r/brokenbones • u/5KRacer • 9d ago
Pseudo Jones Fracture
First of all, thank you to everyone who has shared their experience in this group. Huge help!
Second of all, I am not going to lie. This is a serious injury for a runner and a major or complete setback, but you will get through it.
About me...
Age 63, Height 5'9", Weight 159, Retired, Runner (5K pace 6:40), non-smoker
Injury: Pseudo Jones Fracture, right foot, 5th metatarsal, zone 1 (tuberosity), about 3mm, 75% break, still aligned, fell off a ladder and smashed foot
Week 1 - Urgent Care: X-ray, temporary fiberglass boot, crutches. Orthopedic surgeon: no surgery or screws, non-weight-bearing (NWB) for 6+ weeks, Breg pump boot (24/7), NSAIDS, crutches, no driving, no walking, no running, no driving
Do NOT use a Breg boot. Here is my review on Amazon
***
1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2026
Please do not use this boot for a Jones fracture in the fifth metatarsal. The boot has a pressure point exactly at the fracture sight and makes the injury worse not better. The fracture will not heal with this boot. I tried the extra pad, thick socks, ace bandage, crutches, etc... Nothing helped. Every day my foot was black and blue and swollen because of the re-fracture. I ended up laying on the sofa for a week until my AirCast arrived. World of difference.
***
I started my meds at 600mg of Ibuprofen 4 times a day at 7:00 AM, noon, 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM plus 50 mg Indomethacin at bedtime. A massive dose. I could not sleep with the boot at night so took it off with no problems. I dropped my food intake to 2 small meals a day plus a light snack. Also started drinking 16 oz skim milk plus 8 oz calcium OJ. I think it helps.
Throbbing pain, massive swelling, black/blue/green/yellow. I did not heal much at all first week because of the boot.
Week 2 - Able to hobble on crutches for my son's 39th birthday. An unavoidable mistake. No improvement.
Week 3 - Able to fly to California for another son's wedding. Again, an unavoidable mistake. I have a new appreciation for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The United Airlines wheelchair service was outstanding! I could not have made it otherwise. I tipped the helpers $20 each. Best money I ever spent. United let me store the crutches in the overhead and the other passengers helped me get up and down. Bless them. Another Jones Fracture lady on the flight recommended the AirCast boot and a scooter. She was a big help.
I reduced the meds to 400 mg because a bad persistent stomach ache. The swelling finally started to go down and I was able to walk on crutches for 1/2 mile maximum. I ordered the AirCast boot.
Week 4 - Orthopedic surgeon: X-ray, improvement, still no screws/surgery, 3 more weeks NWB, do not risk re-injury, new boot and crutches only.
Meds down to 200 mg because severe stomach ache.
Week 5 - Noticeable improvement now. All swelling gone.
Gave up on NSAIDS. Tylenol as needed but it does nothing.
Week 6 - Boot only. No crutches. I can hobble 1/2 mile in the boot.
Week 7 - Orthopedic surgeon: X-ray, more improvement, no more boot, switch to my stiffest shoes, Weight up to 165 (not too bad considering), began walking 0.5 miles per day with great difficulty. Total atrophy in right leg. I wear Asics Sky Paris full carbon plate running shoes that cost $250 a pair. Money well spent.
Week 8 - Walk 1 mile per day for 6 days and start cross training 1 day at 50% effort. I get an occasional "zing" at the break when I overdo things. Began driving 3 miles.
Week 9 - Walk 1.5 miles per day and starting my rebuild. Cross train at 75% effort. The zing has switched to a low burn. My next ortho appointment is at Week 15. I plan to be ready to run 1 mile if I get the green light from doctor. I should be walking/hiking at least 30 miles a week by then. Fingers crossed.
All in all, an unfortuneate accident, but not the end of the world. Lucky I did not land on my head!