How important is it that i have my foot casted if i broke the base of 5th metatarsal?

Question

basically i don't have insurance, i know there is a fracture, and i'm considering buying a foam/air boot for $80 compared to a cast for $400 and up.

Answer 1

Cast will help IMMOBILISING the fracture line...the single most important factor in good fracture healing. If your fracture doesn't heal well, you could have long term consequences such as osteoarthritis, which means chronic pain and limping and arthritis in other joints due to walking in an unbalanced gait. If the foam/air boot gives you good comfort, no pain and good immobilisation, that should be fine. Also ask your doctor how badly the fracture was displaced or angulated. If it was a nice clean straight and minimally displaced fracture (most 5th metatarsal fractures are), then you have a reason to be optimistic. Cast is definitely better at immobilising, but if you use crutches, take good care, and not stress your foot too much for 6-8 weeks, boot/foam should give you equally good result.
$400? that seems a lot of money. Are you in USA? Can't you go to ER and get it for free? Maybe that's only in Australia where I am..

Answer 2

im happy about being where i am and not have to worry bout the money factor but still if the doctor said u needed a certain type and i didnt have the insurace id go with what was needed - u need to walk and u need ur health

Answer 3

Please, do whatever the doctor said, or, you won't heal properly, if at all, and I guarantee you will regret it later. They will usually work with you on the money.