Fracture of the cuboid bone how long does it heal. Fractures of the bones of the foot (navicular and cuboid). Symptoms and Diagnosis

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In most cases, midfoot fractures are intra-articular. With these fractures, the anatomical relationships in the Lisfranc and Chopard joints are often violated, which subsequently leads to such serious disorders as restriction of pronation, supination, adduction and abduction of the foot, to prolonged lameness, pain, disability, and sometimes to disability.

Clinical signs of fractures of the navicular, sphenoid and cuboid bones are a sharp swelling in the midfoot, extending to the front surface ankle joint, severe deformation of this department immediately after the injury, pain at the fracture site during palpation and pushing the finger along the axis, the impossibility of loading the injured limb. The final diagnosis is established with the involvement of X-ray data.

Fractures of the navicular bone are isolated and can be combined with fractures of other bones of the foot. Isolated fractures are rare. According to the literature, scaphoid fractures account for 2.2–2.5% of all foot fractures. As you know, almost all the weight of the body falls on the inside of the foot. Trauma narrows the space between the sphenoid bones and the head of the talus, causing the scaphoid to be crushed or split and pushed out of its bed.

In this case, the strength of the longitudinal arch of the foot is violated, which must be taken into account when treating this injury. According to our data, fractures of the navicular bone were observed in 14 patients, of which isolated - in 6, in combination with other bones of the foot - in 8. As a result of direct trauma, the fracture occurred in 10 patients, indirect - in 4. In 3 patients, compression fractures of the navicular the bones were combined with a dislocation in Chopard's joint. Such a dislocation fracture occurs when the foot is forcibly abducted or adducted, when gravity falls on middle department feet, hitting the wheel of a moving vehicle. In most cases, scaphoid fractures were the result of weight being dropped on the foot with increased plantar flexion.

These fractures are accompanied by displacement of fragments, the degree of which depends on the magnitude and direction of the traumatic force and the presence or absence of rupture of the ligaments surrounding the navicular bone.

Rice. 4.8. Types of fractures of the navicular bone.
a — compression fracture; b - separation of the horizontal plate; c — fracture in the sagittal direction; d - additional external tibia at the inner edge of the scaphoid; e — detachment of a fragment of the tuberosity of the navicular bone in the area of ​​attachment of the tibial muscle.

As a rule, the displacement occurs in the back side, since the ligaments located on the back surface between the talus, sphenoid and cuboid bones are less strong than on the plantar side. Rupture of the horizontal plate of the scaphoid can later cause prolonged pain when walking (Fig. 4.8).

Sometimes there is a displacement of fragments to the inner edge of the foot. Usually such a fragment is a fragment of the tuberosity of the navicular bone, formed after a blow or as a result of tearing off the tibial muscle at the place of its attachment to the navicular bone. These fractures are uncommon and are usually mistaken for an extra external tibia. Therefore, when planning to formulate a diagnosis, it must be taken into account that, unlike an additional bone that has even contours, a fragment has jagged contours. In doubtful cases, radiographs of both feet should be compared.

Avulsion of the navicular tuberosity is more common than many authors suggest. A fresh fracture, as a rule, is mistaken for a bruise and the correct diagnosis is established already at the stage of a formed false joint, when pain appears when walking, especially at the time of foot rolling. The fracture line in the area of ​​tuberosity is often transverse.

There are fractures of the navicular bone with a longitudinal fracture line, the bone is then divided into two closely adjoining fragments - internal and external. The line of fracture of the navicular bone, going from front to back, is a continuation of the line between the medial and intermediate cuneiform bones. Sometimes the medial fragment is displaced along with the medial sphenoid and I metatarsal bones along the line of the Lisfranc joint posteriorly and medially. We observed such a displacement in diverging fracture-dislocations in the Lisfranc joint. With fractures of the navicular bone in the sagittal direction, damage to the head or neck of the talus or fractures of the sphenoid bones are often noted, possibly their combination with the separation of the inner end of the cuboid or the anterior end of the calcaneus.

With compression fractures of the navicular bone with dislocation of the foot in the Chopard joint, the displacement of the fore and middle sections of the foot is possible to the rear, to the sole, inward and very rarely outward.

Clinical picture

With an isolated fracture of the navicular bone, the load of the foot is impossible due to pain, the position of the foot is forced - the patient tends to keep it in the supination position and avoid pronation. When the fragments are displaced, they are felt under the skin. The clinic of dislocation fracture in the Chopard joint is characterized by a sharp deformity of the midfoot and ankle joint, severe pain on palpation of the fracture area, and the inability to load the injured foot. Foot deformity occurs in the first hours after injury. Sometimes a dislocation in the Chopard joint is accompanied by paralysis of the medial and lateral plantar nerves with numbness of the plantar surface of the fingers and paralysis of the worm-like muscles. The fingers acquire a claw-like deformity (like a "clawed paw" with paralysis of the fingers).

X-ray diagnostics

The navicular bone is examined in direct (plantar) and lateral (axial) projections. A compression fracture is characterized by a wedge-shaped deformity of the navicular bone with the tip of the wedge facing the plantar side, as well as compaction of the bone shadow due to compression of the bone beams. All these features are prominent in the pictures in the lateral projection.

Treatment

If the fracture of the scaphoid bone is not accompanied by displacement of the fragments, a boot-type plaster bandage should be applied in moderate plantar flexion of the foot, with a special metal instep support cast into the plantar part to prevent flattening of the arches of the foot. The duration of immobilization is up to 8 weeks. Dosed load on the foot is allowed after 3-4 weeks. In the process of treatment, periodic X-ray control is necessary.

When the fragments are displaced, you should try to manually compare them under anesthesia or under intraosseous anesthesia with the patient lying on the table with the leg bent at the knee joint to a right angle. The repositioning technique is as follows. One assistant holds the heel, the other pulls the toes forward, flexes the foot and performs an eversion.

The space between the sphenoid bones and the head of the talus increases, and at this moment you need to press your thumb on the protruding fragment of the navicular bone; in most cases, the fragment is reduced. After the control radiography, a plaster bandage of the boot type is applied.

In case of tearing off the tuberosity of the navicular bone, it is necessary to give the foot the most supinated position in order to bring the tuberosity together with the tendon to its place. In a plaster bandage applied in this position, the load is not allowed for 2 weeks, the plaster bandage is removed after 6-8 weeks. After that, pain can persist for a long time - for several months, until the fragments are completely fused, and only after that does the limb function fully restore. If the torn tuberosity of the navicular bone, together with the ligament, grows back into place, there will be no violation of statics.

In more difficult cases of fracture-dislocation of the navicular bone with a large displacement of fragments, we perform reduction using an apparatus of our own design.

Reduction technique: one needle is passed through the calcaneus, the other through the heads of the metatarsal bones; after stretching the bed of the navicular bone, pressing on the displaced fragment, it is easily set.

Compression fractures of the scaphoid with dislocation of the foot in the Chopard joint, which are difficult to treat conservatively, require open reduction.

In case of multi-comminuted fractures of the navicular bone with a significant displacement of fragments that are not amenable to conservative treatment, arthrodesis should be resorted to, producing it in two directions - between the navicular bone and the head of the talus and between the navicular bone and the posterior surfaces of the three sphenoid bones. However, this intervention can lead to a shortening of the inner edge or section of the foot and to the omission of the inner arch - flat feet. Some authors propose to resect part of the navicular bone to restore balance.

In our opinion, it is more appropriate to use a bone graft after refreshing the articular surfaces of the bones surrounding the scaphoid. In the absence of allobone, a bone graft from the tibia can be used. A bone groove is made in the head of the talus and medial sphenoid bones, where a bone graft is inserted or the defect is densely filled with a spongy substance taken from the iliac wing.

The navicular bone should not be removed even if it is significantly damaged, since with prolonged plaster immobilization it is possible to achieve fusion. Removal of the navicular bone in the future may affect the statics of the foot due to a sharp flattening of the sole and valgus curvature of the forefoot. It is possible to remove the navicular bone only in case of its very severe damage, but at the same time, arthrodesis along the line of the Chopard joint and bone grafting should be performed according to the method described above.

After the operation for 3 months, a blind plaster bandage is applied to the knee joint with a metal arch support. Loading the diseased limb in such a bandage begins in 5-6 weeks. After removing the plaster bandage, physiotherapy exercises, massage, swimming in the pool or baths. In the future, patients should wear orthopedic shoes for at least 6-8 months or arch support insoles for a year or more.

Fractures of the sphenoid bones. Due to the fact that all the sphenoid bones, except for the medial one, are articulated on all sides with other bones of the foot, their isolated fractures are extremely rare. Such a fracture is more often combined with dislocations of the metatarsal bones in the Lisfranc joint. This is due to the fact that the anterior articular surfaces of the sphenoid bones articulate with the posterior articular surfaces of the I, II and III metatarsal bones, and the line between these bones is the inner part of the Lisfranc joint (Fig. 4.9).

Of the three sphenoid bones, the medial one, located at the inner edge of the foot and less protected from external influences, is most often damaged. Nevertheless, fractures of all the sphenoid bones at the same time are possible.

Fractures of the sphenoid bones are intra-articular and belong to the category of severe injuries of the foot. In most cases, they are caused by compression or crushing of the sphenoid bones between the metatarsal and navicular.

Basically, these fractures are the result of direct trauma - the fall of heavy objects on the dorsum of the foot. The prognosis of these fractures is favorable, but sometimes prolonged pain remains. Elderly people may develop static arthrosis in the joints of the foot.

Rice. 4.9. Scheme of a fracture of the medial sphenoid bone with dislocation of the I, II, III metatarsal bones in the Lisfranc joint.

We observed 13 patients with fractures of the sphenoid bones: in 3 - isolated, in the rest - multiple in combination with fractures of other bones of the foot. In 10 patients, the fracture was the result of direct trauma, in 3 - indirect.

Clinical picture

There is a sharp swelling of the rear of the foot, extending to the anterior surface of the ankle joint and the base of the I, II and III metatarsal bones, subcutaneous hemorrhage (hematoma) and sharp pain on palpation. In the area of ​​application of the traumatic force, the impression of soft tissues is determined. Pathological mobility of the entire forefoot is noted.

Damage to the arch of the foot with fractures of the sphenoid bones occurs when a large crushing force is applied, which could displace the broken bones towards the sole and cause traumatic flat feet. However, more often sphenoid bone fractures occur without significant displacement of fragments.

X-ray diagnostics

The technique of X-ray examination and the method of recognition of fractures of the sphenoid bones are the same as for fractures of the navicular bone; the only difference is that the superimposition of the intermediate and lateral cuneiform and metatarsal bones that articulate with them often simulates a fracture line. A slight change in the direction of the x-rays makes it possible to avoid overlapping contours.

Treatment

Fractures of the sphenoid bones most often occur without significant displacement of fragments, so the treatment is reduced to the imposition of a circular plaster bandage such as a boot with a metal arch support built into the plantar part to prevent the development of post-traumatic flat feet. Walking is prohibited for 7-10 days, then a dosed load on the injured limb is allowed. The plaster bandage is removed after 5-7 weeks, after which physiotherapy exercises, massage, and baths are carried out. It is recommended to wear shoes with an orthopedic cork insole throughout the year. Ability to work is restored after 8-10 weeks.

Fractures of sphenoid bones with displacement of fragments, when conservative measures fail, are treated promptly with transarticular fixation of fragments with a metal Kirschner wire.

In general, the prognosis for fractures of the sphenoid bones is favorable, except for pain, often prolonged. Fractures of the cuboid bone. The cuboid is the key to the lateral arch of the foot and is very rarely fractured, although it is located in the lateral region of the foot. Almost always, its fracture is the result of a direct injury, but can be caused by the fall of weight on the foot in the position of its sharp flexion. In rare cases, when the cuboid bone is compressed between the calcaneus and the bases of the IV and V metatarsal bones, it splits into several fragments. The fracture line most often occurs in a sagittal or slightly oblique direction. The outer fragment has a protrusion, which is limited in front by a groove for the long peroneal muscle.

Comminuted fractures of the cuboid bone are often combined with fractures of other bones of the foot, in particular the base of the metatarsal bones, the lateral sphenoid and navicular bones. Isolated cuboid fractures are extremely rare. With a fracture of the cuboid bone, one should not forget about the existence of additional bones that can be mistaken for a fragment of the cuboid bone. Break off a piece bone tissue from the cuboid bone is observed quite often with a severe injury in the area of ​​the midfoot.

We observed 8 patients with fractures of the cuboid bone. 6 of them had an isolated fracture and 2 were combined with fractures of the bases of the IV and V metatarsal bones. In 5 patients, the fracture was the result of a direct injury, and in 3 patients, an indirect injury.

Clinical picture

With a fracture of the cuboid bone, there is a sharp local pain and hemorrhage, which captures the entire outer part of the foot. Often a fragment is palpated between the base of the fifth metatarsal bone and cuboid bone; while the latter is shifted up, forward or down. The fragment is usually mobile. In severe bone damage, the outer edge of the foot is usually elevated. Passive movements in the Chopard joint are sharply limited and painful, complete blockade of the joint is possible. In most cases, there is no significant displacement of fragments. Fracture lines can be very different (Fig. 4.10). By nature, fractures are most often comminuted.

X-ray diagnostics

X-ray examination of the cuboid bone is carried out in direct and lateral projections. The most informative picture in direct projection.

Rice. 4.10. The most common fractures of the cuboid bone.

Treatment

As well as fractures of the sphenoid bones, fractures of the cuboid bone are usually not accompanied by a large displacement of the fragments, so the treatment is mainly reduced to the immobilization of the foot with a boot-type plaster bandage with a metal arch support plastered into the plantar part.

A dosed load on the injured limb is allowed no earlier than after 5-7 days. After removing the plaster cast (after 4-6 weeks), exercise therapy, massage, swimming in the pool or baths are prescribed. Ability to work is restored after 6-8 weeks. During the year, the patient must wear orthopedic shoes with a cork insole.

With multi-comminuted fractures, often for several months the patient is disturbed by pain, especially during long walking. In such cases, it is necessary to remove small fragments promptly. When combined comminuted fracture cuboid bone with fractures of other bones of the foot, preference is given to surgical treatment.

Foot surgery
D.I.Cherkes-Zade, Yu.F.Kamenev

A broken foot is one of the most common types of fracture.

The sheer number of bones in the foot, the colossal loads that these bones must endure on a daily basis, and the lack of minimal knowledge about the prevention of foot fractures make this difficult. anatomical education especially vulnerable.

Anatomical excursion

Foot - lower section lower limb, which has a vaulted structure and is designed to absorb shocks that occur when walking, jumping and falling.

The feet perform two main functions:

  • firstly, they hold body weight;
  • secondly, they provide the movement of the body in space.

These functions determine the structural features of the feet: 26 bones in each foot (a quarter of all the bones in the human body are located in the feet), the joints connecting these bones, a large number of powerful ligaments, muscles, vessels and nerves.

The joints are inactive, and the ligaments are elastic and high-strength, so dislocation of the foot occurs much less frequently than a fracture.

Since we are talking about fractures, let's turn Special attention on the bone skeleton of the foot, which consists of the following bones:

  1. Heel. It is the largest bone in the foot. It has the shape of a complex three-dimensional rectangle with depressions and protrusions, to which muscles are attached and along which nerves, vessels and tendons pass.
  2. Ram (supracalcaneal). It stands in second place in size, is unique in the high percentage of the articular surface and in that it does not contain a single bone or tendon attachment. It consists of a head, a body and a neck connecting them, which is the least resistant to fractures.
  3. Cuboid. It is located in front of the heel bone closer to the outside of the foot. Forms the arch of the foot and forms a groove, thanks to which the tendon of the long peroneal muscle can fully work.
  4. Scaphoid. Forms joints with the talus and three sphenoid bones. Occasionally, the development of this bone is disturbed and the 27th bone of the foot can be observed - an additional navicular bone connected to the main cartilage. With unskilled reading of the x-ray, the accessory bone is often mistaken for a fracture.
  5. Wedge-shaped. From all sides attached to other bones.
  6. Metatarsal. Short tubular bones are used for depreciation.
  7. Phalanges of fingers. Similar to the phalanges of the fingers in number and location (two flanks for the thumbs and three for each other finger), but shorter and thicker.
  8. Sesamoid. Two very small (smaller than a pea), but extremely significant round bones, are located inside the tendons and are responsible for flexing the first toe, which bears the maximum load.

Every tenth fracture and every third closed fracture occurs in the foot (for military personnel, this figure is slightly higher and amounts to 13.8% in peacetime).

The most common foot fractures are:

  • talus - less than 1%, of which about 30% of cases lead to disability;
  • calcaneal - 4%, of which 83% - as a result of a jump on straight legs from a great height;
  • cuboid - 2.5%;
  • scaphoid - 2.3%;
  • metatarsal - the most common type of injury to the foot bone.

Moreover, athletes are characterized by a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone during excessive loads, and for people experiencing unusual excessive loads, often in uncomfortable shoes, a second fracture, sometimes 3 or 4 and rarely 1 or 5.

The average duration of disability for a toe injury is 19 days. For children, such an injury is not typical, there are incomplete fractures (cracks).

At a young age, split fractures are common, after 50 years - depressed ones.

Causes of injury

Fracture of the bones of the foot can occur for several reasons:

  • falling heavy objects on the foot;
  • jump (fall) from a great height with landing on the feet;
  • when kicked;
  • when hit on the leg;
  • with subluxation of the foot due to walking on uneven surfaces.

Features of fractures of different bones

Distinguish different types fractures depending on the bone that was injured.

Calcaneal fracture

The main cause of occurrence is landing on the heels when jumping from a considerable height, the second most common is a strong blow during an accident. Upon impact, the weight of the body is transferred to the talus, it crashes into the calcaneus and splits it into pieces.

Fractures are usually unilateral, usually complex.

A fatigue fracture of the calcaneus stands apart, the main cause of which is chronic overload of a bone that has anatomical defects.

It should be noted that the very fact of the presence of an anatomical defect does not lead to a fracture, its occurrence requires constant and fairly serious loads, therefore, such a fracture is most often observed in recruits in the army and amateur athletes who neglect medical examination before the appointment of high loads.

Talus injury

A relatively rare fracture that occurs as a result of a fall from a great height, an accident or a blow and is often combined with injuries lumbar and other fractures (from the bones of the foot, the calcaneus usually suffers along with the talus).

The injury is considered severe, in a third of cases it leads to disability. This state of affairs is associated with a lack of blood circulation provoked by trauma.

Even if the vessels are not ruptured, due to their compression, the supply of the bone nutrients is broken, the fracture grows together for a very long time.

cuboid fracture

The main reason for the occurrence of a fracture is the fall of a heavy object on the leg, a fracture due to impact is also possible.

As is clear from the mechanism of occurrence, usually unilateral.

Fracture of the scaphoid


It is formed as a result of the fall of a heavy object on the back of the foot at the moment when the bone is in tension. A fracture with displacement and in combination with fractures of other bones of the foot is characteristic.

Recently, fatigue fractures of the navicular bone have been noted, which used to be a rarity - this is primarily due to an increase in the number of non-professional athletes who exercise without medical and coaching support.

Sphenoid bone injury

The consequence of a heavy object falling on the dorsum of the foot and crushing the sphenoid bones between the metatarsal and scaphoid bones.

This mechanism of occurrence leads to the fact that fractures are usually multiple, often combined with dislocations of the metatarsal bones.

Metatarsal fractures

The most frequently diagnosed, are divided into traumatic (arising from a direct blow or twisting

feet) and fatigue (caused by foot deformity, prolonged repeated loads, improperly selected shoes, osteoporosis, pathological bone structure).

A stress fracture is often incomplete (it does not go beyond a crack in the bone).

Injury of the phalanges of the fingers

A fairly common fracture, usually caused by direct trauma.

The phalanges of the fingers are not protected from external influences, especially the distal phalanges of the first and second fingers, which protrude noticeably forward compared to the rest.

Almost the entire spectrum of fractures can be observed: there are transverse, oblique, T-shaped, comminuted fractures. Displacement, if observed, is usually on the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

It is complicated, in addition to displacement, by the penetration of infection through the damaged nail bed, and therefore requires sanitization of the fracture site even if the fracture at first glance seems closed.

Sesamoid fracture

Relatively rare type of fracture. The bones are small, located under the end of the metatarsal bone of the big toe, usually broken due to sports activities associated with a large load on the heel (basketball, tennis, long walking).

Sometimes it is easier to remove sesamoid bones than to treat a fracture.

Symptoms depending on location

Symptoms of foot fractures, regardless of type:

  • pain,
  • edema,
  • inability to walk
  • bruising in the area of ​​injury
  • change in the shape of the foot with a fracture with displacement.

Not all symptoms may be observed, the severity of the signs depends on the specific injury.

Specific features:

On the picture characteristic symptom foot fracture - swelling and cyanosis

  • with a talus fracture: displacement of the talus (noticeable on palpation), pain when you try to move your thumb, a sharp pain in the ankle when moving, the foot is in a flexion position;
  • with cuboid and navicular fractures: sharp pain in the location of the corresponding bone, when trying to abduct or adduct the forefoot, edema occurred on the entire anterior surface of the ankle joint.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis usually comes down to an X-ray examination, which is performed in one or two projections, depending on the location of the alleged fracture.

If a talus fracture is suspected, X-ray examination is not informative, and computed tomography is the optimal diagnostic method.

First aid

The only type of first aid for a suspected foot fracture is to ensure the immobility of the foot. It is carried out in mild cases by a ban on movement, in the rest - by imposing a tire.

Then the victim should be taken to the clinic. If swelling occurs, ice can be applied.

Therapeutic measures

Treatment depends on several factors:

  • type of broken bone
  • closed fracture or open;
  • complete or incomplete (crack).

Treatment consists of applying a cast splint, plaster cast, dressing or fixative, surgery or conservative treatment, which includes physiotherapy exercises and special massage.

Surgical treatment is carried out in exceptional cases - for example, with fractures of the sphenoid bones with displacement (in this case, an operation with transarticular fixation with a metal Kirschner wire is indicated) or with fractures of the sesamoid bones.

Recovery after injury

Recovery after an injury is achieved through special massage and exercise therapy, reducing the load on the injured limb, using orthopedic insoles, arch supports, heel pads and not wearing heels for a long period.

With fractures of the sphenoid bones, prolonged pain can be observed.

Complications

Complications are rare, with the exception of extremely rare fractures of the talus.

Foot fractures are not life-threatening. However, the quality of later life largely depends on whether the injured received treatment.

That is why it is important, if symptoms of an injury occur, not to self-medicate, but to seek qualified help. medical care.

In addition, I would like to draw the attention of non-professional athletes and athletes to the fact that a thoughtless increase in loads and the use of unsuitable shoes during classes is a direct way to close your opportunity to do physical education forever.

Even a high-quality recovery after a foot injury will never allow you to return to super-saturated workouts. Prevention is always easier than cure.

Causes of sharp and nagging pain in the foot when walking, in the morning and constant

Pain on the outside of the foot is caused by a number of reasons. It can be both on the inner side (medial), and on the outer (lateral), in the arch, instep, in the upper part and on the soles, sharp and, on the contrary, aching.

In accordance with how and under what circumstances the pain syndrome arose, gradually over time or abruptly, after an injury, and also taking into account specific symptoms, it will be easier to figure out what is causing it.

Consider the most common causes of severe pain on the outside of the foot. We will stop at common causes each condition, how they manifest, their classic signs and symptoms. At the end of the article is a simple diagnostic guide. Read and learn more about the most effective options treatment in each individual case.

Common Causes

1) Stress fractures

Stress fractures are a common cause of the problem in question. These are small cracks in one of the bones, usually resulting from the same, repetitive movements during sports activities.

What areas are affected the most? The location of the pain depends on what is damaged. Calcaneus or navicular fractures cause pain on the side of the foot; metatarsal stress fractures cause pain on either side of the foot.

In this case, it usually hurts at first not much, pulling, but gradually the condition worsens.

2) Ankle sprain

Ankle sprains are the most common cause of sharp pain in the foot area, on the outside of it (from ankle injuries). It accounts for up to 85%. This happens to the ankle when inverted.

Any ligament can be stretched, but the most common is the anterior talo-fibular ligament. It is damaged when we twist the leg inward. The ankle is displaced outward. This is known as an inversion injury. It leads to rupture of certain or all fibers of the ligament, causing severe pain, swelling, bruising and joint instability.

35% of people who have an ankle sprain have ongoing problems with pain and instability later on. It also contributes to sprains in the future. The problem can be avoided by careful rehabilitation after the first injury.

3) Cuboid syndrome

Cuboid syndrome (see figure) is a less common cause of lateral foot pain, but is often diagnosed as leading to symptoms that are present for a long time.

It occurs when one of the small bones in the foot is partially dislocated after an injury such as a sprained ankle or as a result of constant overexertion of the foot.

The most common symptom is pain on the outside that extends down to the toes. It starts to hurt more in the morning, when walking and running, especially on uneven surfaces and when jumping. There is redness and swelling. If accurately diagnosed and treated immediately, symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks.

If the foot does not go away for more than 3 months, the next thing to suspect after the ankle is cuboid bone syndrome, which occurs in up to 7% of people with ankle sprains.

4) Peroneal tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis is another common cause of pain on the outside of the foot and in the heel area. The disease occurs when the peroneal tendon of the foot is repeatedly overstressed, which causes its irritation, inflammation and degeneration.

It is usually caused by frequent long distance running, abnormal foot position, muscle imbalance, and occurs after an ankle sprain. With tendonitis, the condition worsens gradually over several weeks or months, and the foot is especially sore with the first steps in the morning, as well as with the start of activities after rest.

5) Tarsal Coalition

Tarsal coalition is one of the rarest causes of leg pain, occurring in about 1 in 100 patients.

The condition is due to the fact that 2 or more bones fuse together. This is a congenital problem and symptoms usually appear in the second decade of life.

They often come very unexpectedly, it is pain, fatigue and convulsions. It may also affect you in such a way that you walk abnormally. There are other problems, such as ankle sprains and abnormal foot biomechanics. Treatment usually includes surgery, shoe inserts, and immobilization of the foot.

6) Bunion

Bunyon - common cause deformities and pain in the big toe.

It develops when the thumb is turned inward, pointing at others. This causes the bones at the base of the thumb to bulge out. The result is pain, inflammation, redness and swelling around it. The medical term for bunion is hallux valgus. Sometimes this problem happens with the little finger.

It is believed that there is a genetic link with bursitis. It especially affects those whose joints are overly flexible, but it can also be due to bad shoes in which the toes are crowded inward. Diseases such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk. In cases of moderate severity, special devices that align the fingers work well, but in more complex cases, surgery may be required.

7) Corns

Calluses appear on any part of the leg, often behind, above and on the side. They form when an area of ​​skin is subjected to repeated friction and it tries to protect itself by building up additional layers.

Calluses are usually painless, but deep ones are very unpleasant. Exist simple rules for their treatment and prevention.

8) Tibialis posterior tendonitis

Tibialis posterior tendonitis causes pain on the inside of the foot.

The tendon is connected to the inside of the ankle. Its main function is to support the inner arch of the foot. Like all other types of tendonitis, this tendon develops when the tendon becomes irritated, inflamed, or dystrophic, usually due to constant abnormal stress or injury.

The pain increases with activity and recedes when the legs are given rest. Tendonitis sufferers often have flat feet.

9) Arthritis

Arthritis can cause pain anywhere on the lower limb, but in most cases it is on the instep and side. There are 2 common types of arthritis - rheumatoid (inflammatory) and osteoarthritis (degenerative). More often than not, the leg hurts due to rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of varying severity come and go, there are seizures.

How to diagnose your condition

As you can see, there are a number various reasons the disease in question. If the problem is related to trauma, then most likely it is a sprain or cuboid syndrome, if the pain came on gradually, it could be a stress fracture or tendinitis. In adolescents, it is more likely to be associated with a tarsal coalition. People over the age of 50 are more likely to have arthritis. If the skin feels dry and thick, callus or callus tissue.

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Cuboid fracture

The cuboid bone is located in the region of the outer part of the foot, but despite this, its isolated fractures are quite rare.

Among fractures of the bones of the foot, fractures of the cuboid bone account for about 2.5%, and among fractures of the bones of the skeleton - 0.14%.

The cuboid bone (tal. os cuboideum) refers to the bones of the tarsal foot.

Its articular surfaces (formed by cartilage) articulate with the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones and the calcaneus.

The cuboid bone is located at the outer edge of the foot between the calcaneus and metatarsal bones.

Causes and mechanisms

Fractures of the cuboid bone occur due to direct trauma, for example, a blow and a heavy object falling on the foot.

Symptoms

The symptoms common to fractures come to the fore: pain, dysfunction, with passive movements, the pain intensifies, swelling, hemorrhage.

But a careful study reveals symptoms that characterize the unconditional presence of a fracture of the cuboid bone: acute pain on palpation corresponds to the location of the cuboid bone, the presence of deformation of its contours, stepped appearances with displacement of fragments, exacerbation of pain with axial pressure on the IV–V metatarsal bones, when trying to retract or bring the forefoot, with rotational movements.

In cases where a fracture of the cuboid bone occurs simultaneously with a fracture of the scaphoid with subluxation of the bones, a deformity occurs that depends on the degree of displacement of fragments with a flattening of the arch with a deviation of the forefoot outward or inward.

On palpation, exacerbation of pain occurs when touching all the bones of the site, with axial pressure on all toes.

Fractures with displacement, subluxation or dislocation of fragments violate the contours of the bones along the dorsal surface with the presence of stepped deformity.

Diagnostics

The final diagnosis is established after X-ray examination.

But it should be remembered that there are additional bones: the peroneal epiphysis of the tuberosity of the V metatarsal bone (described by V. Gruber in 1885) is located in the corner between the cuboid and the V metatarsal bone, closer to rear surface her.

Os regoneum - turns out to be under the tuberosity of the cuboid bone, at the junction of the cuboid and calcaneal bones and can consist of two parts - os cuboideum secundarium in the form of a process of the cuboid bone, which goes towards the navicular bone os cuboideum secundarium - a bone that is located between the calcaneus, talus , cuboid and navicular bones.

On radiographs, all additional bones have clear surfaces, edges, while in fractures, the fracture planes are uneven, serrated. In addition, they are painful on palpation, there is no hemorrhage.

First aid

First aid for a fracture of the cuboid bone corresponds to the actions rendered to the victim in case of fractures of other bones of the tarsus and metatarsus.

It is necessary to fix the ankle and knee-joint to prevent fragment displacement. For this, you can use any available means (boards, sticks, iron rods, towels, scarves, any other fabrics).

In extreme cases, you can bandage the injured leg to a healthy one.

Treatment

Usually, cuboid fractures are not accompanied by severe displacement of fragments, as well as fractures of the sphenoid bones.

Therefore, the treatment is reduced to immobilization with a plaster bandage of the “boot” type, in the plantar part of which a metal arch support is built.

A plaster bandage is applied from the fingertips to the middle third of the lower leg for a period of 6 weeks. It is important to correctly model the arch of the foot.

Rehabilitation

In the first week after the injury, it is forbidden to walk, then a dosed load on the injured leg is allowed.

After removing the immobilization, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy, mechanotherapy for the development of the ankle joint, physiotherapy exercises. Ability to work returns in about 8-10 weeks.

Why does my foot hurt when walking?

After each kilometer traveled, the legs are subjected to a load of 60 tons. Although the limbs are able to withstand a lot, they are also subject to stress and disease.

Diseases of the forefoot

The front third of the foot consists of metatarsal bones, phalanges and ligaments between them. Calluses, blisters, fungal infections, hammer toes, Morton's neuroma, hallux valgus, gout - various conditions are associated with the pathology of these elements of the foot. Metatarsalgia refers to any pain that has no known cause. Traumatic injuries or too narrow shoes increase the likelihood of pain in the foot when walking.

Movement is extremely beneficial for health, but the pain that interferes with every step is a serious cause for concern.

Extensor tendonitis of the foot develops due to constant overexertion of the lower leg - prolonged walking in uncomfortable shoes can be the main cause. The pain gets worse when you try to bend or straighten your fingers.

Stress fractures threaten people who are overweight, which places increased stress on the bones. Even experienced marathon and running athletes can suffer from recurring bouts of pain. They increase during walking and do not stop with time.

Diseases of the midfoot

The middle third of the foot is represented by the bones of the tarsus and their joints. They account for a significant part of the medial longitudinal arch of the arch of the foot. Pain in the midfoot when walking occurs as a result of stress fractures, pinching of the lateral plantar nerve, equine deformity (associated with too high an arch), sprains of the tibial posterior tendon, tibial nerve syndrome, extensor tendinitis. Treatment directly depends on the diagnosis, with which it is better not to delay, since cascading pains can be aggravated.

Fractures of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals are common in people who do morning jogging. Gradually it is felt that the foot of the leg hurts when walking. The pain rises, accompanied by swelling.

The navicular runs along the inside of the midfoot and its fractures are more complex. Initially, the pain is disturbing only during exertion and disappears after rest, but over time, recovery periods become longer.

Fracture dislocations in the Lisfranc joint, formed by an accumulation of small bones in the arch area, are due to the anatomy of the first and second metatarsal bones, which do not have ligaments. This leads to dislocations during sharp turns or jumps.

Microtears of the thick plantar fascia are more common in the heel area, but women's feet, whose joints are unstable, suffer from painful attacks after getting up in the morning. Medicines, physiotherapy come to the aid of patients.

If the foot hurts when walking, the influence of shoes cannot be ruled out, especially for people who play sports, have a child, suffer from arthritis. Too soft sole flexes and does not support the foot, so after any walk there is discomfort.

Diseases of the back of the foot

The back third of the foot consists of the calcaneus and talus, and the joints that connect them together. The answer to the question of why the heel hurts lies in the anatomy of the foot. When walking, the heel is the first to hit the ground, and huge forces affect its tissues. Pain in this area is the most common complaint in adults. Inappropriate footwear and injuries top the list of causes that concern given symptom. Plantar fasciitis, heel contusion, stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome, medial calcaneal nerve entrapment, Achilles tendon bursitis, and calluses affect the heels, with the left foot affected more often than the right.

How to restore the ease of walking?

Any disease is easier to prevent, since irreversible processes require expensive and protracted treatment. Care is the main condition for the beauty and health of the feet. You can not walk for a long time in shoes with a narrow nose and high heels. It is advisable to use special orthopedic insoles prescribed by an orthopedist.

Try to reduce excess weight to normal and include foods with calcium in your diet to strengthen bones. If possible, it is better to avoid standing for a long time, do not sit with one leg crossed over the other, as this impairs blood circulation. Sports and others physical exercise should be reasonable, and training shoes should be with quality insoles.

After a hard day at work, your feet need a decent rest. Treatments include relaxing sea salt baths and essential oil and a light massage.

It is better to solve the problems with the legs with an orthopedist who develops a full cycle of gymnastics for every day. Even the usual “bicycle” exercise, stretching the feet in different directions, away from you and towards yourself with the help of a towel, reduces the load on the arch. If you raise your legs up and just shake them well, you can get rid of edema, normalize blood flow. Take care of your feet!

Are there side spurs on the soles of the feet?

Vladimir Priorov

Usually, a heel spur causes pain when you step on the foot, that is, from the bottom of the heel.

MuDaKoV.net Alexey

certainly))))))

Alena Khazova

Foot fractures account for 2.5% to 10% of all injuries. It can occur as a result of direct impact or be caused by indirect injury, such as a not quite successful jump, turning of the foot, or falling. Such injuries require great attention, since there is a high dependence between all elements of the foot. As a result, in the future, problems associated with abnormal support on the injured leg, the development of a flat, resting on the entire sole of the foot, without notch, and arthrosis of the 2nd degree are possible.

If you recall the anatomy course, then the foot includes 26 bones that are interconnected through joints and a large number of ligaments. It has 3 sections, including the tarsal and metatarsal and digital phalanges of the lower limb. The tarsus combines the calcaneus, talus, and cuboid bones. IN this department also includes the navicular bone of the foot and 3 sphenoid.

In the central region, the talus is connected with the bones of the lower leg. Away from the central part of the tarsal bone, it connects to the metatarsal bones, which form joints with the phalanges of the fingers.

A broken foot can be:

  • toes;
  • metatarsal bones;
  • bones of the tarsal region, including a fracture of the cuboid bone of the foot and the scaphoid.

There is another classification:

  1. Whole or partial violation of the integrity of the bones, accompanied by displacement, which most likely can occur due to strong lateral pressure on the foot. As a result, bones and bone fragments change their position. Displacement contributes to difficulties in therapy.
  2. Whole or partial violation of the integrity of the bones without displacement. It happens as a result of a fall from a height. It can also happen due to the fall of something heavy. A fracture without displacement is much easier to treat.
  3. Whole or partial violation of the integrity of bones of an open type, during which soft tissue injury occurs.
  4. A closed foot fracture is not characterized by soft tissue injury.

If it so happened that a person witnessed a fracture of the bones of the foot, then he must have the knowledge to help the victim before the ambulance arrives. First of all, it is necessary to ensure immobility so that the injured leg is at rest. This can be done by bandaging a splint, the role of which will be played by any plank, to the injured leg. After the patient is taken to the hospital, he will already be provided with qualified medical care.

If we talk about general manifestations, then in this case the patient may feel pain. In this case, swelling of tissues close to the site of damage is observed.

In addition to the above, experts identify the following signs of a foot fracture in the metatarsal region:

  • foot deformity;
  • the appearance of pain when probing and when trying to lean on the affected limb;
  • swelling of the plantar side of the foot.

As for the injury of the finger phalanges, then the fracture of the foot combines the following signs:

  • the appearance of hematomas;
  • soreness in the active state and on groping;
  • swelling and bluishness of the injured finger.

Symptoms of a tarsal fracture include:

  • the appearance of hematomas on damaged areas of the epithelium;
  • excessive pain when trying to lean on a sore leg;
  • excess accumulation of fluid in soft tissues at the ankle site and at the site of injury.

A broken foot has the following symptoms:

  • visually noticeable swelling of the entire foot;
  • excessive deformity of the foot;
  • severe pain in the injured area.

With a fracture of the foot, treatment depends on the location of the injury, and any actions and manipulations should be prescribed by a doctor. If there is a displacement on the face, then urgent medical procedure, at which bone fragments are compared for better union. It should not be forgotten that if this procedure is delayed, then over time, the comparison of bone fragments becomes difficult or completely impossible. If the closed medical procedure to compare the bone fragments was unsuccessful, then the doctor prescribes either an open reduction or the imposition of skeletal traction.

In case of a fracture of the process in the back of the foot, a cast must be applied for 2-3 weeks. In other cases, the patient is forced to walk with a cast for 4-5 weeks. Starting from 3-4 weeks, you should remove the injured leg from the splint and do active movements ankle.

Further, the patient is recommended physical therapy, massage courses and physiotherapy. The patient is able to restore working capacity not earlier than in 2.5-3 months. In order to prevent the development of traumatic flat feet, it is desirable to use special arch supports.

As for the fracture of the navicular bone of the foot, it is typical for direct injury, for example, if something heavy has fallen on the leg. Quite often this is observed with lesions of other bones of the foot.

In such a situation, the specialist uses a circular plaster cast. In this case, the arches of the foot must be carefully modeled, as in a displaced fracture. If the resulting bone fragments are not amenable to reposition, then the doctor resorts to an open reduction. The traumatologist fixes the plaster cast for 4-5 weeks.

In case of fractures of the cuboid or sphenoid bones, the doctor applies a cast for 4-5 weeks. After that, an instep support should be used for 1 year or more. If you pay attention to injuries of the metatarsal bones, they are champions among all possible types of fractures in this area.

In case of a fracture of the metatarsal bones without displacement, a plaster splint is applied to the patient for 3-4 weeks. If this happens with displacement, then the bones are reduced or skeletal traction is performed, which is fixed for up to 6 weeks. Then a gypsum "with a heel" is applied to the foot. As a consequence, orthopedic insoles are recommended.

In the event of a fracture of the bones of the phalanges without displacement, the patient needs a posterior splint made of gypsum. In case of displacement, a closed reposition of the bones is shown. After that, the bone fragments are fixed with needles. In the case of a fracture of the nail phalanx without displacement, the traumatologist immobilizes the injury using a bandage-adhesive plaster. Depending on the complexity of the injury, the fixation period can vary from 4 weeks to one and a half months.

If it so happened that the bones of the foot did not grow together correctly after the fracture, then an operation is performed on arthrodesis or the connection of two bones that form the joint. And similar surgical intervention carried out on several joints at the same time.

In rare cases, with such an operative intervention, complications may develop, which can be expressed in:

  • the introduction of infectious diseases;
  • bleeding;
  • the need for repeated surgical intervention;
  • the inability to connect the joints;
  • damage to nerve endings.

As a rule, such complications can occur due to the patient's smoking or the presence of any pathologies in a chronic form.

Postoperative care after the procedure of arthrodesis is no different. The limb of the patient will be plastered within 4 months.

The recovery period directly depends on the duration of wearing the applied splint and the complexity of the injury. If there was a fracture of the bones of the metatarsal part of the foot, then experts recommend exercise therapy, but in a gentle mode (2 months). Sometimes there may be swelling of the foot. If there is a displacement of the bones in the cast, then it is replaced with a variant with a heel, the patient will wear it for several more weeks. After the traumatologist removes the plaster, the patient is recommended to resort to the help of orthopedic insoles.

If a fracture of the tarsal bones has occurred, then this requires a longer recovery period. In this case, courses of therapeutic massage, physiotherapy, physical exercise in a sparing mode and the use of arch supports. Within 2-3 months, the patient should take all the necessary measures under the supervision of a doctor, while the arch supports should be used for a whole year.

In case of a fracture of the bones of the phalanges of the foot, the patient needs to undergo a course of kneading massage every day. It is recommended to wear orthopedic shoes for at least 5 months.

In addition to the activities listed above, rehabilitation period the patient's diet should be reviewed in consultation with the attending physician. A special diet allows you to ensure the saturation of the patient's body with the appropriate trace elements and vitamins, which will speed up the healing process of the foot.

From an early age, everyone knows that calcium-fortified foods should be consumed for bone strength. An example would be dairy products, cabbage, sardines, etc. To speed up the healing process, the body needs calcium and zinc. They are found in large quantities in seafood, wholemeal breads, bananas, pumpkin seeds, etc. Fermented milk products, in addition to everything, combine vitamin K, which accelerates the healing process of bone tissue. It is also necessary to give preference to foods rich in protein. In addition, do not forget about such a product as cottage cheese.

Fracture of the bones of the foot can happen in the most unexpected place. In order to protect yourself, you should adhere to safety rules that will help protect each of us from the most serious consequences.

In case of a fracture, you should contact a traumatologist who will prescribe the necessary therapeutic procedures. The patient must follow all the doctor's recommendations during the rehabilitation period in order to ensure the restoration of the foot's performance. At the same time, no one canceled the regimen and a healthy diet.

In any case, with timely seeking medical help and subject to all the recommendations of the attending physician, the patient will be able to achieve a speedy cure and eliminate possible complications.

Foot sprain: treatment, causes, symptoms, what to do with a sprain

No person is immune from various injuries and injuries. A sharp wrong turn, movement - all this can cause injury or a fall. The greatest load falls on the ligaments of large joints, which is why they suffer more often. One of the most common types of injuries is a foot sprain.

You can twist your leg during an unsuccessful jump, run, or just walking on ice. It is easier, of course, to prevent such an injury. But if it really happened, you need to know how to act in such a situation, what to do and how to provide first aid. It is from your first actions that your future state will depend. The faster and most importantly, the more correctly you act and react, the sooner the limb will heal.

What are the causes of foot sprains?

There are actually many reasons for this type of leg injury. However, before proceeding to their consideration, I would like to clarify one important nuance. The very term for this type of injury - "stretching" is not entirely accurate. The fact is that the ligaments are equipped with several types of fibers. They are responsible for providing ligaments with strength and elasticity. None of the varieties of fibers can increase more than is provided by physiology. Therefore, what we are accustomed to calling stretching is actually breaking the fibers.

The main cause of foot sprains is overstretching of the ligaments. Such injuries are more related to household injuries than sports ones. Stretching may be due to:

  • previous injuries such as intra-articular fracture, dislocation, or sprain;
  • overweight;
  • constant load on the joints when carrying heavy objects, during sports, or when walking for a long time;
  • flat feet or increased arch of the foot;
  • instability of the foot due to arthrotic changes.

In addition to athletes, people with the presence of obesity, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, and ankle diseases are most susceptible to this kind of injury.

Symptoms

There are several degrees of sprain of the ligaments of the foot. The first is the rupture of the fibers against the background of the overall structural integrity of the tissue. In this case, there are complaints about the appearance pain. Symptoms often manifest as slight swelling.

The second degree is characterized by multiple ruptures with partial damage to the capsule. The main symptoms include: moderate swelling, hemorrhage, intense pain, and the inability to lean on the affected foot.

The third degree is a complete sprain of the ligaments of the foot. There are complaints of the following symptoms: intense pain and bruising.

The first and second degree of foot sprain lends itself drug therapy. After about a month and a half, there is a complete recovery. The treatment of sprains is a laborious and lengthy process and often requires surgery, because the ligaments of the foot cannot recover and heal on their own.

What is it in outward signs recognize stretching, see this video:

So, stretching is characterized by the following symptoms:

More

  • pain syndrome of varying degrees of intensity;
  • hemorrhage;
  • swelling of the foot;
  • local increase in temperature;
  • inability to lean or stand on a diseased limb.

Regardless of the type of injury (stretching, dislocation, fracture), effectiveness further treatment ligaments will depend on how correctly and timely first aid was provided.

It is important not only to determine the sprain, but to be able to distinguish this type of injury from others, for example, a fracture or dislocation. The symptoms of these injuries are actually similar. Painful sensations, as well as impaired movement, increase gradually.

If you suspect a rupture of the ligaments of the foot, immediately seek the help of a traumatologist. Timely and appropriate treatment will contribute not only to a speedy recovery, but also to the prevention of complications.

When stretched, there is always intense pain and hyperemia of the affected area. When touching the injured area, there is an increase in pain. When the ligaments of the foot are stretched, swelling and swelling are also observed.

After some time, the symptoms become more pronounced. The formation of a hematoma and a local increase in temperature are noted. Due to severe pain, there is a limitation of mobility in the foot.

The main signs that will help you distinguish between a sprain of a ligamentous apparatus and a bone fracture include:

  • increased pain at night;
  • the duration of the increase in swelling averages three days;
  • limited movement of the foot;
  • probing under skin painful fossa, which is the site of stretching.

First aid for sprains

As already mentioned, it is precisely correctly and timely provided urgent care will help to reduce the consequences, prevent the development of complications and speedy recovery.

Treatment of damage to the ligamentous apparatus should begin immediately after injury. So, the main areas of first aid, which must be provided at home, include:

  • functional rest;
  • immobilization;
  • applying a cold compress;
  • elevation of the position of the limb;
  • minimization of pain.

Damaged ligaments need complete rest. It is strongly not recommended to move the limb after stretching for two to three days. Any movement can cause even more damage to the ligaments of the foot. And this will lead to aggravation of the patient's condition and to a worse prognosis. Only after three days, you can gradually begin to move the damaged limb.

Prolonged immobilization of the foot can provoke atrophy of muscles and ligaments, and this is fraught with a decrease in the range of motion in the future. The main reference point in this case is pain. If you feel them, limit your movements.

The second stage of pre-medical treatment at home is the immobilization of the ankle joint. In this case, it is necessary to bandage the foot with an elastic bandage. Instead of a bandage, you can use special orthopedic bandages for the feet - orthoses. They help to minimize pain, swelling, as well as prevent the development of complications and prevent bleeding with the formation of hematomas.

How to properly bandage the foot in case of damage to the ligaments of the ankle joint, see the video:

You also need to use an elastic bandage wisely. Do not bandage too tightly, as this can provoke circulatory disorders. Before going to bed, the elastic bandage must be removed.

Immediately after a foot sprain, it is recommended to apply ice or a cold compress to the damaged area. This will help narrow blood vessels at the site of injury, reducing pain, swelling, inflammation. The compress is applied for a quarter of an hour during the first four hours after injury to the limb.

The foot must be given an elevated position. To do this, simply place a roller or pillow under it. This will help improve venous outflow blood, reducing pain and swelling.

If the previous measures are ineffective (if the patient complains of severe pain), give the victim a painkiller before the doctor arrives. Remember first aid should be provided quickly, since the well-being and general condition of the patient will depend on this.

What Not to Do

It is equally important to know what not to do with a foot sprain, at least during the first three days. It is strongly not recommended to use heat for this kind of damage. The use of warm compresses, hot baths, dry heat can harm the victim. Shouldn't be used folk remedies. Only a specialist can prescribe the use of non-traditional means.

It is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages. This will provoke an increase in swelling, as well as a worse prognosis. Moreover, treatment in this case may simply be ineffective.

Many believe that the limb heals faster if massaged. It is shown only in the recovery period. Massage during therapy will aggravate the situation.

Foot sprain treatment

Only a qualified specialist can cure a foot sprain, as well as distinguish a torn ligament from a fracture. Often, the treatment of mild degrees of sprain is conservative. In this case, the patient is not hospitalized. It is possible to cure such an injury at home. The main thing is to follow all the instructions of the attending physician.

As a rule, the use of drugs for local and internal use is prescribed:

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs: Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Indomethacin;
  • coolants, for example, Chloroethyl;
  • anesthetics, for example, benzocaine;
  • warming preparations (in the recovery period): ointments based on snake or bee venom;
  • antibiotics: Penicillin, Amoxicillin;
  • means that improve venous outflow: Troxevasin, Lyoton.

In order to accelerate the process of tissue regeneration, the use of vitamin B is prescribed, ascorbic acid. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of foot sprains. Application is prescribed: electrophoresis, UV irradiation, magnetotherapy.

Only a specialist can treat the disease. Check with your doctor about how much you need to take this or that drug. Moreover, do not use folk remedies without his knowledge. Alternative treatment may be ineffective, moreover, it may harm you.

Surgery

With a low effectiveness of therapy of the disease with the help of medications operation is scheduled. The choice of technique is carried out by a specialist after examining the patient and assessing the severity of the sprain. Often, reconstructive plastic surgery is performed on the ligaments of the foot, during which an implant is implanted into the damaged area.

The success of the operation in more depends on recovery period. In order to restore the functioning of the ankle joint (ligaments, muscles), the use of massage, therapeutic exercises, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound treatment, paraffin and ozokerite therapy is prescribed. Remember, a speedy recovery depends not so much on the prescribed therapy, but on the fulfillment of all the prescriptions and recommendations of the attending physician. It will take six months to fully restore the functioning of the foot (ligaments and muscles) after the operation.

Joint treatment More >>

Never try to treat a sprained foot on your own. You are unlikely to be able to cure the pathology with an elastic bandage alone or inappropriate use of drugs.

Complications of sprains

Ignoring the symptoms of the disease, inappropriate use of drugs can cause complications. These are: violation of the motor mechanisms of the joint due to improper fusion of the ligaments; systemic inflammation due to an open wound and penetration into the bloodstream of infection; inflammation in the cartilage, bones and soft tissues of the joint or periarticular region.

If you start treating the disease in time, the development of such complications can be prevented.

How to strengthen the joints of the foot and prevent various diseases, related to this, tell in the Health Line program:

A broken foot is one of the most common types of fracture.

The huge number of bones in the foot, the enormous loads that these bones must withstand daily, the lack of minimal knowledge about the prevention of foot fractures make this complex anatomical formation especially vulnerable.

Anatomical excursion

Foot - the lower part of the lower limb, which has a vaulted structure and is designed to absorb shocks that occur when walking, jumping and falling.

The feet perform two main functions:

  • firstly, they hold body weight;
  • secondly, they provide the movement of the body in space.

These functions determine the structural features of the feet: 26 bones in each foot (a quarter of all the bones in the human body are located in the feet), the joints connecting these bones, a large number of powerful ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and nerves.

The joints are inactive, and the ligaments are elastic and high-strength, so dislocation of the foot occurs much less frequently than a fracture.

Since we are talking about fractures, let's pay special attention to the bone skeleton of the foot, which consists of the following bones:

  1. Heel. It is the largest bone in the foot. It has the shape of a complex three-dimensional rectangle with depressions and protrusions, to which muscles are attached and along which nerves, vessels and tendons pass.
  2. Ram (supracalcaneal). It stands in second place in size, is unique in the high percentage of the articular surface and in that it does not contain a single bone or tendon attachment. It consists of a head, a body and a neck connecting them, which is the least resistant to fractures.
  3. Cuboid. It is located in front of the heel bone closer to the outside of the foot. Forms the arch of the foot and forms a groove, thanks to which the tendon of the long peroneal muscle can fully work.
  4. Scaphoid. Forms joints with the talus and three sphenoid bones. Occasionally, the development of this bone is disturbed and the 27th bone of the foot can be observed - an additional navicular bone connected to the main cartilage. With unskilled reading of the x-ray, the accessory bone is often mistaken for a fracture.
  5. Wedge-shaped. From all sides attached to other bones.
  6. Metatarsal. Short tubular bones serve for cushioning.
  7. Phalanges of fingers. Similar to the phalanges of the fingers in number and location (two flanks for the thumbs and three for each other finger), but shorter and thicker.
  8. Sesamoid. Two very small (smaller than a pea), but extremely significant round bones, are located inside the tendons and are responsible for flexing the first toe, which bears the maximum load.

Every tenth fracture and every third closed fracture occurs in the foot (for military personnel, this figure is slightly higher and amounts to 13.8% in peacetime).

The most common foot fractures are:

  • talus - less than 1%, of which about 30% of cases lead to disability;
  • calcaneal - 4%, of which 83% - as a result of a jump on straight legs from a great height;
  • cuboid - 2.5%;
  • scaphoid - 2.3%;
  • metatarsal - the most common type of injury to the foot bone.

The average duration of disability for a toe injury is 19 days. For children, such an injury is not typical, there are incomplete fractures (cracks).

At a young age, split fractures are common, after 50 years - depressed ones.

Causes of injury

Fracture of the bones of the foot can occur for several reasons:

  • falling heavy objects on the foot;
  • jump (fall) from a great height with landing on the feet;
  • when kicked;
  • when hit on the leg;
  • with subluxation of the foot due to walking on uneven surfaces.

Features of fractures of different bones

There are different types of fractures depending on the bone that has been injured.

Calcaneal fracture

The main cause of occurrence is landing on the heels when jumping from a considerable height, the second most common is a strong blow during an accident. Upon impact, the weight of the body is transferred to the talus, it crashes into the calcaneus and splits it into pieces.

Fractures are usually unilateral, usually complex.

A fatigue fracture of the calcaneus stands apart, the main cause of which is chronic overload of a bone that has anatomical defects.

It should be noted that the very fact of the presence of an anatomical defect does not lead to a fracture, its occurrence requires constant and fairly serious loads, therefore, such a fracture is most often observed in army recruits and amateur athletes who neglect medical examination before prescribing high loads.

Talus injury

A relatively rare fracture that occurs as a result of a fall from a great height, an accident or blows and is often combined with injuries to the lumbar and other fractures (of the bones of the foot, the calcaneus usually suffers along with the talus).

Even if the vessels are not ruptured, due to their compression, the supply of nutrients to the bone is disrupted, the fracture heals for a very long time.

cuboid fracture

The main reason for the occurrence of a fracture is the fall of a heavy object on the leg, a fracture due to impact is also possible.

As is clear from the mechanism of occurrence, usually unilateral.

Fracture of the scaphoid

It is formed as a result of the fall of a heavy object on the back of the foot at the moment when the bone is in tension. A fracture with displacement and in combination with fractures of other bones of the foot is characteristic.

Recently, fatigue fractures of the navicular bone have been noted, which used to be a rarity - this is primarily due to an increase in the number of non-professional athletes who exercise without medical and coaching support.

Sphenoid bone injury

The consequence of a heavy object falling on the dorsum of the foot and crushing the sphenoid bones between the metatarsal and scaphoid bones.

This mechanism of occurrence leads to the fact that fractures are usually multiple, often combined with dislocations of the metatarsal bones.

Metatarsal fractures

The most frequently diagnosed, are divided into traumatic (arising from a direct blow or twisting

feet) and fatigue (caused by foot deformity, prolonged repeated loads, improperly selected shoes, osteoporosis, pathological bone structure).

A stress fracture is often incomplete (it does not go beyond a crack in the bone).

Injury of the phalanges of the fingers

A fairly common fracture, usually caused by direct trauma.

The phalanges of the fingers are not protected from external influences, especially the distal phalanges of the first and second fingers, which protrude noticeably forward compared to the rest.

Almost the entire spectrum of fractures can be observed: there are transverse, oblique, T-shaped, comminuted fractures. Displacement, if observed, is usually on the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

It is complicated, in addition to displacement, by the penetration of infection through the damaged nail bed, and therefore requires sanitization of the fracture site even if the fracture at first glance seems closed.

Sesamoid fracture

Relatively rare type of fracture. The bones are small, located under the end of the metatarsal bone of the big toe, usually broken due to sports activities associated with a large load on the heel (basketball, tennis, long walking).

Sometimes it is easier to remove sesamoid bones than to treat a fracture.

Symptoms depending on location

Symptoms of foot fractures, regardless of type:

  • pain,
  • edema,
  • inability to walk
  • bruising in the area of ​​injury
  • change in the shape of the foot with a fracture with displacement.

Not all symptoms may be observed, the severity of the signs depends on the specific injury.

Specific features:

  • with a talus fracture: displacement of the talus (noticeable on palpation), pain when trying to move the thumb, sharp pain in the ankle when moving, the foot is in a flexion position;
  • with cuboid and navicular fractures: acute pain at the location of the corresponding bone, when trying to abduct or adduct the forefoot, swelling on the entire anterior surface of the ankle joint.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis usually comes down to an X-ray examination, which is performed in one or two projections, depending on the location of the alleged fracture.

If a talus fracture is suspected, X-ray examination is not informative, and computed tomography is the optimal diagnostic method.

First aid

The only type of first aid for a suspected foot fracture is to ensure the immobility of the foot. It is carried out in mild cases by a ban on movement, in the rest - by imposing a tire.

Then the victim should be taken to the clinic. If swelling occurs, ice can be applied.

Therapeutic measures

Treatment depends on several factors:

  • type of broken bone
  • closed fracture or open;
  • complete or incomplete (crack).

Treatment consists in the imposition of a plaster splint, plaster bandage, bandage or fixative, surgical or conservative treatment, including physiotherapy exercises and special massage.

Surgical treatment is carried out in exceptional cases - for example, with fractures of the sphenoid bones with displacement (in this case, an operation with transarticular fixation with a metal Kirschner wire is indicated) or with fractures of the sesamoid bones.

Recovery after injury

Recovery after an injury is achieved through special massage and exercise therapy, reducing the load on the injured limb, using orthopedic insoles, arch supports, heel pads and not wearing heels for a long period.

With fractures of the sphenoid bones, prolonged pain can be observed.

Complications

Complications are rare, with the exception of extremely rare fractures of the talus.

Foot fractures are not life-threatening. However, the quality of later life largely depends on whether the injured received treatment.

In addition, I would like to draw the attention of non-professional athletes and athletes to the fact that a thoughtless increase in loads and the use of unsuitable shoes during classes is a direct way to close your opportunity to do physical education forever.

Even a high-quality recovery after a foot injury will never allow you to return to super-saturated workouts. Prevention is always easier than cure.