The foot performs the supporting function of the human skeleton. It bears the main load when walking and standing. The bones of the foot form an arch, facing upwards. They, connecting, provide upright walking of a person. When walking, running, jumping, the main pressure falls on the heel (calcaneal tubercle) and on the heads of the metatarsal bones. This structure provides good shock absorption, and reduces the load on other joints and the spine.
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 the scaphoid, cuboid and three cuneiform bones. The metatarsus has five components, of which the first (in this case, the count 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. The toes are represented by 14 components. Each finger isof three phalanxes, while the large one is of two.
Fractured foot. Symptoms
This is a fairly common leg injury that occurs as a result of an unsuccessful landing on the feet during a jump from a height (even a slight one). In addition, the bones of the foot can be damaged due to a collision with a vehicle, heavy objects falling on it. The predisposing factor is its constant subluxation. Injuries to this part of the legs account for over 30% of all reported fractures. Metatarsal foot fractures are the most common, followed by the talus and calcaneus, and the least common are the cuneiform and cuboid.
Common symptoms of all foot injuries:
- pain;
- local tissue swelling;
- blue skin;
- possible foot deformity;
- unable to step on foot.
Fracture of the metatarsal bone 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 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 a circular plaster up to the knee joint 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 plaster is applied. The full recovery period is about a year.
If there was a fracture withdisplacement, then the broken section is drawn out, most often knitting needles are used. If the injury is complex and it is necessary to do an open operation, then general anesthesia is used. After that, a cast is also applied for up to eight weeks.
Fracture of the phalanges of the fingers occurs as a result of heavy objects falling on them or sharp pressure. There is pain in a broken finger, swelling, movement is disturbed. Treatment is carried out by applying a splint to the knee joint for a period of two to four weeks, and if the fracture was displaced, then up to six. Full recovery occurs in two to three months.
