Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken Toes)
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into 2 categories; traumatic fractures and stress fractures. Traumatic fractures are caused by direct application of force to the bone causing the fracture. This type of fracture can be a result of stubbing your toes against the leg of a table, or in a car accident. Stress fractures are tiny hairline breaks usually caused by repetitive stress, such as walking. For example, runners can have stress fractures from the repetitive loading of the foot during running. Abnormal foot structure, and improper shoewear also contribute to occurrence of stress fractures.
Fracture of the 1st metatarsal, the bone behind the big toe, can lead to arthritis if treated incorrectly due to its function for weight bearing and generation force for normal gait. Another fracture, called a Jones Fracture, occurs at the base of the 5th metatarsal (behind the pinky toe). This fracture is often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. This type of fracture requires different treatment as compared to other fracture sites in the foot.
Symptoms:
Acute fractures are usually associated with sudden onset of pain. A sound at the time of the break might be audible. With a displaced fracture (fracture that has shifted), an abnormal appearance of the foot might be observed. Bruising and swelling is observed the next day.
Stress fractures are accompanied by pain after activity. The pain goes away when resting, but returns during activity. Pinpoint pain at the fracture site is present when touched. The degrees of swelling might vary, however, bruising should not be present.
Treatment:
Treatment of non displaced fractures (non shifted) can be non surgical involving rest, non-weight bearing, immobilization, and/or casting. However, if the fracture is displaced (shifted), and affects the mechanical function of the foot and ankle, surgery is recommended. Physical therapy, exercise and rehabilitation may be included for return to normal activities.
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into 2 categories; traumatic fractures and stress fractures. Traumatic fractures are caused by direct application of force to the bone causing the fracture. This type of fracture can be a result of stubbing your toes against the leg of a table, or in a car accident. Stress fractures are tiny hairline breaks usually caused by repetitive stress, such as walking. For example, runners can have stress fractures from the repetitive loading of the foot during running. Abnormal foot structure, and improper shoewear also contribute to occurrence of stress fractures.
Fracture of the 1st metatarsal, the bone behind the big toe, can lead to arthritis if treated incorrectly due to its function for weight bearing and generation force for normal gait. Another fracture, called a Jones Fracture, occurs at the base of the 5th metatarsal (behind the pinky toe). This fracture is often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. This type of fracture requires different treatment as compared to other fracture sites in the foot.
Symptoms:
Acute fractures are usually associated with sudden onset of pain. A sound at the time of the break might be audible. With a displaced fracture (fracture that has shifted), an abnormal appearance of the foot might be observed. Bruising and swelling is observed the next day.
Stress fractures are accompanied by pain after activity. The pain goes away when resting, but returns during activity. Pinpoint pain at the fracture site is present when touched. The degrees of swelling might vary, however, bruising should not be present.
Treatment:
Treatment of non displaced fractures (non shifted) can be non surgical involving rest, non-weight bearing, immobilization, and/or casting. However, if the fracture is displaced (shifted), and affects the mechanical function of the foot and ankle, surgery is recommended. Physical therapy, exercise and rehabilitation may be included for return to normal activities.