Breaking a foot can be a pain — literally. Foot fractures are a common injury that can seriously impact your ability to get around and enjoy life. Whether it’s a hairline crack from overuse or a more severe break from an accident, understanding the different types of foot fractures is key to getting the right treatment and getting back on your feet.
This article will give you a rundown of the most common types of broken feet, including their symptoms and treatment options. We’ll cover:
- Stress fractures
- Avulsion fractures
- Jones fractures
- Metatarsal fractures
- Toe fractures
- Talar fractures
- Calcaneal fractures
So, if you suspect you have a broken foot, or just want to be informed, keep reading to learn more about the different types of foot fractures and what you can do about them.
Foot Anatomy Basics
Your foot is a complex structure made up of many different bones. To understand the different types of foot fractures, it helps to know the names of the main ones:
- Metatarsals: These are the long bones in the front part of your foot.
- Phalanges: These are the bones in your toes. Each toe has three phalanges, except for your big toe, which only has two.
- Tarsal bones: These are the bones in the middle and back of your foot, like your talus and calcaneus (heel bone).
Knowing the location of these bones will make it easier to understand the different types of foot fractures we’ll discuss.
What are the symptoms of a foot fracture?
If you’ve broken a bone in your foot, you’ll likely feel pain. The amount of pain you feel will depend on the type of break and how severe it is.
Other symptoms may include:
- Swelling around the broken bone
- Bruising
- A visible change in the shape of your foot
- Trouble walking or putting weight on your foot
Types of Foot Fractures: Forefoot & Toes
Fractures of the forefoot and toes are usually caused by dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture. Here’s what that might look like:
Toe Fractures (Phalangeal Fractures)
Toe fractures usually happen when you stub your toe or drop something heavy on it. If you’ve broken a toe, it will likely hurt, swell, and bruise. You may have trouble walking on it, too.
Usually, toe fractures are treated by “buddy taping” the injured toe to the one next to it. Your doctor might also recommend that you wear a stiff-soled shoe or walking boot. In severe cases, surgery might be required.
Metatarsal Fractures
Your metatarsals are the long bones in the midfoot. Metatarsal fractures are usually caused by a direct impact or twisting injury.
These injuries are typically treated with rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization. You may need to wear a cast or brace. If the bones have been displaced, you may need surgery.
Types of foot fractures: Midfoot & Hindfoot
Fractures can occur in any of the bones in your foot. Here are some of the most common types of midfoot and hindfoot fractures.
Jones Fracture (Fifth Metatarsal)
A Jones fracture happens at the base of the fifth metatarsal, the long bone on the outside of your foot that connects to your little toe. Jones fractures often occur because of an inversion injury to the ankle, when the ankle rolls outward and the foot turns inward.
Unfortunately, these fractures have a high rate of recurrence and are at high risk of not healing properly. Treatment usually involves wearing a non-weight-bearing cast. If you’re an athlete, you may need surgery.
Calcaneal Fractures (Heel Fractures)
The calcaneus is the heel bone. These fractures are often caused by a high-energy impact, like a fall from a significant height. If you fracture your calcaneus, you’ll likely experience severe pain, swelling, and an inability to put weight on your foot.
As with other fractures, treatment may involve wearing a non-weight-bearing cast. In many cases, surgery is needed to restore the normal shape of the heel bone.
Talar Fractures
The talus is located in the ankle, and it connects the foot to the leg. Talar fractures are also often caused by a high-energy impact, like a car accident. Because of the location and function of the talus, these fractures have a high risk of complications, including avascular necrosis, or bone death due to lack of blood supply.
Talar fractures may be treated with a non-weight-bearing cast. In many cases, surgery is needed to restore the normal alignment of the talus.
Special fracture types: stress and avulsion
There are a few fracture types that don’t fit neatly into the categories listed above. These include stress fractures and avulsion fractures.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that are brought on by repetitive stress, often from overuse, improper training, or even osteoporosis. The pain from a stress fracture will tend to come on gradually and worsen with activity.
It’s tricky to diagnose a stress fracture because it may not be visible on initial X-rays. A bone scan or MRI may be needed for a diagnosis.
Treatment usually involves rest, ice, and immobilization. After that, you can gradually return to your normal activities.
Avulsion fractures
An avulsion fracture happens when a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone. In the foot, the base of the fifth metatarsal is a common location for this type of break.
As with other fractures, treatment involves rest, ice, and immobilization. If the bone fragment has moved out of place, you may need surgery.
Diagnosing Foot Fractures
The first step in diagnosing a broken foot is usually a thorough physical exam.
The doctor will assess the amount of pain and swelling you’re experiencing, and they’ll also check your range of motion. By touching different areas of your foot, they’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where it hurts the most.
If the doctor suspects a fracture, they’ll probably order some imaging tests.
- X-rays: These are the primary tool for diagnosing fractures.
- MRI: If the X-rays are negative but you’re still having pain, an MRI can help identify stress fractures or soft tissue injuries.
- Bone scan: A bone scan can also be used to identify stress fractures that don’t show up on X-rays.
How are broken feet treated?
Treatment for a broken foot depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Minor breaks may only require:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Immobilization with a cast, boot, or splint
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
More serious breaks may require surgery to realign the bone fragments and hold them in place while they heal. This may involve screws, plates, or wires.
Recovering from a broken foot
If you break your foot, you must closely follow your doctor’s instructions. One of the most important things you can do to heal is to keep weight off of your foot. Don’t put weight on your injured foot until your doctor says it’s okay.
Your doctor may also prescribe physical therapy. Completing your physical therapy program is key to regaining strength and mobility.
The amount of time it takes to heal from a broken foot depends on how bad the fracture is. A simple fracture may take six to eight weeks to heal completely.
In Conclusion
As you’ve learned, there are many different ways you can fracture a bone in your foot. Whether you have a hairline fracture or a complete break, it’s important to seek medical care right away. A quick diagnosis and the right treatment can help you heal as quickly and completely as possible.