Old Metatarsal Fracture

[gjw82]

About two and a half years ago I broke the second metatarsal in my right foot. It was misdiagnosed as turf toe by two different doctors so it was allowed to heal without any treatment. The swelling went down and I went back to the doctor because my second toe was still misaligned. I then found out that the metatarsal had been broken, but it was already healed so the doctor didn't want to do anything more. He did mention that I could have it re-broken and readjusted but since I wasn't in any pain he advised me not to. The only problem I had was that it felt a little awkward to put weight on it because the second metatarsal head is now raised and doesn't bear any weight at all. My concern is that over time I have begun to favor my left side over my right, not putting as much weight on my right foot when I walk and stand. Its nothing that I can't live with but I don't want it to lead to more problems later, and also, if I don't have to live with it I'd rather not. So I was wondering if it is possible to have the bone re-broken and adjusted this long after the initial break.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

oops. the latter was supposed to be a reply for another posting.  sorry about the confusion.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

it sounds like it is dried blood or dirt.
cut the undersurface of the nail as far back as you can so you can better clean it.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

i would try treating it conservatively first b/f jumping into surgery.
you can have orthotics made with a metatarsal pad to help evenly distribute the pressure to the metatarsal heads.  Also, wearing a stiffer sole shoe with a rocker bottom helps unload pressure to the metatarsal heads. if all else fails, you can have a procedure performed where an osteotomy can be performed to plantarflex (bring down) the metatarsal head.  This procedure is very successful if done by an experienced podiatrist.