A broken foot, or foot fracture, can affect any of the 26 bones in each foot.

Depending on your injury, recovery time for a fractured foot can vary from six weeks to six months.

A fractured foot can be resulting from trauma from a sports injury, fall, or other accident.

man on crutches with walking boot

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you’re free to also get a fracture from repetitive forces and pressure from weight-bearing activities.

This article will describe common causes, types, symptoms, and treatment of foot fractures.

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What Are the Causes of a Broken Foot?

However, do not attempt to identify the exact nature of a foot injury on your own.

If you could’t bear weight on your foot, see a healthcare provider for an exam and X-ray.

How is a Broken Foot Diagnosed?

An X-ray is the most common diagnostic test used to diagnose a foot fracture.

MRIs can depict boneedema, which can develop before a full-stress fracture develops.

About 80% of metatarsal fractures heal well with conservative treatment.

How Long Does a Broken Foot Take to Heal?

How is a Broken Foot Treated?

More serious fractures may need to be treated with surgery.

Elevating your foot and applying ice can help decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation.

How is a Broken Foot Prevented?

A foot fracture can include the toes, heel bone, tarsal, or metatarsal bones.

They most commonly occur from impact injuries (accidents or falls).

They can also develop gradually from a repetitive activity like running and jumping without adequate rest.

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