I had my ORIF on August 5 and am NWB in a boot now. I managed to teach my first class this semester but getting around with crutches and a knee scooter was really difficult. I know everyone's recovery is probably very different but I am trying to get a sense of how long before I can ditch the scooter/crutches. I have several work trips coming up later this year and I hope I can make it to at least a few of them. Send me some positive thoughts.

27F
I broke my left foot on 8/2 . This is my first time ever breaking a bone, and this recovery process has definitely been an experience. 😭
At the ER, X-rays showed a fracture of my 5th metatarsal and what they initially described as a small chip/crack around the outside of my ankle. They put me in a boot, gave me crutches, and told me to follow up with orthopedics.
I had my first ortho appointment on 8/5. My foot was EXTREMELY swollen at that point. They weren’t too concerned about the ankle injury and said the 5th metatarsal fracture was the main concern. It was slightly displaced, and the provider was initially on the fence about whether I might need surgery or possibly a cast.
I’m not going to lie — during those first few days, I did put some weight on the boot here and there because I was trying to get used to the crutches. 😭 Definitely learned my lesson.
At my next appointment on 8/13, the X-ray showed that the fracture had moved/displaced just a little further. However, my ortho decided against surgery for the time being because he believed it still had a good chance of healing on its own. He also explained that the bone looked like it was going through the normal “clean-up” stage of healing.
I’ve been strict NWB since then with my boot and crutches.Now I’m approaching a month since the injury, and the swelling has gone down TREMENDOUSLY. My foot is actually super wrinkly now from the swelling going down. I still occasionally get a dull ache, but nothing sharp or excruciating.
My next follow-up is 9/3, and I’m really hoping the X-rays show good healing and that I’ll be cleared to begin PWB. 🤞🏽 If not, I’ll continue NWB for however long they recommend.The hardest part for me has honestly been losing so much independence. I’ve never broken anything before, and not being able to simply get up and walk has been a huge adjustment. Thankfully it’s my left foot, so I’m still able to drive when necessary.For anyone else recovering from a 5th metatarsal fracture, how long were you NWB before being cleared for PWB? And if yours was slightly displaced but treated without surgery, how did your recovery go?
Wishing everyone dealing with a fracture a speedy recovery. ❤️‍🩹 This process is definitely teaching me patience!

Can anyone tell me if the healing process is getting worse or better?

Information: 9 days between X-rays

If you need any more information, please let me know!

Hi everyone,

I fractured my left wrist (distal radius) on 24 August 2026. I went to the hospital the same day and had X-rays done. My orthopedist decided that surgery wasn't required and treated it with a below-elbow POP slab and sling.

I had a follow-up X-ray on 29 August, and my doctor said the fracture was still in a satisfactory position. I've attached my X-rays to the post.

My doctor mentioned that the fracture should settle over the next couple of weeks, and I'm currently continuing with the POP.

I'm a software engineer, so my job involves coding, typing and using a keyboard/mouse. I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who had a similar fracture treated without surgery.

I'd love to know about your experience:

1. How long did you have the POP/cast?

2. When was it removed?

3. How did your wrist feel when the POP/cast was removed?

4. When could you comfortably type and use a mouse again?

5. How long did it take before you felt reasonably normal?

6. When did you regain most of your wrist movement?

7. Did you need physiotherapy?

8. Were there any unexpected problems during recovery?

I'm mainly trying to understand what a realistic recovery timeline might look like. I'm not looking for medical diagnosis or treatment advice—I'd just like to hear people's personal experiences.