I broke a metatarsal in my right foot a month ago. Not by running although running after the initial minor injury when I didn't realise what I'd done didn't help! The cast is due to come off in about 10 days and I've been told by the consulatant that I might be able to run again 4 weeks after that but I'll have to take it very easy and see how it goes.
I'm 43 and in the peri-menopause and my GP is concerned that reduced bone density might have contributed to the inital break. I have had some bloods taken to find out if I am also hyperthyroid which might also result in reduction in bone density. Most older runners I know seem to assume I will not go back to running because of the risk of injuring myself again.
Before the break I was running between 6 and 8 miles 3 times a week and I am lost without it. I couldn't get my GP to understand just how important it is to me.
What are the chances of my not being able to get back to running? I have heard that running is helpful for increasing bone density but I am worried that I will damage my foot again.
I think I may be panicking unduly but has anyone got experience of an injury like this?
Taking it easy is s a great idea at the beginning, you need to see just how well the fracture healed and what it can handle. Having been released from it's cocoon (cast) the little fledgling might fly or fall. So definitely stop when you feel pain or serious discomfort. As someone who is used to training this might seem like a time to push thru but it's not... rest is more important than work for you right now. In fact some might say that work is only important so that our rest is useful. Remember that the body is a connected system and you may compensate with other muscles, new stride etc and not notice for a while but the end result is probably negative if your not ready to go back to a previous level.
Talk to the doc about how running or whatever affects your well-being and the impact it has on your psyche, these are important considerations and he/she should listen to them. Also think about possible alternatives. The impact of running could be too much, what about cycling? a spinning class maybe? or swimming? lots of other activities might provide the physical challenge and release your looking for without the impact to you foot.
You mention the positive effect of running on bone density. This is a result of placing appropriate stress on the bones, and for many people running does this. In your case it may be too much, or just right, it's impossible to say. If you do start running, start slow and short. Take more than the normal time off, and most of all listen to your body. No need to be alarmist, if things are fine then great, but if not you need to be aware and stop.
hope this helps a little and that your back to what you love soon
the cast came off on Friday and it has been quite painful since then, and stiff especially in the morning. So no chance of my overdoing it at the moment! DH has suggested I go to his gym to use the crosstrainer to start with. Whatever I do I will be very careful.
Ask your GP for a prescription for a few sessions of physical therapy to help regain range of motion and strength. I would highly suggest some cross training using a bike or elliptical a few days a week and begin your running routine with walking and slowly adding in some jogging as tolerated once you feel comfortable. Remember that it doesn't take much time to lose your base and it probably took you a while to get to where you were before injury, so it will take you a while to get back. Also make sure your shoes aren't old or broken down and begin your workouts on a softer surface than roads. Best of luck.
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