I'm in a splint, is it bad that I take it off?!

I'm in a splint, is it bad that I take it off?

I fractured the base of my 5th metatarsal 3 weeks ago, I have no idea how it is healing so far but I'm really hoping for a good recovery at the 6 week mark and be ready to walk again.

I'm currently in a splint that the doctor gave me, and it's just bandaged up with the elastic stuff. I take it off to shower everyday and then put it back on. Is that bad? Will it slow my recovery time?

I was told not to move my foot, but how much movement would be considered to hinder my healing process? Does it have to hurt for it to be hindering the healing? And also should I feel some soreness in my injury spot (without touching it) around this 3 week mark?

I am just concerned and want to make sure I am doing everything possibly right so my foot can heal ASAP.

Anything I can do to make it heal faster? I should still be putting my foot up as much as possible to reduce swelling right? Or is that only in the beginning? Is blood flow to the foot good?

You should ask your doctor how often if they want you to take off the splint. I would assume that if you aren't weight bearing on it that taking it off for a short shower would be OK, but I would check with your doctor. Depending on how bad the fracture is they may or may not want you to remove the splint. It is normal to feel a little pain around the injury site, but it should be better than it was three weeks ago. Elevation is good for your foot...make sure it's above your heart. Ice is also good, but healing takes time so just give it time and as long as you're following your doctors instructions you should heal up fairly fast, and well. Good luck!