Foot Fracture In Children
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is a foot fracture? A foot fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in any of the bones in the foot. These include the bones in the ankle, toes, and the long bones in the middle of the foot. The middle bones of the foot are the long bones connected to each of your child's toes. These long bones are the most commonly injured foot bones in children.
What causes a foot fracture? Fractures in young children are uncommon because their bones are very flexible or plastic-like. A broken foot in children may be caused by any of the following:
- Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or blows to the foot may cause foot fractures in children. Your child's foot may be injured while playing sports or when a heavy object falls on it. A foot fracture may happen when trying to slow down with the foot while riding a bicycle. Jumping from a high place may also cause a broken foot.
- Overuse: When the foot is subjected to repeated stress over a long period of time, small cracks can form. These cracks are called stress fractures. These occur most often in adolescents who participate in repeated intense (heavy) training.
- Other problems: Fractures in children may be caused by other disease conditions, such as osteopenia (decreased bone tissue). Children with long-term kidney disease or leukemia may have osteopenia, making them more likely to have bone breaks.
What are the signs and symptoms of a foot fracture? Your child may have pain and swelling in the injured foot. The foot may be bruised and the bones may look out of place. The bones may be poking through the skin and bleeding. He may have a hard time moving his foot. Your child may limp, refuse to walk, or be unable to put any weight on the injured foot.
How is a foot fracture diagnosed? Your child may have one or more of the following:
- X-rays: Your child may need x-rays of the foot to check for broken bones or other problems. Several pictures may be taken of the bones in your child's foot. X-rays of both your child's injured and uninjured feet may be taken.
- Bone scan: During this test, pictures are taken of your child's bones. Your child is given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infection, or cancer in the bones.
- Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of your child's foot. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the leg, ankle, and foot area.
How is a foot fracture treated? Treatment will depend on which foot bone was broken and the kind of fracture your child has. Caregivers may put bandages on your child's foot and use ice packs to help decrease the swelling. Your child may need one or more of the following:
- Cast or Splint: Keeping the broken foot from moving is very important. A cast or splint may be put on your child's foot and leg to keep the bones from moving.
- Medicine: Medicines may be given to help with your child's pain. Your child may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if he has a break in his skin.
- Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child's foot to decrease swelling, pain, and redness.
- Surgery: A foot fracture that is severe or does not heal with other treatments may need surgery. Caregivers may make an incision (cut) on your child's foot and line up the broken bones. Wires and screws may be used to hold the fractured bones in place.
Where can I find more information? Having a child with foot fracture may be hard for your child and your family. Contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
PO Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
Phone: 1-913-906-6000
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 600184262
Phone: 1-847-8237186
Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
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