What is foot trauma?
Foot trauma results from a wide range of injuries that damage the bones and soft tissues that make up your foot. Foot trauma can occur due to a sudden injury (acute trauma) or over time from stress.
Your foot is a complex structure made of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. Damage to any of these structures can result in pain, swelling, and impaired mobility.
Common types of foot trauma include:
- Fractures
- Wounds or lacerations
- Joint injuries
- Sprained ligaments
- Ruptured tendons
- Plantar fasciitis
- Muscle strains
Foot trauma commonly occurs during sports activities, work-related tasks, and projects around the home. The foot health experts at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, have extensive experience treating different foot traumas.
What is a fracture?
A fracture is a common foot trauma that refers to cracks or breaks in your bones. When you experience a fracture in your foot, your symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a foot fracture include bruising, swelling, pain, and in some cases, an obvious deformity.
Stress fractures are hairline cracks that commonly occur in weight-bearing areas like the legs and feet. Although stress fractures may not cause your bones to break completely, they can cause pain and increase your risk of fractures in the future.
If you have signs of foot trauma, let the board-certified podiatrists at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, determine the right treatment for you.
How is foot trauma treated?
Treatment depends on your injury as well as your symptoms.
Before recommending treatment, your podiatrist performs an in-depth examination to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Certain types of foot trauma, like stress fractures and soft tissue injuries, can share similar symptoms.
Your examination includes a physical exam as well as imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. After your diagnosis, your podiatrist works with you to develop your treatment plan. The treatment plan for your foot trauma may include:
- Splint, cast, or brace
- Orthotics
- Pain medication
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Physical therapy
Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, also offers surgical and non-surgical wound care. In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat your trauma and restore your health effectively.
To find out which treatment is right for you, call or book your appointment online today.
