The period of time between when you first think you have a broken foot, to having this confirmed through an x-ray, and then going through the healing process can be a slow, uncomfortable, and even concerning process. Many people have concerns about the changes going on with their feet during this time. Knowing the difference between what is normal and when you should contact your doctor during your healing process from a broken foot can make the difference in how long it takes you to heal. Here are the 6 broken foot symptoms that you should look out for.
6 Broken Foot Symptoms You Need to Know
1.Pain
Pain is usually the #1 symptom of a broken foot. Pain is a vital sign. If you are having foot pain, especially if it is new, and especially after some kind of trauma (fall, misstep, sprain, something heaving falling on your foot, etc), definitely see a foot doctor or podiatrist immediately.
2. Swelling
Swelling is also a very common broken foot symptom. Swelling is one of the many signs of inflammation. One type of inflammation, acute inflammation, is healthy, and important in the healing of injuries, including a broken bone. Swelling during a broken bone is the result of several processes going on inside of your body, including the following:
Tissue damage: When a bone breaks, the soft tissues surrounding this bone, like muscles, tendons, and blood vessels are often damaged too. This damage causes inflammation, which then leads to swelling.
Increased blood flow: One of the things that happens in swelling due to a broken bone is that blood vessels will dilate or become larger to allow for more blood flow to the injury. This process also allows for more immune cells, oxygen, and healing factors to reach the broken bone.
Leaking fluids: When you have any injury, like a broken bone, your blood vessels will allow for more fluids to leak into the surrounding tissues, which leads to swelling.
Inflammatory chemicals: The body releases chemicals like histamine, prostaglandins, and cytokines that help with healing. These chemicals cause more fluids to build up in the injured area, which leads to swelling.
3. Bruising
Bruising can be a broken foot symptom, but not always. Bruising is seen in a fracture due to tissue damage, and bleeding underneath the skin which then pools, and creates a bruise.
4. Numbness or tingling
Numbness or tingling can be a broken foot symptom; but not always. Reasons for numbness or tingling can be a trapped or compressed nerve, swelling, inflammation, or blood vessel damage.
5. Harder to walk
Difficulty walking can be another broken foot symptom. One of the functions of your bones is to give support or structure to your body. If a bone is broken in your foot, it makes it much harder to bear or place weight on your foot. Also when a broken bone moves, this can also be painful. All of these reasons make it much harder to walk when you have a broken foot.
6. Deformity
One of the most obvious broken foot symptoms is a deformity, or the foot physically looking different than normal. Certain foot deformities seen with a broken foot bone include part of your foot being crooked, new lumps, bumps, or dents being in places where they normally weren't before. If you are experiencing foot deformity, especially after an injury, book an appointment with your local foot doctor.
Key Takeaways
Broken foot symptoms can vary from person to person, but some obvious changes to your feet like new foot pain, swelling, or deformity, after any trauma should be brought to your local foot doctor or podiatrist to rule out a fracture.
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Are you looking for a podiatrist in Phoenix? My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe. To view my available appointment times, click here.
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