Fast Facts About Foot Fractures

Fractures in the foot can have a significant impact on work, exercise, and daily activities. Foot fractures can range from minor stress fractures that develop over time to more significant fractures caused by an acute trauma. Education about mechanisms of injury, symptoms, and appropriate evaluation can have a meaningful impact on outcomes and long term foot health.

A fracture of the foot occurs when the force exerted on one of the many bones in the foot exceeds its ability to tolerate load. This can occur acutely, for example when dropping a heavy object on the foot or twisting unexpectedly, or more gradually, such as with repeated stress from running or marching. The foot and ankle sustain a large amount of load with each step taken, so even minor foot fractures can lead to worse injuries when left untreated.

Common Types of Foot Fractures

The bones in various regions of the foot can fracture from relatively common mechanisms. Metatarsal fractures are one of the most common foot fractures and can involve the long metatarsal bones across the midfoot or the base of the fifth metatarsal along the outside of the foot. Toe fractures are common and typically occur following direct impact or crushing injury, often involving the small phalangeal bones. Heel fractures generally occur following a fall or more significant trauma and may involve the joint that allows the foot to rock from side to side.

Stress fractures develop with time from cumulative loading and are most commonly found in runners or people who increase their activity too rapidly.

Each type of foot fracture can present and behave differently. Simple fractures that are stable have a good prognosis with protection and time, while other unstable or displaced fractures may need close monitoring or surgical intervention to realign the bones and prevent long term problems.

Symptoms to be Aware of

The most common symptom of a fracture is pain. Acute fractures typically have immediate and sharp pain at the time of injury, while stress fractures often present as a dull pain that is more significant with activity and improves with rest. Swelling and bruising are common symptoms that can progressively increase over the first two to three days. A common finding in many foot fractures is point tenderness over the affected bone. Many people experience difficulty bearing weight through the injured foot. A visible deformity, numbness, or open wound are more serious symptoms and should be promptly addressed.

Diagnosing Foot Fractures

Diagnosis of a foot fracture begins with a thorough history and physical examination. The provider will assess the location of the pain, the mechanism of injury, and the ability to bear weight. X-rays are typically the first imaging modality ordered and will identify most foot fractures. In the setting of persistent symptoms and normal x-rays, advanced imaging with MRI or CT may be helpful to identify stress fractures or subtle injuries to the joints.

Treating Foot Fractures and Recovery

Treatment of foot fractures depends on the bone affected, the amount of bone displacement, and activity demands. Many non-displaced foot fractures can heal with protection in a walking boot or stiff soled shoe with a period of limited weight bearing. Toe fractures can often be successfully treated with buddy taping and protection.

In some instances, surgery may be recommended. Indications for surgery include fractures that are displaced or unstable, involve a joint surface, or that do not heal with conservative management. When surgical care is necessary, internal fixation restores proper alignment and helps allow a safer return to activity.

Healing time varies depending on the fracture location and severity. Simple toe fractures typically resolve within four to six weeks, while many metatarsal fractures require six to eight weeks to heal. More severe injuries of the heel or midfoot can take several months to heal and may benefit from formal rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and function.

Reducing the Risk of Foot Fractures

There are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of foot fractures. Wearing supportive footwear, increasing activity levels gradually, and addressing bone health with proper nutrition and medical care are important ways to prevent fractures. Awareness of early pain with activity and taking rest as soon as possible can help keep small injuries from becoming more significant.

Many people seek care at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle when pain in the foot does not resolve with time and begins to impact their daily activities. Evaluation at this time can help confirm the diagnosis and select the most appropriate treatment to help you safely and more completely recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of foot fractures near me?The most common causes of foot fractures near me are falls, sports injuries, overuse from running or walking, and accidents involving heavy objects. Weak bone structure and sudden increases in activity can also contribute to fractures.

How do I know if my foot pain is due to a fracture or just a sprain?If you have persistent point tenderness, swelling, bruising, and pain with weight bearing, there is an increased concern for a fracture. Injuries that do not improve after several days of rest often need further imaging to evaluate for a fracture.

Is it okay to walk on a fractured foot?In some cases, limited walking is possible with a protective boot on a minor foot fracture. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice on weight bearing restrictions as walking on an untreated fracture can lead to longer healing times or more significant injury.

How long does it take for a foot fracture to heal?Foot fracture healing times vary depending on the specific type of fracture. Most fractures take six to eight weeks to heal, while more stress fractures and complex injuries take longer. It is important to follow all of the recommendations from your provider to optimize your outcome.

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist?

You should seek evaluation from a foot and ankle specialist if you cannot bear weight on your foot, have increasing swelling or deformity, or if pain persists despite rest. Early intervention can prevent future problems and is important for long term foot health.