Broken Foot Problem Healing

Broken feet are a common injury and may result from repetitive pressure from walking, running or playing sports. People with broken feet may experience problems with healing that require medication, immobilization and repositioning of fractured bones.

Pain

• According to the Mayo Clinic, patients may experience foot pain while a broken foot heals and this pain may be treated with over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Doctors may treat excessive pain with prescription narcotics.

Stiffness

• The muscles and ligaments in a broken foot can become stiff while the fracture heals. A physical therapist may help a patient improve strength and flexibility in the foot.

Displacement

• Broken bones may become displaced and unable to heal together without repositioning. A doctor will need to manipulate the bone fragments into a proper position that allows them to heal together.

Immobilization

• A broken foot may not heal properly if the foot is allowed to move. Doctors may need to immobilize the broken foot with a cast, brace or other aid to allow proper healing.

Positioning Materials

• A physician may need to attach pieces of broken bones together with pins, screws or plates to maintain proper positioning. These positioning materials may become painful and may be removed after a broken foot has healed.