There are thousands of ways a person can fracture their foot, and most of them stem from a prolonged or direct impact to the foot region. Below, we’ll examine the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of foot fractures.
Did I just fracture my foot?
Whether you got tackled in football, fell off a ladder, or simply dropped something heavy on your foot, you know how painful a foot fracture can be. Some common ways people fracture their foot includes:
- Direct impact during sports, like fouling a ball off your foot in baseball
- Dropping a weight or heavy object on their foot
- Incorrect running form over a long period of time. Many novice and moderate runners can experience stress fractures due to poor form
- Falls from great heights. Many people suffer foot fractures as a result of falling down stairs.
Symptoms of Foot Fractures
Because your foot is made of many tiny bones, some people will experience different symptoms based on what bone is broken. With that said, some common symptoms of foot fractures include:
- Pain or numbness in the first 24-48 hours after the injury
- Swelling
- Bruising or discoloration
- Discomfort or inability to bear weight
If you’re diagnosed with a foot fracture
If you’re diagnosed with a foot fracture, you may be able to avoid surgery if you take steps to help the bones heal. Treatment of foot fractures is similar to the treatment protocol for heel bruises. Oftentimes foot fractures will heal if you practice the RICE method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The problem for most people is that they are unable to adequately rest their foot, and sometimes compensating for the injury can lead to complications or related issues. Try to stay off the foot as best as possible, especially in the immediate hours after the injury.
Once you’re off your feet, make sure you ice the area for at least 10 minutes. You’ll want to ice at least 3-5 times a day, so consider bringing an ice pack along with you if you have to leave your house.
Compress the foot with a bandage or towel, but do not cut off circulation. Once your foot is wrapped, try to keep your leg elevated. Keeping your leg elevated will help decrease swelling in your foot, which can help expedite the healing process.
In a companion post in the future, we’ll explore the surgical treatment options and recovery protocols associated with foot fractures.