What are Signs of a Broken Foot?
Symptoms of what you think may be an ankle sprain or a foot sprain could be symptoms of a broken foot. A foot fracture may not prevent you from walking but it would be painful and difficult to walk normally. Possible signs of a broken foot include:
- •Foot pain that worsens when you walk, stand or flex your foot
- •Swelling, bruising and tenderness over the area where the fracture exists
- •Numbness and tingling in your toes or foot
- •Cracking or popping noises when you flex your foot
The most serious fractures are comminuted and open foot fractures. These injuries may require surgery to put bones back in their proper places before casting of the foot can be completed. Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons use pins or screws to hold foot bones in place if the fracture is serious.
How Does a Podiatrist Diagnose a Broken Foot?
If your podiatrist has ruled out an ankle sprain or a foot sprain as the cause of pain and swelling, diagnostic tests like x-rays and CAT scans may be ordered to take pictures of the interior of your foot. In some cases, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be necessary if an x-ray or CT scan does not provide your podiatrist with clear images of the bones in your foot.
Treating a Broken Foot
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Many foot fractures do not require treatment but should be monitored by your podiatrist until the fracture is healed and pain has subsided.
Complex foot fractures requiring surgery will need a splint, boot or cast following surgery to facilitate healing, reduce swelling and decrease pain. You should not put pressure on a broken foot post-surgery for at least one month. Crutches may be necessary for you to stay mobile. Your podiatrist will want to see you for regular checkups to ensure your foot is healing properly. Removal of stitches (if applicable) examining your foot’s range of motion and taking x-rays are essential components of a broken foot treatment program for making a complete recovery.
Your podiatrist may also recommend special exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and ligaments in the foot and promote healing of broken foot bones.
When a Foot Injury is not an Ankle Sprain or Foot Sprain
Seek immediate treatment if your foot is:
- •Completely numb
- •Turning blue
- •Appears misshapen or is pointing in a wrong direction
- •Bleeding profusely from an open wound
These symptoms rarely indicate a simple sprain or strain. For diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle injuries, call the Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group today at our Seal Beach Office (562) 242-1559 or our Los Alamitos Office (562) 203-6151.
Request an Appointment
Fill out the form below to reach Alamitos – Seal Beach Podiatry Group, or call Los Alamitos: (562) 203-6151 or Seal Beach: (562) 242-1559 for immediate assistance.
By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy.
