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broken foot- how long until i can return to work (work in retail) ????
Laura12345
Posts: 265 The Mix Regular
I broke a bone in my foot on 13th of this month and been off work ever since but I really need to get back to work. My family need the money due to what's been going on recently (see post about cousin). o therefore need to get back to work.
how long should a broken bone in a foot take to recover? I need to get back to work.
how long should a broken bone in a foot take to recover? I need to get back to work.
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I think a lot depends on how bad a break it is! When you had the xray did the hospital give you an amount of time it should take to recover?
I stress fractured my foot at xmas and was told 6-8 weeks recovery and 4 weeks on I still can't stand for more than 5 mins. I'd be concerned that you went back to work too early and stopped it healing properly.
Are you entitled to statutory sick pay at all?
Perhaps you could talk to your boss about reasonable adjustments, but I would doubt they would want you to come back in until a doctor has okayed your foot.
I totally understand how frustrating it is - it's been a month for me already and I'm sick to death of being on the sofa!!
I have fractured my foot on a few occassions, most recently I fractured my metatarsal in december 2015 and it re-fractured after healing (well enough according to the doctors, to remove my moonboot etc.) in january 2016.
As plugitin says it depends on how badly you fractured it, and would say 4-6 weeks is a good estimate for a straightforward fracture, although its important to remember that everyone is different e.g. they said mine was fine, yet it refractured (not to scare you, as they said this rarely happens, but just an example to show everyone is different).
From the advice I was given when I fractured my foot: they were keen for me to walk on it as much as possible (obviously when my pain subsided enough, as had to use crutches for a short time like yourself) with my moonboot- as apparently walking on it helps prevent healing of the bone (that's what I was told in my case). Although any hard weight bearing exercise or running would still need to be avoided. However, I would advise you get in contact with the hospital or even your GP may be able to advise you, as everyone is different and I don't want to say you would get the same advice to me, as it could depend on how bad a fracture it was, if it got displaced etc.
Also note, they don't always give out moonboots for metatarsal fractures as at first they didn't give me one, but it was so painful I went back and got given one to wear. Just wondering if you have been provided with a moonboot or other support by the hospital? If so, if they do give you the go ahead to go back to work, may be best to wear the provided footwear (although not very appealing looking, probably be more comfortable for yourself).
Have you got another appointment with a doctor or fracture clinic about your fracture? Personally I got check up's nearing my healing times, where they did X-Rays to check healing etc.
Overall I think the main things to consider when deciding whether to go to work OR if you decide to go back, things that may be helpful are:
1) What does your doctor advise? (generally and specifically with regards to work)
2) Are you in any pain? If so, do painkillers reduce or get rid of the pain OR mild enough you feel you could go to work (perhaps with adjustments) OR are you in so much pain that perhaps you don't feel able to go back to work?
3) Is the pain just when weight bearing OR all the time? If only when weight bearing perhaps you could ask work to make adjustments so you are mostly sitting down all day? Also could they provide a stool or something whilst your sitting to elevate your foot?
4) The type of work you are doing. I know you work in retail, but what specific tasks do you do, and is there any alternative non-weight bearing jobs you could do for now?
5) Wearing supplied footwear if given any by hospital (or even if you have good supportive shoes if not). If you don't have any and feel it would benefit and/or allow you to return to work could you request a moonboot?
6) The hours you work- perhaps you feel you could do reduced hours but not full-time?
7) When you are out of work, I strongly advise (based on what doctors have told me and previous experiences) - ELEVATING your foot and APPLYING ICE (could use an ice pack or even buy some frozen peas, although you should wrap the ice pack in a towel or something or put a sock on, but DON'T put directly onto your skin). This is a common thing recommended for many injuries, because the elevation and ice helps reduce swelling- this can also HELP REDUCE PAIN , as the swelling can cause pain in itself with the extra pressure).
BUT I will stress what your doctor advises should take priority ie. if they stay you should stay off work, I think it would be a good idea to. However also note that this MAY not stop you from attending work (although perhaps with adjustments) - hence I think you should just ask your doctor straight "Should I be working?"
Oh and feel free to let us know how things go
Also here a little pic of a moonboot (this is the same thing as I wore) incase you didn't know what I was talking about, PS. they are actually very comfy lol