What is a Foot Fracture?
Trauma and repeated stress can cause fractures in the foot. Extreme force is required to fracture the bones in the hindfoot. The most common type of foot fracture is a stress fracture, which occurs when repeated activities produce small cracks in the bones.
What is the Normal Anatomy of the foot?
The foot has 26 bones that can be classified into three sections:
- The hind foot is comprised of two bones: the talus bone that connects to the bones of the lower leg and the calcaneus bone that forms the heel.
- The midfoot is comprised of the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones.
- The forefoot is made up of five metatarsal bones, and 14 toe bones called phalanges.
The hind foot is separated from the midfoot by the mediatorial joint, and the midfoot is separated from the forefoot by the Lisfranc joint.
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments support the bones and joints of the feet, enabling them to withstand the entire weight of the body while walking, running, and jumping.
What are the Types of Foot Fractures?
Foot fractures can involve different bones and joints and are classified into several types:
- Calcaneal Fractures: This affects the heel bone and occurs mostly because of high-energy collisions. It can cause disabling injuries, and if the subtalar joint is involved, it is considered a severe fracture.
- Talar Fractures: The talus bone helps to transfer weight and forces across the joint. Talus fractures usually occur at the neck or mid portion of the talus.
- Navicular Fractures: Navicular fractures are rare and most often include stress fractures that occur with sports activities, such as running and gymnastics, because of repeated loading on the foot.
- Lisfranc Fractures: This type of fracture occurs due to excessive loading on the foot, which leads to stretching or tearing of the midfoot ligaments.
Common Causes of Foot Fractures
Foot fractures can be caused by sudden injuries or as a result of long-term, underlying conditions. Knowing what caused your foot fracture can help you access effective treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of foot fractures:
Trauma from Accidents
Sudden trauma caused by accidents like falling from a large height, getting in a car collision, or dropping a heavy object on your foot can result in a severe foot fracture. You should seek immediate medical attention if you think you have fractured a bone in your foot.
Overuse
Overuse of activities like repeated jumping or running for long periods can result in stress fractures in the feet. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that can lead to severe problems for athletes and people with physically demanding jobs.
Sports Injuries
Sports such as classical ballet, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and aerobic gymnastics can result in accidental fractures. People who participate in certain high-impact sports are at a greater risk of foot fractures due to the rapid directional changes that characterize these activities.
Foot Deformities
Having structural issues such as high arches or flat feet leads to uneven weight distribution and increases the likelihood of developing stress fractures. Certain foot deformities cause excessive pressure to be placed on certain bones, which can eventually lead to stress fractures in the feet.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Medical conditions like osteoporosis weaken the bones and make them more fragile and prone to breaking. Similarly, diabetes can affect bone health and increase the risk of stress fractures in the feet.
Symptoms of Foot Fractures
Recognizing the symptoms of a foot fracture early on can ensure you get the treatment you need to make a swift recovery. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:
Pain That Intensifies with Activity
If you experience pain that gets worse when walking, standing, or running, it may be a sign of a foot fracture. The pain may feel sharp or throbbing whenever you put weight on your foot. If this is the case for you, you should limit your activity until you have received proper treatment.
Swelling
Swelling is a natural response to injury and occurs when tissues in the body become inflamed. This can make your foot appear puffy and feel tender to the touch. Swelling in your foot can make it uncomfortable or impossible to wear shoes and may limit your range of motion.
Deformity
Severe fractures can change the shape of your foot. A deformity may appear as a type of misalignment or a lump. Deformities resulting from foot fractures are caused when bones shift out of place.
Difficulty Moving Your Foot
A foot fracture can make it painful or even impossible to flex your foot, which can limit your overall mobility and prevent you from performing physical tasks.
Numbness and Tingling
When nerves are impacted by a fracture, you may feel numbness or tingling in your foot. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How are Foot Fractures Diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses a foot fracture by reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination of your foot. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Navicular fractures can be especially difficult to diagnose without imaging tests.
Our Treatment for Foot Fractures in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX
Dr. Gary Driver is committed to providing personalized treatment to all his patients. He is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with extensive experience treating foot fractures. He offers the following treatment options for foot fractures:
Medication
Dr. Gary Driver may recommend pain-relieving medication to help you manage discomfort during the recovery process. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can be effective in alleviating the pain resulting from a foot fracture.
Immobilization
Dr. Gary Driver will likely recommend immobilization to allow your fracture to heal properly. You may need a walking boot or a cast. If you have a broken toe, you may be able to tape it to the toe beside it to keep it from moving.
Bone Stimulation
Bone stimulation is an advanced treatment option designed to accelerate healing. It makes use of ultrasonic and electromagnetic waves to promote bone growth. If your fracture is taking a long time to heal, bone stimulation may help speed up the process.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is very important for foot fracture patients. Dr. Gary Driver will recommend personalized exercises and rehabilitation techniques to restore your mobility, improve your balance, and strengthen your muscles. Physical therapy sessions may include strength training and stretches that help you regain the use of your foot.
Surgery
In severe cases, Dr. Gary Driver may need to insert pins, plates, or screws in your bone to hold it in place while it heals. Once the bone has healed, these materials may be taken out if they are sticking out of the skin or causing pain.
Why Choose Dr. Gary Driver for Foot Fracture Treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX?
Dr. Gary Driver is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist who provides personalized treatment to foot fracture patients. Here are some reasons why you should get your foot fracture treated by Dr. Gary Driver in Fort Worth or Weatherford:
Advanced Treatment Techniques
Using the latest medical techniques and cutting-edge technology, Dr. Gary Driver provides effective, evidence-based treatment for foot fractures. He uses advanced imaging technology to assess the severity of fractures and offer accurate diagnoses for targeted treatment.
Patient-Centered Care
At Dr. Driver’s clinic, your well-being comes first. He will take the time to understand your concerns and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment. He values clear communication and will keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Convenient Locations
With Dr. Gary Driver, patients in the DFW area have easy access to treatment at his clinics located in Fort Worth and Weatherford. To make an appointment, all you have to do is call or fill out the online form.
Award-Winning Service
Dr. Gary Driver is committed to providing outstanding service. In recognition of his dedication to excellence, he has received the Fort Worth Top Doctor award multiple times.
Fellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon
As a double-board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Gary Driver has extensive experience treating a variety of conditions with surgical and nonsurgical methods. He completed his fellowship in Roanoke, Virginia, at one of the best foot and ankle programs in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a foot fracture?
The recovery time for a foot fracture varies depending on your overall health, age, treatment plan, and the severity of the injury. With the proper care, most foot fractures heal within 6 weeks; however, some can take several months to heal.
What is the role of a cast or walking boot in foot fracture treatment?
Casts and walking boots are designed to protect your foot while it heals by keeping your bones stable. They prevent your bones from moving out of place and allow them to regrow properly.
What complications can arise if a foot fracture is left untreated?
Ignoring a foot fracture can lead to bone deformities, infection, chronic pain, and nerve damage. If you think your foot may be broken, you should seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications.
How can I prevent another foot fracture after recovery?
Here are some ways to decrease the likelihood of sustaining a foot fracture after recovery:
- Wear supportive shoes
- Avoid overusing your feet
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat nutritious food to strengthen your bones
Does insurance cover foot fracture treatment?
Yes, most insurance companies cover the expenses of foot fracture treatment. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to find out more about your coverage.