Fractures of the bones of the midfoot. Fracture of the cuboid bone Fracture of the cuboid bone of the foot symptoms

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
Wedge-shaped. From all sides attached to other bones.
Metatarsal. Short tubular bones serve for cushioning.
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.
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

foot) 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 affected 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.

The legs are the support of the body, and the feet are the support for the legs. Athletes often underestimate the importance of a healthy foot and ankle in achieving optimal athletic performance, not to mention overall well-being and health. The most unpleasant thing is that even minor injuries to the foot and ankle can have very bad long-term health consequences in the future. How foot injuries occur, what is foot dislocation and how to recognize, prevent and cure it - we will tell in this article.

The structure of the foot

The foot is a complex anatomical formation. It is based on the bone frame, represented by the talus, calcaneus, scaphoid, cuboid and sphenoid bones (tarsal complex), metatarsus and fingers.

bone base

The talus serves as a kind of "adapter" between the foot and lower leg, due to its shape providing mobility to the ankle joint. It lies directly on the heel bone.
The calcaneus is the largest of the foot bones. It is also an important bone landmark and the place of attachment of the tendons of the muscles and the aponeurosis of the foot. In functional terms, it performs a supporting function when walking. Anteriorly in contact with the cuboid bone.
The cuboid bone forms the lateral edge of the tarsal part of the foot; the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones directly adjoin it. With its medial edge, the described bone is in contact with the navicular bone.
The navicular bone forms the medial portion of the tarsal foot. Lies anterior and medial to the calcaneus. In front, the navicular bone is in contact with the sphenoid bones - lateral, medial and middle. Together they form the bony support for the metatarsal bones.
The metatarsal bones belong in shape to the so-called tubular bones. On the one hand, they are motionlessly connected to the bones of the tarsus, on the other hand, they form movable joints with the toes of the foot.

There are five toes, four of them (from the second to the fifth) have three short phalanges, the first - only two. Looking ahead, let's say that the toes have an important function in the walking pattern: the final stage of pushing the foot off the ground is possible only due to the first and second toes.

Ligament apparatus

The listed bones are strengthened by a ligamentous apparatus, they form the following joints among themselves:

Subtalar - between the talus and calcaneus. It is easily injured when the ankle ligaments are sprained, with the formation of subluxation.
Talon-calcaneal-navicular - around the axis of this joint, it is possible to perform pronation and supination of the foot.
In addition, it is important to note the tarsal-metatarsal, intertarsal and interphalangeal joints of the foot.

The most significant for the formation of the correct arch of the lower leg are the muscles located on the plantar side of the lower leg. They are divided into three groups:

outdoor;
internal;
medium.

The first group serves the little finger, the second group - the thumb (responsible for flexion and adduction). The middle group of muscles is responsible for flexing the second, third and fourth toes.

Biomechanically, the foot is designed in such a way that, with the right muscle tone, its plantar surface forms several arches:

external longitudinal arch - passes through a mentally drawn line between the calcaneal tubercle and the distal head of the fifth phalangeal bone;
internal longitudinal arch - passes through a mentally drawn line between the calcaneal tubercle and the distal head of the first metatarsal bone;
transverse longitudinal arch - passes through a mentally drawn line between the distal heads of the first and fifth metatarsal bones.

In addition to muscles, a powerful plantar aponeurosis, mentioned a little above, takes part in the formation of such a structure.

Types of dislocations of the foot

Dislocations of the foot can be divided into three types:

Subtalar dislocations of the foot

With this type of foot injury, the talus remains in place, and the calcaneal, navicular and cuboid adjacent to it, as it were, diverge. In this case, there is a significant traumatization of the soft tissues of the joint, with damage to the blood vessels. The joint cavity and periarticular tissues are filled with an extensive hematoma. This leads to significant swelling, pain and, which is the most dangerous factor, to disruption of blood delivery to the limb. The latter circumstance can serve as a trigger for the development of foot gangrene.

Dislocation of the transverse tarsal joint

This type of foot injury occurs with a direct traumatic effect. The foot has a characteristic appearance - it is turned inward, the skin, on the back of the foot, is stretched. On palpation of the joint, the navicular bone displaced inwards is clearly felt. Edema is expressed as significantly as in the previous case.

Dislocation of the metatarsal joint

A fairly rare injury to the foot. Most often occurs with direct injury to the anterior edge of the foot. The most likely mechanism of injury is an elevated landing on the balls of the toes. In this case, the first or fifth phalangeal bones, or all five at once, can be displaced in isolation. Clinically, there is a step-like deformity of the foot, edema, inability to step on the foot. Significantly hampered voluntary movements of the toes.

Dislocations of the toes

The most common dislocation occurs in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe. In this case, the finger moves inward or outward, with simultaneous flexion. The injury is accompanied by pain, significant pain when trying to push off the ground with an injured leg. Wearing shoes is difficult, often impossible.

Signs and symptoms of a dislocation

The main symptoms of a dislocated foot are:

Pain, which occurs abruptly, immediately after the impact of a traumatic factor on the foot. At the same time, after the cessation of exposure, the pain persists. Strengthening it occurs when you try to lean on the damaged limb.
Edema. The area of the damaged joint increases in volume, the skin is stretched. There is a feeling of fullness of the joint from the inside. This circumstance is associated with concomitant trauma of soft tissue formations, in particular, blood vessels.
Loss of function. It is impossible to make an arbitrary movement in the damaged joint, an attempt to do this brings significant pain.
Forced position of the foot- part of the foot or the whole foot has an unnatural position.

Be careful and attentive! It is impossible to distinguish a dislocation of the foot from a sprain and fracture of the foot visually without an x-ray machine.

First aid for dislocation

First aid for dislocation of the foot is the following algorithm of actions:

The victim must be laid on a comfortable flat surface.
Next, you should give the injured limb an elevated position (the foot should be above the knee and hip joints), placing a pillow, jacket or any suitable tool under it.
To reduce post-traumatic edema, you need to cool the injury site. For this, ice or any product frozen in the freezer (for example, a pack of dumplings) is suitable.
In case of damage to the skin, it is necessary to apply an aseptic bandage to the wound.
After all the actions described above, it is necessary to deliver the victim as soon as possible to a medical facility where there is a traumatologist and an X-ray machine.

Dislocation treatment

Treatment of a dislocation consists in the procedure of repositioning the leg and giving it a natural position. The reduction can be closed - without surgical intervention, and open, that is - through an operative incision.

It is impossible to give any specific advice on how and how to treat dislocation of the foot at home, since there is no way to do without the help of an experienced traumatologist. Once the dislocation has been corrected, he can give you some advice on what to do if your foot is dislocated so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

After the reduction procedures, a fixing bandage is applied, for a period of four weeks to two months. Do not be surprised that when fixing the lower leg, the splint will be applied to the lower third of the thigh - with fixation of the knee joint. This is a necessary condition, since the process of walking with a fixed ankle is very dangerous for the knee joint.

Recovery after a dislocation

After immobilization is removed, the process of rehabilitation begins - the gradual inclusion of the muscles of the immobilized limb in the work. You should start with active movements, but without relying on the injured limb.

To restore bone density at the site of injury, you need to walk a short distance every day, gradually increasing it.

For a more active restoration of limb mobility, we offer several effective exercises. To perform them, you will need a cuff with a fixation ring and a strap for fastening in the area of the Achilles tendon. We put the cuff on the projection area of the metatarsal bones. We fix the strap through the Achilles tendon slightly above the level of the heel. We lay down on the mat, put the shins on the gymnastic bench. Three options follow:

In addition to the exercises described for developing the foot after an injury at home, you can use other methods and improvised means: roll a ball with your foot, perform backbends with a towel, and so on.

Fracture of the bones of the foot is one of the most common injuries of this part of the lower limb, consisting of 26 large and small bones. Damage requires a long and complex treatment due to the fact that the foot is constantly involved in the motor function of the lower extremities.

The recovery period depends on the type and severity of the injury, the correct and appropriate amount of medical care provided at all stages of treatment, the age of the victim, the general condition of the body and other factors.

A fracture of the bones of the foot occurs due to a mechanical effect on the foot or a sharp movement of the foot from its wrong position. A heavy falling object can also break the integrity of the bone tissue. Most often, the injury occurs due to a fall on the leg from a great height.

There is a pathological type of fracture, when a slight mechanical impact is sufficient to cause damage. This is due to the weakness of bone tissue caused by osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, the presence of oncological neoplasms, autoimmune pathologies.

In accordance with the reasons that led to injury, one of the bones is damaged, which is associated with a certain location and distribution of the load. Foot fractures according to the impact factor are divided into the following:

Injury can occur due to excessive physical exertion, with intense sports. In such cases, a so-called stress fracture occurs. As a result of constant pressure, the bone tissue cracks. Basically, such injury occurs with the talus and metatarsal bone.

How is it manifested?

Fractures of the bones of the foot vary in symptomatic presentation, depending on the type of damaged bone. The main symptoms of a broken foot are:

Strong pain;
Bruise;
Swelling at the site of injury;
Difficulty in movement;
Deformation.

Fractures of the bones of the foot are always accompanied by severe swelling and hematoma under the skin in the injured area. The intensity of the pain syndrome is different - from mild to unbearable. Signs of a foot fracture due to bone damage:

Heel	increase in size; edema; vault seal; painful sensations; restriction of mobility.
Phalanx	intense pain symptom; excessive mobility; pain when trying to stand on a full foot.
Scaphoid, cuboid, sphenoid bone	the ability to walk, resting on the heel; swelling of the back of the foot; pain when trying to turn the foot
Ramming	swelling in the ankle; constraint in movements; pain when touching the heel

Often, when injured, mild pain occurs, and the victim does not immediately understand that a fracture has occurred, confusing the injury with a bruise. In such cases, an accurate diagnosis can only be made through a medical examination and x-rays.

First aid

After an injury, the victim must be taken to the trauma department, where a trauma specialist can determine whether a bruise or fracture has actually occurred. Prior to the arrival of doctors, first aid is required.

Doing massage, kneading the affected area to reduce pain is prohibited. The person providing assistance should touch the leg as little as possible so as not to dislodge the broken bone.

A splint should be placed to relieve pain and prevent a displaced fracture of the foot. In the case when a special medical device is not at hand, sticks, pieces of reinforcement, boards are used, they must be placed on both sides of the foot, bandaged to the injured limb with bandages, gauze, a rag, etc.

If the injury is open (it is easy to find out by the presence of an open wound surface, bleeding), the wound must be treated with antiseptics, hydrogen peroxide, Chlorhexidine, and the edges of the wound should be lubricated with iodine. A bandage is applied to stop the bleeding.

When applying a splint, the material at hand used to fix the foot must be wrapped with a rag or bandage so that the open wound does not come into contact with a dirty object.

How to treat?

Medical assistance to the victim begins with anesthesia. For this, painkillers are prescribed, and if they are not effective enough, a blockade is placed - the introduction of an anesthetic directly into the site of injury.

In case of a foot fracture, treatment is selected on an individual basis and requires an integrated approach: If the injury is of a closed type, and there is no displacement, long-term fixation of the foot is necessary by applying a plaster cast. The terms of wearing a cast vary from 1 to 3 months, depending on the severity of the clinical case.
If a closed fracture is accompanied by displacement, it is necessary to carry out a reposition - folding the bones in the right order. Reposition is carried out in two ways - open and closed, depending on the severity. After folding the bones in the desired primary position, a plaster cast is applied. If there was a lot of debris, medical staples and screws are used to fix them. After removing the cast, the motor function of the foot should be restored. It is necessary to develop an injured foot carefully and gradually.
Injury to the navicular bone in most cases is accompanied by a fracture of adjacent bones. Quite often the fracture of a bone leads to simultaneous dislocation. As a rule, this is accompanied by intense pain sensations - a blockade is placed to relieve symptoms. If there is no dislocation and displacement, it is necessary to wear a cast for up to 5 weeks.
In case of dislocation with a fracture, the Elizarov apparatus is installed to reposition the bones. In severe clinical cases, assistance to the victim is provided by an open operation - a bone fragment is fixed with a silk thread suture. The limb immobilization period is up to 12 weeks.
A fracture of the sphenoid bone without displacement is treated by applying a plaster cast, the period of wearing a plaster cast is from 1 to 1.5 months. Rehabilitation after a fracture can last more than 1 year.
A fracture of the cuboid bone involves the imposition of gypsum for up to 2 months, in case of displacement, a closed reposition is performed.
When the fingers are injured, it is very painful for a person to step on his foot, a cyanotic swelling appears at the site of the injury. Treatment - a plaster bandage, for a period of 4-6 weeks.

While in a cast, you must follow a diet. The basis of the diet should be sour-milk and dairy products enriched with calcium, which helps to strengthen bones and accelerate their fusion.

Before you remove the plaster, you must undergo an examination by a doctor. It is possible to find out whether the bones have completely grown together only on an x-ray. After removing the plaster cast, a set of exercises is prescribed to restore the motor function of the foot.

Rehabilitation

Swelling after removing the plaster cast will persist for a long time. To stop this symptom, you can use drugs with a local spectrum of action - gels, ointments, creams. A massage is performed to dissolve the accumulated fluid.

Physiotherapy and special exercises are effective and mandatory means of rehabilitation that can significantly reduce the period of complete recovery after an injury. Without exercise therapy and physiotherapy, the muscles of the foot can atrophy, which will lead to loss of motor function. Massage should be carried out only by a specialist. If you do the massage yourself, the effect of it can be just the opposite, you can only damage the fused bones and soft tissues, increasing swelling.

Before you begin to develop the foot with physiotherapy exercises and massage, the patient is prescribed to wear arch supports immediately after the removal of the cast, usually for a year.

During the first 4-6 months after the injury, it is recommended to replace the usual orthopedic shoes. The complex of physiotherapeutic procedures is selected individually, aimed at reducing swelling, pain and accelerating the process of bone tissue fusion.

A person with a broken foot is unable to walk on both legs. Timely and correctly rendered first aid to the victim will help prevent the development of serious complications. Competent treatment often includes wearing a plaster cast, following a specially selected diet, and conducting complex rehabilitation (physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy) at the final stage of treatment.

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. 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:

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.
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.
Whole or partial violation of the integrity of bones of an open type, during which soft tissue injury occurs.
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;
excessive accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues at the ankle 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 displacement on the face, then an emergency medical procedure is necessary, in 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 make active movements with the 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. Moreover, such a surgical intervention is 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, gentle exercise and the use of arch supports are recommended. 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 above measures during the 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 of painful sensations. 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, hemorrhages, 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 is amenable to 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.

How to recognize stretching by external signs, see this video:

So, stretching is characterized by the following symptoms:

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 (sprain, dislocation, fracture), the effectiveness of further treatment of the ligaments will depend on how correctly and timely the 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;
palpation under the skin of a painful fossa, which is the site of stretching.

First aid for sprains

As already mentioned, it is precisely the correct and timely provision of emergency care that will help 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 the blood vessels at the site of injury, reduce pain, swelling, and 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 in improving venous outflow of blood, reducing soreness 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. Do not use folk remedies. Only a specialist can prescribe the use of non-traditional means.

It is forbidden to take alcoholic drinks. 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, ascorbic acid is prescribed. 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 can harm you.

Surgery

With a low effectiveness of therapy of the disease with the help of medications, an operation is prescribed. 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 largely depends on the recovery period. In order to restore the functioning of the ankle joint (ligaments, muscles), massage, therapeutic exercises, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound treatment, paraffin and ozokerite therapy are 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 associated with this, they tell in the Health Line program:

Fracture of the cuboid bone of the foot is very rare. This bone is located in the outer part of the foot, but usually breaks in combination with others, or after a direct serious injury, for example, from a heavy object falling from above. The main share of bone fractures is due to a fall from a height and an unsuccessful landing on the feet. Among all injuries of all bones of the skeleton, it accounts for only 0.14%.

The cuboid bone is located between the bones of the metatarsus and calcaneus.

Usually, a fracture occurs without splinters, but in rare cases, comminuted ones also occur. This type is most often accompanied by concomitant fractures of the surrounding bones. In this case, the treatment is much harder and longer.

How to recognize?

The first symptoms of this fracture:

violations of the foot (it hurts to move, turn, sometimes a person can lean, but only on the heel);
strong pain;
tumor;
bleeding.

In the future, more obvious signs appear that indicate precisely this injury:

pain in a certain place on palpation;
leg deformity;
stepped performances;
increased pain when trying to move (foot abduction, rotation, etc.)

If the fracture is accompanied by subluxation, dislocation, displacement, a stepped deformity appears on the back side.

An accurate diagnosis can only be made after an x-ray and examination by a specialist.

How to treat?

In case of injury, you must immediately fix the knee and ankle joints. Use all means at hand for this (sticks, ropes ...) It is important that the fragments do not move, and the recovery is faster.

If the bone breaks without splinters, the treatment is fairly simple. The patient is put in a plaster cast in the form of a boot, completely fixing the foot. A metal arch support is embedded on the sole. The bandage starts from the fingertips to the second third of the lower leg. You need to wear a cast for two to three months.

The correct modeling of the foot is important.

Recovery takes longer. At first, the patient is generally forbidden to walk, over time, you can gradually load the injured leg.

After the plaster is removed, the person must undergo physiotherapy and mechanotherapy.

They include exposure to interference currents. This is an excellent tool for relieving swelling and hematoma, in addition, it relieves pain, and normalizes trophic processes in tissues. As a bactericidal agent, ultraviolet irradiation is used. If the foot hurts very much, bromine electrophoresis is used. The ankle joint is developed with special exercises.

UHF therapy is used to improve blood flow, stimulate immunity and tissue regeneration. Massage therapy works well.

Full recovery takes three months.

For the next year, the patient must wear orthopedic shoes with flat soles only.

Effects

In a healthy person, complications rarely occur. And yet, it is worth remembering that the foot is a very complex mechanism in which every bone and muscle is interconnected. Therefore, the slightest violation can lead to pathogenesis.

The motor function is disturbed - it is difficult for a person to take the foot away, supination and pronation are limited. Also, lameness can last for a long time. Sometimes patients (mostly in adulthood) may lose their ability to work and the ability to move normally.

Pain may persist for some time after a cuboid fracture. If they do not go away, the remaining fragments must be surgically removed.

If the fracture does not heal for a long time, this indicates a violation of the body. Lack of calcium, vitamins, tissue nutrition processes, etc. Therefore, it is important to eat right during treatment. Eliminate all bad habits and choose healthy foods. Your diet should include spinach, dairy, meat, seafood, bananas, etc. try to eat less salt so that there are no serious edema.

It is also possible with improper or insufficient treatment.

In most cases, a fracture of the cuboid bone heals quite quickly and completely.