Our feet are incredibly complex structures. Each of our ankles and feet contains roughly 26 bones, all of which are crucial for our mobility. They support our body and work in tandem through the different activities we perform like walking, standing, running etc. But like all other parts of our skeleton, our feet endure a significant amount of stress and strain from these various daily activities too.

Sometimes, excessive force can strain the bones to a point where they cause a fracture in them. In many cases, these fractures are a result of repetitive motions or even sudden injuries.

Types of Foot Fractures

Some of the most common fracture types include:

  • Ankle (talus) fracture
  • Stress fracture (such as Jones fracture)
  • Heel (calcaneus) fracture
  • Navicular fracture
  • Toe fracture
  • Lisfranc fracture

No matter what type of fracture it is, the injury needs careful assessment and appropriate treatment. This helps to ensure that the person gets suitable treatment for a quicker recovery. In most cases, imaging is required to evaluate as well as confirm the type and extent of the injury. Once the type of fracture has been established, experienced podiatrists can decide which treatment will be best suited for the patient. Read on to know how podiatry can help with a broken foot.

What is a Stress Fracture?

Stress fractures are hairline breaks. These tiny cracks are generally a result of repetitive stress. These fractures often afflict athletes, sometimes when they increase their sprint mileage too rapidly. Osteoporosis, foot deformities and abnormal foot structure are some of the other causes of hairline fractures. Wearing improper footwear is another cause of stress fractures. No matter what the reason, you should never ignore these; correct healing depends on how soon you get proper medical attention.

Some Symptoms of Stress Fractures

  • Pain after/with regular activity.
  • Pain that recedes when resting and returns during activity or when standing.
  • Swelling, without any bruising.
  • Pain at the fracture site or pinpoint pain when touched.

Different Treatment Options

The podiatrist will decide which treatment method would be the most beneficial for their patient. Some of the standard treatment methods utilised in this type of rehab include:

    • Mobilisation Therapy – This treatment mode helps to restore full range of motion and movement to the foot and leg joints. Many health care professionals use this for other parts of the body in various types of injuries as well. This is a crucial therapy in case there has been an extended period of immobilisation. It helps restore mobility without any injury.

 

    • Dry needling – This treatment mode helps to reduce tension in all the muscle complexes that lose function and integrity when the patient has had to wear moon boots or a cast for an extended period.

 

  • Barefoot rehab – This foot strengthening & rehab program is generally run by Podiatrists that have special qualifications to provide this particular treatment. It helps the patient regain strength in their foot after extended periods of restriction of function.

 

Custom Treatment Plan

If you have broken any bone in your foot, it’s vital to restore not just your foot but your lower limb to its normal function. Your podiatrist will create a custom treatment plan for you. They can also work with your orthopaedic specialist to ensure the best treatment and a quick recovery for you.

The podiatrist will recommend treatment based on the nature of the fracture you have sustained. In some cases, the patient may need longer immobilisation timeframes to recover fully. Your podiatrist will work closely with you and will prescribe specific exercises that can help restore mobility and strength to the impacted bones.

If you have sustained a fracture to an ankle or foot bone, contact an experienced podiatrist for a further detailed assessment. They will help devise a customised treatment plan to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. For any more information on our podiatry services at Sydney Sports Podiatry, feel free to contact us at either one of our locations today.

If you have sustained a fracture to an ankle or foot bone, contact an experienced podiatrist for a further detailed assessment. They will help devise a customised treatment plan to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. For any more information on our podiatry services at Sydney Sports Podiatry, feel free to contact us at either one of our locations today.

Thanks for reading,
Sydney Sports Podiatry
1300 474 306