Key points about a foot injury
- Can involve bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the foot
- Range in severity from mild to serious
- Often caused by trauma, overuse, or poor footwear
- Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests
- Treatment varies depending on the type and extent of the injury
Common related conditions
Foot injury causes
- Sudden impact or trauma (e.g., falls, collisions)
- Repetitive strain from overuse
- Wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes
- Abrupt increases in physical activity
- Uneven or unstable surfaces
Foot injury risk factors
- Participation in high-impact or contact sports
- Long hours spent standing or walking
- Poor foot mechanics or alignment issues
- History of previous foot injuries
- Inadequate warm-up or conditioning
Foot injury symptoms
- Pain with movement or weight-bearing
- Swelling or tenderness
- Bruising or discoloration
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling (in some cases)
Foot injury diagnosis
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider
- Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan
- Evaluation of injury history and symptom onset
Foot injury treatment
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Immobilization with a brace, boot, or cast
- Pain relief through medication or anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy to restore movement and strength
- Surgery if the injury is severe or doesn’t heal with conservative care
When to Seek Care
- If pain is severe or worsening
- If swelling increases or weight bearing becomes difficult
- If there is no improvement within a few days
- If symptoms interfere with normal activity or sleep