Fracturing or breaking a foot is incredibly painful, and can have a significant impact on your everyday life. When someone fractures or breaks their foot, they can often tell that it is injured. However, there can be times where someone is not aware that their foot is broken. Some breaks and fractures can be quite minor to the point where they go unnoticed. This can be harmful as a foot injury going untreated can lead to a worsening injury and permanent damage. Contact Our Foot and Ankle Clinic Chicago today at Free Body PT today to learn more about how we can diagnose your foot injury.
How to Tell if I Have a Fractured or Broken Foot
A fracture, or break, is when the bone is broken and loses integrity. There are various forms of fractures ranging from a barely noticeable hairline fracture to a complete break in the bone. Fractures can pierce through the skin if the break is severe enough. Here are common signs that you have a fractured or broken foot:
- Visible deformity of the foot,
- Swelling, redness, or bruising of the affected area,
- Trouble walking or bearing weight on the affected foot,
- Any degree of pain in the foot upon injury.
How are Fractures and Breaks Treated?
A fracture or break is treated depending on the severity of the injury. Hairline fractures can potentially heal themselves if the patient refrains from putting weight on that foot. This can be done with crutches provided by a foot and ankle clinic Chicago. Different or more severe breaks, such as those that can not be set within a cast or pierce the skin, may need further treatment such as:
- Taping of the broken toe to an intact toe to reduce movement,
- A foot boot or cast to prevent movement of the fractured bones,
- Surgery to install pins, plates, or screws to immobilize the area if a boot or cast is not sufficient,
Contact Our Foot and Ankle Clinic Chicago at Free Body PT Today!
Free Body PT, a foot and ankle clinic Chicago, recommends you make an appointment if there is any suspicion of a fracture, break, or injury to the foot. Foot fractures and breaks can get progressively worse when left untreated, making the treatment more extensive and causing damage to potentially become permanent.