What exercise can I do with a broken metatarsal?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 17, 2026
Calf wall stretch (knees bent)
- Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put your affected foot about a step behind your other foot.
- Keeping both heels on the floor, bend both knees. ...
- Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How can I exercise with a broken foot?
Even walking with crutches can give your upper body a good workout. To keep up with your strength training, do dumbbell bench presses or sitting bicep curls. For a tougher workout, lift weights from an incline bench. If you can't get to a gym, you can still do pushups from your knees or with your good leg.
Is it OK to walk on a broken metatarsal?
You can walk on your injured foot as much as your pain allows. You should gradually stop using the supportive shoe over three to five weeks, as your pain settles. Most base of 5th metatarsal injuries heal without any problems. However, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.
Can I use exercise bike with broken metatarsal?
As your foot continues to recover, you'll be able to add exercises like using an elliptical or riding a bike. Then you'll need to start rehabilitating your foot and supporting muscles to handle your regular activities. Once your bones are healed, you'll be able to start easing into your normal routines.
When can I exercise after metatarsal fracture?
A crucial part of the complete healing process for a broken foot is physical therapy. Exercises to strengthen the muscles in your broken foot are usually started between four to six weeks after the injury. The stages of physical exercise for a broken foot will also include conditioning.
31 related questions foundWhat is the fastest way to heal a 5th metatarsal fracture?
Providers can treat your broken bone with a cast, boot or shoe — or with surgery. Using ice, keeping weight off your foot and elevating your foot can help decrease recovery time.
Can I ride a bike with a broken 5th metatarsal?
You may notice pain walking on uneven ground for weeks, or months, after the break has healed. Sports should not be considered until walking is pain free. Exceptions would be swimming and cycling – as long as there is no pain while doing them.
Can you use an exercise bike with a broken foot?
Many people in Frisco are able to ride a stationary bike even when they have a stress fracture. Dr. Verville may suggest wearing a walking boot while performing this activity, simply to reduce the amount of pressure on the foot while pedaling.
Can I bike with metatarsal stress fracture?
Exercise: Yes: Swimming, upper body weight training, cycling, rowing No: Walking, running, Sample exercise session for an endurance athlete: as per previous plus rowing.
What is the fastest way to heal a metatarsal fracture?
Immobilization: Keeping bone fragments from moving is an important factor in fast and safe healing. A cast is often used to immobilize the bone, and in some cases, your surgeon may rely on other options including screws, plates or wires to keep the bone in place.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken metatarsal bone?
Treatment of Metatarsal Fractures
- Rest. Sometimes rest is the only treatment needed to promote healing of a stress or traumatic fracture of a metatarsal bone.
- Avoid the offending activity. ...
- Immobilization, casting or rigid shoe. ...
- Surgery. ...
- Follow-up care.
Will walking on a fractured foot make it worse?
This fracture gets worse with time if you keep walking on it, so non-weight bearing is very important. People with this fracture are more likely to develop problems healing that require an operation.
How can I avoid gaining weight with a broken foot?
There are plenty of things you can do to prevent extra weight gain while you're recovering from injury.
- Cut the calories. Active people tend to have healthy appetites, which is not a concern as they are able to burn off their calorie intake with physical activity. ...
- Get moving. ...
- Create a meal plan. ...
- Standing is good for you.
How can I do cardio with an injured foot?
A stationary bike is the cardio option of choice for many with injured legs. The bike is a low-impact way to increase cardio fitness. If you can bend the knees and hips, you can probably ride a stationary bike. It is possible to ride with a cast or splint on the ankle or foot, but the ride may be slower.
How long after fracture can I exercise?
As the broken bone begins to heal, your doctor will typically ask you to progress to partial and full weight-bearing exercises. It usually takes six to eight weeks to heal a minor fracture and 20 weeks for more major ones.
What causes metatarsal stress fractures?
Stress fractures in the metatarsal bones, sometimes called hairline fractures, are common among runners and other athletes that place repeated stress on their feet over a long period of time. A change in sport or suddenly increasing your activity level can also lead to this injury.
Can you bike with a femoral stress fracture?
Femoral stress fractures take several months to fully heal. If the pain is manageable and you can walk without too much discomfort, start with at-home treatment. Stop any moderate activity and repetitive, stressful exercises (running, squatting, cycling).
Can you bike with Jones fracture?
On average, it takes six to eight weeks for the fracture to heal. During that timeframe, you will want to switch to activities that place a minimal amount of stress on the leg and foot. Cycling and swimming are both excellent alternatives.
How long until you can walk on a broken 5th metatarsal?
There are five metatarsal bones in each foot, you have fractured the fifth which is on the outer edge of the foot. This is a common fracture. You will be given a removable boot to wear to support your foot; this should be used for two to six weeks to enable you to walk more comfortably whilst the injury heals.
How do you rehab a broken 5th metatarsal?
Put your affected foot about a step behind your other foot. Keeping your back leg straight and your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee and gently bring your hip and chest toward the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Can I drive with a broken foot?
You may drive an automatic car if you have injured your left foot. You can return to work or school as soon as you are able to do your normal duties. How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in about six weeks.
How painful is a 5th metatarsal fracture?
Sudden pain along the outside of your foot is the main symptom. A stress fracture may develop more slowly. You may feel chronic pain for a period of time. Your foot may also swell up and bruise.
How long does a 5th metatarsal fracture hurt?
The fracture may take 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely so that you don't hurt it again. Do not return to your usual activities until your doctor says you can.
How do you know when a metatarsal stress fracture is healed?
Once your pain has subsided, your doctor may confirm that the stress fracture has healed by taking X-rays. A computed tomography (CT) scan can also be useful in determining healing, especially in bones where the fracture line was initially hard to see.