I have been diagnosed with damaging the ligaments in my left foot, what treatment and excercises should I do?

Question

Friday night I slipped down a step and landed awkwardly on my left foot. After a trip to A&E I was told I had possibly broken my 4th metatarsal bone and would need to go back for a review in two days time. Anyway I went back had another x-ray and have been told its not broken but I have damaged the ligaments that go along my foot. I was given a crutch and told it will hurt for two weeks and be better after two months and that was it! What I want to know is.. how can I speed up recovery? How long will I need the crutch for? What excercises can I do and when? and most importantly when can I attempt to drive again!

Answer 1

Ligaments and tendons can take up to 3 times as long as bones to heal completely. Best way to speed up the recovery is keep off your foot as much as possible and rest and elevate it whenever you get the chance. Over the counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and other painkillers will help you feel better but dont let them trick you into thinking it is better because you could do more damage. You should keep using the crutch until you are able to put weight on your foot without pain. You will still feel uncomfortable when you try and walk on it after resting it for so long but that will go with exercise. While you are resting your foot make sure you still move the ankle if it isnt painful. The last thing you need is to lose flexibility and strength in other parts of your foot. The exercises to do are rotating your foot around, moving your foot up and down, pointing your toes, wiggling them... while you are still recovering and only if it isnt painful. When it stops getting painful start using your foot normally and dont try and push it too quickly. As your foot gets better you can try doing some stretching exercises with help from your hands - dont do it while your foot is still healing though. I wouldnt start driving again until you are able to weight bear on it. If it is your right foot it needs to be strong enough to be able to slam on the brake if needed. If it's your left then when you think you'll be able to depress the clutch... if you have an automatic car and it's your left foot then it's really up to you because you wont be using it. Hope you feel better soon!!

Answer 2

depends on the amount of damage done to the foot...right now rest it for the two weeks by walking on the crutches. did your doctor tell you to add weight as tolerated? keep your foot in motion where it will not stiffen up. you've asked some questions that your doctor should really answer too...like driving! also, adding weight gradually and by keeping movement in the ankle will help recovery time. you should know that ex-rays alone cannot determine the extent of the ligament damage. which the doctor usually can tell by examination, but an MRI or CT scan can detect a torn ligament also...which you would treat differently!
so, like i said, it's hard to really answer on here and is better left to a doctor. take care, and i hope i helped a little!!!

Answer 3

the same problem had happened 2 me 3 years ago and it reoccurred 2 me thrice cause my left ligament had become weak
initially start treating it with warm water for good blood circulation and try to intake more milk and other dairy products in u r diet by doing dis u will recover faster ..........
2. u can start exercising after u r treatment u have to start with warm ups in d starting and later try yoga which i assure u will work for u in strengthening d ligaments as 4 recovery ask u doc.
3.u can star to drive after a week u recover.bye

Answer 4

Just relax and put a magnet on your pains.
Elevate and use ice packs if swelling.
Get well before exercising too quick