If you drop something heavy on your foot, suffer a hard fall or get stepped on during athletic competition, you may end up breaking one of the many small bones in your foot. Foot fractures come in all different shapes and sizes, but if they are more mild in size and and the broken bone does not shift out of place, you are dealing with what’s known as a non-displaced fracture. This is the most common form of foot fracture, and we help patients overcome these types of injuries all the time. In today’s blog, we explain how non-displaced foot fractures are typically managed.
Symptoms Of Non-Displaced Foot Fractures
Before we dive into the treatment options, lets take a closer look at some of the symptoms that suggest you may be dealing with a non-displaced foot fracture. Symptoms of a foot fracture can mimic those of a bone bruise or general trauma to the foot, but symptoms may be a little more pronounced given the fact that a break exists. Some of the most common symptoms of non-displaced foot fractures include:
- Pain
- Throbbing discomfort when putting pressure on the area
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
If you are dealing with any of these symptoms and have reason to believe that you may have suffered a foot fracture, consider setting up an appointment with your primary care physician or a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Silverman. Although management of bone bruises and non-displaced foot fractures will be similar and you may be able to heal on your own, it can be helpful to know exactly what you’re dealing with and to rule out the possibility of a displaced fracture, which usually requires more hands-on care.
Diagnosing And Treating Non-Displaced Foot Fractures
At your appointment, your doctor will ask about the incident that led to your discomfort and the symptoms you’re dealing with. They will also perform a physical exam and will likely confirm their suspicions with an X-ray, which provides them with a detailed look at all the bones in your feet. They will be able to determine exactly where the fracture exists and the best treatment plan moving forward.
If a non-displaced fracture is confirmed, your doctor will discuss your treatment options. Because the fracture is stable and non-displaced, you typically won’t need surgery. Instead, you’ll be treated with a healthy dose of RICE, which stands for:
Rest – You will be told to rest and protect the area from additional stress. You’ll want to limit the time you spend on your feet and stay away from any stressful physical activities. You may also be given a walking boot or cast to further protect the area.
Ice – Ice will help to manage swelling and discomfort in the early stages of injury and recovery.
Compression – Wrapping the area can also help to limit swelling, which is helpful because excessive swelling can slow down the healing process.
Elevation – Elevating the foot above your heart helps to draw fluid away from the area and reduce swelling and inflammation.
Although your specific recovery timeline may vary, most patients can recover from a non-displaced foot fracture in 6-8 weeks.