Remedies for broken bones?

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hannahcall2
hannahcall2 Posts: 175 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Recently I found out that the ball of my foot has been broken for over a year. I've gotten so many mixed messages for how to help it heal and I wish someone would just be plain and forward. As you can imagine I'm kind of "over" having a bum foot that has kept me from freely doing a lot of my favorite activities.

I'm not disregarding these as viable options but so far (over the past many months) I have had no luck with walking boots, crutches, and even being non weight bearing seemed to aggravate it. Its a frustrating balance between not doing to little and not doing to much. I would love to know what other people have done that has worked. Any suggestions?
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Replies

  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
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    umm... have you considered going to the doctor?
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
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    Um, I assumed this was diagnosed by x-ray? Ordered by... a doctor? What did the doctor recommend?

    I understand not doctoring up for a broken toe, but this?
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
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    BecomingBane wrote: »
    umm... have you considered going to the doctor?

    Gotta be honest, that was my first thought as well...
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
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    Literally no-one can give meaningful advice based on the scant history provided.

    What did you damage in the ball of your foot? How was the injury assessed? By who? What was the official diagnosis? Were you given a rehab plan? Did you follow it? How completely did you follow it? How did your symptoms progress?

    Given the symptoms have been ongoing for over a year I doubt you will find a nice, easy solution on here but some people may at least be able to point you in the right direction.
  • hannahcall2
    hannahcall2 Posts: 175 Member
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    Haha yes I've had my bout of doctors. X-rays, MRI's, the most honest thing I got from all of the was "well that is just an unlucky bone to break". As you can imagine it's not the most helpful advice. Pretty much they said try these things and see what helps. So far no luck
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
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    Not impossible that she has gone to the doctor and what she's already tried were the doctor's suggestions.

    I know someone that had a similarly stubborn injury - went through 3-4 treatment options of increasing immobility and none of them worked. If I remember correctly, I think he finally had to insist on seeing a specialist who insisted on surgery (and evidently had a few choice words about the previous doc's advice).

    OP, if you're not seeing a doc, get yourself to one. If you are, insist on a specialist and make sure you're getting appropriately knowledgeable advice.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,220 Member
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    This is not something a special exercise or food will help. You need medical intervention. If you try to "fix" it on your own the bone could die (I've known it to happen) which requires extensive surgeries and having to have a cadaver bone replacement.
  • hannahcall2
    hannahcall2 Posts: 175 Member
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    It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.
  • hannahcall2
    hannahcall2 Posts: 175 Member
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    stealthq wrote: »
    Not impossible that she has gone to the doctor and what she's already tried were the doctor's suggestions.

    I know someone that had a similarly stubborn injury - went through 3-4 treatment options of increasing immobility and none of them worked. If I remember correctly, I think he finally had to insist on seeing a specialist who insisted on surgery (and evidently had a few choice words about the previous doc's advice).

    OP, if you're not seeing a doc, get yourself to one. If you are, insist on a specialist and make sure you're getting appropriately knowledgeable advice.

    We talked about surgery too. He said the only surgery they could perform was to actually remove the bone. Definitely my last resort.
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
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    hannahcall2 wrote: »
    It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.

    I don't think there is unfortunately. If I get an opportunity I will check with one of the orthopods I know professionally but barring surgery it is a wait and see job.

    I presume you have tried methods to take weight bearing off the bone as much as possible to allow it to heal?
  • hannahcall2
    hannahcall2 Posts: 175 Member
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    Yes. The doctor said even with the boot it would be difficult to take the pressure entirely off it because it's sub a key part of the foot. I noticed when wearing it that it caused me greater pain than my regular shoes. I opted for crutches which also made my foot ache, but I timed it with anti-inflammatories to help. I would like to be med free though if possible. Especially when it's healing at such a slow rate.
  • MorganMoreaux
    MorganMoreaux Posts: 691 Member
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    I'm so sorry you're going through that - how horrible!
  • utahk
    utahk Posts: 10 Member
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    I just recovered from a broken foot - a metatarsal break. It took me longer than expected. Here are my suggestions: 1. Stay off your foot and keep it elevated, as much as possible. Simple, but it helps. 2. Get a great ice wrap you can use frequently when you elevate. 3. Start swimming, if you don't already. I was able to swim a few weeks after the break and it provided the activity I was missing. You can also try walking in the water for exercise. Another good option is doing some upper body weight lifting, but avoid things where you are standing with extra weights. Spinning or cycling was also an alternative to running and walking. 4. I started taking some good calcium supplements. 5. A younger friend said she had also made and consumed "bone broth" after a foot break. Check the Whole 30 cookbook or website for recipe. It's healthy and can't hurt. 6. Consider turning your energy to improving your nutrition. I'm a Whole 30 fan. A new nutrition plan can help distract you while keeping your weight down. In conclusion, I must say I didn't follow all of these tips and ended up with 10 extra pounds that I'm working on now. I did find that after the doctor said the bone was pretty much healed, I started working out with a trainer doing weights, which was great rehab. I regained balance and tone, and now can start doing some running.
  • voldemortisreal
    voldemortisreal Posts: 101 Member
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    Have you tried comfrey tea with calcium tablets? There is limited research out there that suggests (SUGGESTS) that drinking comfrey tea can help aid bone healing (mainly due to the fact that waaaaaaaaaay back in the day, comfrey was the go-to herbal for setting bones). I would recommend the following website:

    http://gilliansherbs.com/healing-fractured-bones

    However, +1 for doctor's advice/recommendations. AND, make sure you check with your doctor before adding an herbal supplement or any other remedies. Swimming could be a great way to stay active without too much bother or weight bearing activity--ask your doctor. Good Luck!!
  • hannahcall2
    hannahcall2 Posts: 175 Member
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    utahk wrote: »
    I just recovered from a broken foot - a metatarsal break. It took me longer than expected. Here are my suggestions: 1. Stay off your foot and keep it elevated, as much as possible. Simple, but it helps. 2. Get a great ice wrap you can use frequently when you elevate. 3. Start swimming, if you don't already. I was able to swim a few weeks after the break and it provided the activity I was missing. You can also try walking in the water for exercise. Another good option is doing some upper body weight lifting, but avoid things where you are standing with extra weights. Spinning or cycling was also an alternative to running and walking. 4. I started taking some good calcium supplements. 5. A younger friend said she had also made and consumed "bone broth" after a foot break. Check the Whole 30 cookbook or website for recipe. It's healthy and can't hurt. 6. Consider turning your energy to improving your nutrition. I'm a Whole 30 fan. A new nutrition plan can help distract you while keeping your weight down. In conclusion, I must say I didn't follow all of these tips and ended up with 10 extra pounds that I'm working on now. I did find that after the doctor said the bone was pretty much healed, I started working out with a trainer doing weights, which was great rehab. I regained balance and tone, and now can start doing some running.

    Thanks! I have actually been accomplishing through #3. I feel like I just got the rest of the handbook. And yes those blasted 10 pounds have found me. Definitely changing my focus from my aggravating lack of exercise to my diet would be the next best thing I could do while I rest my foot.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 17,959 Member
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    You have my sympathy, because I had exactly the same problem. The only thing that fixed it was time, and rest. Honestly, it didn't stop hurting until I quit working hospitality, 2 years after I broke it!!
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited November 2015
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    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    You have my sympathy, because I had exactly the same problem. The only thing that fixed it was time, and rest.

    +1 million
    msf74 wrote: »
    hannahcall2 wrote: »
    It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.

    I don't think there is unfortunately. If I get an opportunity I will check with one of the orthopods I know professionally but barring surgery it is a wait and see job.

    I presume you have tried methods to take weight bearing off the bone as much as possible to allow it to heal?

    + 1 million

    You're stressing it every time you use it. Non-weight bearing & rest is the way to go.
    hannahcall2 wrote: »
    Yes. The doctor said even with the boot it would be difficult to take the pressure entirely off it because it's sub a key part of the foot. I noticed when wearing it that it caused me greater pain than my regular shoes. I opted for crutches which also made my foot ache, but I timed it with anti-inflammatories to help. I would like to be med free though if possible. Especially when it's healing at such a slow rate.


    Sorry, ok you're doing that. Yeah go for crutches :/




    I don't know how sound the nutritional advice in this pdf is. Seems backed up. I'm trying it myself. Suggests lots of protein, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, esp C, D, K, B6. (um food)
    http://www.betterbones.com/bonefracture/speedhealing.pdf

    I think most of the nutritional goals in there can be met by consuming
    - Breakfast: 1 protein smoothie with 1/2 cup kale, 1/2 cup berries, 1/2 banana OR eggs & toast with tomatoes or oranges (alternate. If you go for eggs, have berries and kale or spinach somewhere else in the day)
    - Lunch: soup with red or orange veggies in it (peppers, tomatoes, carrots, red cabbage, etc) <- hits antioxidants, Vits C, E, A. Lentils or beans in there too, if you can. If still hungry: maybe 1/2 a tuna or ham sandwich, or sushi
    - Dinner: A veggie-ful stir fry (e.g thai lemongrass stir fry - more dry than saucy) most nights of the week, with a different meat focus every night, to hit as many micros as possible over the week. Especially feature beef, shellfish, chicken. Lots of veggies. Mushrooms in there if you can get them in. Kale and spinach and other leafy greens when possible.
    - Mackerel, 1 night a week. Liver (if you can choke it down) has a ton of good for you stuff in it.
    - Snacks: berries, nuts, avocado, yogurt, cheese, eggs
    - Supplements: Omega 3s, Vit C, Vit D3


    NO SMOKING (if you smoke). Nicotine apparently isn't that bad, according to some studies, so NRT and probably vaping would be ok if you can't quit (if you're a smoker, obviously).
  • MKEgal
    MKEgal Posts: 3,250 Member
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    I had the same thing happen, and absolutely no known reason for it.
    Took aleve for several months before finally seeing a podiatrist, found out it was broken.
    They sold me a boot... which I wish I'd turned down because other than at the gym or sitting at home I really
    couldn't use it. (But at the gym, it was really nice to have my foot not hurt.)
    Anti-inflammatories, immobilize as much as possible, gentle exercise (wish I could swim), and lots of patience.
    This has been going on for more than a year, and my foot still hurts from time to time. :disappointed:
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
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    MKEgal wrote: »
    I had the same thing happen, and absolutely no known reason for it.
    Took aleve for several months before finally seeing a podiatrist, found out it was broken.
    They sold me a boot... which I wish I'd turned down because other than at the gym or sitting at home I really
    couldn't use it. (But at the gym, it was really nice to have my foot not hurt.)
    Anti-inflammatories, immobilize as much as possible, gentle exercise (wish I could swim), and lots of patience.
    This has been going on for more than a year, and my foot still hurts from time to time. :disappointed:

    Sorry to hear you're still in pain :/

    Re anti-inflammatories: there's research now saying they're bad for bones and muscles.

    http://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/articles/do-nsaids-impair-healing-musculoskeletal-injuries

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3259713/
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    edited November 2015
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    hannahcall2 wrote: »
    It was officially diagnosed as an aligned sesamoid bone fracture. The orthopedic specialist gave me a boot. He said it could take 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years. He said it is a hard bone to predict. I don't recall having an "I just broke my foot moment". The doc said it was probably some traumatic up and down jumping like movements that caused it. I was just curious if there is anything else I could do to speed along the process because the few doctors I saw said yes supplements, no supplements, soft soled shoes, firm soled shoes, and constant opposites as such.

    SO FRUSTRATING that there's rarely consensus even within a specialty. Never mind across specialties. If it's not been dealt with, get a second opinion - do as much research as possible, and ask around to get recommendations for specialists knowledgeable & experienced with your injury.

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