Pediatric Foot Fractures
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Children's Foot Fractures
Understanding Pediatric Foot Fractures
Due to their still-growing bodies, pediatric foot fracture treatment is different than treating similar injuries in adults. Fractures are less common because children’s growing feet have more cartilage and greater elasticity. However, increased activity has led to increased incidence of foot fractures.
Trusted Pediatric Foot & Ankle Care • Thousands of children treated by Dr. Mikkel Jarman, DPM, FACFAS
Foot Fracture Common Causes
Most of these are closed fractures. High energy trauma, such as accidents with a lawnmower or riding an ATV, often result in open fractures.
Treating a closed fracture rarely requires surgical intervention. Common treatment involves “buddy” taping the fractured toe to its healthy neighbor. The child may be given a walking cast or hard-soled shoe to manage discomfort.
Open foot fracture treatment depends on the child’s unique injury, age, and much more.
Pediatric Toe Fractures
The most common type of foot fracture in children is of the phalanx, or toe bone. These fractures usually occur because the child dropped something on their toe. Other common causes of pediatric toe fracture include stubbing the toe and sports injuries.
Diagnosing Pediatric Foot Fractures
Due to their unique physiology, diagnosing pediatric foot injuries can be a challenge. Even if you don’t bring your child to Pediatric Foot & Ankle, we highly recommend you use a pediatric podiatrist.
Our blog offers 7 Tips for Choosing a Pediatric Podiatrist. These specialists have the experience and training necessary to accurately diagnose and treat a child’s unique foot issues.
No amount of foot pain is normal. If you suspect your child has a foot fracture or injury, call (480) 534-7220 to schedule an appointment today.
Maylee broke her foot during dance practice. As an aspiring dancer, this was potentially catastrophic. Her foot many have been broken, but her spirit was not.
Watch to learn more about how her and her family with the help of Pediatric Foot & Ankle were able to help get her back on the dance floor doing what she loves.
Treatment depends on the type of fracture
A displaced fracture is when the bone breaks into two or more parts. In addition, the two bone ends move, becoming misaligned. When the bone breaks into several pieces, this is known as a comminuted fracture.
A non-displaced fracture occurs when the bone breaks partway or if the bone breaks completely but the two ends remain aligned.
If the bone breaks through the skin, it is known as an open fracture. A closed fracture is when the bone does not pierce the skin.
How Pediatric Foot Fractures Are Evaluated
Your Child's Visit - What to expect
Our pediatric foot fracture evaluations are:
- Gentle and child-friendly
- Based on age, activity level, and symptoms
- Focused on function—not just appearance
The visit may include:
- Gait and posture analysis
- Foot alignment evaluation
- Muscle flexibility and strength testing
- Digital X-ray Imaging, when necessary
Parents are fully involved in the discussion and decision-making. Our goal is to ensure at the end of appointment you have the following:
- An accurate diagnosis of your child’s foot condition, or at least a list of possible differentials
- Understanding of this diagnosis
- Understanding of ALL available treatment options
It is often encouraged to record this initial encounter as the amount of information can feel overwhelming.
Why parent's choose dr. jarman
A Specialist Who Focuses on Growing Feet
- Dedicated pediatric foot & ankle care
- Experience treating infants through teens
- Evidence-based, conservative approach
- Clear communication with parents
- Friendly, kid-centered office environment
Your child’s feet are still growing, expert care matters.
Pediatric Foot Fracture FAQ's
The leading causes are falls, sports injuries, trauma from dropped objects, and twists/sprains that overextend the bones. Fractures can occur in any bone but are most common in the toes, metatarsals, and calcaneus (heel).
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam assessing symptoms like pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans or MRI help identify the fracture’s location and severity.
The treatment depends on the location and type of fracture. Immobilizing the foot in a cast or boot for 3-6 weeks allows the bone to heal. Surgery may involve pins, screws or plates for proper alignment.
On average, recovery takes 4-8 weeks in a cast but can extend up to 3 months until normal activity can be resumed. Physical therapy helps rebuild strength and range of motion.
There is no foolproof way to prevent fractures, but wearing proper protective gear during sports, preventing falls with good household safety, and building strong bones through nutrition and weight-bearing exercise can help lower risk.