How do I know if my foot is broken or just sprained?

It can be hard to tell without an exam. Pain at one spot on the bone, trouble bearing weight and swelling that does not settle all point to a possible fracture. An X-ray, which we can take in the office, is usually needed to confirm it.

What is a stress fracture?

A small crack in a bone caused by repeated force rather than a single injury. Stress fractures are common in runners and in people who suddenly increase their activity, and they often start as pain that comes on during activity and eases with rest.

Can I walk on a broken foot?

Sometimes, but walking on an untreated fracture can make it worse or slow healing. Keep weight off the foot until it has been examined.

How long does a foot fracture take to heal?

Often about six to eight weeks, but it depends on the bone, the type of break and your overall health.

Do all foot fractures need surgery?

No. Many heal with rest and protection. Surgery is considered when the bone has shifted out of place or the break is not healing as expected.

$Illustration of the foot's bones with a fracture in the second metatarsal$

Foot Fracture Treatment in Westchester, NY

At Westchester Podiatric Medicine – Nerve & Wound Healing Institute, Dr. John Marzano, DPM diagnoses and treats broken bones in the foot and toes, from sudden injuries to stress fractures that build up over time, with X-ray and ultrasound right in the office.

Call Now Request Appointment

What is a foot fracture?

The foot has 26 bones, and a fracture is a break in any of them. Some fractures happen suddenly, from a fall, a twisted ankle or something heavy landing on the foot. Others, called stress fractures, are tiny cracks that develop over time from repeated impact, such as running or a sudden increase in activity.

Signs of a foot fracture

Close-up of runners' feet in running shoes on a track

Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk
Swelling and bruising
Tenderness at one spot on the bone
Trouble putting weight on the foot
A toe or part of the foot that looks out of place

When to see a podiatrist

You can't put weight on your foot
Pain or swelling after an injury that isn't improving after a few days
The foot or a toe looks deformed
Numbness or tingling after an injury

If you have diabetes or neuropathy, have any foot injury checked promptly. Reduced feeling in the feet can hide a fracture, and an untreated break can lead to serious problems.

Call Now to Schedule Appointment

How foot fractures are diagnosed and treated

With X-ray and ultrasound in the office, Dr. Marzano can look at the injury during your visit. Stress fractures do not always show up on an early X-ray, so he may recommend follow-up imaging. Treatment depends on which bone is broken, the type of break and how well the bone is lined up. Many foot fractures heal with rest and protection, such as a stiff-soled shoe, a walking boot or a cast, sometimes with crutches to keep weight off the foot.

Some fractures, especially those where the bone has shifted out of place, may need surgery. Dr. Marzano is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and will explain which approach fits your injury. Healing often takes about six to eight weeks, depending on the bone and the type of break.

Get a possible fracture checked quickly

Walking on an untreated fracture can make it worse and slow healing. Patients throughout Scarsdale, White Plains, Bronxville and Westchester County trust Westchester Podiatric Medicine – Nerve & Wound Healing Institute for fast diagnosis and careful treatment of foot injuries.

Schedule Your Appointment