Did you know almost one-fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet? A broken bone in your foot or in one of your toes is often painful, but with proper care it won't slow you down for too long.
There are two types of foot fractures: stress fractures and general bone fractures. Stress fractures usually occur in the bones of the forefoot extending from the toes to the middle of the foot. These are like tiny cracks in the surface of your bone and can result from sudden increases in exercise especially long-distance running/walking, improper training techniques, or a change in surfaces.
Bone fractures aren't only on the surface of your bone, they extend through it. Podiatrists classify them as stable or displaced, depending on if the bone ends line up or not. Bone fractures result from trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot. If the fractured bone doesn't break through the skin, it is called a closed fracture. If the fracture breaks through the skin, it is called an open fracture.
Common symptoms for any type of foot fracture include pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising. If you think you might have a foot fracture, see your podiatrist right away.