIST. I had pain in that same area and kept climbing, It turned out to be a sesamoid fracture, had I dealt with it right away things might have been okay, now I deal with chronic (probably lifelong) foot pain. 

Go to the doctor!!! Stop climbing!

Listen to them. See my recent post regarding cracks and 5th metatarsal pain due to a fracture. Also, I’d avoid surgery if I had to do it all over again. 

Appreciate the encouragement. I’m in the process of X-rays and all that fun scary process. 

Kim Bow wrote:

Appreciate the encouragement. I’m in the process of X-rays and all that fun scary process. 

Post 'm up!