The foot performs the supporting function of the human skeleton. It accounts for the main load when walking and standing. The bones of the foot form a dome facing upward. They, connecting, provide upright man. When walking, running, jumping, the main pressure falls on the
heel (calcaneal tubercle) and on the heads of the metatarsal bones. Thanks to this structure, good cushioning is ensured, and the load on other joints and the spine is reduced.
The bones of the foot are divided into three sections. The tarsal section in its composition has seven parts, which are arranged in two rows. The first row (back) is represented by the calcaneus and talus. They perform three functions. The main - supporting, and additional - protective and motor. The second row (front) is represented by a scaphoid, cuboid and three sphenoid bones. The metatarsal section has five components, of which the first (in this case, the account is from the medial side) is the thickest of them, and the second is the longest. The bones of the foot of this department have a tubular structure. Toes are represented by 14 components. Each finger consists of three phalanges, the big one of two.
Fracture of the foot. Symptoms
This is a fairly common foot injury that occurs as a result of an unsuccessful landing on the feet during a jump from a height (even insignificant). In addition, the bones of the foot may be affected due to the collision of the vehicle, the fall of heavy objects on it. A predisposing factor is its constant subluxation. Injuries to this part of the legs account for more than 30% of all recorded fractures. Fractures of the metatarsal part of the foot are most common, followed by the talus and calcaneus, and the sphenoid and cuboid bones are the least affected.
Common symptoms of all foot injuries:
- pain;
- local tissue edema;
- cyanosis of the skin;
- possible deformation of the foot;
- inability to step on the foot.
Metatarsal fracture of the foot is the most common case of all fractures of this part of the legs (detected in more than 45% of cases). Patients complain of pain in the damaged area. Edema, cyanosis (hematoma) appears at the site of the injury, and deformation is possible. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to make an x-ray of the foot in two projections.
Treatment
Impose circular gypsum to the knee for a period of four to eight weeks. The term depends on the complexity of the fracture. The load is allowed to be given 21 days after the application of gypsum. The full recovery period is about a year.
If a fracture with a shift occurred, then the broken section is drawn out, most often use knitting needles. If the injury is complex and it is necessary to do an open operation, then general anesthesia is used. After this, gypsum is also applied for up to eight weeks.
Fracture of the phalanx of the fingers occurs due to the fall of heavy objects on them or a sharp squeezing. There is pain in a broken finger, swelling, movement is disturbed. Treatment is carried out by applying a splint to the knee for a period of two to four weeks, and if the fracture was displaced, then up to six. Full recovery occurs after two to three months.