We put our feet through a lot every day, whether it’s walking to the office, running to catch the bus, or training for our first marathon. That’s also why it’s a common part of the body for fractures. But, contrary to popular belief, it’s not always obvious when these injuries happen.
When you fracture your foot, something bends, twists, crushes, or stretches a bone. This damage can happen anywhere, especially in the toes and heel. Common causes of these injuries include:
At Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas F. Saylor, MD, treats numerous medical conditions, including broken bones. If you have any of these problems with your foot, don’t wait to schedule an appointment.
The most obvious sign of a broken bone involves a deformity. This type of symptom occurs with more severe fractures that cause a bone to break significantly and shift out of position, even breaking through the skin.
Experiencing an immediate, throbbing pain in your foot also indicates a serious problem. It’s even more likely you have a fracture if you hear a cracking sound at the time of your injury.
However, it’s essential to note that pain from a foot fracture isn’t necessarily debilitating. For instance, you can have a broken bone in your foot and still walk on it. It’s also common to have pain that increases with activity and fades with rest, especially when you have stress fractures from overuse.
While it’s possible to have a severe sprain that interferes with your ability to walk, an injury that keeps you off your feet requires medical attention as soon as possible. To avoid long-term complications, visit a doctor right away.
Swelling occurs when fluid or blood leaks into soft tissues in the area, such as fat, muscle, and skin. In response to this excess fluid, the tissue swells, just like an oversaturated sponge.
You can experience swelling with a foot fracture or sprain. However, when you have a broken bone, the swelling is typically far more severe. It also typically begins almost immediately, along with intense pain.
Did you know that broken bones bleed? While you can experience bruising or discoloration with almost any kind of tissue damage, it’s also a sign of a fracture. It’s also safe to assume the larger the bruise, the deeper the damage — including bone-deep.
The easiest way to see if you have a foot fracture is to get a comprehensive evaluation. Sometimes, Dr. Saylor can diagnose a break just by performing a physical exam. However, he often orders X-rays or other digital imaging to determine the precise location and extent of a break.
Treating foot fractures varies, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Treatment can range from immobilizing the bone with a cast to stabilizing the bone with pins, plates, or screws.
If you need surgical intervention, Dr. Saylor uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. These approaches offer the same long-term benefits of traditional procedures, but they have fewer risks and faster recovery times because the incisions are smaller.
If you think you may have a foot fracture, get help right away. To get a thorough evaluation and treatment if needed call 561-292-0148 or book an appointment online at Orthopaedic Care Specialists today.
