OK, so you're a runner. Does that mean we don't need to rest? Of course not. So let's get over ourselves, runners. In the case example from the video, the runner had to double her time in the walking cast initially because she didn't rest. All the problems described in this video aren't problems unless we don't take the time to rehabilitate and re-build strength and flexibility. If we think we don't need as much time to heal, then we are the problem, not the walking boot.
Clearly you’re not an athlete if you’re “taking your time” to heal. Time is essential for athletes, and prolonged immobilization is a big waste of time and can actually cause more harm because of the athlete’s need to get back to their training.
@@supermitendo9654 You are free to disregard your doctors instructions and ditch the walking boot/ cast and start training whenever you feel like it. It's your foot not mine. You can even run a barefoot marathon 1 week after if you want to. You should also try to break your personal record on 1 legged barefoot squats on your "healed" foot, with care to put more weight over the broken side so it will grow stronger. Don't worry about X-rays either, just go by feel. You got this, athlete.
So your saying muscle dystrophy will happen because a Girl wearing a boot . Your the kind of person who isn’t even a doctor and lies on their UA-cam channels and tries to scare people ! Bringing in the most extreme case you have claimed to see lol wow , I once saw a runner in a cast and her entire body shrunk 99% and she died oh my !!!!!
i’m a runner. i got diagnosed with a stress fracture in my fourth metatarsal and it’s preseason for xc. the boot sucks, but push through because the outcome is worth it when you finally get to run again.
I got a stress fracture in my foot during my track season which is still going on now and I've been wearing a boot for about a week and half now and I have to wear it for another 2-3 weeks
I had a grade 2 calf tear in Feb. 2022 playing baseball. A boot was not suggested and I kept re-injuring the calf tear. Now, I’m in boot and feel like my calf is healing right. I will use boot for approx. 3 weeks total and see where I’m at. Great video.👍
True and correct info. I ve been a runner all my life and recently I tear my tibufibular anterior ligament and had Prolotherapy done by a Sport Medicine Physiatrist ,..plus ,was instructed to get my foot into a Boot which the Dr. told me to use for 2 weeks only or less depending on the duration of the pain and inmmediately the pain stops told to remove the Boot !!...The tear was confirm through an MRI.
If they really are an athlete, they should know how critical it is to rehab their injured foot back to strength, flexibility and endurance after the immobilization period. This video completely ignores the rehab or physical therapy part to full recovery. This video also does not mention any alternatives to the walking boot. Would like to see an updated video that addresses these two points.
I'm an athletic person (runner, dancer, on my feet) who ruptured my achilles tendon earlier this yr. I had surgery late and i've been in a cast for a month now post surgery. They're putting me in a boot soon, but on top of what i was feeling, watching this just made me fear everything... I feel like I'll never be where I once was.
@@RyanonBasss thanks for asking. I am not in the same depressive state that I was in then. I’m doing much better but, there are still some mental hurdles I struggle with. Gaining more and more strength daily. Thank God for physical therapy ...and UA-cam.
I broke my 5th metatarsal and ankle with no displacement. The walking boot felt like it was tearing my ankle up. So, I simply wear supportive shoes in the house and walk with a Walker to the bathroom, and to the garage to go to my apts, or simply accompany my family to run errands. I stay in the bed 99% of the time. I wear a post surgical shoe to the ortho, but l use their wheelchairs anyways. I purchased this pink walking cast from Amazon, with hopes it doesn’t hurt my ankle like the Aircast does. My foot & ankle swell from sitting in a vehicle, so l will put an ice pack in the new walking cast when l receive it. I sit on the side of the bed and do non weight bearing exercises for my legs. Wish me luck.
How did your healing go in the early months and now, a year later, how are your foot and ankle? I have a Jones fracture of the 5th metatarsal and am wondering how others have done in similar situations?
With all that walking that she did, even in the boot, and probably up and down hills in San Francisco -- it's amazing it ONLY took 8 weeks in the boot to heal! Too much movement and weight bearing early on!
Thank you for this info! I’m a roller skater with an ankle fracture. I’ve felt good enough for light PT and strength training of the foot for weeks and my ortho doctor won’t allow it. I’ve felt that being immobile is detrimental to faster recovery and have been doing more than what I’m told to, listening to my body and not over doing it.
I fractured my 5th metatarsal 6 weeks ago, and have been wearing an aircast boot. The surgeon gave no advice on the dangers of muscle atrophy, and now I have the leg of an 88 year old. Haha. The past week, I have taken the boot of and started to walk in my running shoes.
@@sitinazliayazid874 Hello, Siti. I hope you are well. I had my appointment with the surgeon last week, and my x-ray showed that my foot is healing. He recommended that I return to my running shoes (which I had done anyway after 5 weeks, and probably should have done after 3 or 4 weeks!). However, I was silly last week, and went for a long walk, and then to the pub after being stuck at home. Not good Haha. Now I am in pain again. Not too much, but I should have taken it easy and not put too much pressure on my foot for an extended period of time. I have a Zone 1 fracture, which is not as serious as a Jones fracture. Do you know what type of break you suffered? If you have the same grade injury as me, I recommend that you only wear the boot for the first couple of weeks, or when walking outside on uneven pavement. I think that if I took the boot off after 3 weeks at home, I could have used my running shoes to walk indoors and built my calf and ankle muscle strength back up. I hope you better soon!
@@dannyneville1310 great to hear that for you. Hope you are well too. I’m not sure what kind of fracture i have but according to my research and based on the xray, i reckon it is mid shaft metatarsal fracture. Currently in cast for about 2 months. My doctor didnt recommend boot at all. I did ask too but he said NO. It is so frustrating. My toe movement starts increasing too. Hoping no news on surgery too for the upcoming appointment. Being in cast really giving me tough times. Having online classes and the struggle to immobilise my leg really bound my daily activities. I’ve been asking around too and i’m so jealous that people can opt for the boot while here in Malaysia the doctor didnt say much about the fracture. Every 2 weeks is just about doing xray and continue being in the cast. I almost giving up but seeing the increasing motion is giving hope. Thank you for sharing! I love to hear from others and it gives me hope to eventhough we cope differently. Get well soon too☺️
There seem to be a lot of negative comments here regarding the doctor's thoughts on wearing a boot after injury. However, after fracturing my 5th metatarsal five weeks ago, I can already see the dangers of wearing a boot. My calf has atrophied and I have lost so much muscle and strength. The surgeon at the hospital told me that I have a zone 1 fracture (the least serious), and that I should wear the boot for six weeks before seeing him again. However, he gave absolutely no advice on how to maintain muscle strength, which seems to be a common form of neglect in regard to this injury and medical care. With all that in mind, I have eased myself off the boot, and began walking around the house and to the local supermarket in my running shoes. I obviously wouldn't advise people with more serious injuries to do this, but I would encourage them to at least look up physio exercises in the early period after injury as muscle loss will cause you problems down the line.
@@DocOnTheRun Thanks for your well wishes, doc. I just noticed what an epic story I gave. It was like an Academy Award acceptance speech. Haha. That's what happens when you're housebound!
When it comes to a tibial fracture there is actually an RCT with a protocol - not some expert armchair opinion. You wear the boot until you can walk pain free for 3 days. You maintain fitness through cycling and water running. You test each week and build up running until back to normal. The boot group had 21 days return to play the rest/crutches were 70. Science over opinion.
@@dcdno_one2393 I didn't fracture my tibial bone, and from experience, and logic, know more about how to manage a 5th metatarsal fracture than someone on the internet who can't differentiate between bones in the feet and legs.
I'm almost 9 minutes into this video and it's all doom and gloom on wearing a boot yet no solutions or alternatives. Not sure what the messaging is here. Don't use a boot despite a fracture? Use a boot for less time than doctor ordered?
@@DocOnTheRun Thanks, I did not mean to sound negative. I get what you mean I'm just not clear on the alternative to not overusing the boot. Thanks for the video. I'll re-watch.
I asked the Doctor a few weeks in Will I be able to run come 6 months. He said take it easy. “Walk before you run” Those words are engrained in me now. Month into Tri maleular fracture.
So what do you do when you have bilateral metatarsal fractures. I had a fall and fractured my left 5th metarsal in multiple places. Also had a right lisfranc fracture of the second metarsal. Had surgery 2 weeks after the incident. Can barely get around using a boot and knee scooter. Legs weak from sitting in bed waiting for surgery. Don't want them to atrophy. Breaking both feet is so much more disabling than breaking just one. The boot seems counter-productive since it's my feet that are broken not my ankle and restricted ankle motion seems useless.
Is there anything else you can use for fractures of those bones,instead of a boot? I am 68 and have 3 horses I’m teaching horsemanship with. Not a lot,but,I don’t want to give it up,plus,they need much care every day. My bones may be breaking down due to age and,I intend to be bone scanned in the future. But,the bones have been broken for many months and I thought it was something I could deal with,till,the pain won’t go away and X-rays,yesterday showed that it’s been fractures,not,sprains,like I was thinking....sigh.... I just know I won’t wear a boot, and I’ve been walking on these broken bones for months...dumb,I guess....if there’s some support that a wrap or athletic shoe could help,I’d be grateful..
Thank you so much for this content! I have a low risk grade 2 stress reaction in my posterior tibia. I’ve already taken three weeks off of running and eliminated all unnecessary walking. I’ve noticed significant improvement and there is no longer any pain while walking and doing activities of daily living. However yesterday I visited a sports medicine doctor who told me I needed a boot and knee scooter for another four weeks! What!? After speaking with other trusted medical providers I decided that is not the route I should go. It’s important that information like this is out there and available so that non traditional patients can be educated enough to ask the right questions of their medical provider and make an informed decision about what treatment is right for them. Interestingly there is some research discussing the benefits of “weight bearing bone building” exercise once tolerated pain free (like hops jumps and step ups). Do you have any advice on when and how to integrate these types of exercises into a rehabilitation program?
thanks again for watching. I cannot advise you on when to begin any particular physical therapy, without providing the diagnosis and understanding more about your condition.
I agree. Why dont make video comparing recovery rate between having cast and boot. At least something convincing and we have choice. Having cast is sucks too
I'm not a runner but I have been saying this since I started PT. I wish they had me at least do exercises while home in bed. As soon as I am done typing this I am ordering a diabetic shoe (regular ones don't fit yet and these are adjustable for swelling) and ditching the boot ! What is your theory on the lace up stabilizer ? I am not a fan of it but believe I need something even if it is just a compression stabilizer. Yesterday I stepped on a piece of dog kibble ( no boot) and almost rolled my ankle. I did tweak it slightly and was in pain the rest of the night. SO I definitely feel the need for some sort of stabilization. Thanks for the Video !
Thanks very much for the videos. They're very educative. I recently got back into soccer after about 5 years. This led to shin splints and later a tibial stress fracture. Due to negligence and lack of education on overtraining injuries, I let the stress fracture heal on its own after about 4 months without seeking medical advice since it didn't start as something serious. Thinking it has healed, it got refractured and more serious this time. I'm 1 week in a long leg cast and after watching this video, I fear the more. It's a simple and stable fracture. Just 1 week later, my tibia is feeling better. My fear and question is will the fracture ever heal to perfection and if possible, how long? Also, is it the end of soccer for me?
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you found the video helpful. I'm also sorry to hear about all the frustration with your course of injury and recurrence of injury. Although I don't know much about the specifics of your situation, I find it hard to believe that it could be the end of soccer for you just because of this injury. We could certainly discuss your circumstances and what you could do to accelerate the recovery during a one hour phone call or webcam call. You can block my calendar so we could talk at length here:. www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
hello, I just purchased an air cast and I also had the same injury as you did. If you don’t mind me asking, how are you doing? I want to return to my life of being active, thank you.
This isn't just for runners...hikers, martial artists, weightlifters, etc. I need to get back on the mat and trails soon! Broke the 5th metatarsal and just got the green light to start weight-bearing as I wean off the crutches.
@@sitinazliayazid874 my injury was July 20 last year. I was boot free by the beginning of October and went on my first easy hike Oct 3. Back on the mat that same week. It took a few months to get my strength and balance back. I was still noticing balance issues through this past spring. I had read full recovery usually takes about a year, and that's pretty accurate for me. Hope you heal quickly!
Thank you for sharing your original post and update. Now that it is 3 years later, how are your dong? I am 3 weeks into a jones fracture of the 5th metatarsal and my dreams of long distance hiking again feel uncertain. Three years on, how is your hiking feeling?
@@kbc1883 It's all healed up now, and almost no indication it was ever injured. I have full functionality back. Occasionally, if I step on a rock or something (I wear minimalist shoes) and it hits just the wrong way under the former injury, it hurts. But not for long, and it's just a little tenderness, nothing bad at all. It felt like it took forever to heal, but looking back, it's just a distant memory now and doesn't affect my daily functioning or hiking/martial arts activities at all. That said, I guess it might depend on what you mean by "long distance hiking." The most I usually hike is about 10 miles. Still, it's not bothered me at all, even for that distance. Other parts tire much sooner than my feet do, lol. I've even taken up some shorter distance running (3-5 miles) with no problem. I hope you heal quickly. Give your foot the time it needs to heal properly. I also saw an acupunturist during my recovery, and he said he was able to use techniques that helped the healing process along. If I were to experience a similar injury again, I'd definitely be looking for a good acupuncturist (the one I was seeing moved away). Getting the strength back in my ankle for good balance took the longest time. But at about the one-year mark, I felt like I was back to full functionality, and I was certainly fully mobile long before that point.
Last march I had fracture of my big toes and 2nd toe. Had K-wire stabilization procedure too for the 2nd toe. I was on cast for 6 weeks then pin and cast removed. I had developed foot stiffness and did a lot of warm compress and exercises to get rid off . This jan 31st same leg slipped and twisted, I was on cast for more than 3 wks then now on boots. One fracture you had, you have to be really careful. Now past 4 wks, already I have wasting of calf muscles. I am trying weight bear with boot, after which developing pain. Need to prevent stiffness , and manage muscle wasting. Pls suggest any exercise
Any runner in your situation may find this helpful to avoid that situation... www.docontherun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Fracture-Boot-Escape-Plan-from-Doc-On-The-Run.pdf
I’m not a runner. I fractured my fibula Monday night at a trampoline park. The boot makes my foot and ankle swell and hurts and caused extra bruising. I haven’t gotten a call from the dr or an appt yet so it’s very frustrating. I just have to leave it off! Last night I took it off while asleep somehow? Without unstrapping the foot 😬 I know compression is important but I just can’t!! So I hope the swelling and bruising gets better soon I’m so tired of this already
@@DocOnTheRunare you gaslighting me? You said a boot is the worst thing for runners with a stress fracture. The RCT I noted had people (runners) in an airboot which was more effective than rest or crutches. They returned to running (with an airboot) 3x faster. They returned to jog tests after 3 days of pain free walking and maintained fitness with cycling and swimming. They keep a boot for almost 3 weeks until full return to play. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9167811/
I’m an athlete with history of non-union breaks including 5th metatarsal head/neck that took 6+ months to heal. Now I have a Jones fracture same foot. Dr. says immobilize in boot 4-6 weeks to see bone start healing then start walking in boot another 6 weeks.
Hey bryan I broke my 5th metatarsal bone pretty bad and have an army run in 45 days. This army run is the physical test to become an officer (good salary at my country) Can i Do it? I know my bone won't heal in just 45 days, what do you suggest me doing?
@@vitorpereira5461 you should talk to a doctor. If you have an unhealed fracture you will not be able to run and should be in a boot already. When I came out of my boot it took 6 weeks to rehab my foot back to normal. You should be doing barbell squats to strengthen the foot and leg and hips again. Also look at getting a “tib bar” to strengthen your tibialis anterior in preparation for running. This rehab is very important after being in a boot.
This was helpful because I went to a foot Dr yesterday I was experiencing pain in my big toe pad. She said I think you broke your sesamoid bone sure enough I did. In ankle boot with a dancer stock I go. She knows I exercise 6 days a week 3 days with a trainer and I guess you could say semi intense. She said no running squatting anything where I am doing a lot of pressure outside of walking on that foot. She said I'm so sorry but I want your foot right. So this morning I started walking and my foot felt like new..I was so tempted to get on my treadmill but said no because there truly is cushion in this boot to give a false impression in feeling normal. I go back in 3 weeks. So I did find some cardio exercises in UA-cam for ppl with boots and my trainer and I will do stretching..The Dr said she wants me to really stretch... Thanks for the story....and any advice you may have...
I got a fibular stress fracture right above my ankle. What would you recommend for a fibular stress fracture recovery? A walking boot, air/gel cast, no cast or boot but utilize crutches?
Hey Megan, I am ~5 weeks into my recovery. I wore a walking boot for 4 weeks (which sucked!) to let the bone heal aggressively, and now I'm in an ankle brace (zenith ankle brace on amazon). I would avoid anything that would cause pain or swelling, ice it using the ice cup method, and use a tens unit on it for at least 60 minutes a day if possible. I felt a big change around the 4 week mark and can now ride my road bike pain and swelling free. I can walk pain free now as well, but still need a few more weeks before I really load it up. Good luck with you recovery!
One alternative to a fracture walking boot is the TayCo External Ankle Brace for hindfoot and ankle problems. It is lightweight alternative brace and fits over a sturdy jogging shoe. It can fully immobilize the ankle, then convert to free motion in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. It stabilizes the ankle while keeping the patient mobile and active. Many people are still able to train and even run with the brace, if the physician gives the ok. This would not have helped "Ashley" as she had a forefoot injury, but can help many other with hind foot and ankle issues.
Is this specific to runners? Or does it apply to athletes playing general sports? Also is there a specific time period that makes using the boot a unreliable treatment? Or is it even if it's for a couple weeks use?
Yes, this video is specifically about runners. Thank you for watching and for your comments. I would be happy to help, and answer your questions, but cannot without understanding your situation in detail. To schedule a private chat, you can pick a time that works for you and block my calendar for your private call here: www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
What about the case when the plantar fascia is unattached to the bone? How long do you recommend to wear the walking boot after the immobilization time? Do I need to respect that Inmovilizaron time period?
Thank you for watching and posting your question. I can't make a recommendation in your case because I have not yet evaluated your foot, and your condition. If you would like to discuss in detail during a web-cam call, you can block my calendar here: www.docontherun.com/payment-running-injury-second-opinion-skype-consultation-call-60-minutes/ Another option is to join the Fast Track Challenge, but that won't begin for another few weeks.
Very active, hiker and weight lifter here. I fractured my 2nd metatarsal grappling. Dr. put me in the boot and said I could walk in 4 weeks. I take my foot out of the boot several times daily, and rotate my foot around, and do some exercises to keep my upper leg strong and mobile. Do you suggest walking on my foot sooner than 4 weeks if the pain and swelling goes away?
I would never simply recommend walking on your foot sooner than 4 weeks, if another doctor told you could not walk for 4 weeks. I cannot make recommendations on your specific medical treatment without evaluating your specific condition first.
Definitely do not. Your foot will be damaged again and heal incorrectly. You have to let it heal. The boot reduces pain and allows you to take the weight off of your and. Ignore the boot and you'll regret it when you put the full weight on your ankle. Prepare to fracture it again
@@TheRicoCallao your wrong wearing the boot for a short period of even two weeks has caused me chronic pain and even shortened my right leg (at the hip) and this was because I was walking around with the damn boot now I’m stuck in this shitty situation and don’t know what types of solutions will even be effective.
I'm guessing you found out but you can't do a triathlon after 6 months of a foot fracture. That's intense stress on a leg you most likely haven't built up enough yet
@@maltheri9833 i've broken my 5th metatarsal bone and have an army run in 45 days. You saying I cant do it at all? even limping hard I won't be able to do it?
What about for a mildly displaced oblique fracture of the distal fibular at the level of syndesmosis. I week with just icing until Orthopedic diagnosis. No surgery and no manual adjustment. Immediately went into a cast for 2 weeks and mow in an Boot without the crutches. Same ankle I had a trimalleolar in 1996. I'm an exrunner. Doctors set it by hand 3x over a 5 month period. In hard casts from May until September and then when I went into a walking boot for 3 weeks after that I ran a half marathon! of course I was younge, healthier and stronger. Took a year for soft tissue swelling to go down. I also osteoporosis diagnosed in 2018 due to celiac combined with long-term vegan diet. I've been increasing my vitamin D3, K2, magnesium, calcium & extra protein. Should I be weight-bearing on an oblique fracture like this that's mildly displaced? What are my concerns after I come out of this boot and when can I come out of the boot . Just one week in the boot. It's exactly 30 days since I injured my ankle. The doctor wants me to be weight-bearing fast I was worried that it's mildly displaced I'm also worried about I was on a hill with my dog who pulled me and then I was wearing a very stiff tool boot that wouldn't bend so my ankle inside the boot did a 90° bend. Was it a legit fall or was it also the osteoporosis and what's going to happen afterwards in the next few months what do I have to worry about?.
Thanks for watching and sharing your story with others. If you want more detail specific to your exact situation, and prefer to meet and discuss with me personally, we could get on a webcam call or phone call to help you figure out what you should (or shouldn't) be doing. If so, you can pick a time that works for you and block my calendar for a private call here: www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
Hi Dr. Really. Is it free? I'm going to go and look at your calendar right now and block a time. I guess I'll find out. Thank ou so much for responding.
Hi doctor thanks for offering I can't afford anything right now I don't have disability and I'm in a financial tsunami because I am a uber and Lyft driver that means I have zero money coming in and I haven't driven for a month now. I live in Philadelphia PA Temple sports medicine and who are who treated my trimalleolar in 1996. The current hospital I'm going to is Penn medicine orthopedics. I'm going to try and get a second opinion with Temple Sports medicine.
Help I'm a dancer singer Pro. ballerina Broadway dancer. broke my lt foot. hv a jones fracture 5th metatarsal. been in a boot . 100% non weight bearing for 7 weeks. I do leg strengthing . not foot.. am starting walking in boot next week. then PT. I'm scared. any thoughts
Thanks so much for watching, and for adding your comments to help others by sharing your experience. Sorry to hear about your Jones fracture. If you want more detail specific to your exact situation, and prefer to meet and discuss with me personally, we could get on a webcam call or phone call today or tomorrow to help you figure out what you should be doing NOW to make sure you don't keep losing all of your fitness. If so, you can pick a time that works for you and block my calendar for a private call here: www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
@@DocOnTheRun Thank you for your reply . I would love to chat w you, but Sadly enough, I now have A Vocal Cord Hemmoraging Pollop. I cant believe it . As I also sing professionally. Ugh... ENT thinks it is a result if the Omicron Sub Varient of Covid I just had so I have to maintain 100 % vocal silence so the Pollop. stops bleeding and reabsorbs. Crazy huh.... Well maybe later we Can chat .Thank you for your time. it's great your helping so many folks .😀🙂
@@llaattredhead surgery could be an option. It has less risk of pseudarthrosis and you recover 3 weeks faster. But most Orthos recommend conservative threatment for non disclocated fractures cause of surgical risk.
Shanya, I had tendonitis in my patellar tendon and had PRP with dry needling after 12 weeks of PT that hadn't gotten me very far in terms of recovery (I could not even walk a mile total on any given day at that point). It changed everything for me. It was not a comfortable procedure - expect pain for deep injections and discomfort for at least the day (wish they had warned me so I didn't drive myself to that appointment - get a driver). But seriously, 9 more weeks of PT and I could walk and walk, no issue, and I got back to running a few months later. Now the patellar tendon is one they have done the most PRP research around, but as someone who works in the cosmetic medspa industry (where PRP is also highly useful, but not FDA approved or proven through massive studies), the numbers needed in clinical studies simply haven't caught up yet tp what doctors know through a rapidly growing body of anecdotal evidence. PRP, nanofat, and exosomes are 100% the future of medicine. Would recommend finding a PT who makes regular use of them (concentration ratios and injection techniques greatly impact the result). If you're ever curious about the cosmetic side, PRP makes hair regrow pretty predictably in those with thinning (not bald) spots and helps surgical patients heal so much faster.
@@magicandriches Very very amazing and thank you for the caring and detailed response!! And Guess what - since this last post- I have done PRP and also attribute it to now being able to walk again! (I also did a lot of vitamins: condrointin/glucosamine, collagen, coral calcium, boron, drank a protein shake called “Mend”, amongst other things..) I am really truly happy with PRP. My doc said to consider stem cell, at one point, as I have had some issue w feet and ankles for a bit. I have a PT friend who does dry dry needling, has sustained injuries themselves and swears by it. I really want to seek it out and thank you for the WONDERFUL suggestion!! YOU ROCK!!
@@sitinazliayazid874 I believe it takes a year to completely heal from a fracture. But after 2 months I'm back at work and this month I'm starting a run/walk program with a goal of a running a Turkey Trot at the end of November.
What about people who are NOT runners, but who just do low-intensity walking for 20 mins each day? Is 6 weeks in the boot okay for fractures? if not, what do we do?
Thank you for watching. I am sorry but I cannot answer your question because I don't specialize in walkers, I specialize in helping runners get back to running.
@@DocOnTheRunWell, just thinking logically, it seems that if it's 6 weeks in the boot for running, which is far more intense than walking, then for someone who just wants to get back to low intensity moderate daily walking, it would take the same 6 weeks or less -- depending upon their age, health, etc.
Oh you poor runners and athletes. Why don’t you just stop walking so much in your damn boot? Good lord, they are made to take MOST of the weight off the foot, and to immobilise your ankle so you can heal. They are NOT made to make you feel you can walk miles or stand all day. Take at least two weeks of total non-weight bearing to give your foot a rest! You can’t walk normally for at least two months once out of the boot, just be patient, it’s only a few weeks. You guys are only athletes, not so special that the rules don’t apply. Isn’t a bit of patience and slow recovery worth it? Facts. Me: Feb 9 2022: cuboid microfracture and fifth metatarsal avulsion fracture, right foot. Boot, 4 weeks, pain every hour of every day and edema which meant poor circulation and elevated foot for weeks after boot off. No idea why. Now, 4 months out of boot, and I can walk with little pain, but not without a limp. 2000 steps a day. Got my third X-ray and MRI to rule out any further hidden causes of pain, which has been my constant companion for 5 months. Oh, and get a shoe lifter or your hips will be way out of whack when you get out of the boot. If they could make really light boots that would help. Also, watch out for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, that was a nice little offshoot of my trauma. Pain: 9/10 for two months. But now it’s gone because it was caught early and managed by three professionals: pain doc, physio and podiatrist. I call them The P Team. Symptoms of CRPS: If your foot is red, your toenails stop growing and you can’t stand any touch on the injured foot, and you are disabled from horrific leg aches, get onto a CRPS specialist asap. Doing too little exercise or doing too much will cause flares-ups. But you must not stop moving, It’s a double-edged sword. It can spread, too.
I broke my tibia and fibula and was able to go back to playing soccer. Obviously you loose muscle strength and mobility that's why I did physical therapy before going back on the field. Oh you can also do exercises while on the boot to keep flexibility and strength.
So didn't listen and got hurt. good. Listen to the dr and not this clown. Runners are not different to us. Where is the scientific evidence to back this video up
Fat people say to me all the time that "they do not go running to protect their knees" etc. etc. So what is the deal? Running is bad for the joints right?
OK, so you're a runner. Does that mean we don't need to rest? Of course not. So let's get over ourselves, runners. In the case example from the video, the runner had to double her time in the walking cast initially because she didn't rest. All the problems described in this video aren't problems unless we don't take the time to rehabilitate and re-build strength and flexibility. If we think we don't need as much time to heal, then we are the problem, not the walking boot.
Exactly 🤣
Clearly you’re not an athlete if you’re “taking your time” to heal. Time is essential for athletes, and prolonged immobilization is a big waste of time and can actually cause more harm because of the athlete’s need to get back to their training.
@@supermitendo9654 You are free to disregard your doctors instructions and ditch the walking boot/ cast and start training whenever you feel like it. It's your foot not mine. You can even run a barefoot marathon 1 week after if you want to. You should also try to break your personal record on 1 legged barefoot squats on your "healed" foot, with care to put more weight over the broken side so it will grow stronger. Don't worry about X-rays either, just go by feel. You got this, athlete.
So your saying muscle dystrophy will happen because a Girl wearing a boot . Your the kind of person who isn’t even a doctor and lies on their UA-cam channels and tries to scare people ! Bringing in the most extreme case you have claimed to see lol wow , I once saw a runner in a cast and her entire body shrunk 99% and she died oh my !!!!!
i’m a runner. i got diagnosed with a stress fracture in my fourth metatarsal and it’s preseason for xc. the boot sucks, but push through because the outcome is worth it when you finally get to run again.
Hey Allie, can I ask how long it took you to recover ?
I got a stress fracture in my foot during my track season which is still going on now and I've been wearing a boot for about a week and half now and I have to wear it for another 2-3 weeks
I had a grade 2 calf tear in Feb. 2022 playing baseball. A boot was not suggested and I kept re-injuring the calf tear. Now, I’m in boot and feel like my calf is healing right. I will use boot for approx. 3 weeks total and see where I’m at. Great video.👍
Glad to hear you are on the right path now! Thanks for watching and for commenting to share your experience with other.
True and correct info. I ve been a runner all my life and recently I tear my tibufibular anterior ligament and had Prolotherapy done by a Sport Medicine Physiatrist ,..plus ,was instructed to get my foot into a Boot which the Dr. told me to use for 2 weeks only or less depending on the duration of the pain and inmmediately the pain stops told to remove the Boot !!...The tear was confirm through an MRI.
Thank you so much.
Very good information! To know.
If they really are an athlete, they should know how critical it is to rehab their injured foot back to strength, flexibility and endurance after the immobilization period. This video completely ignores the rehab or physical therapy part to full recovery. This video also does not mention any alternatives to the walking boot. Would like to see an updated video that addresses these two points.
I agree, however this video is not about the rehab or physical therapy part of recovery, nor is it about alternatives. Thank you for your suggestion.
I'm an athletic person (runner, dancer, on my feet) who ruptured my achilles tendon earlier this yr. I had surgery late and i've been in a cast for a month now post surgery. They're putting me in a boot soon, but on top of what i was feeling, watching this just made me fear everything... I feel like I'll never be where I once was.
Well, how are you doing these days?
@@RyanonBasss thanks for asking. I am not in the same depressive state that I was in then. I’m doing much better but, there are still some mental hurdles I struggle with. Gaining more and more strength daily. Thank God for physical therapy ...and UA-cam.
So after a year are you still not recovered yet or is it that you're afraid to go as hard as you used to?
Lifting weights, squats, deadlifts etc… increase bone density.
Are you suggesting that lack of pain on contact is a reliable indicator that the bone has healed enough to stop using a boot?
I broke my 5th metatarsal and ankle with no displacement. The walking boot felt like it was tearing my ankle up. So, I simply wear supportive shoes in the house and walk with a Walker to the bathroom, and to the garage to go to my apts, or simply accompany my family to run errands. I stay in the bed 99% of the time. I wear a post surgical shoe to the ortho, but l use their wheelchairs anyways. I purchased this pink walking cast from Amazon, with hopes it doesn’t hurt my ankle like the Aircast does. My foot & ankle swell from sitting in a vehicle, so l will put an ice pack in the new walking cast when l receive it. I sit on the side of the bed and do non weight bearing exercises for my legs. Wish me luck.
How did your healing go in the early months and now, a year later, how are your foot and ankle? I have a Jones fracture of the 5th metatarsal and am wondering how others have done in similar situations?
Thank you very much this was very helpful
Hey Patrick, Thank you for watching and for you comments. I am glad you found it helpful. Hope you recover and get back to running quickly!
With all that walking that she did, even in the boot, and probably up and down hills in San Francisco -- it's amazing it ONLY took 8 weeks in the boot to heal! Too much movement and weight bearing early on!
Definitely...thank you for watching and commenting.
Thank you for this info! I’m a roller skater with an ankle fracture. I’ve felt good enough for light PT and strength training of the foot for weeks and my ortho doctor won’t allow it. I’ve felt that being immobile is detrimental to faster recovery and have been doing more than what I’m told to, listening to my body and not over doing it.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience as well. Great advice! Heal fast!
I fractured my 5th metatarsal 6 weeks ago, and have been wearing an aircast boot. The surgeon gave no advice on the dangers of muscle atrophy, and now I have the leg of an 88 year old. Haha. The past week, I have taken the boot of and started to walk in my running shoes.
@@dannyneville1310 hello there!!! Have you recover from the fracture? Did you just wear boot for the healing process?
@@sitinazliayazid874 Hello, Siti.
I hope you are well.
I had my appointment with the surgeon last week, and my x-ray showed that my foot is healing. He recommended that I return to my running shoes (which I had done anyway after 5 weeks, and probably should have done after 3 or 4 weeks!). However, I was silly last week, and went for a long walk, and then to the pub after being stuck at home. Not good Haha. Now I am in pain again. Not too much, but I should have taken it easy and not put too much pressure on my foot for an extended period of time.
I have a Zone 1 fracture, which is not as serious as a Jones fracture. Do you know what type of break you suffered? If you have the same grade injury as me, I recommend that you only wear the boot for the first couple of weeks, or when walking outside on uneven pavement. I think that if I took the boot off after 3 weeks at home, I could have used my running shoes to walk indoors and built my calf and ankle muscle strength back up.
I hope you better soon!
@@dannyneville1310 great to hear that for you. Hope you are well too. I’m not sure what kind of fracture i have but according to my research and based on the xray, i reckon it is mid shaft metatarsal fracture. Currently in cast for about 2 months. My doctor didnt recommend boot at all. I did ask too but he said NO. It is so frustrating.
My toe movement starts increasing too. Hoping no news on surgery too for the upcoming appointment. Being in cast really giving me tough times. Having online classes and the struggle to immobilise my leg really bound my daily activities.
I’ve been asking around too and i’m so jealous that people can opt for the boot while here in Malaysia the doctor didnt say much about the fracture. Every 2 weeks is just about doing xray and continue being in the cast. I almost giving up but seeing the increasing motion is giving hope. Thank you for sharing! I love to hear from others and it gives me hope to eventhough we cope differently. Get well soon too☺️
"What they consider full activity would be considered rest for a runner" - so funny, and so true! 😄
Exactly!!
There seem to be a lot of negative comments here regarding the doctor's thoughts on wearing a boot after injury.
However, after fracturing my 5th metatarsal five weeks ago, I can already see the dangers of wearing a boot. My calf has atrophied and I have lost so much muscle and strength.
The surgeon at the hospital told me that I have a zone 1 fracture (the least serious), and that I should wear the boot for six weeks before seeing him again. However, he gave absolutely no advice on how to maintain muscle strength, which seems to be a common form of neglect in regard to this injury and medical care.
With all that in mind, I have eased myself off the boot, and began walking around the house and to the local supermarket in my running shoes. I obviously wouldn't advise people with more serious injuries to do this, but I would encourage them to at least look up physio exercises in the early period after injury as muscle loss will cause you problems down the line.
Thanks for sharing sharing your story and thoughts. It is crazy how quickly the atrophy can show up! Wishing you the best in your recovery!
@@DocOnTheRun Thanks for your well wishes, doc.
I just noticed what an epic story I gave. It was like an Academy Award acceptance speech. Haha. That's what happens when you're housebound!
@@dannyneville1310 so can you update us? how did it go?
When it comes to a tibial fracture there is actually an RCT with a protocol - not some expert armchair opinion. You wear the boot until you can walk pain free for 3 days. You maintain fitness through cycling and water running. You test each week and build up running until back to normal. The boot group had 21 days return to play the rest/crutches were 70. Science over opinion.
@@dcdno_one2393 I didn't fracture my tibial bone, and from experience, and logic, know more about how to manage a 5th metatarsal fracture than someone on the internet who can't differentiate between bones in the feet and legs.
I'm almost 9 minutes into this video and it's all doom and gloom on wearing a boot yet no solutions or alternatives. Not sure what the messaging is here. Don't use a boot despite a fracture? Use a boot for less time than doctor ordered?
I am sorry if you did not enjoy the video, but the video is specifically about the negatives of over-using the boot.
@@DocOnTheRun Thanks, I did not mean to sound negative. I get what you mean I'm just not clear on the alternative to not overusing the boot. Thanks for the video. I'll re-watch.
I think I have that with my leg but it hasn’t broke yet bc I’m careful when it hurts
I asked the Doctor a few weeks in Will I be able to run come 6 months. He said take it easy. “Walk before you run”
Those words are engrained in me now. Month into Tri maleular fracture.
Doesn't sound much like encouragement...nor a straight answer. Hang in there!
So what do you do when you have bilateral metatarsal fractures. I had a fall and fractured my left 5th metarsal in multiple places. Also had a right lisfranc fracture of the second metarsal. Had surgery 2 weeks after the incident. Can barely get around using a boot and knee scooter. Legs weak from sitting in bed waiting for surgery. Don't want them to atrophy. Breaking both feet is so much more disabling than breaking just one. The boot seems counter-productive since it's my feet that are broken not my ankle and restricted ankle motion seems useless.
Can’t you just rebuild?
Is there anything else you can use for fractures of those bones,instead of a boot? I am 68 and have 3 horses I’m teaching horsemanship with. Not a lot,but,I don’t want to give it up,plus,they need much care every day. My bones may be breaking down due to age and,I intend to be bone scanned in the future. But,the bones have been broken for many months and I thought it was something I could deal with,till,the pain won’t go away and X-rays,yesterday showed that it’s been fractures,not,sprains,like I was thinking....sigh.... I just know I won’t wear a boot, and I’ve been walking on these broken bones for months...dumb,I guess....if there’s some support that a wrap or athletic shoe could help,I’d be grateful..
I would hope people would start walking after they get out of a boot or fracture sandal. Not running!!
Thank you for watching and for commenting! So we would hope! Generally speaking, it is always best to walk before you run.
Thank you so much for this content! I have a low risk grade 2 stress reaction in my posterior tibia. I’ve already taken three weeks off of running and eliminated all unnecessary walking. I’ve noticed significant improvement and there is no longer any pain while walking and doing activities of daily living. However yesterday I visited a sports medicine doctor who told me I needed a boot and knee scooter for another four weeks! What!? After speaking with other trusted medical providers I decided that is not the route I should go. It’s important that information like this is out there and available so that non traditional patients can be educated enough to ask the right questions of their medical provider and make an informed decision about what treatment is right for them. Interestingly there is some research discussing the benefits of “weight bearing bone building” exercise once tolerated pain free (like hops jumps and step ups). Do you have any advice on when and how to integrate these types of exercises into a rehabilitation program?
thanks again for watching. I cannot advise you on when to begin any particular physical therapy, without providing the diagnosis and understanding more about your condition.
if she was stiff and was in a aircast boot, did she not do pt and stuff
Well what do you suggest we use instead of a boot??
I know right! like what a joke!
Yes it is a joke as people really need such boots for recovery
He's not suggesting to not use a boot when necessary. He's advising in favor of getting out of a boot as soon as possible.
I agree. Why dont make video comparing recovery rate between having cast and boot. At least something convincing and we have choice. Having cast is sucks too
I'm not a runner but I have been saying this since I started PT. I wish they had me at least do exercises while home in bed. As soon as I am done typing this I am ordering a diabetic shoe (regular ones don't fit yet and these are adjustable for swelling) and ditching the boot ! What is your theory on the lace up stabilizer ? I am not a fan of it but believe I need something even if it is just a compression stabilizer. Yesterday I stepped on a piece of dog kibble ( no boot) and almost rolled my ankle. I did tweak it slightly and was in pain the rest of the night. SO I definitely feel the need for some sort of stabilization.
Thanks for the Video !
Thanks very much for the videos. They're very educative. I recently got back into soccer after about 5 years. This led to shin splints and later a tibial stress fracture. Due to negligence and lack of education on overtraining injuries, I let the stress fracture heal on its own after about 4 months without seeking medical advice since it didn't start as something serious. Thinking it has healed, it got refractured and more serious this time. I'm 1 week in a long leg cast and after watching this video, I fear the more.
It's a simple and stable fracture. Just 1 week later, my tibia is feeling better. My fear and question is will the fracture ever heal to perfection and if possible, how long? Also, is it the end of soccer for me?
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you found the video helpful. I'm also sorry to hear about all the frustration with your course of injury and recurrence of injury. Although I don't know much about the specifics of your situation, I find it hard to believe that it could be the end of soccer for you just because of this injury. We could certainly discuss your circumstances and what you could do to accelerate the recovery during a one hour phone call or webcam call. You can block my calendar so we could talk at length here:. www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
Thank you, is it the same with achilles rupture? Since I am active and want to get back asap, but I do not want a rerupture
hello, I just purchased an air cast and I also had the same injury as you did. If you don’t mind me asking, how are you doing? I want to return to my life of being active, thank you.
This isn't just for runners...hikers, martial artists, weightlifters, etc. I need to get back on the mat and trails soon! Broke the 5th metatarsal and just got the green light to start weight-bearing as I wean off the crutches.
Hye there! May i know how long you recovery from that fracture???? Asking because i am experiencing it right now🥲
@@sitinazliayazid874 my injury was July 20 last year. I was boot free by the beginning of October and went on my first easy hike Oct 3. Back on the mat that same week. It took a few months to get my strength and balance back. I was still noticing balance issues through this past spring. I had read full recovery usually takes about a year, and that's pretty accurate for me. Hope you heal quickly!
@@bygrace2me great to hear you’re doing well and healing well too. Thank you for the sharing!! Cant wait for my time😁
Thank you for sharing your original post and update. Now that it is 3 years later, how are your dong? I am 3 weeks into a jones fracture of the 5th metatarsal and my dreams of long distance hiking again feel uncertain. Three years on, how is your hiking feeling?
@@kbc1883 It's all healed up now, and almost no indication it was ever injured. I have full functionality back. Occasionally, if I step on a rock or something (I wear minimalist shoes) and it hits just the wrong way under the former injury, it hurts. But not for long, and it's just a little tenderness, nothing bad at all. It felt like it took forever to heal, but looking back, it's just a distant memory now and doesn't affect my daily functioning or hiking/martial arts activities at all. That said, I guess it might depend on what you mean by "long distance hiking." The most I usually hike is about 10 miles. Still, it's not bothered me at all, even for that distance. Other parts tire much sooner than my feet do, lol. I've even taken up some shorter distance running (3-5 miles) with no problem.
I hope you heal quickly. Give your foot the time it needs to heal properly. I also saw an acupunturist during my recovery, and he said he was able to use techniques that helped the healing process along. If I were to experience a similar injury again, I'd definitely be looking for a good acupuncturist (the one I was seeing moved away). Getting the strength back in my ankle for good balance took the longest time. But at about the one-year mark, I felt like I was back to full functionality, and I was certainly fully mobile long before that point.
Last march I had fracture of my big toes and 2nd toe. Had K-wire stabilization procedure too for the 2nd toe. I was on cast for 6 weeks then pin and cast removed. I had developed foot stiffness and did a lot of warm compress and exercises to get rid off . This jan 31st same leg slipped and twisted, I was on cast for more than 3 wks then now on boots. One fracture you had, you have to be really careful. Now past 4 wks, already I have wasting of calf muscles. I am trying weight bear with boot, after which developing pain. Need to prevent stiffness , and manage muscle wasting. Pls suggest any exercise
Any runner in your situation may find this helpful to avoid that situation... www.docontherun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Fracture-Boot-Escape-Plan-from-Doc-On-The-Run.pdf
Oh lord, Ashley’s anecdote hurt my soul
I’m not a runner. I fractured my fibula Monday night at a trampoline park. The boot makes my foot and ankle swell and hurts and caused extra bruising. I haven’t gotten a call from the dr or an appt yet so it’s very frustrating. I just have to leave it off! Last night I took it off while asleep somehow? Without unstrapping the foot 😬 I know compression is important but I just can’t!! So I hope the swelling and bruising gets better soon I’m so tired of this already
Yikes! Sorry to hear about the fracture. I hope you get in to see a doctor and better quickly!
Ashley should not have been bearing weight on her fractured foot.
There is a RCT that contradicts this. Tibial stress fractures had a return to running at 21 days with an airboot vs 70 days with traditional rest.
Thank you for watching. How is that contradictory?
@@DocOnTheRunare you gaslighting me? You said a boot is the worst thing for runners with a stress fracture. The RCT I noted had people (runners) in an airboot which was more effective than rest or crutches. They returned to running (with an airboot) 3x faster. They returned to jog tests after 3 days of pain free walking and maintained fitness with cycling and swimming. They keep a boot for almost 3 weeks until full return to play.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9167811/
I’m an athlete with history of non-union breaks including 5th metatarsal head/neck that took 6+ months to heal. Now I have a Jones fracture same foot. Dr. says immobilize in boot 4-6 weeks to see bone start healing then start walking in boot another 6 weeks.
Hey bryan I broke my 5th metatarsal bone pretty bad and have an army run in 45 days.
This army run is the physical test to become an officer (good salary at my country)
Can i Do it? I know my bone won't heal in just 45 days, what do you suggest me doing?
@@vitorpereira5461 you should talk to a doctor. If you have an unhealed fracture you will not be able to run and should be in a boot already.
When I came out of my boot it took 6 weeks to rehab my foot back to normal. You should be doing barbell squats to strengthen the foot and leg and hips again. Also look at getting a “tib bar” to strengthen your tibialis anterior in preparation for running. This rehab is very important after being in a boot.
@@bryanutility9609 im on boot already. another 6 weeks? i need this feet to run in exactly 6 weeks from now xD
guess its better to give up
@@vitorpereira5461 talk to Dr. & your job so you can work around this
@@vitorpereira5461you don't sound like army officer material anyway with "I guess it's better to just give up".
This was helpful because I went to a foot Dr yesterday I was experiencing pain in my big toe pad. She said I think you broke your sesamoid bone sure enough I did. In ankle boot with a dancer stock I go. She knows I exercise 6 days a week 3 days with a trainer and I guess you could say semi intense. She said no running squatting anything where I am doing a lot of pressure outside of walking on that foot. She said I'm so sorry but I want your foot right. So this morning I started walking and my foot felt like new..I was so tempted to get on my treadmill but said no because there truly is cushion in this boot to give a false impression in feeling normal. I go back in 3 weeks. So I did find some cardio exercises in UA-cam for ppl with boots and my trainer and I will do stretching..The Dr said she wants me to really stretch...
Thanks for the story....and any advice you may have...
So sorry to hear about your injury! Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with others.
I got a fibular stress fracture right above my ankle. What would you recommend for a fibular stress fracture recovery? A walking boot, air/gel cast, no cast or boot but utilize crutches?
What did you figure out? Going through this s as me thing now
Hey Megan,
I am ~5 weeks into my recovery.
I wore a walking boot for 4 weeks (which sucked!) to let the bone heal aggressively, and now I'm in an ankle brace (zenith ankle brace on amazon).
I would avoid anything that would cause pain or swelling, ice it using the ice cup method, and use a tens unit on it for at least 60 minutes a day if possible.
I felt a big change around the 4 week mark and can now ride my road bike pain and swelling free. I can walk pain free now as well, but still need a few more weeks before I really load it up.
Good luck with you recovery!
One alternative to a fracture walking boot is the TayCo External Ankle Brace for hindfoot and ankle problems. It is lightweight alternative brace and fits over a sturdy jogging shoe. It can fully immobilize the ankle, then convert to free motion in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. It stabilizes the ankle while keeping the patient mobile and active. Many people are still able to train and even run with the brace, if the physician gives the ok. This would not have helped "Ashley" as she had a forefoot injury, but can help many other with hind foot and ankle issues.
Podiatrist says my avulsion fracture happened w help of week ankle : ligaments.. would this help me?
Is this specific to runners? Or does it apply to athletes playing general sports? Also is there a specific time period that makes using the boot a unreliable treatment? Or is it even if it's for a couple weeks use?
Yes, this video is specifically about runners. Thank you for watching and for your comments.
I would be happy to help, and answer your questions, but cannot without understanding your situation in detail. To schedule a private chat, you can pick a time that works for you and block my calendar for your private call here:
www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
What about the case when the plantar fascia is unattached to the bone? How long do you recommend to wear the walking boot after the immobilization time? Do I need to respect that Inmovilizaron time period?
Thank you for watching and posting your question. I can't make a recommendation in your case because I have not yet evaluated your foot, and your condition. If you would like to discuss in detail during a web-cam call, you can block my calendar here: www.docontherun.com/payment-running-injury-second-opinion-skype-consultation-call-60-minutes/ Another option is to join the Fast Track Challenge, but that won't begin for another few weeks.
Very active, hiker and weight lifter here. I fractured my 2nd metatarsal grappling. Dr. put me in the boot and said I could walk in 4 weeks. I take my foot out of the boot several times daily, and rotate my foot around, and do some exercises to keep my upper leg strong and mobile. Do you suggest walking on my foot sooner than 4 weeks if the pain and swelling goes away?
I would never simply recommend walking on your foot sooner than 4 weeks, if another doctor told you could not walk for 4 weeks. I cannot make recommendations on your specific medical treatment without evaluating your specific condition first.
@@DocOnTheRun Yeah, I understand that. Thanks-
How unhelpful is this ! I have an ankle fracture and am watching my leg lose strength and mobility- do you suggest I ignore the boot and push through?
Definitely do not. Your foot will be damaged again and heal incorrectly. You have to let it heal. The boot reduces pain and allows you to take the weight off of your and. Ignore the boot and you'll regret it when you put the full weight on your ankle. Prepare to fracture it again
If you’re afraid of losing muscle and bone density during recovery, proteins and other nutritions help. If you’re on stem cells, even better
Thank you for watching and sharing !
What is the boot for? Is it for protection? Is it for immobilization? Is it to keep weight off? I have a slightly displaced (
That must be really frustrating! Sounds like you need a 3rd opinion with a doctor who will give you the full story and detail!
If not the boot then is the cast a better option? Just left the cast after 3 weeks for a boot. And I have an ironman triathlon in 6 months
Boot is much better because you can start doing exercises and stretch. Idk what this guy is talking about . Cast is worst
@@TheRicoCallao your wrong wearing the boot for a short period of even two weeks has caused me chronic pain and even shortened my right leg (at the hip) and this was because I was walking around with the damn boot now I’m stuck in this shitty situation and don’t know what types of solutions will even be effective.
I'm guessing you found out but you can't do a triathlon after 6 months of a foot fracture. That's intense stress on a leg you most likely haven't built up enough yet
@@maltheri9833 i've broken my 5th metatarsal bone and have an army run in 45 days. You saying I cant do it at all?
even limping hard I won't be able to do it?
What about for a mildly displaced oblique fracture of the distal fibular at the level of syndesmosis. I week with just icing until Orthopedic diagnosis. No surgery and no manual adjustment. Immediately went into a cast for 2 weeks and mow in an Boot without the crutches. Same ankle I had a trimalleolar in 1996. I'm an exrunner. Doctors set it by hand 3x over a 5 month period. In hard casts from May until September and then when I went into a walking boot for 3 weeks after that I ran a half marathon! of course I was younge, healthier and stronger. Took a year for soft tissue swelling to go down. I also osteoporosis diagnosed in 2018 due to celiac combined with long-term vegan diet. I've been increasing my vitamin D3, K2, magnesium, calcium & extra protein. Should I be weight-bearing on an oblique fracture like this that's mildly displaced? What are my concerns after I come out of this boot and when can I come out of the boot . Just one week in the boot. It's exactly 30 days since I injured my ankle. The doctor wants me to be weight-bearing fast I was worried that it's mildly displaced I'm also worried about I was on a hill with my dog who pulled me and then I was wearing a very stiff tool boot that wouldn't bend so my ankle inside the boot did a 90° bend. Was it a legit fall or was it also the osteoporosis and what's going to happen afterwards in the next few months what do I have to worry about?.
Thanks for watching and sharing your story with others. If you want more detail specific to your exact situation, and prefer to meet and discuss with me personally, we could get on a webcam call or phone call to help you figure out what you should (or shouldn't) be doing. If so, you can pick a time that works for you and block my calendar for a private call here:
www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
Hi Dr. Really. Is it free? I'm going to go and look at your calendar right now and block a time. I guess I'll find out. Thank ou so much for responding.
Hi doctor thanks for offering I can't afford anything right now I don't have disability and I'm in a financial tsunami because I am a uber and Lyft driver that means I have zero money coming in and I haven't driven for a month now. I live in Philadelphia PA Temple sports medicine and who are who treated my trimalleolar in 1996. The current hospital I'm going to is Penn medicine orthopedics. I'm going to try and get a second opinion with Temple Sports medicine.
@@dancetilldawn484 Getting a second opinion is always a great idea! Heal fast!
Help I'm a dancer singer Pro. ballerina Broadway dancer. broke my lt foot. hv a jones fracture 5th metatarsal. been in a boot . 100% non weight bearing for 7 weeks. I do leg strengthing . not foot.. am starting walking in boot next week. then PT.
I'm scared. any thoughts
Thanks so much for watching, and for adding your comments to help others by sharing your experience. Sorry to hear about your Jones fracture.
If you want more detail specific to your exact situation, and prefer to meet and discuss with me personally, we could get on a webcam call or phone call today or tomorrow to help you figure out what you should be doing NOW to make sure you don't keep losing all of your fitness. If so, you can pick a time that works for you and block my calendar for a private call here:
www.docontherun.com/talk-to-the-expert/
@@DocOnTheRun Thank you for your reply . I would love to chat w you, but Sadly enough, I now have A Vocal Cord Hemmoraging Pollop. I cant believe it . As I also sing professionally. Ugh... ENT thinks it is a result if the Omicron Sub Varient of Covid I just had so I have to maintain 100 % vocal silence so the Pollop. stops bleeding and reabsorbs. Crazy huh....
Well maybe later we Can chat .Thank you for your time. it's great your helping so many folks .😀🙂
@@llaattredhead surgery could be an option. It has less risk of pseudarthrosis and you recover 3 weeks faster. But most Orthos recommend conservative threatment for non disclocated fractures cause of surgical risk.
What’s the other option? Other than the boots? Is the cast the same?
Hi Nill. Thank you for watching. What do you mean?
How about that bone growing machine ? PRP ? Stem cells?
Good question! All 3 are better options for runners, in the right circumstances.
Shanya, I had tendonitis in my patellar tendon and had PRP with dry needling after 12 weeks of PT that hadn't gotten me very far in terms of recovery (I could not even walk a mile total on any given day at that point). It changed everything for me. It was not a comfortable procedure - expect pain for deep injections and discomfort for at least the day (wish they had warned me so I didn't drive myself to that appointment - get a driver). But seriously, 9 more weeks of PT and I could walk and walk, no issue, and I got back to running a few months later. Now the patellar tendon is one they have done the most PRP research around, but as someone who works in the cosmetic medspa industry (where PRP is also highly useful, but not FDA approved or proven through massive studies), the numbers needed in clinical studies simply haven't caught up yet tp what doctors know through a rapidly growing body of anecdotal evidence. PRP, nanofat, and exosomes are 100% the future of medicine. Would recommend finding a PT who makes regular use of them (concentration ratios and injection techniques greatly impact the result). If you're ever curious about the cosmetic side, PRP makes hair regrow pretty predictably in those with thinning (not bald) spots and helps surgical patients heal so much faster.
@@magicandriches Very very amazing and thank you for the caring and detailed response!! And Guess what - since this last post- I have done PRP and also attribute it to now being able to walk again! (I also did a lot of vitamins: condrointin/glucosamine, collagen, coral calcium, boron, drank a protein shake called “Mend”, amongst other things..) I am really truly happy with PRP. My doc said to consider stem cell, at one point, as I have had some issue w feet and ankles for a bit. I have a PT friend who does dry dry needling, has sustained injuries themselves and swears by it. I really want to seek it out and thank you for the WONDERFUL suggestion!! YOU ROCK!!
@@magicandriches Thanks for sharing your story!
I’m a weight lifter and got a fracture in my foot, I only need the boot for 3 weeks would that make problems and can I take it off when sleeping?
I'm sure you're healed now but for anyone else that wants to know you can take it off whenever. Just wear it when walking
@@maltheri9833 thanks! V helpful!
I broke my 5th metatarsal. I'm in a boot but I've started aqua jogging in the pool. Is it enough to stay fit?
That all depends on what your athletic goals may be, and how much you do. Everything helps as it is a losing battle if you aren't diligent.
Hey there. May i know how long you take to recover from the fracture
@@sitinazliayazid874 I believe it takes a year to completely heal from a fracture. But after 2 months I'm back at work and this month I'm starting a run/walk program with a goal of a running a Turkey Trot at the end of November.
@@eddriver8353 so great to hear that for you. Hope you have a good recovery and thanks for sharing.😀
@@eddriver8353 Go work!!!
What about people who are NOT runners, but who just do low-intensity walking for 20 mins each day? Is 6 weeks in the boot okay for fractures? if not, what do we do?
Thank you for watching. I am sorry but I cannot answer your question because I don't specialize in walkers, I specialize in helping runners get back to running.
@@DocOnTheRunWell, just thinking logically, it seems that if it's 6 weeks in the boot for running, which is far more intense than walking, then for someone who just wants to get back to low intensity moderate daily walking, it would take the same 6 weeks or less -- depending upon their age, health, etc.
I didnt get a diagnosis for 2 months and just walked on it in lots of pain. Will that damage recovery?
What did the doctor who made the diagnosis say ?
@@DocOnTheRun was signed off a month, then 3 day working week for 2.5 months. X ray at 5 months very satisfactory healing.
Oh you poor runners and athletes. Why don’t you just stop walking so much in your damn boot? Good lord, they are made to take MOST of the weight off the foot, and to immobilise your ankle so you can heal. They are NOT made to make you feel you can walk miles or stand all day. Take at least two weeks of total non-weight bearing to give your foot a rest! You can’t walk normally for at least two months once out of the boot, just be patient, it’s only a few weeks. You guys are only athletes, not so special that the rules don’t apply. Isn’t a bit of patience and slow recovery worth it?
Facts. Me: Feb 9 2022: cuboid microfracture and fifth metatarsal avulsion fracture, right foot. Boot, 4 weeks, pain every hour of every day and edema which meant poor circulation and elevated foot for weeks after boot off. No idea why. Now, 4 months out of boot, and I can walk with little pain, but not without a limp. 2000 steps a day. Got my third X-ray and MRI to rule out any further hidden causes of pain, which has been my constant companion for 5 months. Oh, and get a shoe lifter or your hips will be way out of whack when you get out of the boot. If they could make really light boots that would help. Also, watch out for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, that was a nice little offshoot of my trauma. Pain: 9/10 for two months. But now it’s gone because it was caught early and managed by three professionals: pain doc, physio and podiatrist. I call them The P Team. Symptoms of CRPS: If your foot is red, your toenails stop growing and you can’t stand any touch on the injured foot, and you are disabled from horrific leg aches, get onto a CRPS specialist asap. Doing too little exercise or doing too much will cause flares-ups. But you must not stop moving, It’s a double-edged sword. It can spread, too.
You seem to have missed the point of the video. It isn't about walking in the boot, it is about using the boot for shorter periods of time.
I broke my tibia and fibula and was able to go back to playing soccer. Obviously you loose muscle strength and mobility that's why I did physical therapy before going back on the field. Oh you can also do exercises while on the boot to keep flexibility and strength.
Good work! Thank you for sharing your experience to motivate others.
I like Dino nuggies they taste Nice
Y
So didn't listen and got hurt. good. Listen to the dr and not this clown. Runners are not different to us. Where is the scientific evidence to back this video up
Fat people say to me all the time that "they do not go running to protect their knees" etc. etc. So what is the deal? Running is bad for the joints right?