Bone Injury (Fractures)
A single foot contains 26 bones, any of which can be linked to a source of discomfort. A bone injury can affect the shape, balance or function of the foot. When a foot is fractured, the site of the fracture is usually painful and swollen. The location of the fracture will determine the course of treatment. Many foot fractures do not require surgery or even a cast as they will heal on their own with some support.
Causes
Bones usually break when something happens to crush, bend, twist, or stretch the bone.
- Toes are often broken when you accidentally kick something hard.
- Heels are often broken when you fall from a height and land on your feet.
- Other bones in the foot sometimes break when you twist or sprain an ankle.
Broken Ankle (Ankle Fracture)
Ankle fractures can range from less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe, shattering-type breaks.
Pilon Fracture
Pilon fractures are injuries that occur at the lower end of the tibia and involve the weightbearing surface of the ankle joint.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone and is mostly caused by overuse and repetitive activities.
Structural Bone Deformity
A structural bone deformity usually occurs when some of the bones move out of place or a joint is stressed over a period of time.
Symptoms
Bone Protrusions
Bone protrusions occur when the broken end of the tibia (shinbone) has torn through the soft tissues and is protruding through the skin.
Deformities In The Affected Area
Foot deformities are a group of congenital and acquired conditions involving structural abnormalities that may affect the bones, tendons, and muscles of your foot.
Potential Treatments
It is important to see a doctor any time you think you may have broken a bone in your foot. Please go immediately to an emergency department.
For less severe injuries your doctor may want to see you in the office or may recommend you visit the emergency room. If you think you have broken your foot and your doctor is not available by phone, it is reasonable to go to the emergency department to be examined.
Calcaneus Surgery (Heel Fracture)
The main indication that you need this type of surgery on your heel bone (calcaneus fracture) is a displaced fracture.
Foot and Ankle Fracture Repair (ORIF)
Ankle Fracture Repair, or Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone.
Jones Fracture Repair
If you have a mild 5th metatarsal fracture (Jones Fracture), the repair is usually performed with a cast, splint, or a walking boot for six to eight weeks.
Osteotomy Surgeries
The heel bone can be realigned to achieve a different orientation, which can correct many different deformities and foot/ankle problems.
Regenerative Medicine Treatments
Regenerative medicine involves the delivery of growth factors to injured joints and tissues to promote the healing process.
