The usual areas of the feet which suffer injuries are the toes, the top of the foot, the underside of the foot and the ankle. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including:
The symptoms of the fracture can vary depending on the location of the break and the severity. It can be a complicated fracture that could be open with multiple breaks, or it can a simple, single break. Stress fractures are also common in the bones of the feet.
Some common symptoms for any break in the feet include:
If you suspect a broken bone, it is important to get emergency medical help at once.
Usually, a mild break on the toes can be treated with a toe splint to hold it in place. Sometimes, people stub their toes hard and break the bone but may not realize that it is a fracture. They may strap the toe and take OTC medication for the pain.
But a break can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis or long-term foot pain. It is better to seek medical help if there are symptoms like:
The duration of the attacks can vary from a few days to a few weeks. Once the attack has passed there is no way of knowing when the next one will occur; it could be days, weeks months or even years.
Gout can be a debilitating medical condition that can affect a patient’s lifestyle. But with proper medication and care on the part of the person suffering from the condition, and with good podiatric support and guidance, it can be controlled and the impact on the quality of life minimized.
The feet are made of many small bones and are prone to stress fractures, especially among athletes. Fractures can range from tiny cracks in the bones to breaks that pierce the skin. Treatment will depend on the location and severity of the fracture. A severe fracture may require surgery where in plates, rods or screws may be used to set the bones back in place. Following the podiatrist’s advice for rest and rehabilitation is important.
Broken ankles usually involve multiple fractures as there are many bones that make up the ankle joint. It can be a rotational injury, wherein the ankle is twisted, turned or rolled while walking or running or during a sports activity. It can also be caused by a high-impact collision like a fall or automobile collision. Ankle fractures are very serious and usually require surgery to set them right. The recovery time would also be longer.
Any break or suspected break in the toe, foot or ankle should be assessed by a doctor and given proper treatment.