One of the most common areas where fractures occur is the foot. The cause is usually severe trauma. Falling from a height, getting hit and traffic accidents can cause foot fractures. In elderly patients, a severe trauma may not be necessary. Bones that wear out over time and deteriorate in quality can break with a simple movement. Foot and ankle fractures are treated according to the location and severity of the fracture.
Causes of Foot and Ankle Fractures
Traffic accidents… The most common cause. The fractures are usually serious enough to require surgery.
Falling… It can be seen as a result of falling from a height. Sometimes a fracture can occur even during a trip while walking.
Impact… Severe impacts can cause a foot fracture. It can occur especially during sports activities such as soccer and after a heavy object falls on the foot.
Sprains… A wrong movement can have unexpected consequences. Walking around the house and bumping into furniture can also sometimes lead to a broken foot.
Overuse… Overloading can cause minor deformities such as cracks in the foot. A fracture may occur as a result of repeated activity. In the elderly, especially due to calcification and osteoporosis, easy fractures can occur.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that increase the risk of foot and ankle fractures. Some sports activities are prone to fractures. In activities such as soccer, hockey, gymnastics, tennis and ballet, the risk of foot fracture is high because of the high risk of bumps and sprains. Using inappropriate sports equipment is also dangerous. Dysfunctional or outdated sports equipment can cause stress fractures and sprains. Starting sports without warming up is another factor that increases the risk. Some occupational groups (e.g. construction) are particularly prone to fractures because they involve risks such as falls from heights and weights falling on the feet. Again, as mentioned above, fractures can occur more easily in people with calcification and osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Fractures
- Sudden pain (pain may increase even more when you try to move)
- Throbbing
- Inflatable
- Bruising
- Sensitivity
- Deformity
- Difficulty stepping on the foot and inability to walk
- Fracture sound (Sometimes a similar sound is heard, but the cause may not be a fracture)
Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment
The treatment method to be applied in foot and ankle fractures is determined according to the location and severity of the fracture. Non-surgical treatment is performed especially if there is no distortion or slippage at the fracture ends. In this method, plaster or splint can be used. If there is distortion and slippage at the fracture ends, surgical treatment may be required.