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What Is a Foot Fracture?

A foot fracture occurs when one of the bones in the foot breaks due to trauma, repetitive stress, or sudden force. Some fractures are obvious, while others — especially stress fractures — cause subtle pain that worsens over time.

Foot fractures are common in athletes, runners, and patients who spend long hours on their feet.

Types of Foot Fractures

Stress Fractures

Tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive pressure or overuse.

Trauma Fractures

Breaks caused by falls, twisting injuries, car accidents, or heavy impact.

Metatarsal Fractures

Common in runners and patients with forefoot pain.

Heel (Calcaneus) Fractures

Often caused by high‑impact trauma.

Midfoot (Lisfranc) Injuries

Serious injuries involving the midfoot joints and ligaments.

Common Symptoms

• Sudden or gradual foot pain

• Swelling or bruising

• Pain that worsens with walking

• Difficulty bearing weight

• Tenderness to touch

• A “pop” or sharp pain during injury

• Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity

Why Foot Fractures Happen

Foot fractures often develop due to:

• Running or jumping sports

• Overuse

• Falls or twisting injuries

• Heavy impact

• Poor shoe support

• Sudden increases in activity

• Previous foot injuries

Without treatment, fractures can worsen or heal incorrectly.

When Foot Fractures Become a Problem

You should be seen if you experience:

• Sudden foot pain

• Swelling or bruising

• Difficulty walking

• Pain that worsens with activity

• A suspected injury from sports or trauma

• Pain that does not improve with rest

If your pain is located under the big toe, it may be related to Sesamoiditis or Turf Toe.

Treatment Options

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute, our team — Dr. Solomon, Dr. Sibel, Dr. Samant, and Dr. Savage — offers:

• Custom Orthotics

• Immobilization and protective boots

• Anti‑inflammatory treatments

• Shockwave therapy

• Physical therapy

• PRP injections for chronic bone stress injuries

• Sports Medicine evaluation for athletes

• Trauma Surgery consultation for severe fractures

For advanced cases, learn more about surgical options on our Fractures and Reconstructive Surgery pages.

Do All Foot Fractures Require Surgery?

Not always. Many fractures heal with conservative care. However, surgery may be recommended if:

• The bone is displaced

• The fracture is unstable

• Pain persists despite treatment

• The injury affects mobility

• The fracture involves the midfoot or heel

Our specialists offer modern fracture repair and reconstruction techniques designed for long‑term stability.

Schedule an Appointment

Call Our Office at 702.997.9833

Author

Roman Sibel, MD Dr. Roman Sibel, MD is an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute in Henderson, Nevada. Dr. Sibel specializes in a variety of cutting-edge foot and ankle treatments, including reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, trauma surgery, diabetic care, and laser treatments for removing nail fungus. Dr. Sibel retains active affiliations with numerous Las Vegas hospitals, including Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center, and St. Rose Dominican Hospital’s multiple campuses throughout Nevada. He also works with several local surgical centers, such as Parkway Surgery Center, Sunset Ridge Surgery Center, and Coronado Surgery Center. Graduating from Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, Dr. Sibel went on to earn his medical degree from MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed both his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and finished his foot and ankle fellowship training at the Hospital