Physical Therapy for Foot Fractures
Foot fractures are common injuries that can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Initial treatment for a foot fracture usually involves surgery or immobilization, but physical therapy also plays a very important role in rehabilitation. Physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion while you recover from a foot fracture, while also teaching you how to prevent future injuries.
At Evolution Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists work with patients of all ages facing a variety of injuries and conditions. Our comprehensive PT care includes treatment plans for foot fractures with the unique needs of each patient kept in mind every step of the way.
What is a Foot Fracture?
A foot fracture is a break in at least one of the 26 bones that make up the foot. These fractures can range from hairline cracks to complete breaks, causing different symptoms depending on their severity. Foot fractures may involve any bone, but most commonly affect the toes, metatarsals, and the heel bone. Physical therapy treatment plans for foot fractures differ based on the location and severity of the injury.
Causes of Foot Fractures
Foot fractures can occur for many different reasons. Common causes of foot fractures include:
- Injury or Trauma: Sudden impact from falls, sports injuries, or car accidents often lead to fractures.
- Overuse: Repetitive stress or high-impact activities like running or jumping can lead to fractures.
- Osteoporosis: Weak bones due to osteoporosis increase the chances of fractures, even from minor trauma.
- Foot Structure Issues: Conditions like high arches or flat feet can increase stress on certain parts of the foot, leading to fractures over time.
What are the Symptoms of a Foot Fracture?
Common symptoms of a foot fracture include:
- Pain: Intense pain at the location of the fracture, especially during movement.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling around the injured area, along with bruising.
- Difficulty Walking: Reduced ability to walk or put weight on the foot due to pain and instability.
- Tenderness: The affected area of the foot may be sensitive to touch or pressure.
- Deformity: In some severe cases, the injured foot may appear deformed or misaligned.
What are the Potential Complications of an Untreated Foot Fracture?
Ignoring or delaying treatment for a foot fracture can lead to further complications, which is why prompt treatment is so important. These potential complications include:
- Chronic Pain: Untreated fractures can heal improperly, causing long-term pain.
- Decreased Functionality: Delayed healing can reduce your ability to walk or perform daily activities without pain or difficulty.
- Arthritis: Misaligned bones from untreated fractures can lead to arthritis in the foot joints.
- Deformities: An untreated fracture can cause permanent changes in foot structure, affecting balance and mobility.
How Do Physical Therapists Treat Foot Fractures?
Physical therapists play a very important role in the recovery process for foot fractures. Following the initial healing period, physical therapy aims to:
- Restore mobility
- Increase strength
- Improve balance
- Manage pain
- Improve gait
Physical Therapy Treatment Programs for Foot Fractures
A typical physical therapy treatment program for foot fractures include:
- Range-of-Motion Exercises: Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening Exercises: Weight-bearing exercises, such as calf raises, to restore strength in the foot and surrounding areas.
- Balance Training: Exercises that challenge your balance, helping prevent future falls.
- Gait Training: Walking exercises to improve mobility and ensure proper walking patterns.
- Functional Activities: Gradual reintroduction to daily activities and tasks, like driving or climbing stairs, as recovery progresses.
When to See a Physical Therapist for a Broken Bone in the Foot
It is very important to contact a physical therapist after the initial healing period of a foot fracture. Whether your initial recovery plan involves rest or surgery, physical therapy can help improve your mobility and is an extremely valuable part of the healing process. You should talk to your doctor about physical therapy if you:
- Suffer from continuous pain and swelling after the fracture heals.
- Have difficulty walking or putting weight on your foot.
- Feel weakness in the foot and instability during movement.
- Want to prevent re-injury and restore full function.
At Evolution Physical Therapy, specialized physical therapists at our locations in California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Long Island offer a wide range of physical therapy services and are here to support you. Our PT plans are individualized to each patient and designed to help you get back to doing what you love without pain or discomfort. Give your nearest Evolution Physical Therapy location a call today to get started! You can also easily request an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!