FOOT FRACTURES AT EASTERN FOOT CARE

There are 26 bones in the human foot, all of which are susceptible to injury constituting an acute fracture or a chronic stress-related injury known as a stress fracture.

The symptoms of foot fractures can be obvious and occur in the presence of acute trauma (eg an ankle sprain), or they may be more subtle and occur over a period of time.

Sensations like throbbing, sharp pain, pain during sleep or at rest, pain during activity and even burning pains can all of symptoms of bone injury and possible fracture.

Here at Eastern Foot Care we diagnose and treat all foot fractures. Commonly we see stress fractures in bones of the foot which essentially are small cracks or bruising within a bone. These fractures are mostly caused by overuse or repetitive movement such as running and high impact sports.

There are other types of fractures that may be sustained including acute bone fractures that could be the result of an ankle sprain or crushing injury. Avulsion fractures are another type of acute fracture whereby a small fragment of bone is torn away at a ligamentous attachment to bone. Assessment and diagnosis will be based on clinical appraisal and various functional tests, as well as diagnostic imaging including plain film x-ray, CT scans, MRI scans and nuclear medicine imaging where indicated (SPECT/CT).

oad reduction; implementation of a CAM Walker (“moon boot”); immobilisation via fiberglass casting or a backslab cast. All of these treatments aim to restore the balance of load to the bone to facilitate healing. Protective footwear and offloading insoles may also be used to assist in healing or as a measure to prevent future fractures from occurring.

A surgical opinion may be warranted if open reduction of the fracture with internal fixation is required, or for specialist management of complicated fractures.

All of these treatment options will be considered and balanced by your podiatrist in order to achieve the best solution for your fracture.

All of the Sports Podiatrists at Eastern Foot Care are capable of assessing and managing all types of fractures and can arrange referrals for imaging or specialist opinion as required.