Definition of Broken foot

Broken foot: Disruption of one or more of the 26 bones in the foot. Foot fractures account for 10% of all the broken bones in the body. Symptoms of a broken foot include pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Bones of the foot can be broken because of a sudden injury, such as jumping from a height or a heavy object falling and landing on the foot. Foot fractures can also develop gradually over time, such as the result of the constant stress of walking or running. Treatment depends upon the location and severity of the break and may include immobilization, avoidance of weight bearing, medications for pain control, and, in some cases, surgery. Also known as a fracture, break, or crack of the foot.