Professional Casts and Pedicures
Kara’s first cast was purple, but her second was black— a more professional look for working at a law firm. ;)
Back in 2021 I broke the 5th metatarsal on my right foot. I suffered what is called a dancer’s fracture-- my first broken bone. I thought it was just sprained at first, but it swelled overnight. So, I went to Urgent Care and they confirmed that it was broken.
It was the beginning of summer, and I was wearing slides and jeans, but the jeans weren’t that tight. The attending nurse said, “You may want to take your pants off, since you won’t be able to once we splint it.” Then they gave me a pair of paper shorts and asked me to change.
After a couple of quick sessions on how to use crutches, including a quick session on the most terrifying aspect of all — how to get up and down stairs-- I was given a referral to an orthopedic.
I made an appointment with a large orthopedic practice. The orthopedic doctor was super sweet. She had just finished her residency about a year before and had joined the ortho practice. That was one reason I was able to get an appointment so soon. She examined my foot and X-rays taken previously and said it was fifth metatarsal fracture. She explained that this area of the bone has a poor blood supply, and therefore, takes longer to heal. She recommended that I should get a cast for four weeks. I was shocked to hear I needed a cast as I'd never broken a bone before. I asked her if I couldn’t get a boot.
She said a boot was ok too, but that she would prefer a cast for better protection and after four weeks she would fit me with a boot. After that I was taken by wheelchair to the cast room. I had never been a cast, so the cast application process was interesting. Honestly, the cast wasn't so bad. I ended up having it on for six weeks… first, four weeks in a purple cast and then after a cast change, another two weeks. The second time I went with black since working a law firm it looked more professional. I was disappointed, but I also grew to feel very safe with it, plus my doc said I'd have to wear the boot to bed, and I was used to the cast.
Having a cast on your leg and hobbling on crutches gives you a whole new perspective on life, as well as a deeper appreciation for the little things in life we take for granted. It was always a struggle showering and getting dressed. I work in a law firm, so dressing conservatively was expected and that was a challenge; especially picking just one shoe was strange. Since it was summer I mostly wore flats and dresses. I am big flip flop/slides gal, so I wore them on my good foot whenever I could. I never had a cast shoe until around my second cast change.
After having a cast shoe, I felt my toes were protected. After six weeks I transitioned to full weight bearing as tolerated. After the cast was removed I was thinking I could just start walking. I kept my foot on the ground and started to take some steps. Oh-- I could not even move without a limp. Anyway, things gradually improved. The first couple of days with a broken bone is the hardest. Just adjusting to a life on crutches and depending on others for help is not easy. Things get better around the second week.
My advice is to treat yourself to a pedi or two while you are casted. Find a place that has reclining chairs so you can lay back and relax.