Metatarsal shoe

Metatarsal cast

Doctor's advice

Your doctor’s advice

A doctor has assessed you and decided you need to go into a metatarsal cast.

A metatarsal shoe is a cast that is applied to the foot, leaving the ankle free. It is usually applied for some foot and toe injuries- usually these are weight-bearing casts.

✓ Do

Keep your cast clean and dry

Getting it wet could irritate your skin. Either wrap a towel around it and keep away from water or purchase a waterproof cover (these are available online).

Do some exercises

Keep toes, ankle and knee moving whilst in this cast. If the doctor has said so you can remove this cast for gentle exercises.

Keep the casted leg elevated

When you are either laying down or sitting, rest your leg on a cushion or pillow with your heel higher than your hip and your knee.

Get help if you need it

Contact plaster room if your cast becomes broken.

Be vigilant of cast rubbing/burning sensation inside cast. Contact plaster room ASAP.

If you have pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief you must attend A&E immediately.

Don't ✘

Don't remove your cast

Never attempt to remove a cast yourself unless you have been given specific instructions to do so.

Don't put plastic bags around the cast

Do not put plastic bags around the cast, these are not waterproof and can cause skin issues under the cast.

Don't stick objects in your cast if itching

This can cause additional skin problems under the cast that may require further medical treatment.

Never attempt to trim your cast

If there are rough edges or your skin is irritated around the ends, contact plaster room.

Warning sign

Swelling

Swelling or the symptoms of swelling of the lower limbs is common post injury/surgery swelling will go up and down depending on the activity the patient is doing at the time.

Symptoms can include

  • throbbing, numbness, tingling sensation
  • change of skin colour to exposed areas of skin not in cast
  • cast feeling tight

What to do

It can be normal for your foot and ankle to swell with this cast especially if you’ve been walking on it. To alleviate the swelling you must elevate the foot, ideally toes in line with nose. If the cast feels tight and it has velcro straps on then these can be undone whilst resting to help tightness.

It is very important to keep the joints not in cast moving. See exercise video.

Better understand the pressure points

Under the ankle joint
Check that the edge of the cast is not rubbing under the ankle joint
Metatarsal cast
Edge of cast
Check that the cast is not rubbing the toes and keep heel free from pressure
Metatarsal cast

See our self-help videos

Care of metertasal shoe

Contact us

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We are open
Monday-Friday
8:30am-4:30pm


Before you ring us…

It is really important that you use this Plaster Room site to access all the advice and information that we think essential for your successful recovery.

Get help if you need it

Please only ring us for one of these specified reasons:

  • if your cast becomes broken
  • if you have a cast that is rubbing or burning
  • if the cast is causing red area around the edge of the cast
  • if you have pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief

Tel: 01274 364174