Overview
A foot fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones in the foot. Since the foot is composed of 26 bones, fractures can occur in the toes (phalanges), midfoot (metatarsals), or hindfoot (tarsal bones such as the calcaneus and talus). In Korea, foot fractures are fairly common due to sports injuries, falls, traffic accidents, and osteoporosis in the elderly. With Korea’s advanced imaging technologies, minimally invasive surgeries, and specialized orthopedic care, patients with foot fractures can access effective and timely treatment.
What is a Foot Fracture?
A foot fracture is a partial or complete break in any of the bones of the foot. It can range from tiny stress fractures caused by repetitive activity to complex fractures that require surgical repair.
Types of foot fractures include:
- Stress fractures – small cracks from overuse (common in athletes, military recruits, and dancers).
- Toe fractures – breaks in the phalanges, often from stubbing or crushing injury.
- Metatarsal fractures – common in runners and accident-related injuries.
- Calcaneus fracture – a break in the heel bone, usually from a fall or high-impact trauma.
- Talus fracture – serious fracture in the ankle joint, often linked to car accidents.
- Lisfranc fracture – midfoot injury involving ligaments and bones, requiring complex treatment.
Symptoms
- Intense pain at the site of injury
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to bear weight or walk normally
- Visible deformity (in severe cases)
- Tenderness to touch
- In stress fractures: gradual pain worsening with activity
Causes
- Trauma: falls, twisting injuries, car accidents, or sports injuries
- Repetitive stress: running, jumping, or high-impact sports
- Osteoporosis: weak bones prone to fractures
- Direct impact: heavy object falling on the foot
- Improper footwear: increasing risk of stress fractures in athletes
Risk Factors
- Athletes (runners, soccer players, dancers)
- Elderly (osteoporosis, poor balance)
- Obesity (excess pressure on foot bones)
- Poor footwear or high heels
- Occupational risks (construction workers, soldiers)
- Pre-existing bone diseases
Complications
- Chronic pain and swelling
- Foot deformity (malunion of bones)
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Reduced mobility and gait problems
- Nerve or blood vessel damage in severe fractures
- Delayed healing or non-union (especially in smokers and diabetics)
Prevention
- Use proper footwear during sports and daily activities
- Gradually increase exercise intensity to avoid stress fractures
- Maintain bone health with calcium and vitamin D
- Strengthen leg and foot muscles to support bone integrity
- Fall prevention strategies for the elderly
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korea uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess foot fractures:
- X-rays (primary imaging method)
- CT scans for complex fractures (especially calcaneus/talus)
- MRI to detect stress fractures not visible on X-ray
- Physical examination for swelling, pain, and deformity
Medical Treatments
- Immobilization: casts, splints, or walking boots
- Pain management: NSAIDs or stronger painkillers for severe cases
- Ice and elevation to reduce swelling
- Restricted weight-bearing or use of crutches
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): metal plates, screws, or pins used to stabilize fractures
- External fixation for severe or open fractures
- Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery (common in Korean hospitals, reducing recovery time)
- Bone grafting in cases of bone loss
- Reconstructive surgery for complex or Lisfranc injuries
Rehabilitation and Support
- Physical therapy: gait training, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises
- Custom orthotics or special shoes to support recovery
- Hydrotherapy and robotic-assisted rehabilitation (widely available in Korea)
- Long-term follow-up to prevent arthritis or deformity
