Crush Injuries: What They Mean for Your Feet

When we think of foot injuries, we often picture a simple sprain or a broken toe from stubbing it. But some traumas we at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists treat are more crushing… literally. From heavy objects to massive forces, crush injuries can cause widespread damage that requires specialized care. Let’s dive into the anatomy of podiatric crush trauma and its untreated consequences.

What Exactly Is a Crush Injury?

A heavy piece of machinery falls on your foot. A car tire runs over your foot. A moving box flattens your toes. Any scenario, really, where your foot is crushed by extreme pressure or weight, is going to compress the network of bones, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels all at once.

Types of Crush Trauma and Immediate Damage

Crush injuries are typically categorized by the damage they inflict:

• Bone and Joint Destruction: The force can cause multiple fractures and break several metatarsal bones or smaller tarsal bones. Even dislocations where joints are forced out of alignment.
• Soft Tissue Damage: You can get severe bruising and tearing of muscles and tendons. This damage is often more complex than bone breaks and determines the long-term function of the foot.
• Vascular and Nerve Damage: The compression can tear blood vessels and lead to immediate internal bleeding; or, damage the nerves and cause permanent numbness or chronic pain.

Compartment Syndrome

The biggest emergency concern after a severe crush injury is compartment syndrome. This happens when swelling and bleeding within the foot’s rigid compartments cause pressure to build up rapidly.

This pressure then restricts blood flow to the muscles and nerves, which can lead to permanent tissue death if not surgically addressed within hours. This is an absolute red flag that requires immediate hospital attention.

Long-Term Foot Problems Caused by Crush Injuries

Even after the initial fractures heal, a crush injury can leave behind persistent foot problems:

• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Damage to the cartilage in the midfoot or ankle joints accelerates wear and tear. You may develop severe osteoarthritis years later.
• Gait Abnormalities: The foot’s new alignment, along with muscle and nerve damage, can lead to a permanent limp or altered gait, which can cause secondary pain in your knees and back.
• Chronic Pain and Neuropathy: Damaged or scarred nerves can lead to chronic, burning pain or lasting numbness that makes wearing shoes difficult.
• Foot Deformities: Fractures that don’t heal perfectly and soft tissue loss can result in permanent foot deformities or collapsed arches.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!