Celiac disease

[TSemler]

I have untreated celiac disease and have had a stress fracture 2nd metatarsal  that did not heal for over 4 months. Was in a plastic air boot and crutches for 8 weeks. Then tried to get back into regular shoe and started p.t. But had continued pain and limping. Went to a new ortho for 2nd opinion and he took a 2nd MRI. Radiologist came back with 3rd metatarsal now has a stress fracture. So back in boot and crutches for 6 to 8 weeks. It has so far been 5 1/2 weeks. Does not feel like its healing either. Could this be caused from my untreated celiac. From malabsorption? Please help me figure this out, I have been in boot and crutches almost 6 months.   Thank you!

[TSemler]

Thank you for your time in responding to my post. I will b seeing my ortho on Feb.15th. I did not mention my Celiac to him when I saw him a month ago. Just recently I have been researching C.D. And it clicked on the malabsorption aspects of the disease has been the problem with the healing of the metatarsal fractures. I did call my primary physician for a C.D panel to check how low I am in vitamins and minerals. I had my biopsies (4) in June of this yr. and did not take it a serious as I should have. Now I am having a lot more of the symptoms. And 6 months with the boot and crutches is about all I can take. I am already on disability for chronic migraines with a lot of food triggers. Now I will also be adding G.F. to the list. Thank you again for listening.

[twopack]

You already sound highly suspicious the celiac disease is a factor in your slow healing.  There's a good possibility you are right.  Celiac disease definitely impairs absorbtion of vital nutrients and I'm surprised the ortho hasn't at least sent you for some bloodwork and/or demanded you see your PCP or gastro for treatment.

Calcium is needed for bone repair.  Even if you get enough through diet and supplements it can pass through without being absorbed as a result of things like celiac or vitamin D deficiency.  Low vitamin D levels are a near epidemic problem in the USA according to some sources.  

You could need more of both calcium and vitamin D.  IMHO, you definitely should start (or resume) gluten free eating for you present and future health.  It can be a tough thing to start but gluten-free products, recipes and information abound these days.  

The small bones of the feet can have a hard time healing even under the best of circumstances.  They are tiny and located at the far end of the journey for nutrient rich blood carried from the heart YET they are asked to balance and bear the weight of the rest of the body every time we stand or walk.

I'd get your doctors working together to get you healing and moving.  I've been told that the longer bone healing takes the more difficult it becomes to achieve it.  It sounds like these fractures might be at the place where your foot puches off with each step.  If so, they have to be well healed before you can walk without assistance again.