It is the breakage of one or several bones that make up the foot: 16 bones in the toes (phalanges) and 5 bones in the middle part of the foot (metatarsal bones). They are frequent fractures because they are small and fragile bones.
They are usually caused by direct trauma or by repeated compression of the bone. Compression fractures often affect athletes who rapidly increase the distances they run. They are favored by foot deformities, osteoporosis and the use of inappropriate footwear.
The most frequent symptoms are pain in a precise point, deformity of the toe, hematoma, swelling and pain during or after an activity. The pain disappears at rest and reappears during activity.
It is diagnosed by clinical examination, physical examination and radiographs of the affected fingers. Sometimes it is necessary to make X-rays of the opposite foot to compare both.
The treatment includes rest, analgesics and splinting of the toe even including the toe on its side. A shoe with a rigid sole protects the toe and helps to maintain it in the correct position. In severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary.
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