Finding the best treatment for a foot fracture proves that you care for the wellness of your feet. Your feet deserve to get enough attention as they carry the weight of your whole body, and they are also the most exposed to dirt.
Because of the tough job your feet do, there are times that they get injured.
Getting a fractured foot is a common injury that is debilitating and painful, affecting the way you walk and the quality of your life.
Everyone is at risk of getting a foot fracture. Learn everything about it and what you can do if it happens.
What Is a Foot Fracture?
The word fracture refers to the cracking or breaking of your bones, but not dislocated. It results from repeated, repetitive pressure on a bone due to some activities. The excessive force causes fractures in the bones by pushing on them too hard.
They are more likely to happen if you suddenly increase your time playing a sport, exercising, or doing other high-impact activities.
Depending on how painful or damaged the injured foot is, walking on a fractured foot is still possible but not recommended, as it will make the damage worse. In that case, the patient should seek treatment for their foot fracture immediately.
Causes
Human feet consist of many bones. If one of these bones has broken, it causes extreme pain that can impair mobility. You are more at risk if you:
- Are a high-impact sports athlete (e.g. basketball player, dancer, and football athlete)
- Are female
- Have weak bones
- Lack in nutrients
- Have a previous history of foot fractures
- Are suffering from other foot issues
- Increased sudden activity
Types of Foot Fracture
Because feet have many bones, there are also different foot fractures, depending on which part of the foot is injured. They are:
- An ankle fracture
- A heel fracture
- A toe fracture
- A jones fracture
- A lisfranc fracture
- A stress fracture
Foot Fracture Symptoms
Seek treatment for a foot fracture if you’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Bruising
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Difficulty walking
- Foot or ankle deformity
- Throbbing pain
- Increased pain during activity
Diagnosis
Go to a podiatric clinic to get treatment for a foot fracture. Your podiatrist will make a diagnosis first to assess the injury and determine the best treatment for you. Depending on your podiatrist’s recommendation, you might have to undergo CT scans, MRI, or a musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Different Kinds of Treatment for a Foot Fracture
There are different kinds of treatment for a foot fracture. Your podiatrist will recommend what is the best for your condition, as there are several types of foot fractures. The treatment can be one of the following:
Dry Needling
Dry needling reduces tension in all the damaged muscles.
Foot Rehabilitation
Podiatrists have the special qualifications to run foot rehabilitation programs for patients. This program helps the patient to regain strength and function in their feet.
Mobilisation Therapy
This method restores full motion to the leg and foot. Many podiatrists use this treatment to cure prolonged periods of immobilisation as it restores mobility without causing injury.
Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is required to fix a more severe fracture.
What Can You Do For a Fractured Foot?
If you suspect that you fractured your foot, you need to follow the RICE principle, which stands for:
Rest
Do not take a step or stand with your injured foot. Allow a podiatrist to take a look at your condition and wait until your state gets better.
Ice
Put an icepack on the injured area for around 20 minutes multiple times a day in the first two days. Do not directly apply the ice on the injured area. You can wrap a cloth to ice or use an icepack.
Compression
Wrap a bandage around the injured area. Be careful not to wrap it too tight, constricting the blood flow.
Elevation
Elevate the injured foot above the level of the heart to reduce the swelling and pain.
Note that RICE is not a treatment for severe foot fractures. It is the first aid that you should perform to alleviate the pain and swelling.
How Long Does It Take for Foot Fractures to Heal?
Individuals who have received treatment for a foot fracture should follow their podiatrist’s instructions, which may include follow-up checkups and x-rays. You may also use the RICE principle for a quicker recovery.
The fractured foot recovery time takes up to six weeks for a broken toe or foot to heal completely. In some cases, it may take longer.
If you suspect you have a fracture, don’t wait any longer. Visit The Footwork Clinic and get treatment for a foot fracture based on your diagnosis and podiatrist’s recommendation.
