Foot Fracture

What is a foot fracture?

A foot fracture involves one or more broken bones in your foot. This common injury may occur suddenly, like from dropping a heavy object on your foot, or they may develop gradually from repetitive stress.

Stress fractures are a small crack in your bone that doesn’t cause a complete break. Stress fractures are a common overuse injury that may result from repetitive activities like running.

What are the symptoms of a foot fracture?

Signs and symptoms of a foot fracture vary depending on the type and severity of your injury. If you have a foot fracture, you may experience the following:

• Immediate pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Visible deformity
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking on the injured foot

A severe break that causes the ends of bones to protrude through your skin is called an open fracture. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. If you can see bones poke through your skin, go to an emergency room right away.

What causes foot fractures?

Bones are generally strong and durable, but they may break when too much force is applied. The most common causes of foot fractures include:

• Overuse (stress fractures)
• Car accidents
• Trips and falls
• Stepping the wrong way
• Dropping something heavy on your foot

Stress fractures can occur in people who don’t run or participate in sports, especially if you have a condition that decreases bone strength, like osteoporosis.

How are foot fractures diagnosed and treated?

Your podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey starts by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. They carefully examine your foot to check for tenderness and may move your foot to assess its range of motion. They may also take an X-ray to confirm a broken bone.

Then, they recommend the best treatment for the specific type of fracture you have. This may include:

• Realigning displaced bones (reduction)
• Immobilization in a cast or brace
• Medications to relieve pain
• Physical therapy

Severe fractures may require surgery to repair.

If you think you have a foot fracture, call Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey or book an appointment online today.