Expert Diagnosis & Treatment for Fractures of the Foot

Causes & Symptoms of Foot Fractures

The most common causes of foot bone fractures include traumatic injuries, overuse and falls. Certain medical issues such as osteoporosis may put older individuals at higher risk for foot fractures.

Symptoms of a fractured foot bone may include one or more of the following:

• Sharp, sudden pain at the time of injury.
• Swelling or bruising of the foot.
• A change in the shape or appearance of the foot.
• Difficulty walking or pain when weight-bearing.

Types of Foot Fractures

Fractures can occur in any of the bones in the foot. Some of the more common fractures involve the following:

• Heel. Also known as the calcaneus bone, the heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. Heel fractures can be very painful and disabling and often require surgical repair.
• Midfoot. Also known as Lisfranc fractures, injury and trauma to one or more bones in the midfoot can range from mild to severe.
• Ankle. The ankle joint is made up of three bones – the tibia, fibula and talus. A break or fracture of one or more of these bones can lead to significant disability and long term complications if not properly treated.
• Metatarsals. These are five long bones that connect the toes to other bones and ligaments in the foot. Metatarsal fractures are quite common and are usually caused by injury or overuse. The most common type of metatarsal fracture occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal, also called a Jones fracture.

Less common types of foot fractures include:

• Navicular. The navicular is a small, wedge-shaped bone located in the middle of the foot. Injury or fracture to the navicular is usually caused by overuse and is most common in athletes.
• Cuneiform. Three wedge-shaped bones that help form the foot’s arch, isolated cuneiform fractures are rare and usually occur with other foot fractures.
• Cuboid. This small cube-shaped bone is located on the outside of the foot in front of the heel, attached to muscles and ligaments, and helps with foot mobility. Isolated fractures of the cuboid are rare and usually occur with other foot fractures.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Foot Fractures

If you have symptoms of a foot fracture or have experienced a traumatic injury to your foot, it’s important to see an orthopedic expert for evaluation. Most minor foot fractures do not require surgery and will heal on their own with appropriate care, which may include:

• Immobilization. Use of elastic bandages, a medical boot or a cast may be recommended to hold the bones in place so they can heal.
• Rest. Avoid putting weight on the injured foot. Use crutches as directed.
• Ice. Use a cold pack on the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.

Most minor fractures will heal in 6-8 weeks with appropriate treatment. However, it can take several months for complete recovery. Healing time may be longer for those who smoke or have diabetes. More severe foot and ankle fractures or those that involve multiple bones may require surgery.

An open fracture of the foot, in which the bone is visible through the skin, is serious and requires immediate medical attention as the injury can damage the surrounding skin and blood vessels.