What Is A Broken Foot?
A broken foot is a fracture in one or more of the 26 bones in the foot. These injuries can range from small stress fractures to complex breaks involving joints or multiple bones. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to minimise complications and ensure full recovery.
Types of Broken Foot Injuries and Mechanism of Injury
Broken foot injuries vary depending on which bones are affected. Common types include:
- Toe fractures
- Metatarsal fractures
- Calcaneal (heel bone) fractures
- Navicular or talus fractures
- Lisfranc (midfoot) injuries
- Stress fractures
The mechanism of injury often involves:
- Direct trauma (e.g. stubbing the toe, dropping something on the foot)
- Twisting injuries
- Falls from a height
- Repetitive stress from high-impact activities
- Motor vehicle accidents or crush injuries
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Broken Foot
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden pain at the time of injury
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Tenderness to touch
- Visible deformity (in some cases)
Diagnosis involves:
- A clinical examination by a medical provider skilled in orthopaedics
- Assessment of how the injury occurred
- Imaging such as X-rays, weight-bearing views, or MRI/CT scans for complex or subtle fractures
Treatment Approaches For a Broken Foot
Treatment depends on the location, severity, and stability of the fracture. Options include:
- Conservative care with a moon boot, cast, or splint
- Protected weight-bearing or use of crutches
- Surgery (if the fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves a joint)
- Pain relief and rest
- Rehabilitation to restore strength and function
Prognosis For a Broken Foot
Most broken foot injuries heal well with appropriate treatment. Recovery may take 6–12 weeks, depending on the fracture type. Full return to sport or work may take longer, particularly after surgical intervention. Early rehabilitation and follow-up are key to avoiding complications such as arthritis or chronic pain.
Role of Access Ortho in Diagnosing and Treating a Broken Foot
At Access Ortho, our Brisbane and Ipswich fracture clinics offer:
- Rapid appointments – no referral required
- Expert assessment by orthopaedic clinicians experienced in foot injuries
- Referral X-rays and other radiology
- Moon boots, crutches and splints are available
- Personalised treatment plans and surgical referral if needed
- Rehabilitation guidance to support your recovery
Don’t wait in an emergency department. Visit Access Ortho for prompt, specialist care. Clinics are located in Indooroopilly and Ipswich.