The cuneiform bones are the bones in the middle of the foot that make up the arch. A cuneiform fracture is a break or crack in one of these bones.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
A sudden twisting of your foot.
A fall onto your foot.
Dropping a heavy object on your foot.
Overuse or repetitive exercise.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people who:
Play contact sports.
Have a bone disease.
Have a low calcium level.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Pain. The pain may be worse when you walk, stand, or move your foot.
Swelling, especially on the top of the foot.
Bruising, especially on the bottom of the foot.
DIAGNOSIS …show more content…
Surgery is usually needed if there are many pieces of broken bone or bones that are very out of place (displaced fracture).
Physical therapy. This may be needed to help you regain full movement and strength in your foot.
Until your bones heal, you will need to see your health care provider to have X-rays taken. Your health care provider will look at the X-rays to make sure your foot is healing well.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If You Have a Cast:
Do not stick anything inside the cast to scratch your skin. Doing that increases your risk of infection.
Check the skin around the cast every day. Report any concerns to your health care provider. You may put lotion on dry skin around the edges of the cast. Do not apply lotion to the skin underneath the cast.
If You Have Other Foot Support
Wear it as directed by your health care provider. Remove it only as directed by your health care provider.
Loosen it if your toes become numb and tingle, or if they turn cold and blue.
Bathing
Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths for …show more content…
Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
Perform exercises as directed by your health care provider or physical therapist.
Safety
Do not use the injured limb to support your body weight until your health care provider says that you can. Use crutches as directed by your health care provider.
General Instructions
Do not put pressure on any part of the cast or splint until it is fully hardened. This may take several hours.
Keep the foot support clean and dry.
Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. Tobacco can delay bone healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
You have a fever.
Your foot support is too loose or too tight.
Your foot support is damaged.
Your pain medicine is not helping.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
You have severe pain.
You have tingling or numbness in your foot that is getting