Broken Foot (cont.)

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Broken bones in the foot cause pain and swelling.

• The pain may be so bad that the injured person is unable to walk. Broken bones in the toes cause less pain, and the person may be able to walk with a broken toe.
• Bruising or redness of the foot with a broken bone is common.
• Inability to bear weight on the foot may be an indication there is a fracture.
• Deformity of toes (dislocation) may accompany fractures of the foot.

A broken foot may be diagnosed by a general practitioner (family doctor, internist, pediatrician), or an emergency medicine doctor in a hospital. The person with the broken foot may be referred to a podiatrist (foot specialist) or an orthopedic surgeon (bone and joint specialist) for the care and further treatment of your broken foot depending on the severity of the injury or need for possible surgery.

It is important to see a doctor if you think you may have broken a bone in your foot. Go to an emergency department or urgent care center where X-rays can be performed.

For less severe injuries, your doctor may want to see you in the office. If you think you have broken your foot, and your doctor is not available by phone or is not calling you back, go to the emergency department to be examined.

Have someone bring you to the doctor or emergency department. Do not attempt to drive with a broken foot.

Go immediately to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if these conditions develop with a suspected broken foot:

• The foot is blue, cold, or numb.
• The foot is misshapen, deformed, or pointing in the wrong direction.
• There is a large cut or open wound near a possible broken bone.
• You have severe pain.
• You feel you need immediate treatment for any other reason.

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