- What is a foot fracture?
- What are the main causes of foot fractures?
- Symptoms: how to recognize a broken foot?
- How to know if it is a fracture or a sprain of the foot?
- How is a foot fracture diagnosed?
- Treatments: how to treat a broken foot?
- Consolidation: how long does it take to heal after a foot fracture?
- When is an operation necessary?
- Can you walk with a broken foot?
- What shoes to wear after a broken foot?
- What to do if the fracture of the foot does not consolidate?
- Untreated or poorly treated foot fracture: what are the risks?
- Work stoppage and foot fracture: what you need to know
What is a foot fracture?
There are 26 bones in the foot, accordingly, a fracture of the foot can be more or less serious depending on the affected bone. Scaphoid, metatarsus, sesamoid, so many bones liable to break.
What are the main causes of foot fractures?
There are several causes of foot fractures. The so-called “stress” fracture is due to a foot overuse. A fracture can also be caused by a poor reception when jumping or by the fall of a heavy object.
Symptoms: how to recognize a broken foot?
There pain alerts the victim of a foot fracture. She has difficulty walking because she cannot put her full body weight on her fractured foot. There may be no pain, but if a foot fracture is suspected, watch for swelling or bruising.
How to know if it is a fracture or a sprain of the foot?
It is very difficult for a patient to diagnose a fracture alone rather than a sprain and vice versa. Only one physical examination will allow the question to be decided and it will, as a general rule, be validated by X-ray.
How is a foot fracture diagnosed?
An x-ray will make it possible to determine with certainty whether or not a fracture is present. In addition, it will be possible to identify which bone or bones are fractured thanks to the results of the x-ray.
Treatments: how to treat a broken foot?
It all depends on the location of the broken bone. Doctors generally prefer immobilization. It can be combined with a splint or a cast as well as the use of crutches. In some cases, surgical treatment is necessary.
Consolidation: how long does it take to heal after a foot fracture?
For complete healing of the foot bone, it takes about 3 months. However, the patient can start walking again with caution after a month and a half.
When is an operation necessary?
Surgical operation is necessary when immobilization is not enough. This is sometimes the case in the context of a metatarsal fracture or a fracture at the back of the foot.
Can you walk with a broken foot?
It’s better to remain immobilized to aid healing. The foot should be elevated as long as possible. In addition, walking can slow the disappearance of edema.
What shoes to wear after a broken foot?
In the event of a severe fracture, it may be indicated to wear an orthopedic walking boot which will completely immobilize and protect the foot. If the fracture is less serious, it is possible to wear shoes specially designed to facilitate healing with a thick sole and Velcro to prevent compression of the foot.
What to do if the fracture of the foot does not consolidate?
A delay of consolidation can happen. In this case, a complete rest must be respected in order to allow the bone to rebuild itself in the best conditions.
Untreated or poorly treated foot fracture: what are the risks?
The potential complications of a broken foot are serious. Osteoarthritis, instability… it is essential to follow the doctor’s recommendations for complete healing.
Work stoppage and foot fracture: what you need to know
In the event of a foot fracture, thework stoppage can range from 10 to 90 days depending on the difficulty of the job and the complexity of the fracture. This duration can be extended to 90 days if there are multiple lesions.
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Read also:
- Toe fracture: causes, diagnosis, duration
- 9 tips to prevent foot pain
- Plantar fasciitis: fat injections to relieve pain
