How important can your feet be in everyday life? Perhaps not until one of them fractures, do we realize how much we took them for granted. A fracture of the foot makes it difficult for us to do the most ordinary activities and live a normal day. We will, in this article, attempt to give a fair cover of what causes foot fractures, symptoms of foot fractures, diagnosis of them, and various available treatments.
The human foot is one of the most articulated structures, comprising 26 bones. These bones support our body weight and help in locomotive activities such as walking and running. However, some activities or injuries may cause a fracture of the foot condition where a single or multiple bones of the foot are broken. A fracture of the foot may be grounded on various etiologies, and it is a common form of injury. In this article, the reader will come across all they need to know about it.
Understanding Foot Fractures
Pain, swelling, and redness are the usual signs of a possible fracture of the foot. Various injuries result in foot fractures. From sporting injuries, slips, and falls to overuse injuries due to repetitive stress, foot fractures come in many ways.
Common Types of Fractures
There are several common types of foot fractures. The Lisfranc injury involves the midfoot region, where there is an arrangement of small bones forming an arch on top of the foot. The other common fracture of the foot is that of the fifth metatarsal, which is the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe. In addition, heel bone fracture is usually due to a high-energy act, usually by falling from a height.
Diagnosis of Foot Fractures
Diagnosis of the fractures of the foot usually requires physical examination and imaging studies. Diagnostics usually involve X-rays, as they best visualize the structure of the foot and any displacements associated with fractures. In complicated cases, however, CT scans or MRIs may also be required to view the fracture more clearly.
Treatment for Fractures of the Foot
Depending on the type and severity, there are various ways to treat foot fractures. The typical initial treatments for almost all fractures include resting, icing, and immobilization of the foot. Resting decreases further stress on the already injured foot, while icing helps in the control of swelling and pain. Immobilization of the foot, very often by the use of a cast or splint, prevents further injury and, therefore, assists in healing.
In some patients, surgery may be necessary for the reduction of the fracture. Surgery is usually performed when the fracture is complex or there is some displacement of the bone, or when the nonsurgical means are not producing satisfactory healing of the fracture.
Can You Walk With a Fractured Foot?
One of the most common questions following the incident of a foot fracture is “Can you walk with a fractured foot?” It is not quite a black-and-white answer; it depends on the location and displacement of the fracture. Some people may be able to walk with a special medical boot or crutches, while others may require complete non-weight bearing.
Another commonly asked question is whether a fractured foot can heal without casting. The healing is very much dependent on the nature of the fracture. Some will resolve with rest and immobilization alone while others may need a cast for proper and complete healing or even surgical intervention.
Caring For Your Feet
Protection from fractures includes measures such as proper footwear, treading carefully while undertaking physical activities, and proper health hygiene of the foot. A sign of discomfort should be heeded the instant it shows up and dealt with professionally to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Foot fractures may pretty well affect our mobility in life, which consequently affects our quality of life. Being able to identify the signs and learning how to treat a foot fracture will lead you to a successful and smooth recovery. If you think you might have a foot fracture, it is important to consult with a foot and ankle health professional who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and recommend a proper treatment option for you.
