You’ve dropped something heavy on your foot, or run into something. It’s painful and swollen. What do you do now?
If you can’t get to the doctor right away or you simply want better insight into what’s going on, you may wonder if your foot is fractured or if it’s just a sprain.
Read on to learn all about foot fractures, and what you can expect if you injure your foot.
Types of Fractures
When you break a bone in your foot, it can fall into one of four categories:
- sesamoid bone fracture
- toe fracture
- ankle joint fracture
- metatarsal bone fracture
This depends on where in the foot you broke your bone. With serious injuries, you can have multiple fractures in different parts of the foot. For instance, if something heavy falls on your foot, it can result in a toe fracture and a sesamoid bone fracture.
Foot Fracture Causes
Depending on your lifestyle, there are many different ways you can fracture your foot. As described above, one of the most common issues is when you drop something heavy on your foot, such as a dish while cooking, or weights when you’re working out.
You can also fracture your foot from repetitive motion or trauma to the site. If you experience weakening in the region, you’re even more susceptible to a serious injury like a fracture.
Foot Fracture Symptoms
If you immediately feel intense pain in the area, you should visit a doctor to get an x-ray of your foot. Some of the common symptoms of foot fractures also occur with less serious injuries, such as sprains. These symptoms include:
- pain
- swelling
- tenderness
- bruising
However, there are glaringly obvious signs that you have a fractured foot. If you have a bone sticking out or the shape of your foot changes, it is clear you broke a bone and need immediate treatment.
Foot Fracture Treatment
The treatment for a foot fracture varies depending on the location and severity of the injury. For a toe fracture, you may be able to continue life as normal and avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
A boot is a common ankle fracture treatment, along with crutches to keep your weight completely off the joint. Your doctor will give you instructions and likely advise you to stay in the boot for weeks or months.
Serious injuries to your foot will sometimes require a cast. A cast is better than a boot in that it completely stabilizes the bones, and allows them to heal correctly.
Foot Fracture Recovery
Everyone’s timeline is different when it comes to healing from a foot fracture. Factors such as age, bone density, and severity of the injury all play a role in how long you’ll be off your feet.
During your recovery, avoid putting weight on the affected area. Your doctor may also advise you to keep the foot elevated to avoid swelling. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers or prescribed medications to ease pain and discomfort.
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How to Tell If Your Foot Is Fractured
Next time you have a foot injury, you don’t have to wonder. With this guide, you will know how to tell if your foot is fractured.
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