Hi all. Hope someone here can give me insight to trying to heal multiple 5th metatarsal fractures (initial injury 12/10/24) with bone contusions throughout toes and forefoot that never showed up on 6 sets of X-rays but finally seen on MrI mid-Jan 2025. Complicated by recent dx of CRPS of the injured foot.
Would appreciate any insight or recommendations on how to recover using PeMF or any other recommendations.
Seen by orthopedic surgeons and multiple podiatrists who said non-surgical.
6 mos post-injury, I am still on crutches, in an aircast weight-bearing as tolerated but basically housebound and greatly disabled. Dependent now for rid3s, groceries, meals, etc…Continue to have daily persistent burning and needle-like pain with swelling that worsens late afternoon or early evening to the point I can barely tolerate putting any weight at all. The only thing I can do at that point is lay down and elevate left leg/foot on 2 pillows.
In early May given an orthodox pemf bone stimulator for delayed fracture healing. I had purchased the M1 in April and started to experiment with different programs and intensity levels. Placement included side by side on top of the 5th metatarsal, one applicator on top and bottom to “sandwich” the metatarsal, and stacked. I could never tolerate any intensity level above 2. I may have overdid it at first by trying to wear it while sleeping overnight. My foot seemed to hurt and swell even more and earlier in the day. My foot also started turning bright burning red and purple/almost black whenever my foot is not elevated. I pulled back on du4atiin and am using the M1 maybe once or twice/week now at only 1-2 intensity. I haven’t really been able to tolerate the orthofix bone stimulator either.
My history is notable for neurological Lyme with longterm complications (disabled at baseline but was independent driving, groceries, basic activities of life), peripheral neuropathy in both feet but was tolerable without any meds prior to this injury, severe neurological reactions to 2 flu shots, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis/osteopenia.
I hope I will be able to recover from this and be able to stand up, walk again and get out of the air cast.
Am trying mirror therapy, pemf as tolerated, some holistic treatments like acupuncture, nutrition/supplements, myofascial release, gentle sensory desensitization.
Thanks,
Tracy