How to Identify a Broken Foot

Your foot contains approximately 26 bones, many of which are quite susceptible to damage. You could break a toe by kicking something, or fracture your heel by landing from a high jump. Other bones might fracture if you twist or sprain your foot. While children are more prone to fractures than adults, their feet are often more flexible and heal faster.

Pay attention to severe pain when walking. The main symptom of a foot fracture is intense pain when you try to put pressure on your foot or walk.

• If you have a broken toe, you might still be able to walk with little pain. A broken foot, however, is extremely painful when walking. High-top shoes can reduce pain due to the fracture as they provide some support. Removing your shoes when you suspect a fracture is the best way to check for an injury.

Try removing your socks and shoes. This will help you determine whether your foot is broken, as you can compare both feet side by side.

• If you cannot remove your shoes and socks, even with someone else's help, you should go to the nearest emergency facility or call 115. Your foot might be broken and needs immediate medical attention. Cut off the shoes and socks before swelling causes further damage to your foot.

Compare both feet and look for signs of bruising, swelling, and injury. Check whether the injured foot and toes are swollen. You can also compare the injured foot to the healthy one to see if the foot is turning purple or swollen, or if it's bruised. You will also notice any open wounds on the injured foot.

Determine if it's a fracture or just a sprain. You can also tell if the foot is sprained or fractured. A sprain happens when ligaments stretch or tear, which are the tissues that hold bones together. A fracture is either a crack or a complete break in the bone.

• Check if any bone is protruding through the skin or if there is any deformity or unnatural angle in the foot. If the bone is sticking out or the foot is misshaped, it's likely that a bone in the foot is broken.

Go to the nearest emergency room. If the injured foot seems to be broken, you should go to the nearest emergency room. If you are alone and have no one to assist you, call 115. Do not drive yourself to the hospital if your foot is broken. Any broken bone can lead to shock, making driving extremely dangerous.

• If someone can drive you to the hospital, make sure to stabilize your foot to keep it still and prevent movement while in the car. Slide a pillow under the foot. Use tape or a bandage to secure the foot and knee to keep it upright. Try to keep your foot elevated while in the car; if possible, sit in the back seat and elevate your foot.

Allow the doctor to examine your foot. The doctor will press on several areas of your foot to check for any fractures. You may experience pain when the doctor presses, which is a sign that the bones in your foot might be broken.

• If the foot bones are fractured, you might feel pain when the doctor presses under the little toe or in the middle of the foot. You will also likely struggle to walk more than a few steps without assistance or extreme pain.

Let the doctor take an X-ray of your foot. If a fracture is suspected, the doctor will likely recommend an X-ray of your foot.

• However, even with an X-ray, it can be difficult to determine if the foot is fractured because swelling can obscure the smaller bones in the foot. Using the X-ray, the doctor can confirm the fracture and decide on the best treatment plan.

Ask the doctor about treatment options for you. Treatment for a broken foot will depend on which bone is fractured.

• If the heel bone is broken, you might need surgery. Similarly, if you fracture your ankle bone, which connects the foot and the lower leg, surgery may be necessary. However, fractures in the little toe or other toes may not require surgery.

Give your foot as much rest as possible. Once the doctor has treated your broken foot, it’s important to allow your foot to rest as much as possible. Use crutches to move around, making sure to transfer your body weight onto your arms, hands, shoulders, and the crutches, rather than your foot.

• If you have a broken toe, the toe may be wrapped together with an adjacent toe to prevent movement. Do not place weight on the broken toe, and allow it to heal over the next six to eight weeks.

Elevate your foot and apply ice to reduce swelling. Place your foot on a cushion or elevated surface while seated, ensuring the foot is higher than the rest of your body. This method helps in minimizing swelling.

• Applying ice to your foot also helps with swelling, especially if it is bandaged rather than being in a cast. Ice should be applied for 10 minutes at a time, repeating every hour during the first 10 to 12 hours after the injury.

Take pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will provide pain medication or a prescription to purchase over-the-counter medicine to manage the pain. Be sure to follow the instructions or your doctor's advice when using the medication.

Schedule a follow-up with your doctor. Most foot fractures take about six to eight weeks to heal. You should arrange a check-up once you're able to stand and walk on the injured foot. Your doctor may recommend wearing stiff, flat shoes to help your foot recover properly.