Fracture Care

The type and extent of care you receive for a foot fracture depends on whether the fracture is of the acute or stress variety. The initial step in treating stress fractures in feet is to halt physical activity that has the potential to worsen it. The severity of the stress fracture also determines whether it is necessary to don an a cast, a walking boot or another ortho device. Such treatment options reduce the load on the compromised foot or fully immobilize it so the bones heal properly.

In some cases, elevating and resting the foot while icing it will help. Foot stress fractures typically take around a month or longer to heal. If you suffer an acute fracture, you’ll likely need a cast for a full healing. Surgery might be necessary if the broken bones are not sufficiently aligned. Such a procedure requires an incision within the compromised foot, a realignment of the tiny bones and a stabilization of those bones with plates, screws, wires or pins.

The foot is then put in a cast for the ensuing month to three months. The healing process will be monitored to ensure the fracture care is actually working in a timely manner. Keep in mind, foot fractures will inevitably worsen unless treated. Even a diminutive microfracture has the potential to become a clean break without the proper treatment.