What are the common causes of foot fractures?
Foot fractures most commonly occur from trauma, such as a car accident or fall, and from repetitive activity. Those fractures caused by repetitive activity are called stress fractures, as the repeated motion puts stress on your joints, bones, or tendons.
What are the symptoms of a foot fracture?
Identifying a foot fracture on your own can be tricky, as the only evidence is pain when walking, along with some bruising or swelling in certain areas of the foot. You might confuse a fracture with a sprain or other less severe injury, so Dr. Bloome recommends having your foot checked out if your symptoms don’t seem to fade with standard rest.
What are the types of foot fractures?
Any of the 28 bones of the foot can be fractured.
The more common fractures are:
- Toe fractures
- Metatarsal fractures
- Heel fractures
These fractures are further separated into “open” and “closed” fractures. As the name suggests, an open fracture breaks through your skin, creating an open wound. Closed fractures are entirely internal.
How is a foot fracture treated?
The treatment you receive for your fracture depends on the location and severity of the injury. Dr. Bloome first identifies the location and type of the fracture you’ve suffered. For less severe injuries such as toe fractures or slight metatarsal fractures, he may provide a cast or walking boot and require you to rest for a few weeks.
For more severe or numerous fractures that deform the foot, you’ll need surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Bloome corrects the fracture and sets the bone in place with plates and screws.
How long is recovery following foot fracture treatment?
In most cases, full recovery from a fractured toe can take 4-8 weeks, while metatarsal fractures heal within 6-8 weeks.
Even after eight weeks, you can expect a certain amount of swelling as your body recovers from your injury. If you’re eager to return to sports or other physical activities, speak with Dr. Bloome about a timeline for your return. Pushing yourself too soon after recovery can easily lead to reinjury.
If you think you’ve fractured your foot and want to avoid further injury, call the David M. Bloome, MD in Houston or book your appointment online.
