Are you experiencing a sharp pain in the front of your foot, especially pain that has lingered for a few weeks? Believe it or not, you might be suffering from a toe or foot fracture. Foot fractures are a common foot injury and can occur from more than just a traumatic injury. The offices of David M. Bloome, MD, in Houston can help you identify whether that foot pain is something more serious. Call Dr. Bloome today to schedule a consultation or book your appointment online.
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.
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.
Any of the 28 bones of the foot can be fractured.
The more common fractures are:
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.
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.
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.