Will a foot injury heal despite a fracture in the same site?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 18-year-old and a dancer. I was leaping and accidentally hit my foot hard on another person. My foot hurt to the touch, and when pressure was applied, it bruised and was swollen. I can put weight on it but not without pain. A couple of years ago, I fractured my fourth and fifth metatarsals, and that is where I was hurt this time. Is it just terrible bruising or a fracture? The next day the bruise and pain were still there. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I can understand your concern.

I hope it is not a fracture since there is a history of fracture at the same spot several years back. Since you have pain while weight bearing it requires an X-ray to properly diagnose if there are any fissures or fractures. For now, I suggest you to:

Apply RICE (resting and relaxing, icing will reduce swelling and pain, compression bandaging or wearing ankle support will help, and the elevation of your feet will reduce edema).
Taking painkillers like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or Tylenol (Acetaminophen and Paracetamol) tablets if needed. Consult a specialist doctor and take these medicines with their consent.
Gentle topical massaging with topical anti-inflammatory gels will help.

If swelling persists, take an X-ray and follow up with your orthopedician for proper evaluation and management.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.