Foot Fracture
Foot injuries can result in a toe fracture, metatarsal fracture, or a tarsal fracture. Sometimes when the foot twists too far the wrong way, a tendon or ligament may rip off a piece of bone (an “avulsion fracture”). When a foot injury occurs it is important to limit weight-bearing, and might be necessary to obtain an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage. Surgery may be required depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Foot Injury From Running
A foot injury from running can be caused by twisting the ankle, poor footwear, direct injury, or overuse (i.e. tendonitis, stress fracture, neuroma). While avid runners want to continue exercising, it is important to listen to what the body is saying. Resting the foot and ankle, as well as seeing a physician to diagnose and treat the injury, is important for a faster recovery time. Once completely healed, a regimen can start to progressively ease back into regular running.
Toe Injury
After a toe injury, it is difficult to tell if there is a fracture, ligament tear, tendon injury, or other soft tissue injury without an examination from a medical professional. Pain, swelling, and redness are symptoms of an internal injury. The sooner the injury is addressed by a physician, the better the chances of a good outcome.
Toenail Injury
Toenail injuries should also be addressed by a physician sooner rather than later. Injuries can lead to ingrown toenails, blood under the nail needs to be removed, cuts underneath the toenail that need to be sutured, and fractures underneath the toenail that can go unnoticed without examination.
