Obesity has become an epidemic. Worldwide obesity has almost tripled since 1975. Whether you’re obese or are managing a chronic health condition, a local physiotherapist can be a valuable addition to your health and wellness team. A local physiotherapist is a wellness provider who helps patients regain mobility, motor function and balance. A local physiotherapist can also help patients reduce or manage pain.

Some of the non-invasive treatments a local physiotherapist may use include spinal adjustment, manual manipulation, hot and cold therapy, musculoskeletal ultrasound, exercise and stretching and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). A local physiotherapist can help patients who are obese or overweight safely and effectively exercisee and educate them on lifestyle changes to make. Patients who are overweight, obese or managing metabolic syndrome will work with a local family physician to monitor weight, manage obesity medications and understand the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery.

A local family doctor can refer people who are overweight or obese to other health care providers as possible, whether it’s a local physiotherapist to create an exercise plan, a local registered dietitian to plan healthy meals or a local psychiatrist to manage anxiety. Whether you need advice on exercising with diabetes or losing weight, start by talking to your local pharmacist or family physician.

Fractures can occur in the feet because they are exposed to a number of sources of trauma. For example, in a car accident your feet aren’t protected by air bags, so they can easily be fractured. Falling from a height or suffering a twisting injury in sport can also lead to foot fractures. 

What is a Stress Fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack or severe bruising in a bone. Stress fractures of the foot are common in athletes, and are usually caused by overuse and repetitive activity. They also occur more commonly in people with osteoporosis, as they have weakened bones. Stress fractures most often affect the:

• Second and third metatarsals in the foot, which get the biggest impact as you push off to walk or run
• Calcaneus, also called the heel
• Fibula, the outer bone of the ankle and lower leg
• Talus, a little bone in the ankle joint
• Navicular, a bone on the top of the midfoot

Foot Fracture Symptoms & Treatments

Symptoms of a foot fracture include:

• Pain that worsens during weight-bearing activity
• Swelling of the foot or outside of the ankle
• Bruising

To diagnose a fractured foot, the physician will do a physical exam and x-rays. As fractures can be difficult to see on an x-ray, your doctor may also recommend a bone scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Depending on the severity of your foot fracture, your doctor might suggest the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), anti-inflammatory medication, a cast and/or crutches. If you require surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon will probably perform a procedure called internal fixation, which involves supporting the bones by inserting pins, screws, and/or plates.

In most cases, a fractured foot will heal in six to eight weeks. It can be challenging to regain range of motion following surgery as there is a lot of stiffness. To regain your range of motion you may need bracing, orthotics and/or physiotherapy to properly heal and return to sport.   Souvent, consulter un médecin de famille local ou un physiothérapeute en collaboration avec un diététiste et un thérapeute du sport est une excellente option pour prendre le contrôle de cette condition. Les traitements peuvent varier selon le patient et selon le médecin, alors encore une fois, prenez rendez-vous et parlez-en à votre médecinà Montréal et à Québec. 

Talk to your healthcare provider if you'd like more information on foot fractures.

Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on sports health.