What complications can occur?
A rare but dangerous complication that can occur when the foot is broken can be a so-called “compartment syndrome”.In this case, very strong bleeding into a space closed by a muscle fascia causes an increase in pressure in the corresponding compartment, which squeezes the supplying nerves and arteries and leads to an undersupply of the foot. This results in an unpleasant feeling of pressure in the foot and numbness. Such compartment syndrome requires immediate therapeutic measures. After measuring the pressure in the corresponding compartment, it may be necessary to open the muscle fascia directly to allow the pressure to escape. If the foot is undersupplied for too long, the tissue may die off, which should be prevented by relieving the pressure.
Is it a midfoot fracture or just bruised?
After a direct but blunt violent impact on the bones of the foot, a bruise (contusion) may occur in addition to a fracture of the bones, which at first appears with similar symptoms to a broken foot. In contrast to the situation when the foot is broken, however, only the soft tissue is affected by a contusion and the bones are not damaged. As a result of bleeding into the muscle, the skin over the area affected by violence turns blue, the tissue swells and feels overheated.
Similar to when the foot is actually broken, severe pain occurs during exertion, so that movement can also be restricted. In most cases, however, the symptoms subside after some time and bruises usually go uneventful. In the case of very strong force or damage to a large artery, which empties into a space closed by a muscle fascia, so that the pressure rises sharply, the aforementioned complication of compartment syndrome can also occur.
The vessels and nerves that supply the tissue are pinched off and the tissue may no longer be able to receive sufficient supply. Tissue may be destroyed and die if pressure is not relieved quickly enough. The affected person can follow the “PECH” rule, which also applies to sprains, to promote healing of the contusion: P – First of all, it is important to take a break with immobilization of the affected body part. E – It also helps to cool the area (ice) to reduce swelling C – and a firm compression bandage often helps to achieve stability H – Raising the body high counteracts the swelling and relieves the affected area, resulting in reduced pain.
