question: Hi. I sustained a spiral oblique fracture of the 5th metatarsal on my left foot 6.5 weeks ago. Was initially in a plaster cast 1week), then given a fibreglass cast for an additional week. Since I am an active runner, I asked for and was given an air cast walker (only to be removed for showering/bathing). I had that for 2 weeks and was rhen advised to start wearing an lrthopædic hard-soled shoe - which I have done now for just over 2 weeks. My 6-week follow-up showed a very small amount of callus formed at the lower end lf the spiral fracture, with barely visible "bridging" further up the fracture. I was to,d to continue walking in the ortho shoe and to go back for further x-rays in 4weeks' time. My question is: when can I expect to see more callus formation and is it a good idea to be in an ortho shoe rather than a cast? I am 51 year-old female, have hypothyroidism and take 150mcg of Levaxin daily, and am in menopause - but not taking any oestrogen supplements. I am otherwise in very good health. But this fracture is seriously incapacitating me and it would be greta if you could advise as to how long it might take to heal enough so that I can at least start to walk normally in running shoes? Thank you, Theresa