Your Health - Foot Fracture

Foot Fracture

(Broken Foot; Fracture, Foot)

Definition

A foot fracture is a break in any of the bones in the foot.

The foot is made up of 26 small bones. The tarsus is the name for the seven bones that make up the hindfoot and the midfoot. The forefoot consists of the five metatarsals and the 14 phalanges. There are two phalanges in the big toe and three in each of the remaining toes.

A foot fracture can happen in any foot bone, but metatarsal fractures are the most common.

Phalanx Fracture of the Foot

Causes

A foot fracture is caused by trauma to the bone. Trauma includes:

Falls
Blows or object falling on the foot
Collisions
Severe twists

Also, when a bone is subjected to repeated stress over a long time, small cracks may form. These are called stress fractures , and certain bones (metatarsals and the talus) in the foot are at higher risk for this type of fracture.

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing a foot fracture. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Advancing age
Decreased muscle mass
Osteoporosis
Certain congenital bone conditions
Abnormal or absent menstrual cycles
Sudden change in activity or exercise program (eg, becoming a military recruit)
High-impact or repetitive motion sports (eg, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, running)

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Pain, often severe
Bruising and swelling in the injured area
Numbness in toes or foot
Decreased range of motion
Inability to walk comfortably
A lump or visible deformity over the fracture site

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The injured area will also be examined. An x-ray of the foot will be done.

Treatment

Depending on how severe the injury is, treatment will involve:

Putting the pieces of the bone back in place, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself

Nonsurgical Treatment

In a less severe foot fracture, the bones can be realigned without surgery. You may only need crutches and stiff-soled shoes to protect the fracture. Toes may be splinted together by taping to protect the injured toe.

A more serious fracture may require a splint or cast to hold the bones in place. You will need to use crutches to help you walk.

Surgery

In certain severe cases, you will need surgery to realign the bones. The doctor may use a small metal plate with screws, screws alone, or pins to hold the bones in place while healing takes place. A cast or splint will be placed on the foot after surgery. You will need to use crutches to help you walk. The doctor will order more x-rays while the bone heals. This is to make sure the bones have not shifted.

Exercises

When your doctor decides you are ready, start lower body range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. You may be referred to a physical therapist to assist you with these exercises. Do not return to sports until your foot is fully healed.

Healing Time

Metatarsal bones and the phalanges may heal in 3-6 weeks, but the tarsal bones will take 6-10 weeks to heal.

Prevention

To prevent foot fractures:

Always wear well-fitting, supportive athletic shoes when doing physical activity.
Alternate your physical activities.
Wear proper shoes for each type of activity to protect your feet.
Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D .
Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
Build strong muscles to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/

American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
http://www.aofas.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine
http://www.casm-acms.org/

The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/

References:

Broken ankle/broken foot. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/broken-ankle/DS00951 . Updated June 2009. Accessed July 21, 2009.

Foot fractures and dislocations. Patient UK website. Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40024959 . Updated October 2007. Accessed June 23, 2008.

Toe and forefoot fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00165 . Updated 2001. Accessed June 23, 2008.

Last reviewed September 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.