A human foot accommodates 26 bones and 33 joints, the displacement of any joint of the foot results in severe pain and affects the transfer of weight through the curve of the foot. While you are standing, walking, or running your whole body weight is carried by your foot. The curve of the foot involuntary switches the body weight to the front half and the back half of the foot. There is no particular cause of foot dislocation, most of the foot dislocation occurs in motor vehicle accidents, while playing sports, or involving in any regressive physical activity.
Ligaments, tendons and, muscles in the bones help the body to maintain a normal body structure. The foot is divided into three sections: front section, middle section and back section.
There are three types of Foot Dislocation
Forefoot joint dislocation- The fore foot consists of 14 joints, which are further divided into 3 types: Distal inter- Phalangeal joint (4 joints), Proximal inter- Phalangeal joint (5 joints), Metatarso- Phalangeal joint (5 joints). Dislocation of any of the fore foot joints causes severe pain and leads to other dislocations .
Mid-foot joint dislocation- The mid foot consists of 16 joints and 4 types of bones namely, navicular, posterior, cuboid, and cuneiform bone. The dislocation in any of 16 joints results in complications associated with mid foot dislocation.
Hind foot joint dislocation- The hind foot consists of 3 joints namely, cuboid, naviculo, and talo calcaneus. Dislocation of any of the hind foot joints causes severe pain in the back section of the foot.
Symptoms
- Restricted foot and toe movements
- Bruising of skin around the dislocated joint
- Formation of purple colour on the dislocated joint
- Excessive swelling
- Inflammation
- Pain that increase with standing and walking
Complications of foot dislocation
If symptoms of foot dislocation are ignored and left untreated, it can cause some serious long-term complications.
- Blood vessel damage in foot
- Development of arthritis
- Vulnerability to re-injury
- Breakdown of the muscles, ligament, and tendons
Diagnosis of Foot Dislocation
An
orthopaedic will order a diagnostic test, which will help him to know the type of joint that has been affected. A
diagnostic test for foot dislocation may include
Treatment
The treatment of foot dislocation depends on the type of symptoms related to dislocation. The treatment of foot dislocation may involve medications, fracture, and surgery.
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs for the joint and the tissue inflammation
- Analgesics for pain reduction
- Antibiotics for foot wound infections
Surgical treatment
- Screws and plate placement
- K-wire internal fixation
- Internal fixation using screws
Recovery after surgery
For the rapid recovery of foot dislocation, various therapies are advised to a patient. These therapies are generally performed by a
physiotherapist. The therapy after surgery may include:
- Massage therapy
- Interventional therapy
- Physical therapy
- Muscle relaxant therapy
