Broken Bones

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 7 bones that make up the hindfoot and the midfoot. The forefoot consists of the 5 metatarsals and the 14 phalanges. There are 2 phalanges in the big toe and 3 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

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Causes

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

• Falls
• Blows or object falling on the foot
• Collisions
• Severe twists

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

Risk Factors

Foot fracture is more common in older adults.

Factors that may increase your chance of a foot fracture include:

• Osteoporosis
• Certain diseases or conditions that result in bone or mineral loss, such as abnormal or absent menstrual cycles or post- menopause
• Certain diseases and conditions that weaken bones, such as tumors or cysts
• Decreased muscle mass
• Sudden change in activity or exercise program, such as becoming a military recruit
• High-impact or repetitive motion sports, such as gymnastics, basketball, tennis, or running

Symptoms

A foot fracture may cause:

• 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

You will be asked about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The injured area will be examined and an x-ray of the foot will be done.

Treatment

Proper treatment can prevent long-term complications or problems with the foot. Treatment will depend on how serious the fracture is, but may include:

Initial Care

Extra support may be needed to protect, support, and keep the foot in line while it heals. Supportive steps may include a splint, walking boot, stiff-soled shoe, or cast. Crutches may be needed to keep weight off the foot.

Some fractures cause pieces of bone to separate. These pieces will need to be put back into their proper place. This may be done:

• Without surgery—anesthesia will decrease pain while the doctor moves the pieces back into place
• With surgery—pins, screws, or plates may be needed to reconnect the pieces and hold them in place

Children’s bones are still growing at an area of the bone called the growth plate. If the fracture affected the growth plate, a specialist may be needed. Injuries to the growth plate will need to be monitored to make sure the bone can continue to grow as expected.

Medication

The following medications may be advised:

• Over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation and pain
• Prescription pain medication

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy or rehabilitation therapy will be used to improve range of motion and strengthen the foot.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of foot fractures, take these steps:

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the bone.
• Do weight-bearing and strengthening exercises regularly to build strong bones.
• Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.

To help reduce falling hazards at work and home, take these steps:

• Clean spills and slippery areas right away.
• Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs, and clutter.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
• Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
• Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
• Walk only in well-lit rooms, stairs, and halls.
• Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.