Foot Fractures and Injuries

A foot fracture is a break in any of the bones in the foot.

The foot is made up of 26 small bones. The tarsus is the name for the 7 bones that make up the hindfoot and the midfoot. The forefoot consists of the 5 metatarsals and the 14 phalanges. There are two phalanges in the big toe and three in each of the remaining toes.

A foot fracture can happen in any foot bone, but metatarsal fractures are the most common.

Causes
A foot fracture is caused by trauma to the bone including:

Falls
Blows
Collisions
Severe twists

In addition, when a bone is subjected to repeated stress over a long period of time, small cracks may form in the bone. These are called stress fractures , and certain bones (metatarsals and the talus) in the foot are particularly susceptible to this type of fracture.

Symptoms
Symptoms of a foot fracture include:

Pain, often severe
Bruising and swelling in the injured area
Numbness in toes or foot
Decreased range of motion
Inability to walk comfortably (although you may be able to walk)
A lump or visible deformity over the fracture site

Treatment
Treatment for foot fractures depends on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:

Putting the pieces of the bone back in place, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself

Non-Surgical Treatment
In a less severe foot fracture, the bones can be realigned without surgery. More serious fractures may require a splint or cast to hold the bones in place. Crutches and flat-bottom shoes may be needed to help protect the fracture while it heals. Toes may be splinted together by taping to protect the injured toe.

Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the bones to ensure proper healing. The procedure may involve the use of a small metal plate with screws, screws alone, or pins to hold the bones in place while healing takes place. A cast or splint may be placed on the foot after surgery.

We Can Help
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in both conservative and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle disorders. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
(View Map)

Foot & Ankle Care

847.296.3040