Broken foot
A broken foot usually results from trauma during sports or an accident. The impact of a large force can cause the bone to crack or break. Curious about more information, such as its symptoms and treatment? Then feel free to read on. We are happy to explain.
What is a broken foot?
A broken foot can occur due to trauma during sports or in an accident. This fracture is most common in field sports, such as football. The impact of a large force can break the bone. The continuity of the bone is interrupted, causing immediate pain and swelling.
If the bone protrudes out through the skin, it is an open fracture. In this case, there is an increased risk of infection. A bone fracture may be singular, or there may be multiple fractures or crushing of the bone. It is important to visit the GP post or Emergency Department if a fracture is suspected.
Symptoms of a fractured foot
There are several symptoms you can experience with a fractured foot. You can recognise it by the following symptoms:
- Pain in the foot
- Swelling
- Reduced function
- Blue discolouration, usually not immediately but occurs a day later
- Not being able to load it, you cannot stand on the foot
- If the bones have changed position significantly, the foot may deform
Treatment
A broken foot can be diagnosed by taking an X-ray. This will show the extent of the injury. Usually, the symptoms recover on their own. An immobilisation period of about 6 weeks is often used by means of plaster casts. If there is a complex fracture, surgery may be required.
For the foot to regain full strength, it is important that the bone has fully regrown. In addition, the foot and ankle must be fully flexible and strong again. You can train this by doing exercises. Moreover, you can also wear a foot brace for extra support.
