4 Ways to Know if Your Foot is Broken

There is a common phrase we hear in our office:

"I don't think it's broken. I think it's just a fracture."

Here is the truth: a fracture and a broken bone are the exact same thing. In the medical world, the terms are interchangeable. Whether it is a hairline crack or a bone snapped in two, it counts as a fracture, and it requires professional care. In this blog, The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland will explain 5 signs that your foot injury is more than just a bruise, then cover what you can do about it.

1. The "Deformity" Check (Displaced Fractures)

This is the most obvious sign.

·       If your toe is pointing in the wrong direction, or if there is a bump on the bridge of your foot that wasn't there yesterday, you likely have a displaced fracture.

·       This means bone fragments have moved out of position and are no longer aligned.

·       These typically require "setting" (putting the bone back in place) to heal correctly.

2. The Skin is Broken (Open/Compound Fractures)

If you can see the bone, or if there is a deep wound near the site of the break, this is an open (or compound) fracture.

·       This is a medical emergency. When the bone punctures the skin, bacteria can enter the fracture site, leading to severe bone infections.

·       These injuries require immediate surgical management to clean the area and stabilize the bone.

3. The "Invisible" Pain (Hairline Fractures)

Sometimes, the foot looks normal.

·       There is no bump, no blood, and maybe only mild swelling. But the pain is deep, throbbing, and gets worse with activity.

·       This could be a hairline fracture (also known as a stress fracture). These are tiny cracks in the bone that are barely visible on an X-ray.

·       While they sound "minor," ignoring them can cause the bone to break completely.

4. Immediate Swelling and Bruising

A bad sprain can bruise, but a fracture often causes immediate and significant swelling.

·       The body rushes blood and fluid to the area to protect the bone.

·       If your foot looks like a balloon within an hour of the injury, it is usually a sign of bone trauma or damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

So, It’s Broken. Now What?

Treatment depends on the type of break:

• Non-Displaced Fractures: If the bones are still in good alignment, we simply need to keep them still. Usually, the foot is splinted initially to prevent movement.

• Toe Fractures: Yes, we cast toes! But it’s not the heavy plaster you’re thinking of. We use a specialized mesh tape that holds the toe rigidly in place, allowing it to heal while you stay mobile.

• Displaced/Unstable Fractures: If the bone is out of alignment, we may need to set it or perform surgery to ensure it heals straight.

Don't Guess with Your Skeleton. If you or someone you know has sustained an injury to the foot or ankle, timing matters. A simple fracture can turn into a chronic deformity if it heals in the wrong position!

Questions? Concerns? Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule your initial diagnostic appointment. We look forward to meeting you!