Broken foot

Diagnosis

During the physical examination, your doctor will examine your foot for any sensitive areas to pinpoint the exact location of your pain and determine its underlying cause. To evaluate your foot’s range of motion, your doctor may move it into different positions. Your doctor can also assess your walking pattern by asking you to walk a short distance to evaluate your gait.

X-rays 

The most common imaging test for a suspected fracture. X-rays produce clear images of bones and can identify most types of fractures. However, they may not show very small or fresh stress fractures until the bone begins to heal.

Bone scan

This test can detect fractures that may not be visible on a standard X-ray, particularly stress fractures. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the vein, which is absorbed more readily by areas of bone damage. These areas then show up as bright spots on the scan.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

A CT scan uses a combination of X-ray images taken from multiple angles to create detailed, cross-sectional views of the bones. It provides more intricate detail than a regular X-ray and is useful for evaluating complex fractures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create highly detailed images of both bone and soft tissues. This test is particularly effective at identifying subtle stress fractures, as well as injuries to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage that may have occurred alongside the bone fracture.

Broken Foot Treatment 

The broken foot treatment options vary depending on factors such as the type of fracture and the severity of the injury. There are several available treatments that can be considered for this condition.

1. Self-care

First step is to take care of yourself through R.I.C.E protocol:

• Rest: It is crucial to stay off the injured foot to prevent further damage. You may need to use crutches or a wheelchair to avoid putting any weight on the foot.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compression: Gently wrap the injured foot with an elastic bandage. This can help to control swelling. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, which could restrict blood flow.
• Elevation: Keep the injured foot elevated above the level of your heart whenever possible. This also helps to minimize swelling.

2. Medical Treatments

The goal of medical treatment is to ensure the bone heals correctly. The specific approach will depend on the type of fracture, its location, and its severity.

Medications

Pain from a broken foot is often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can help to reduce both pain and inflammation. In cases of severe pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers for a short period of time. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for any medication.

Therapy

Once a broken foot has started to heal, physical therapy is often a key component of the recovery process. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the foot and ankle. Therapy also focuses on rebuilding balance and learning how to walk normally again, all of which are essential for a full recovery and preventing future injuries.

Surgical and other procedures

If a bone is significantly displaced or unstable, a doctor may need to perform a procedure to realign it and hold it in place while it heals.

• Reduction: This is the process of moving the broken pieces of a bone back into their correct position. For simple, non-displaced fractures, this may not be necessary. If it is, the doctor may perform a “closed reduction” (manipulating the bones externally without a surgical incision) after administering a local anesthetic.
• Immobilization: After a reduction, or for fractures that don’t need to be realigned, the foot must be immobilized to prevent movement and allow the bone to heal. This is typically done with a cast, a walking boot, or a removable brace.
• Surgery: In complex cases, such as those with multiple fractures or bone fragments, surgery may be required. An orthopedic surgeon will use plates, screws, pins, or rods to hold the bone pieces together internally, ensuring proper alignment for healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to heal a broken foot?

The healing time for a broken foot varies greatly depending on the location and severity of the fracture. A simple fracture may heal in about 4 to 6 weeks, while more severe fractures, or those requiring surgery, can take 10 to 12 weeks or longer to fully recover.

Can I walk with a broken foot?

In most cases, you should not walk on a broken foot, as it can worsen the fracture, delay healing, or cause the bones to heal incorrectly. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to begin putting weight on the foot.

How do I know if my foot is broken or just bruised/sprained?

While a broken foot, sprain, and bruise can all cause pain and swelling, a fracture often results in more severe, continuous pain and intense bruising. A visible deformity of the foot or an inability to bear any weight are strong indicators of a fracture. The only way to be certain is to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and imaging tests.

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Doctors who treat this condition

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Pol.Lt.Col.DR. CHAIVAT SRIRATANAVUDHI

Foot and Ankle Surgery

Orthopedics