Foot Fractures: Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 Foot fractures refer to breaks or cracks in the bones of the foot, which can occur due to trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. These fractures may involve the toes, metatarsal bones, or other foot bones and can vary from mild to severe. Treatment options depend on the type and location of the fracture but typically include immobilisation, rest, and sometimes surgical intervention.

People are more prone to getting affected by such fractures while playing, crossing roads negligently, or falling off from heightened levels. Severe accidents can cause harsh fractures leading to using rods, screws, rods, or plates to keep the damaged bone aligned in the correct position for quicker and proper healing.

Types of Foot Fractures

A broken foot can be defined differently depending on the location and type of injury. Mentioned below are a few types of fractures that help doctors decide on the correct form of treatment:

Ankle Joint Fractures

Ankle Joint Fractures: An injury damaging the bone of the ankle, causing a hairline fracture in the foot or breaking of bone piercing the skin, is known as an ankle joint fracture. The fracture can happen due to a sudden twist in the ankle or a significant accident damaging the ankle severely. Such a fracture may not allow the affected individual to walk correctly, causing a disturbance in the daily routine.

Diagnosis: Initially, a doctor asks such patients to walk a few steps to identify the severity of the situation. A doctor may press several points near the ankle to identify the painful location. Different types of tests, such as X-rays, bone scans, computerised tomography, and magnetic resource imaging, help the doctor to identify the cause of pain.

Treatment : The first line of treatment for simple fractures involves using pain depressants such as Tylenol and similar medicines to lower the pain caused by the injury. After a few days, the doctor may suggest therapy to loosen the stiff muscles. Surgical procedures such as reduction and immobilisation may also be done if the injury is severe. These procedures help to keep the damaged bone aligned in the correct position for quick and painless healing.

Metatarsal Bone Fractures

Metatarsal Bone Fractures: A crack or fracture of the metatarsal bones(see image below) of the foot is known as a Metatarsal Bone Fracture. This form of injury can happen due to overuse of the outer part of the foot. The healing procedure for this fracture involves using a boot, cast, or shoe. In severe cases, a surgical procedure helps to align the misaligned bones. Such injury can happen due to a sudden twist of the foot in the inwards position or sports injury.

Diagnosis : A doctor presses different areas of the injured foot to identify the painful area and prescribe the treatment accordingly. Different imaging tests, such as X-ray, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, help identify the fracture’s exact form and location. If the tests define the injury as a Jones Fracture, the medications are suggested accordingly to the patient.

Treatment : Immobilisation is the first step in such fractures if the bones are aligned. The procedure involves using a cast, boot, or stiff-soled shoe to align the damaged bone and allow quicker healing and lower pain. In case of severe injuries, surgery may help heal bones. The surgery involves using screws, rods, or metal plates to align the bone. These are removed once the bone is completely healed. A patient may also need a bone graft to replace bones around the fracture area.

Sesamoid Bone Fractures

Sesamoid Bone Fractures: The small bones under the big toe supporting it are known as sesamoids. Injury in these bones is known as sesamoid bone fractures. It can happen due to a sudden twist of the foot or sports injury. The fracture is also observed due to continuous pressure applied to the bones. Sports players and ballet dancers often face such a fracture.

Diagnosis : The fracture can be diagnosed by imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. The doctor may ask for X-rays of the injured and of the standard foot to compare both for a proper diagnosis of the foot. A doctor may also ask the patient to get a blood test done to identify any form of arthritis or inflammatory situations causing damage to the sesamoid bones.

Treatment : Sesamoid bone fractures are usually treated with the help of nonsurgical treatments. Rare cases require surgical procedures. The surgery helps lower the pain by repairing or removing the bone. An individual suffering from a sesamoid bone fracture should ice the injured area with the help of an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel to lower the pain, avoid pressuring the area with activities that can do so, and consume pain relievers prescribed by the doctor.

Toe Fractures: These fractures can involve any toe bones (phalanges) and are often caused by stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it.

Diagnosis: Diagnosing toe fractures involves a physical examination, X-rays, and sometimes additional imaging such as CT scans. A doctor assesses the fracture’s location, displacement, and severity to determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment: Treatment for toe fractures may include splinting, buddy taping, or wearing a special shoe to immobilise the injured toe. Severe fractures with displacement may require realignment (reduction) or, in rare cases, surgery. Pain management and rest are essential components of the healing process for toe fractures.

Conclusion

Foot fractures can be irritating if not treated at the right time. There are different forms of the injury depending upon the location of the injury and the bone in the foot injured. Many forms of fractures can be treated with the help of rest and lifestyle changes, while surgery helps tackle severe injuries.

FAQs

Q. What are foot fractures?

A. A crack or a significant injury in the bone of the foot is known as a foot fracture.

Q. What are the different types of foot fractures?

A. Toe fractures, ankle joint fractures, metatarsal bone fractures, and sesamoid bone fractures are some forms of foot fractures.

Q. What is a stress fracture?

A. These are tiny cracks in the bones, often caused by repetitive stress and overuse. They commonly occur in the metatarsal bones or the heel.

Q. How is a Sesamoid fracture treated?

A. Sesamoid bone fractures, typically occurring in the foot, are treated based on severity. Conservative options include immobilisation, rest, and orthotics. Severe fractures may require reduction or even surgical removal. Physical therapy and pain management play vital roles in recovery. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for a personalised treatment plan.