Recovery after broken foot 8 weeks out

[Grits]

I am 8 weeks out from fracturing my 1st, 2nd and 3rd metatarsals in a biking accident. I was non-weight bearing and in a boot for about 4 weeks and continued at least part time in a boot for another two and doing some range of motion exercises.

Last appointment two weeks ago, I was given some PT exercises to do on my own with and without a band and basically told to do what I was able to do. If my foot hurt a lot the next day, then I would know I did too much. I really prefer things to be much more specific than that!

The band exercises are no problem. I can put as much pressure as I am able to with the band, and there is no pain. The non-band exercise of standing up on the toes of the injured foot, however, is a different story. The PT told me that if it was too painful at first that I could stand on the toes of both feet, and that is what I am doing and trying to decrease the weight put on the non-injured foot. If I try with the injured foot only, I can barely get up any at all. I am also still walking with a slight limp most of the time, although I am consciously trying to walk normally.

I guess I'm wondering if I am pushing myself hard enough. Should I make myself stand up on the injured foot regardless of how much it hurts, or is it ok at 8 weeks out to not be able to do this? There is always that fear that I could re-injure it, but the orthopedist and pt did not warn me about that danger. Any wisdom to share until I phone my doctor tomorrow?

[Sky King]

Holy smokes, that sure sounds aggressive PT for the injury. I have a Jones Fracture and am going into my sixth (hopefully final) week in the boot, Attempting to stand on my toes gives me chills but maybe in two weeks I will feel differently.
I would say take it slow and steady so you don't end up with a set back.

Keep us posted (especially me :) )

[Grits]

Thanks Sky King! From all my on-line reading, it seems that a Jones Fracture is more complex and takes longer to heal than what I have, but it still makes me feel better to hear someone say I am not being a slacker!

[Artista]

I think it's time for a new therapist. Your PT experience is really different from mine. I go twice a week for 1 - 1.5 hours each visit. The aides show me how to do different exercises and help me modify them if a new exercise is too difficult for my current recovery level. I also have one-on-one time with a PT where he manually manipulates my foot and ankle to increase function.

I've learned a lot of interesting stuff from the staff at my PT clinic, too. For instance, being non weight bearing for so long leaves us with muscles that have not only atrophied but have also forgotten how to work properly. PT is about more than simply increasing strength and range of motion. It's also about teaching our injured limbs how to respond properly again. You absolutely deserve, and probably need, much more individualized attention than what you've gotten so far.

BTW, I broke my ankle 9 1/2 weeks ago and still can't stand on my toes. I can't imagine trying to do that with broken bones in my foot!