What is it?
Common injuries include ankle fractures, fractures of the fifth metatarsal (including the Jones fracture), other metatarsal and toe fractures, and injuries to the midfoot (Lisfranc) and heel bone.
What causes it?
- Twisting injuries
- Falls and missteps
- Dropping a heavy object on the foot
- Sports and motor vehicle accidents
What does it feel like?
- Immediate pain, swelling, and bruising
- Difficulty or inability to bear weight
- Visible deformity
- Pain directly over bone
How is it diagnosed?
X-rays in the office. CT is used to understand complex fractures, and MRI to detect subtle ligament injuries such as Lisfranc injuries.
When should you see a podiatrist?
- Any suspected fracture — ideally within a few days
- Immediately for deformity, open wounds, numbness, or a cold or pale foot (go to an emergency department)
Nonsurgical treatment
- Boot, cast, or stiff-soled shoe
- Depending on location and stability.
- Protected weight-bearing
- As directed by your surgeon.
- Serial X-rays
- Confirm the fracture is staying aligned and healing.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is recommended when a fracture is unstable, displaced, involves a joint surface, or is in a location with a high risk of not healing.
Bones are realigned and held with plates, screws, or specialized implants. Ligament injuries are repaired at the same time when present.
Related procedures
What is recovery like?
Most fractures take six to twelve weeks to heal, with additional time for strength and motion to return. Lisfranc and heel-bone fractures often take longer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Jones fracture?
A fracture at a specific part of the fifth metatarsal with limited blood supply. It has a higher risk of not healing and is often treated with a screw in active patients.
Do I need an emergency room for a broken foot?
Go to an emergency department for open wounds, obvious deformity, numbness, or a cold foot. Otherwise, a prompt office visit with X-rays is appropriate.