Today I went to the fracture specialist to find out more about my foot’s prognosis. Turns out, quite ironically, that the nickname for the fracture I have is called “The Dancer’s Break” because it is so common in ballet dancers. Apparently, my foot did not get the message that my body is not NEARLY as graceful as a ballerina’s. My break is pretty nasty looking, huh?
My x-ray also showed another foot injury that was healed. I was unaware of this previous injury. They are completely unrelated. I guess “pushing through it” isn’t always wise. I am sure it was some nagging pain I had that I ignored. Way to go, Ali!
So what did I find out from the appointment?
- I CAN begin to put pressure on the foot while it is in the walking boot. This means I can loose the annoying crutches, but may need to rely on them by the end of the day because my foot will mostly likely be sore after walking on the break all day.
- I can take the boot off to sleep! I was so psyched about this. You cannot even imagine how much it has sucked sleeping with that boot on!
- I still cannot drive for about 4-5 weeks or so
- I mostly likely will not be able to run for about 3 months (this news actually brought a tear to my eye, I will miss running so much).
- I will most likely not need surgery
- These breaks usually heal a little off center, but in most cases it has no effect on walking or athletically preforming.
- I will go back to the doctor in 5 weeks and may (fingers crossed) get the boot off and be able to walk in supportive shoes.
- Ibuprofen had a chemical in it that causes fractures to heal much slower, so I should use Tylenol to dull the pain.
I will admit, I was not expecting it to take 3 months to heal. I am really going to struggle with no being about to run, do yoga or Crossfit. But, this weekend, since my husband is off and can cart me around, I plan on buying some dumbbells and a resistance band so that I can workout my upper body. I will have to create some modified workouts for myself. So look forward to seeing what I manage to mish mosh together. It is going to be though, but in the grand scheme of things 3 months is not all that long, right?!
Anyhow, it was an interesting day overall. I woke up this morning to no heat and no hot water. All is good now but washing my hair in FREEZING cold water was unpleasant. Although I think I learned that really cold water and no conditioner is the key to me having a great hair day because my hair looked great! Give and take
Breakfast was a repeat of yesterday, two whole wheat blueberry muffins with Earth Balance “Butter”.
Lunch and snacks packed for the day:
Salad, leftover turkey burger, grapes and a cappuccino Larabar (sent my the folks at Larabar).
I also had a french vanilla coffee with half and half while waiting with my mom for the doctor. I am like a little kid with my mommy bringing me to the doctor since I can’t drive.
I am trying to get back to my daily outfit posts too! I guess it is just hard to create outfits that work with my lovely new boot! I don’t have many pants that are wide enough to fit over it.
Today’s Outfit:
- Plaid wide leg trousers (Gap)
- White Cami (H&M)
- Navy Cardigan (JCrew)
- Tan Flat (Tory Burch)
- Gold clover long necklace (Stella and Dot)
If you had a foot injury, what exercises would you do in while you heal to keep yourself active and to relieve stress? Have you ever been injured and had to make due? What was that like for you?
Twitter
Ouch! That break looks painful! If you can’t run for a few months still is there another type of exercise that you will be able to do? I love the outfit today too… very cute!
I don’t know if you’ve heard of Emily before (http://www.sweatonceaday.com/) but she’s a marathoner who just went through the same injury! You should check out her blog for some ideas of how she stayed fit during the time off from running!
I am checking her out right now. I have read her blog here and there. THANKS! I appreciate the tip
At least your dancer’s fracture was done dancing?
I’m not sure if you’re into pilates, i bet you could do that with the broken foot…
I hope you find lots of fun and interesting ways to stay fit- maybe you’ll find something you love!
HAHA! That is what I thought too! I am thinking about Pilates and maybe teaching myself to swim?! We shall see.
Hi Ali:
When I broke my leg last year I was feeling some of the same frustrations you mention. I cried a little, laughed a little (I did, after all, face-plant on a major roadway) and then I just decided to embrace the down time. I was in a brace from July to November and had to work slowly back up to full fitness. Spinning was the BEST way to get my cardio back and build leg strength without too much pressure on my leg. (But def. check with your doc). My advice is to take it slowly and ENJOY the down time. I worried at first about losing my fitness/muscles/endurance. But the reality is that muscle memory is AMAZING and since you work out regularly you will bounce back fairly quickly once you are healed. Don’t do too much upper body until you know your foot can handle the stress/weight. Even if you are sitting, it still stresses the lower part of your body. Eventually you can probably work up to sitting on a fitness ball. I was also afraid of weight gain, but it really didn’t happen. I ate well, but nothing drastic, and I pretty much stayed the same (give or take a few lbs). Apparently when your body is healing a bone you actually burn a lot of calories in the process. Finally, get a good PT. It really makes all the difference. My PT was an athlete and worked with the Red Sox so he totally understood my desire to be strong and fully functioning. I think it helps to have someone who understands the drive to work out and be fit. You will be amazed at how much you appreciate your body once you get back to full fitness. Still, almost a year later, as I am working out I think, “Wow, this leg used to be broken”. It can really have a positive influence on your perspective. GOOD LUCK!
Thanks, Ms. Ashley (I still feel the need to call you that-ha!) I am hoping to find a few physical things that I can enjoy while on the mend, but I am enjoying the rest. I have been reading a lot more
I am sure once I am all healed I will think “Wow, I can’t believe this foot was broken”. 3 months seems like forever right now, but we all know it’s not 
I totally sympathize with you! I had knee surgery last month to remove a tumor, and I was in a brace for over 2 weeks which didn’t allow me to bend my knee at all. I’m in physical therapy now and still can’t fully straighten or bend my leg, and I can’t run or jump for 3 months. Just try to stay sane! My boyfriend had to help me do everything – shower, get dressed – everyyyything. Don’t push yourself too hard – your body will probably feel more tired as it’s trying to heal. I was tired all the time and slept a lot. It’s good you probably won’t have to have surgery!
that xray is crazy! sorry you cant run (that would bum out a lot of people) but good you dont hav eto have surgery.
I recently had to give up running forever because I have rhematoid arthritis. Considering I used to run just about everyday it was a tough change to make! After a few weeks though I found all sorts of new types of exercise I could do and I hardly miss the running anymore. I also broke my wrist last year and had to do everything 1 handed for 6 weeks. I still went to the gym but just had to cut out most of the upper body work. In the long run though 3 months is nothing. This time next year you’ll hardly notice that you had to take 3 months off from exercising. Do what you can but don’t stress about it. Use it as a chance to learn some new forms of exercise!
Thanks for the perspective! So sorry you had to give up running forever. I can’t imagine how though that must have been. It is so great to know that you have found other ways to enjoy exercise. I appreciate your encouragement.
I’ve had many long term foot injuries, and once you can put a little bit of pressure on your foot (or clear with your doctor, obviously!) stationary biking and swimming are what kept me sane! I understand what an extremely frustrating process it is, but just find little things that you can do that will keep you busy and make you feel good! Happy healing!
This must be really hard for you…I hope you get better soon! I think dumb bells are a great idea and maybe even rowing on an erg? Great for cardio/strength and you don’t put much pressure on your feet!
Oh my, that picture looks painful, can’t imagine how it feels :/ A few years ago, I was training for my first marathon but that was abruptly stopped when I began feeling run down and found out I had Lupus and iron deficiency. This past spring I started training again and my body couldn’t take it… Despite my dreams to run distance, I don’t think my body can handle it. It was a major disappointment initially, felt like a failure to be honest, but after getting over it, I found joy in varying up my workouts and trying new classes at my gym… There’s always a bright side!
This is so crazy! I was searching for broken foot xrays and yours came up on google images! we have the same break!Mine happen on the 7th but I didnt realize it was broken until I went to a specialist on the 9th for an xray. I also have to wear a boot which makes me extra sad since I am leaving on a cruise Thursday for my 30th bday. I hope you heal fast sorry about our luck! How did you do it? I was dancing barefoot….I am not a good dancer.