Foot Fractures

Foot fractures are common. They may occur in the toes, the middle bones of the foot (metatarsals), or the ankle bones. The big toe (hallux) is the toe most often fractured. Fractures of the foot can cause considerable pain, which is almost always made worse by attempting to walk or put weight on the foot.

What Causes A Foot Fracture?

Fractures of the foot are caused by falls, excessive activity, twisting the foot, or by a direct impact to the foot. Toe fractures can occur when an unprotected foot strikes a hard object. The big toe (hallux) can break when a person stubs it or drops a heavy object onto it. A stress fracture of the metatarsal bones can sometimes occur when a person walks or runs excessively.

Pain is the most common symptom of a fractured foot. Standing or walking can be very painful. Swelling and discoloration around the fractured bone is also common. If a broken foot bone is suspected, medical attention should be sought.

Types of Foot Fractures

Because the foot is made up of a large number of bones, there are several types of fractures that are classified by anatomic location and by the fracture pattern. Some types of foot fractures have a special name like Nutcracker, Lisfranc or Jones fracture. Fractures of the foot are often associated with the mechanism of injury. Examples include stress fracture, avulsion fracture, and axial compression fracture. Some of the more common types of foot fractures are listed here:

Metatarsal Stress Fracture

This fracture occurs when people suddenly increase their physical activities. Common in soldier recruits, this type of foot fracture is also called a "march fracture."

Navicular Stress Fracture

A fracture to the midfoot region. Athletes who sustain a navicular stress fractures complain of a vague pain in the midfoot region.

Jones Fracture

A fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot. Patients commonly have pain over the middle/outside area of their foot.

Pseudo-Jones Fracture

An avulsion fracture of the fifth metatarsal that occurs where a tendon attaches to the bone at this point. When an Pseudo-Jones fracture occurs, the tendon pulls off a tiny fragment of bone from the base of the fifth metatarsal.

Lisfranc's Fracture

Actually a fracture and dislocation. This is an injury to the Lisfranc joint in the midfoot at the base of second metatarsal.

Nutcracker Fracture

A compression fracture of the cuboid tarsal bone. This type of foot fracture often requires open reduction and internal fixation.

Talar Neck Fracture

Talar neck fractures constitute about half of all talus bone fractures. The mechanism of injury is acute dorsiflexion of the forefoot, often caused by high-impact events such as falls.

Calcaneus Fracture

A fracture of the heel bone. Calcaneus fractures are caused by high-energy injuries, such as falls from heights, airplane crashes, and motor vehicle accidents.