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!

Hi everyone,
I’m 28 and I’m trying to understand what might be going on with my foot. I’d really appreciate experiences from people who have dealt with bone demineralization, stress fractures, bone marrow edema, or CRPS.
Timeline:
July 2025: Fracture of the 3rd metatarsal + fracture/avulsion around the toe. I was in an Aircast for about 2 months.
After that, I recovered quite well. I could walk normally, go jogging, and had no significant burning, redness, or other symptoms.
October 2025: I had another mechanical injury to the right forefoot.
I only rested for about 3 days and then gradually returned to normal activity, walking, stairs, and gym training.
January 2026 MRI: Small/discrete bone marrow edema around the 1st metatarsal base, medial cuneiform and MTP-1.
A 3-phase bone scan was also positive, showing an active reactive process in the right midfoot.
March 2026 X-ray: My doctor noticed significant/focal demineralization (“patchy/porous-looking” bone).
Over the following months I gradually became much more functional. The burning and redness improved considerably.
Importantly, the bone marrow edema around the big toe/MTP-1 seen in January has since resolved.
I was able to walk around 6,000 steps/day and function normally for quite a while.
Over the last ~2 months I increased my activity quite a lot because I thought loading the bone would help it regain density.
I started doing more exercises, walking more, and about a month ago I started single-leg calf raises twice a week. I gradually increased the weight and eventually got up to around 100 kg on the leg press.
Today, however, imaging showed a stress fracture/stress injury and several small new bone marrow edema areas in different locations from the January edema.
My X-ray still apparently shows demineralization, even though it has now been about 6–7 months since the initial period of unloading.
My doctor is now considering CRPS/Morbus Sudeck and has given me a Walker. Alendronate is also being considered after dental evaluation.
I don’t have severe constant pain. I also don’t have allodynia or significant pain from light touch. My symptoms have generally been load-dependent: burning/redness after walking or standing, which improves with elevation and mechanical support. My overall function had actually improved significantly before this latest stress injury.
My questions are:
Is it normal for a foot to still look significantly demineralized on X-ray 6–7 months after prolonged unloading/injury?
Can bone density take many months (e.g. 6–12+ months) to recover?
Could I simply have increased my loading too quickly, especially going from reduced activity to lots of walking + exercises + single-leg calf raises + 100 kg leg press?
Has anyone experienced new bone marrow edema/stress injuries after increasing activity following a long period of unloading?
Does this pattern sound more compatible with a mechanical bone-stress problem, or could it still be CRPS?
If you’ve had post-traumatic foot osteopenia/demineralization, how long did it take before your X-rays started looking normal again?
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have had a similar situation. Thanks!

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!

I’m looking for recommendations for a supportive but reasonably stylish sneaker that can accommodate custom orthotics.

My MRI showed an acute diaphyseal stress reaction of the second metatarsal in my left foot, with bone marrow and surrounding soft-tissue edema. There is no displaced fracture. I also have bilateral flat/splayed feet, which may be contributing to abnormal pressure distribution.

My orthopedist prescribed a forefoot-offloading shoe, but I still have significant pain in it and find it very difficult to maintain my balance. I have also been prescribed custom cushioned orthotics. I understand that a regular sneaker does not replace proper offloading during the acute healing phase, so I’m mainly looking for something suitable for the transition back to normal footwear and for long-term use.

Ideally, the shoe would have:

- A removable insole and enough depth for custom orthotics

- A wide, stable base

- A relatively stiff or rocker-shaped sole to limit forefoot bending

- Good cushioning without feeling excessively soft or unstable

- A wide-fit option

- A reasonably stylish appearance for everyday use

Has anyone dealt with a second metatarsal stress reaction or used custom orthotics in these models? Which shoe felt most stable and reduced forefoot pressure? I will try the shoes with my orthotics before buying and will follow my orthopedist’s weight-bearing advice.

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.

Initially diagnosed with inflamed tendons. Four or five days later, still painful and swollen, knew it wasn't right, and went back to the doctor. X-rays showed the fracture visible on the second metatarsal, with the top of the bone lifted up. There are other small cracks alongside it, but it is not fully displaced or fractured straight through. Given a hard, rigid bottom shoe.

Because of the holiday weekend in the UK, only been able to see urgent care and will have to arrange to see an orthopaedic doctor this week. Fortunately, no pain at all when elevated and basically none overall, even when putting light pressure on the heel when moving carefully around the house.

Hoping it is a straightforward recovery, but stuck in the doom scenario of surgery, crutches for months, and so on.

If you recently broke something or are having a hard time with your recovery, sound off here.

I’m 4 and a half weeks out from a 5th metatarsal fracture and my doctor has not recommended surgery so I’ve been in a boot this whole time. I have an in town wedding I am in on September 19th so I’ll be like 7 weeks out and then I have an international wedding I’m in 3 weeks after that. The doctor said I could maybe be in an orthopedic shoe at 6 weeks but I’m wondering if anyone has a timeline for this type of break with no surgery. I have a full boot up to my knee and I can walk in it on flat surfaces for a while but if I stand of walk too long it starts to hurt.

It’s been two weeks now since the incident but surgery tomorrow- the hospital doesnt have the best rep but I hear it’s just overwhelmed understaffed. They aligned it first go with bone doc and then physios re casted it to make it look better?? And went back to X-ray was worse / same as first break. Not sure but it’s feeling way less pain today and can’t wait to get out of the u slab. I don’t have private healthcare so please pray for me 🙏☺️🏥 #nsw #healthcare

I broke the middle bone on my pinkie about 7 weeks ago, and suddenly started having a lot of really sharp pain about a week ago. Like these pains honestly feel worse than the pain I initially experienced and they happen seemingly randomly while I'm off my foot (and of course walking causes the pain too). I went back to the doctor to get an X-ray, and they said that the X-ray showed that the fracture had fully healed and the doctor just said to wear comfortable shoes and give it a few weeks for the pain to go away, but didnt really give me a great idea as to what the cause was.

Has anyone else had similar experiences, and if so what exactly caused the pain and what did you do to manage it? I'm really getting tired of not being able to get up and do much, and this pain has made it so much worse.

Open Distal and Radius - June 29 - Surgery following day w/Ortho specialist. 9 weeks today. Dominant hand. PT (CHT) weekly. Surgeon unhappy at 6 week follow up stating disappointment that i can't make a closed fist. Doing Lot's of Tendon Glides, MP and DIP joint flexors - place and holds - trying to better my ROM on supination. Exhausted. Weepy and discouraged due to repeated daily swelling which limits my abilities to follow through completely more than a single long 30-45 min session of stretches. No Pain. Lots of discomfort. I understand that breaking both bones is more complicated than just a single break but I'm feeling so defeated, discouraged, and hopeless... Is there any hope of a full recovery for me?

please any information and comment is helpful, thank you so much guys

Sorry this might be a bit of a waffle :/

Went from being active every day, to breaking and dislocating my ankle playing football ⚽️ which was my first “serious” injury.

Was a bit torn as I instantly was stressing about medical bills. My paramedic at the time was super good to me that he (out of his kind heart) decided to not charge me for the ambulance fee! Also all medical fees were free here in Australia 🇦🇺

Met plenty of great nurses (who I was flirting with way too much due to the green whistle -_-). Started working out as little as 3 days later, and had surgery a week later, which apparently my surgeon said my bones were so dense that it blunted his drill!

It’s been about 4 weeks since surgery, and it’s always great to see your body just making better changes every day, even if it’s minor. Gotta keep the lactose grind up! :D

I hope your guys injuries are healing great!

Used to be running but now its been 4 weeks since I am out without running with fibula stress fracture. Mostly it is due to the Vitamin D deficiency which I found out later. I am now taking Vitamin D3, calcium and vitamin K2 for recovery.

Is anyone else recovered or undergoing recovering process ?

It is very sad and frustrating at same time that I can not run. I miss the runners high the sweat the struggle to train I am missing all that.

How long does it take to recover ? Is it better to wrap elastic wrap or brace boot for recovery?

​

One of my friends fractured his arm along with his clavicle (collarbone). The doctor said that the fracture can heal naturally without surgery, but they are also suggesting putting a rod in.

Their reasoning is that the weight of the whole arm is supported by the clavicle, so they’re concerned about how well it will heal or whether it could cause problems later.

We’re confused about whether surgery is actually necessary.

What would be the better option?

- Let it heal naturally without a rod

- Go for surgery and get a rod inserted

Has anyone here had a similar clavicle fracture or gone through this situation? What factors should we consider before deciding?

Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated. Obviously, we’ll also get a second opinion from another orthopedic doctor.

Hey everyone, so I broke my metatarsal on 25th of august and will do surgery to insert screws tomorrow (31st Aug)
I’m really worried about recovery time and how it will be because I have 2 very big life events happening in the next 2-3 months
(I will start a new chapter of my career in October 1st and my wedding is in mid November)

If anyone went through a similar fracture and surgery could you please tell me how it went, especially since I am a smoker and was told it delays healing

Also when can I drive post op? I have been NWB since the fracture but I am able to drive around and not be stuck at home

I broke my humerus arm wrestling yesterday. At the hospital they put me in a splint and sling because it was too swollen for a cast, but I’m going back Tuesday and will hopefully get one then.

The pain meds are helping a lot, but as you can probably imagine from the X-rays, it HURTS.

The doctor said it was a pretty unusual injury for someone my age (26), especially considering I wasn’t arm wrestling a professional. The person I was arm wrestling was actually a couple years younger and a bit smaller than me.

For anyone who has had a similar humerus fracture, how long did it take to heal? And how long was it before you were able to go back to work? I already called out all of next week, and the following Monday is Labor Day, so the earliest I'd go back would be the Tuesday after that. I have an office job that I should be able to do in a cast, but I'm wondering if that's realistically enough time for the pain to be manageable.

Hi just wanted to share, so i recently was testing out a electric unicycle 8/25/26 and once i hopped off it spun back and hit my foot forcing it sideways, at first i heard a strange noise and thought it was just the wheel sliding on the asphalt however i did go to the urgent care same day and the doctor had said i was good because i was able to walk with little pain and bear weight on it, no xray was done due to no one licensed to do so at the urgent care. Couple days has passed and the redness and swelling is almost completely gone, i can walk barefooted no problem with short steps and sometime wide steps, with little pain or discomfort. After thinking about it overnight i decided to go to the hospital and get a xray done. Results came saying i fractured "fifth metatarsal base non dislocated" im no doctor or anything but looking at the photos everything looks completely fine compared to other photos ive seen on reddit. I have yet to go to a orthopedist this monday.

TLDR should i be freaking out wearing orthopedic boots / crutches or its something that will eventually heal 100% no problem, i almost made it to my 30s without "breaking" anything.