Foot Fractures
Foot Fracture Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What Is a Foot Fracture?
A foot fracture is a break in one or more bones of the foot. It may occur after acute trauma, such as a sports injury, but may also be the result of repetitive foot stress. Foot fractures, like all fractures, occur when the stress or physical force exerted on a bone is greater than the strength of that bone.
Types of Foot Fractures
There are four main categories of bone fractures.
- Displaced fractures occur when the bone both breaks into two or more parts AND moves, causing the two ends of the broken bone to become misaligned. If the bone breaks into several pieces, it is called a comminuted fracture.
- Non-displaced fractures occur when the bone cracks part-way or completely through but maintains proper alignment
- When the fractured bone breaks through the skin, it is called an open fracture.
- A closed fracture is one in which the bone does not puncture the skin.
What Are the Symptoms of a Foot Fracture?
Common symptoms of a foot fracture include:
- Pain and/or tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
Not all patients experience all of these symptoms.
How Are Foot Fractures Diagnosed?
Dr. Jarman will begin by examining your foot, looking for the above symptoms. He also asks a variety of questions, including whether you sustained any injuries and when symptoms began.
If the doctor suspects you have a foot fracture, he orders X-rays from multiple angles. Please note that stress fractures caused by repeat trauma may not be visible on an X-ray for up to two weeks.
If Dr. Jarman suspects you have a foot fracture but the x-ray does not reveal such injury, or if you are not responding to treatment, he may order additional diagnostic tests, such as a CT or MRI.
What Is the Treatment for a Foot Fracture?
Foot fracture treatment varies according to the type of fracture. Options include:
- Offloading involves wearing a cast or boot to help relieve pressure on the injured foot, allowing it to rest.
- Compression and elevation help reduce swelling.
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medications help reduce inflammation and pain.
It takes around six-to-eight weeks for a foot fracture to heal.
Do Foot Fractures Require Surgery?
The majority of foot fractures do not require surgery. However, as with other treatment options, the answer depends on the type of fracture. For example, athletes may require surgery to return full function to the foot.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jarman, please visit our contact page or call the office at (480) 497-3946.
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