Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Pain And Swelling In Foot After A Fracture
Question: Hi,
On Friday evening, I fell and broke my upper foot/toe (not sure which bone--it's just below the big toe, where it connects to the foot). My doctor advised that I should bear weight on it "as I feel comfortable" to help the healing, and not to remain immobile. I have a walking boot and crutches. I went for a walk today for about 15 minutes and was in pain with swollen foot when I got home.
How much should I be resting and how much should I be pushing myself to move? I know that bedrest is not recommended, but at this point even standing in the shower is still very painful.
Thanks in advance!
On Friday evening, I fell and broke my upper foot/toe (not sure which bone--it's just below the big toe, where it connects to the foot). My doctor advised that I should bear weight on it "as I feel comfortable" to help the healing, and not to remain immobile. I have a walking boot and crutches. I went for a walk today for about 15 minutes and was in pain with swollen foot when I got home.
How much should I be resting and how much should I be pushing myself to move? I know that bedrest is not recommended, but at this point even standing in the shower is still very painful.
Thanks in advance!
Brief Answer:
RICE 5-10 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for your question.
If your foot is becoming swollen and painful then you are at this stage doing a little to much activity on your foot. You should as your doctor pointed out let your symptoms dictate the amount of activity you do. For a phalangeal or metatarsal fracture I would usually advise patients to rest, elevate, ice and compress the foot for the first 5-10 days and then gradually increase there levels of activity following this depending on the pain and swelling. Typically a fracture will start to get 'sticky' at 14-21 days and this is when the pain and swelling significantly reduce.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
RICE 5-10 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for your question.
If your foot is becoming swollen and painful then you are at this stage doing a little to much activity on your foot. You should as your doctor pointed out let your symptoms dictate the amount of activity you do. For a phalangeal or metatarsal fracture I would usually advise patients to rest, elevate, ice and compress the foot for the first 5-10 days and then gradually increase there levels of activity following this depending on the pain and swelling. Typically a fracture will start to get 'sticky' at 14-21 days and this is when the pain and swelling significantly reduce.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
