When it comes to foot injuries, understanding the types of broken bones in the foot is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Each foot contains 23 bones that may sustain an injury. A closed, or simple, fracture involves a break in the bone without piercing the skin. An open, or compound, fracture is more severe, where the bone breaks through the skin or is exposed due to a wound. This requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of infection. Greenstick fractures are commonly seen in children. These involve small, slender cracks in bones, as children's bones are more flexible. Hairline fractures, often called stress fractures, result from repetitive stress, particularly in activities like jogging or running. These tiny cracks frequently may occur in the long bones of the foot. Complicated fractures entail injuries to surrounding structures, such as veins, arteries, nerves, and the bone's lining, which may call for careful assessment and treatment. Comminuted fractures shatter the bone into small pieces, resulting in a slower healing process and requiring extensive care. Avulsion fractures occur when powerful muscle contractions pull pieces of bone where muscles attach to bones via tendons. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Our feet and ankles are marvels of engineering, combining intricate structures to support our weight and facilitate movement. The remarkable anatomy of the foot consists of 26 bones, comprising the tarsal, metatarsal, and phalangeal bones, forming arches that provide stability and flexibility. Ligaments connect these bones, acting like tough rubber bands to hold the structure together. Meanwhile, muscles and tendons play a crucial role in moving the foot and toes. The ankle joint forms where the lower leg meets the foot, connecting the tibia and fibula to the talus bone. Ligaments here ensure stability, while the Achilles tendon at the back enables powerful movements, such as running and jumping. Understanding the intricate web of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons in your feet and ankles can help you appreciate their importance. If you would like additional knowledge about the biomechanics of the feet and ankles, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet and overpronation, although often seen together, are distinct conditions that can exist independently. Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are characterized by the lack of an arch on the inside of the foot, resulting in the entire sole touching the ground. Overpronation relates to the dynamic movement of the foot during activities such as walking or running. Pronation is the natural inward roll and lowering of the arch when weight is placed on the foot. Overpronation means this movement is excessive, potentially leading to issues due to altered force patterns on the foot and leg. The collapse of the arch when standing can lead to excessive pronation while in motion. Correcting flat feet often involves both raising the arch when standing and controlling pronation during activities such as walking or running. Some individuals may have a normal arch, but still overpronate during high impact activities. Treatment and exercises for flat feet can sometimes overlap with those for overpronation. If you have either of these conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and gait patterns to determine whether you have a problem requiring treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.