The long bones in the middle of the feet are known as metatarsal bones, and the fifth metatarsal is the last one of them at the outer side of the foot. 6% of feet injuries is the metatarsal fracture, and 68% of them occur in the fifth metatarsal. And most of them occur at the base of the bone. Most of the adults face this injury in the 2nd to 5th decade of their life and at this age. And if you get a low extremity injury it becomes a hurdle in driving. To drive with such injuries you must have adequate knowledge of it.
Types of a fifth metatarsal fracture
These bones consist of three parts: the base, shaft, and neck. Keeping in mind these parts, these fractures can be divided into three types:
Avulsion or chip fractures occur at the tip of the base and can be treated without any surgery. 6-8 weeks is the healing period for this injury.
Jones fractures happen between the base and shaft, at the intersection of the fifth metatarsal. These are the “nonunion” type of fractures having a higher chance of refracture after treatment and need surgery due to delayed healing and risk of refracture.
Stress fractures occur at the junction of the wider part of the shaft bone. It also needs surgery to cure due to the risk of reinjury.
If the bone is not displaced, soft tissues are not severely damaged and there is no infection, surgery is not recommended.
Tips and treatment of fifth metatarsal fracture
Along with medication and treatment, there is a most famous home remedy for any type of fracture or sprain, and that is known as RICE treatment.
- REST means not to put weight on the injured foot
- ICE pack or a simply towel wrapped ice should be applied on the injured area of the foot
- COMPRESSION: The injured area must be wrapped tightly with an elastic wrap to avoid swelling.
- ELEVATION: raise the foot higher than the level of your heart. It helps in controlling the swelling.
The following two steps are also recommended by the surgeons for non-surgical treatment.
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Immobilization: in this treatment, doctors ask to use some cast boots, stiff-soled shoes along with cast or crutches to keep the foot immobile and keep the foot safe from the weight.
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Bone stimulation: to speed up the healing process, an external device is used to stimulate the bones, especially in Jones fracture if immobilization doesn’t work much. An electromagnetic dice are also used for bone stimulation. These devices are pain-free and accelerate the healing process
Driving after the fifth metatarsal fracture
Feet play a vital role to control the vehicle. Toe fractures usually do not disturb when you drive but osteosynthesis is necessary for the first and fifth metatarsal and because of it, you can’t drive for at least two months after injury.
“Generally, this is between 8 to 10 weeks post-op,” Miller, a podiatrist said. “The reason we wait 8 to 10 weeks is to ensure the patient has returned to their full driving capabilities. We don’t want someone to be treated for a right ankle fracture and causes an accident because they tried to drive too soon following treatment.”
How soon can I drive after a fifth metatarsal fracture? That is a common question. Here we will discuss it shortly.
- Period of immobilization of foot when it has plaster or bandage on it, driving is not possible.
- The doctor’s recommendation is worth noting when you drive after this type of fracture.
- Some fractures take a long time for healing, and during that period, it’s risky to drive.
- The sequelae after surgery must be kept in mind and doctors can give an evaluation of the possible effects when you drive.
- If driving is inevitable, consider if you can stop and control the vehicle in an emergency, you can drive.
Feet and shoes have a close concomitance to each other. Both play a vital role in safe driving. After surgery, appropriate shoes can make you drive easily.
Role of shoes in driving after surgery of the fifth metatarsal
Along with other health issues, it’s also risky to drive in inappropriate shoes.
- Driving shoes must be supportive at the heels to hold a calcareous bone in a physiological position at the arch.
- Appropriate shoes provide perfect fitting, width and length sizing,
- Transverse flexibility and anteroposterior is desirable in shoes for the metatarsophalangeal joint region. It helps the foot in bending while pressing and releasing the car’s pedals.
- Shoes with center support for insteps and having ample space for toes to prevent distal pressure and to be lateral free are gilt suitable for driving.
- For a better grasp on the car floor and paddles, rubber soles are optimum.
- Heels are strongly prohibited for driving.
- High legged boots, give protection to ankles and make driving easier even with an injured foot.
- Surgical shoes and orthotic insoles are best for driving after this fracture.
Conclusion
It is recommended that patients must not drive for at least six weeks, especially after bunionectomy. But after the fifth metatarsal fracture, with a sufficient recovery, proper exercise, and with a recommended orthotic or surgical shoes you can drive your car. “Safety is always the priority”.
