Fractures are another term for broken bones. Our feet are frequently prone to twisting and slipping. They help us move around by walking and are easily hit by dropped objects. One in ten fractured bones occurs in the foot.
Foot injuries can happen at any time and can result in broken bones. If you notice the symptoms of a broken foot or toe, you will be able to determine how serious the injury is and whether you need to contact a medical professional.
Common symptoms of broken bones and toes are:
Bruises, terrible pain, redness, blue-colored swelling in the injured area, numbness, coldness, and deformities.
Bones can break in a variety of ways, from small splinters and cracks to full breaks that separate the bone. Open fractures can occur when bones break and tear the skin.
You may not know if you have a broken bone or a broken toe if you cannot see a displaced bone or a wound, and small cracks may not cause much pain.
When a toe or part of your foot is deformed, such as with an unusual bulge, it indicates a break or fracture. Other signs of a broken foot or toe include:
If you suspect you have a fractured foot or toe, you should contact a doctor, who will diagnose the seriousness of the injury.
Bones break when they are stretched, twisted, bent, or crushed. The location of a broken bone reveals the type of injury that caused it, such as hitting an object, falling, or other types of injury like the following:
As a result of an accident, many of your bones may break suddenly. Stress fractures are caused by long-term stress on your feet, which causes small cracks in your bones. It primarily affects soldiers, dancers, and athletes.
If you notice or suspect that you have a broken bone in your foot or a fractured toe, you should see a doctor right away. However, if you have been injured, the RICE principle will help you while you wait to see a doctor:
If you have fractured toes, you can support the broken toe with an uninjured toe nearby and place cotton wool between them.
The healing time of a foot fracture is determined by the number of fractured bones and the severity of the injury. Many minor fractures will heal in six to eight weeks if surgery is not required. Critical fractures will necessitate surgery and a longer recovery period.
Toe fractures – These injuries occur regularly and heal well with little or no therapy. The healing process can take six to eight weeks, but the pain will subside quickly. Serious fractures, such as big toe fractures, necessitate surgery.
Metatarsal fractures – These are known to heal well; however, first metatarsal fractures of the big toe require surgery and an extended period of crutching. However, the three metatarsal fractures in the middle can be partially healed by wearing a flat-bottom shoe and bearing weight.
Stress fractures: This type of injury is common in dancers and athletes. The injured person must refrain from exercising for 4 to 6 weeks.
The fifth toe and metatarsal fractures occur near the pinkie toe in the midfoot.
They are two types:
Proximal avulsion fracture – This happens daily when you have a sprained ankle. They use a rigid shoe with a flat bottom or an elastic bandage to heal the injured person, and the injured person bears little weight.
Jones fracture – It does not happen daily and does not heal well. The toe and metatarsal bones can get worse if you walk on them a lot, so avoiding bearing weight is crucial for the injured person. People who have this type of fracture may experience healing issues that necessitate surgery.
The degree, location, and reason for the break all play a role in deciding how to treat a broken foot and toe. Splints, crutches, and casts are all possible treatments, while surgery is an option for more serious injuries. Home care includes things like icing the area, propping the foot up near a heat source, and keeping it stable.
If you have any questions, please contact Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute at 801-756-4200 to schedule an appointment. We provide the best care for your feet and toes in Eagle Mountain, UT.