If you’ve damaged a bone in your foot, especially it seriously disrupts your normal exercise or sport routine, it can be very frustrating waiting for it to heal. If you’re worried that your injury doesn’t seem to be healing, there are several things you can do:
Check your recovery schedule
Although your foot should start to heal as soon as you begin your treatment program, it may be some time before you notice any real difference. Don’t panic – it’s normal for bone injuries to take time to get better, and after a while you should start to notice an improvement.
- Most foot and ankle fractures take between six and eight weeks to heal if treatment is rendered. This time may be longer in older people or those with repeat injuries.
- Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts. Walking on a foot that’s still injured, even if you notice no pain, can slow down or even reverse the healing process.
Ask a professional for advice
There are a number of things which can cause the healing process to move more slowly than you’d like. These include certain other medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Your podiatrist will be able to check on the progress your foot is making, and tell you how to make sure it heals well.
- Ask whether any medications you may be taking for other conditions, such as corticosteroids, may contribute to slower healing.
- Your podiatrist may take X-rays to check whether the bone parts are knitting together properly, or whether fragments have become detached.