Although they are resilient, our feet are vulnerable to injury from various types of trauma. From minor mishaps to severe accidents, the impact on our feet can range from temporary discomfort to long-term complications. This article from us at Your Next Step will explore 5 different scenarios that illustrate how foot trauma can occur and the specific damage that can result.
What Happens If I Stub My Toe?
Imagine rushing through a dark room and forcefully colliding with a piece of furniture. This classic “stubbed toe” scenario involves a sudden, direct impact on the toe.
This force can cause bruising, swelling, and damage to the soft tissues (skin, ligaments, tendons) surrounding the toe bones. In severe cases, it can even lead to a toe fracture, particularly in the smaller bones of the toe.
What Happens If I Fall from a Great Height?
Consider a scenario where you fall from a ladder or a significant height. The impact of landing can transmit a huge amount of force through the heel bone and up the entire foot.
From this, you can end up breaking your heel bone, your talus (which connects the foot to the leg), or sustaining damage to the midfoot joints and ligaments, aka, a Lisfranc injury.
What Happens If I Drop a Heavy Object on My Foot?
Envision a workplace accident where a heavy object, such as a pallet or machinery, falls onto your foot.
This type of trauma can break multiple bones in the foot, but even if you don’t fracture anything, you might get compartment syndrome, which is when increased pressure in the muscles cuts off blood flow. Or, you may sustain soft tissue damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
What Happens If I Twist My Ankle?
Imagine you are a basketball player landing awkwardly after a jump or a hiker stepping into a deep, hidden hole.
These situations involve a sudden twisting or rotational force on the ankle and foot. This can lead to an ankle sprain, during which the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. If the force is great enough, you may end up with an avulsion fracture, where the ligament pulls off a piece of bone.
What Happens If I Step on Something Sharp?
Imagine stepping on a nail or a piece of glass. This can create an open wound, within which bacteria can enter and cause infection. If deep enough, the penetrating object can also damage tendons, nerves, or even bones.
Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are happy to solve your foot and ankle problems. Book your appointment and contact us today!