Author Topic: Broken foot (Read 5767 times)

qstick777 · « **on:** December 22, 2006, 02:35:27 PM »

I broke my foot earlier this week. So, I'll be out for somewhere between 6-8 weeks. It's the 5th metatarsal - I was originally told it was a Jone's fracture, but the podiatrist said it isn't that severe.

Anyways, its a non weight bearing injury, so I won't be able to put any weight on the foot for a while.

It's on my sliding foot. Has anybody had a similar injury? What do I have to look forward to when I am finally able to bowl again?

2/26 update:
Last doc visit was 2/21. Still no sign of healing, so I'm having surgery on the 28th. They are going to use a titanium pin to join the bones. Insurance will cover the bone stimulator with the surgery (go figure!)

Since I'm having surgery I figured I can't really do any more damage, so I actually started to put some weight on the foot (with walking boot) on Friday. Took boot off on Saturday and spent most of the day walking with one crutch. Spent all day Sunday walking without the crutch - never thought I'd be happy to walk around the grocery store! Foot is sore, but I was able to go outside and shovel some snow. I think most of the pain is from not having used any of the muscles for the past 9 weeks. It was nice to be able to pick up and carry my son, and even nice to be able to carry in some groceries.

Edit:

2/28: Had surgery. Scheduled for 1pm - didn't get taken in until 3:30! Woke up from recovery around 5pm. Soft cast for the next 12 days. Weight bearing on the heel only.

3/12: Had the stitches and soft cast removed and back to the walking boot. Still no weight bearing for the next 2 weeks. X-rays show signs of bone growth already, so doc doesn't think I need a bone stim. Also found out doc did not counter-sink the screw head like he told me he would. Not sure exactly how much is extended outside the bone and really hoping it doesn't bother me. Doc says it shouldn't bother me, but if it becomes an issue we can always remove the screw later.......I'm going to assume that that would be free of charge, because I'm not shelling out another $500 in co-pays!

3/20: Started walking without the crutches again....only on the heel. Man, I've lost a lot of muscle in my foot and leg in the past 13 weeks! I'm pretty sure my league season is completely over. I imagine I'll have at least a few weeks before I'll be able to put a lot of weight and stress on my foot.

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Edited on 2/26/2007 0:50 AM

Edited on 2/26/2007 0:53 AM

Edited on 3/22/2007 0:01 AM

agroves · « **Reply #1 on:** December 22, 2006, 10:38:43 PM »

quote:
I broke my foot earlier this week. So, I'll be out for somewhere between 6-8 weeks. It's the 5th metatarsal - I was originally told it was a Jone's fracture, but the podiatrist said it isn't that severe.

Anyways, its a non weight bearing injury, so I won't be able to put any weight on the foot for a while.

It's on my sliding foot. Has anybody had a similar injury? What do I have to look forward to when I am finally able to bowl again?

I broke my big toe right where it connects to my foot last January. I came back quickly, about 4 weeks, b/c I wanted to bowl a tourney. Man it hurt bad after that 6 games. It still bothers me occasionally. Take your time and enjoy the break. Go watch you teammates!

Andrew
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DukeHarding · « **Reply #2 on:** December 23, 2006, 09:25:25 AM »

I broke my last 2 toes on my slide foot in August (little toe, and one next to it).
I bowled a tournament the next day (on pain killers), hurt like heck. It took 6 weeks before I could really bowl. The toes healed fine, (had an exit Xray). I have numbness in both of them. could bowl fine until I tore one of the tendons in my bowling arm. Another 3-4 weeks off minimum. Hope you toe heals quickly...don't push bowling, let it heal.
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bass · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2006, 09:31:44 AM »

I've bowled thru broken toes.
Shot a 299 game about 30 minutes after breaking them.
Went thru a lot of athletic tape to support the toes.
In a way it helped my game by softening up my approach slowing my tempo down.
Have also bowled thru a hernia.
Won 3 tournaments in the month leading up to that surgery.
I guess it all depends on your pain threshold.
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qstick777 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2006, 02:46:56 PM »

Thanks for the kind words. It isn't the toe that's broken, but an actual bone in the middle of the foot.

X-ray: http://new.photos.yahoo.com/qstick777/photo/294928804118507319/0

The doctor said it'll be 6-8 weeks for complete healing, and I have to keep all weight off the foot for at least 4-6 weeks.

Muscle atrophy is something I've seen mentioned. I'm just wondering how much muscle I'll lose and how long will it take before I can comfortably get back to bowling - you know, where I'm not afraid to put a lot of pressure, etc. I tend to plant more than slide, so I don't know how much extra pressure that is on the foot.

They put me in a walking boot (http://www.americarx.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=35378) until the swelling goes down and they will decide at my next visit (next Tuesday) if I need a cast or if I can keep the boot. It's nice to be able to take it off for showers and stuff. They also said I could opt for a pin/screw and cut the healing time in half.

It's only been 9-10 days already, but it seems like I've lost a lot of muscle in my calf - the muscle just dangles, but then again I can't flex my foot either.

Normally I would try to enjoy the break from bowling, but I already took 8 weeks off this season (I'm splitting the season with a co-worker that didn't want to commit to the full season).
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AlanJ · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2006, 06:58:06 PM »

See if your doctor can order you one of these: http://ortho.smith-nephew.com/us/node.asp?NodeId=2865 My wife broke her middle toe and it wasn't healing. The doc ordered this and it is healing nicely. It is supossed to cut healing time 1 to two weeks.

qstick777 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2007, 09:34:40 AM »

6 week update:

Just got back from the doctor. He took 3 x-rays. 1 x-ray looked better, 1 x-ray looked worse, and 1 x-ray looked the same. How you like them apples?

AlanJ- the doctor did mention that system today. He said the only problem is trying to get it authorized through insurance. Since it's been 6 weeks and there is no sign of healing he doesn't think it will be a problem, but I have to wait to see what insurance says.

I also have the option to go ahead with surgery and get a titanium screw. I'm leaning towards the surgery at this point. While my foot no longer hurts, I still can't put any weight on it (well, very little pressure on the heel).

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crankncrash · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2007, 11:21:47 PM »

Having been through foot surgery, I can tell you that it sucks but in the end it seemed worth it. I would ALWAYS rather try to have something heal without being cut open if you can... Try the brace system or whatever he can do for you first then go under the knife if you must. Screws are menacing no matter what they tell you. Its either leave em and deal with the PITA they become or have another surgery to remove them, neither is fun. Hope it all works out for you.

mumzie · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2007, 11:30:03 PM »

quote:
enjoy the break

Nice slip, Andrew!

Anyway - back on topic. I had two bowling balls fall on my left foot about 30 years ago, just before the start of a tournament. I actually bowled 3 games with 2 breaks in my slide foot - then passed out cold. One was in the big toe, one in the "lower" joint where the toe joins the foot.

It took quite a while to heal, and gave me trouble now and again for about 8-10 years. To this day, the toenail grows in crooked...

good luck - hope it heals up well for you.
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serice · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2007, 07:59:09 AM »

Since, I've broken each foot three times (plus a leg and hand once each)I understand how this feels.

What I learned... there is no such thing as putting "just a little" pressure on the foot. Even "flexing the muscles" can cause the bones to shift. That's why the foot is immobilized. Boy, did I learn that rule the hard way.

Muscle atrophy is not a big deal. A week of normal movement has the muscles start looking normal. A few more weeks and no difference.

Wear really supportive shoes. Give your foot all the support you can for the first six months. It's still vulnerable. Four out of six breaks for me were in the same region of the foot and less that 16 months apart. Good times...

You find that your foot has the ability to predict the weather... nice little trick that isn't at all annoying.

Surgery is always invasive and has risks, but if it is the best option then listen carefully to doctor's orders. Physical Therapy after the healing may not be out of the question either.

Just know that their are no quick fixes, but it can be good again.

Light Hit Split · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2007, 08:15:11 AM »

I have had jones fractures in both feet from playing basketball in high school... now removed 15 years from those injuries, I tried the braces, had screws inserted and removed. I had any treatment available at the Cleveland Clinc to alleviate the pain and pressure in my foot (left foot had more of the problems). Nothing worked until on doctor removed the piece that kept breaking. Now outside of being able to predict the weather, I have havent had trouble with the foot for about the last 5 years. I still run three times a week, bowl and play in rec hoops and softball leagues.

Up until the last surgery every couple years i would have some problem with the foot or it would break again. Although I played football as a D-lineman in college so that might have something to do with it.

But good luck its a tough injury to deal with. But there are worse out there.
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qstick777 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2007, 11:33:03 AM »

Thanks for all the input!

I don't really WANT to have surgery, but at this point I don't know what else I can do. I have 2 kids and it's difficult to not be able to help the wife or even be able to play with the kids.

I'm pretty sure my insurance will not cover the bone growth stimulation machines. The info on their site says they will only cover when it has been more than 3 months and they require x-rays at least 90 days apart. It's only been about 45 days.

I've fallen 3 or 4 times (from hopping on one foot, from tripping on stairs, etc - it's very difficult to use crutches while wearing a coat and a backpack).

The doctor didn't mention anything about not flexing the foot - he specifically gave me that "walker boot" so that I can take it off for showers, airing it out, etc. Now, I figure that might be part of the reason it isn't healing properly!
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serice · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2007, 12:35:49 PM »

No kidding about the coat and backpack thing.... try having to navigate a college campus, dining halls with food trays, dorm bathrooms and all the rest on crutches. Plus, my car was a stick shift, so no driving for weeks!

How old are the kids? They may need to become Daddy's special helpers. Tasks are good for kids. Plus, kids like it when Daddy colors, plays dolls, reads, and does other sit-down games with them.

As for flexing, I didn't have a boot or brace or bandage on when I slept which was fine. I was told that when in a relaxed sleep state you don't tend to move the foot in any way that it might hurt. It's also usually not a problem to bend the foot up at the ankle, but watch the side-to-side movement.

qstick777 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2007, 02:24:09 PM »

quote:
No kidding about the coat and backpack thing.... try having to navigate a college campus, dining halls with food trays, dorm bathrooms and all the rest on crutches. Plus, my car was a stick shift, so no driving for weeks!

How old are the kids? They may need to become Daddy's special helpers. Tasks are good for kids. Plus, kids like it when Daddy colors, plays dolls, reads, and does other sit-down games with them.

As for flexing, I didn't have a boot or brace or bandage on when I slept which was fine. I was told that when in a relaxed sleep state you don't tend to move the foot in any way that it might hurt. It's also usually not a problem to bend the foot up at the ankle, but watch the side-to-side movement.

They are 4 and 1. The 4 year old is pretty good with helping out, but he still likes to get wound up and jump and rough-house, which just freaks out my wife ("watch out for daddy's foot!").

It just stinks when you can get the 1 year old out of the crib - can pick him up but can't walk around with him.

Also have a few pets, so can't help with carrying the dog food, feeding them, etc. Can't take out the trash, help shovel the snow, etc.

When you are basically confined to the couch or a bed, it just isn't much fun.

I keep the boot on except for showers, and occassionally I'll take it off while sitting on the couch on the weekends. I sleep with it, although sometimes I loosen it up a little. It's mostly flexing it up and down, not much sideways. I do put minimal weight on the heel sometimes, when I need a little help standing up or keeping my balance.

Basically it's just frustrating.
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DukeHarding · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2007, 02:36:06 PM »

qstick777,

check your PMs.
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Author Topic: Broken foot (Read 5767 times)

qstick777

Broken foot

agroves

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DukeHarding

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bass

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qstick777

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AlanJ

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qstick777

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crankncrash

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mumzie

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serice

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Light Hit Split

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qstick777

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serice

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qstick777

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DukeHarding

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