I broke my 3rd & 4th metatarsal 5 weeks ago. When I 1st did it, I got a cast on and was told to come back in 4 weeks to have it xrayed and another cast on for a further 3 weeks. When I went back to have it xrayred, they just took the cast off and sent me home! Didn't ask about pain or anything, didn't even have my 1st xray up on the screen! How do I know they are healing properly? Why did they change their minds? Could it have been that it was absolutely packed in the waiting room? Or is this normal? Although I hated the cast,I feel my foot is very vulnerable and also like my protection has gone.When I asked about the xray the doc looked at me as if I was putting it on or something!! and said 'you don't want another cast on do you?' I was like 'well, no, but it is still hurting alot' and he goes 'I think you're right, you don't need another one on, you are discharged.' I left with a big '?' above my head.
2006-09-05 22:34:27 · 8 answers · asked by Jane H 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Welcome to the NHS! (I assume you were treated in the UK?)
Unfortunately resources are stretched so treatment is only given to the bare minimum. They will only do further examinations if you suffer consequent discomfort. If this happens, see your GP and get a referral. But you should at least have been given some tips on exercising / physio
2006-09-05 22:41:09 · answer #1 · answered by Perkins 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi well when you first fractured your metatarsals and got it x-ray the consultant new how long your sort off fracture would take to heal.Metatarsal bones heal very quick,the new bone (calcium) starts to grows as soon as its fractured.Having a plaster cast on only for 4 wks is correct,obviously if you had more off an serious fracture (spiral fracture) or (compound fracture) you would off been in a plaster cast up to 6-10 wks and maybe surgery too.Also having to many x-rays isnt good for you either because off the radiation.Im sure you are ok now,just be careful now as you have no protection,you can also get yourself a piece off tubigrip from the chemist or buy a removable splint from boots or chemists,but i think myself you only need a tubigrip for a wk or so.Good Luck any other problems email me if you like.
2006-09-06 07:37:18 · answer #2 · answered by Sexy Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, that is not normal. When I treat a true fracture I want to make sure I have healing. Now if the doctor was treating a suspected stress fracture that is a different story. For a stress fracture that is hard to follow with diagnostic imaging I let pain be my guide. If it doesn't hurt you are discharged. That is why I am wondering why he did not perform that simple evaluation of you pain level.
2006-09-06 15:05:18 · answer #3 · answered by Podiatristdja 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe the doctor mistakenly thought you'd already had 2 casts and it was time for the second to come off. doctors see so many people and don't have the time to really look at the record before seeing the patient. If you are still in pain, I would go back or find another doctor who isn't as pressed for time or knows how to manage his time better.
2006-09-06 05:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by tiggerkitty3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you may want to try a second opinion, if that is not an option check out this informative web site, myfootshop.com. it offers discussion forums and information articles about foot conditions. give it a try you'll find it helpful. good luck. use the source for a quick link to site.
2006-09-07 14:36:56 · answer #5 · answered by gina m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some doctors treat them diffrently becuase of your age. i had a friend who was seven and she broke her arm and she had to be absent for 2 months. then my other friend who is in high school only had to be treated for 3 weeks. Also, if you have such injuries like that, consult a doctor who has lots and lots of medical traning (but it might cost a lot)
2006-09-06 05:43:20 · answer #6 · answered by saggiesoul 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a doctor I am telling you - You need not to bother. You will be perfectly alright.
2006-09-06 05:39:37 · answer #7 · answered by a j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you consult your doctor and do what he advice.
2006-09-06 07:54:30 · answer #8 · answered by loadstar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋