How long does it take a broken metatarsal to heal? I am four weeks and want to start small exercise wot ones?

Would it be ok to go on exercise bike?

TREATMENT
Rest. The immediate response is a big "no" to all exercise and sport for 4-8 weeks.

The patient may be asked to wear walking boots or stiff-soled shoes to protect the injury while it heals.

If the cause is over-use, then treatment can vary hugely. Training habits, equipment used and athletic technique should all be investigated.

Guide to broken bones
With a bone fracture, the bone can often have a pin or screw inserted to speed up the recovery.


RECOVERY
It all depends on the damage and which metatarsal bone is involved. It is impossible to put a timescale on recovery from a stress injury.

After initial rest, the training techniques or body mechanics may need minor tweaking or a major haul to avoid a repeat injury.

With an impact fracture, after the plaster and protective boot is not needed (usually after 4-6 weeks), it will be a case of exercise and increasing weight-bearing activities.

Ice packs, strapping and even the use of oxygen tents can be used to assist recovery.

Full return to action can be anything from another four weeks and upwards - depending on the extent of initial damage. Young bones heal quicker.

One factor that also helps is if the broken bone is one of the three inner metatarsals. As was the case with Rooney.

This means that the fourth metatarsal is aided by the 'splint effect' of the bones on either side.

Preston's David Nugent broke his fifth metatarsal in March 2006 and returned to action after being sidelined for just six weeks.

His remedy? Drink plenty of milk


http://www.physioroom.com/injuries/ankle...

but above all take the advice of your doctor on this