Foot Injuries
Contusions (Bruises)
Common to the heel and instep. When the injury occurs, there is severe pain and the inability to bear weight and often redness over the tender area.
Foot Sprain
May occur at the midfoot or forefoot and the phalanges (toes). The body’s acute responses are pain and swelling. If the condition is chronic, there is a dull pain. Treat this condition with rest, ice compression, and elevation (RICE). The sprain that occurs at the toe can be helped by wearing stiff-soled shoes or taping to restrict motion that may be painful. A fracture must be rules out by obtaining an x-ray.
Foot Strain
These occur because of insufficient conditioning of the musculature, structural imbalance, or incorrect mechanics which cause the foot to be prone to strains. The strain can occur in the metatarsal arch, the longitudinal arch, or the plantar fascia. Management of these symptoms includes properly fitting shoes, physically therapy, and sometimes orthotics.
Fractures and Dislocations
Any moderate to severe contusion or twisting force must be suspected as a fracture, and x-rays should be considered routine for these injuries. Fractures of the toes are generally accompanied by swelling and discoloration. Fractures of the metatarsals are characterized by swelling and pain, and have the appearance of a severe sprain. Fractures and dislocations of the talus usually result from a severe ankle twist or being hit in the leg while the foot in planted. There is extreme and point tenderness at the ankle joint. It is very important to have an x-ray for this injury.
Stress Fractures
The most common stress fracture in the foot is to one or more metatarsal shafts. A stress fracture can also occur in the calcaneus. Both are common in runners and should be evaluated by a physician.
