Quick Summary
- A broken foot is a fracture involving one or more bones in the foot.
- Symptoms range from obvious pain and swelling to subtle, gradually worsening discomfort.
- It is possible to walk on some foot fractures, which does not rule out injury.
- Diagnosis and treatment depend on fracture type, location, and severity.
- Walking or standing too soon can delay healing.
- Medical evaluation helps guide proper care and reduce complications.
What Is a Broken Foot?
A broken foot, also called a foot fracture, is an injury to one or more bones in the foot. This can include the toe bones (phalanges), metatarsals, and the heel bone (calcaneus).
Foot fractures may occur:
- Suddenly, due to trauma such as a fall or impact
- Gradually, from repetitive stress over time (stress fractures)
Severity ranges from tiny cracks in the bone to more serious breaks that may require surgical repair.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Foot
Common Symptoms
Verified symptoms associated with foot fractures include:
- Throbbing pain that may begin suddenly or develop gradually
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Trouble walking or bearing weight
- Changes in the normal shape of the foot in more severe cases
Subtle or Delayed Symptoms
Some fractures—particularly stress fractures—may cause less obvious symptoms, such as:
- A dull ache that worsens over time
- Pain that appears after activity rather than during it
- Mild swelling
- Discomfort that may be noticeable at night
Because these symptoms can be mild, some fractures go unrecognized without medical evaluation.
Can You Walk on a Broken Foot?
Yes. It is possible to walk on some foot fractures, especially smaller fractures or stress fractures. Being able to walk does not rule out a fracture.
Standing or walking on a broken foot can delay healing and may worsen the injury.
Causes of a Broken Foot
causes of foot fractures include:
- Falls or trips
- Sports-related injuries
- Heavy objects dropped on the foot
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Repetitive stress or overuse
Stress fractures are especially common in people who participate in high-impact activities, such as running and jumping.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
People at increased risk for foot fractures include:
- Athletes involved in high-impact sports
- Individuals who suddenly increase activity levels
- People with physically demanding jobs
- Individuals with reduced bone density, including osteoporosis
How a Broken Foot Is Identified
Diagnosis typically involves:
- A physical examination to assess pain, tenderness, and movement
- X-rays to identify most fractures
Additional imaging may be needed in some cases, but high-quality evidence does not support routine use for all fractures.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the bone involved, fracture type, and severity. Verified treatment approaches include:
- Rest and limiting weight-bearing
- Immobilization with a cast, splint, boot, or specialized shoe
- Crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to reduce pressure on the foot
- Pain relief using over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs
- Surgery in more severe cases or when fractures do not heal with non-surgical care
A healthcare professional determines the most appropriate treatment plan.
Healing and Recovery Timeline
Healing time varies based on the fracture:
- Many foot fractures heal in 4 to 6 weeks
- Some fractures take 10 to 12 weeks or longer
- Certain fractures may take several months before full weight-bearing is possible
Standing or walking too soon can delay healing.
What Happens If a Broken Foot Is Not Treated?
Without medical care, verified complications include:
- Bones healing out of alignment
- Permanent foot deformity
- Mobility problems
- Increased risk of infection in open fractures
- Potential long-term joint problems, such as arthritis
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Pain or swelling that does not improve or worsens over time
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Visible changes in the shape of the foot
- Signs of poor circulation, such as numbness or a feeling that the foot is not getting enough blood
Prompt evaluation helps guide appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my foot is broken?
Walking ability alone does not rule out a fracture. High-quality evidence supports evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Is swelling always present with a broken foot?
There is no high-quality evidence confirming that swelling is always present. Some fractures, particularly stress fractures, may cause only mild swelling.
Can a broken foot heal on its own?
There is no high-quality evidence showing that foot fractures reliably heal without medical evaluation.
Can stress fractures get worse if ignored?
Yes. Stress fractures can worsen over time and may progress if activity continues without treatment.
Is a broken foot an emergency?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting a universal emergency classification. Urgent care is recommended if circulation is affected or symptoms worsen.
Can you exercise with a broken foot?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting exercise during an untreated foot fracture. Weight-bearing activity may delay healing.
Can a bandage or wrap heal a fracture?
There is no high-quality evidence that bandages or wraps alone can heal a broken foot.
APA References List
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Lisfranc (midfoot) injury. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/lisfranc-midfoot-injury/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/stress-fractures-of-the-foot-and-ankle/
Brockwell, J., Yeung, Y., & Griffith, J. F. (2009). Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 17(3), 149–159. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0b013e3181b12727
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Broken foot (fractured foot): Symptoms, treatment & recovery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/broken-foot-fractured-foot
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Stress fractures: Symptoms, causes & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15841-stress-fractures
Greaser, M. C. (2016). Foot and ankle stress fractures in athletes. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 47(4), 809–822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocl.2016.05.016
Kaiser, P. B., Guss, D., & DiGiovanni, C. W. (2023). Republication of “Stress fractures of the foot and ankle in athletes.” Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/24730114231195045
MedlinePlus. (2017). Sprains and strains. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/sprainsandstrains.html
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2025). Sprains. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000041.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Broken foot – Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-foot/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355498
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Broken foot – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20355492