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Talus fracture – walking cast?

I was diagnosed (via MRI) with a fracture of the talar neck.
My podiatrist said the fracture was non-displaced and a “stress” fracture (even though it occured from a specific sports injury where I rolled over my foot).
The original injury occured in November, and I thought it was a sprain.
After resting it for two weeks, I went back to my normal activities and, needless to say, I kept reinjuring it, so I finally had it checked out and diagnosed as a fracture about 2 months after the original injury.My podiatrist sold me a walking cast and crutches, and told me to try to keep weight off the foot but that I could take the cast off to shower.
I am almost four weeks in, and have my next appt in a week and a half.
But I am starting to get nervous for two reasons: 1) I am starting to feel an “out of place” type of pain in my foot near where the break is when I put any weight on it.
I never felt this even during the two mnths it was not casted (I always had swelling on top of the foot, but non pain in the break area) and 2) after doing a lot of reasearch on the internet, it seems that a hard cast (completely non-weight bearing) for 6 to 12 weeks is what is normally recommended for any talar neck fracture (although information about this injury is not as availible as I thought it would be). Should I get a 2nd opinion and try to get in a hard cast, or could the pain be a sign of healing?
Keep in mind, I am not concerned about the actual oain, because it’s not that bad, especially if I keep weight off of it.
I am more concerned that I am wasting time on cruches and in this boot while I am not helping it heal.
Thanks!!!


1 Comment found

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    Without seeing the specific injury I can only make a general comment. Generally, Talar neck fractures (of which there are several different types) are usually non weight bearing. Some are worse than others. A cast boot vs a hard cast in a compliant patient is not m uch different. In a kid who might take off the boot a cast is preferable. The benfits of the cast boot are obvious- bathing, physical therapy, less itching. Personally I am thrilled not to have to put casts on nowadays. My recommendation is to see your doctor sooner and speak about your concerns. If then you are not comfortable, get another opinion.

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