People subject their feet to a lot of force each day, which places stress on all of the 26 bones found in each foot. Bones can break owing to accidents, a direct blow or overuse of the foot. Patients may notice a popping sound at the time of the break, redness or swelling in the area, localized sharp pain or dislocation. Patients with broken foot bones should seek treatment so that the break will heal properly. Left untreated, a broken foot bone can result in bone deformities, arthritis and chronic pain.
Rest
The first step in treatment is to rest the area so that it can heal. Patients may need to rest a broken foot for a week or months depending on the severity of the injury. In severe cases patients may require complete rest and the use of crutches. In other cases patients may need only avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms. A physician can order X-rays to help determine the extent and location of the break and make treatment recommendations. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, patients with minor fractures who seek medical care as soon as symptoms appear may be able to treat the injury with rest alone.
Medication and Ice
Patients who have significant pain and swelling may need to take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications based on a doctor's recommendations. Patients with more severe pain may require prescription-strength medication. Patients can combine the use of medication with the application of ice and elevation of the foot to help reduce any swelling.
Taping or Casting
Patients with badly fractured toes may need to tape the injured toe to the toe next to it so that the bone will heal in proper alignment. If taping is necessary, a physician may recommend wearing wider or flat-heeled shoes to help take pressure off of the injury. Patients with peripheral neuropathy in the feet---a condition in which nerve damage causes decreased sensation---should not use taping, warns the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Patients with broken bones in the foot may need to wear a walking cast or boot until the bone heals.
Reduction
Reduction involves manipulating bones back into their proper place if they have become dislocated at the site of a break. A qualified medical practitioner must perform this procedure. Patients may require pain medication, sedatives or a general anesthetic during reduction, notes the Mayo Clinic. After reduction, patients may need to rest and immobilize the affected foot.
Surgery
In rare cases in which a break is severe and pieces of the bone have become displaced, surgery may be necessary. Surgery can include putting the bone back into place using screws or plates. Bones will eventually heal and create new growth around the surgical site. Recovery can take weeks or months depending on the extent of the injury.
Prevention
A large component of treating a broken foot bone is preventing additional injury to the area. After the bone heals, treatment may include working with a coach or physical therapist to design an exercise program that strengthens and stretches the foot. Using good training principles and wearing the proper footwear are necessary. Losing excess weight to take pressure off of the feet and eating a well-balanced diet to support bone health will also help. Patients should also quit smoking to promote healing. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that tobacco use can impede the ability of broken bones to heal.
