Fractures of the foot are fairly common, and can be very painful. Bones in the feet can be fractured or broken by falling, twisting the foot in an unusual way or by direct impact of a heavy or hard object smashing or falling on the foot. There are 26 bones in the foot, and any of those bones are capable of being fractured. Fractures can also happen due to calcium deficiencies, as is the case in a disease like osteoporosis.
Features
The 26 bones of the foot include the calcaneous and the talus (bones of the hindfoot), bones in the midfoot, including the cuneiforms, and 19 bones in the front of the foot, which includes the metatarsals and phalanges. Children are more prone to bone fractures than adults, because their bones are generally weaker. Adults are more likely to get a sprain than a fractured, due to bones being stronger than ligaments and cartilage.
Types
There are simple fractures, compound fractures, open fractures and closed fractures. Simple fracture involve only one fracture; compound fractures are multiple fractures in the foot; open fractures occur when a bone protrudes through the skin; closed fracture is when the fracture in the bone is underneath closed (or intact) skin. Classifying fractures depends on exactly where the break is. Fractures of the phalanges are broken bones of the toes; sesamoid fractures occur in either of the small bones right underneath the toes; avulsion fractures occur when something causes the foot to turn inward, cracking the bone on the outer edge of the foot; ankle fractures are formed when the foot rolls inward or outwards, such as when falling or tripping over something; malleoli fractures are the most serious fractures--malleoli are bumps on either side of the ankle. The most common type of fracture is the stress fracture, which are small cracks in the bone--not an actual breakage of the bone. These types of fractures form due to too much pressure on the foot. If left untreated, these cracks will form actual breaks in the bones.
Expert Insight
To determine the best course of action, a doctor may do X-ray imaging, a bone scan, a CT scan, an MRI or even ultrasound imaging. Depending on the location of the suspected fracture, the doctor may press over the fifth metatarsal bone or even push over the navicular bone. They may also ask you to take a few steps to see how much weight you can bear on your foot. Stabilizing the foot and keeping it elevated will help the fracture heal and will reduce swelling. If you have a fractured toe, splinting the toe to another will keep it stabilized (this is known as "buddy taping"). Some bone fractures in the foot will need a cast to assist in healing, whereas more serious fractures may require surgical intervention.
Warning
Most fractures can be treated at home with stabilization and elevation. If you are unsure of what to do, it is recommended that you contact your primary care doctor for medical advice. However, you will want to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice any of the following conditions: your food is blue, numb and/or cold; your foot is deformed or laying in the wrong direction; there is a large open wound near the suspected break; you are experiencing severe pain; you begin to feel ill or have any other major concerns regarding the suspected fracture.
Prevention/Solution
The best ways to protect your feet from injury is to wear properly fitted shoes, especially if you are an active person or athlete. If you are diagnosed with or at risk of having osteoporosis, protect yourself by taking any prescribed medications as required, eating a balanced diet and avoiding any activities or movements that are risky to your bones. In general, keeping up with your vitamin intake and taking proper precautions when active will help to reduce your risk of any type of fracture.
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