Is it normal to still have pain nine months after a metatarsal fracture?

Generally speaking, whether it is normal for metatarsal fracture pain to persist after nine months depends on the characteristics of the pain and the recovery progress. If the pain is mild and aching in nature, and improves with activity, it is usually part of the normal healing process. However, if the pain is severe, progressively worsening, or accompanied by swelling and limited mobility, it may indicate an abnormal recovery that requires further evaluation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If treatment was appropriate after the fracture and the fracture site has healed, but mild aching occurs only after prolonged standing or walking and quickly resolves with rest, this is typically due to incomplete soft tissue healing or insufficient muscle strength. The discomfort arises from fatigue under prolonged load and is considered a normal part of the recovery phase, which will gradually improve with continued rehabilitation.

If significant pain persists after nine months, especially if it continues even at rest, or is accompanied by local swelling, increased skin temperature, or worsens during walking, it may be caused by poor fracture healing, joint stiffness, or local soft tissue adhesions. These conditions are not considered normal and can impair daily activities, requiring targeted adjustments in rehabilitation strategies.

In daily care, it is recommended to avoid prolonged standing or walking and to wear comfortable, well-supportive footwear. Soaking feet in warm water and performing gentle local massage may help improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and promote better functional recovery of the foot.