Home Remedies for Fractured Foot Bones

You may have a fractured foot bone without being aware of it. Pain and swelling along with bruising are the most common signs to look out for. Home remedies offer natural alternatives to return your foot to a functioning, pain-free level. Reducing your pain, inflammation and bleeding play important roles in treating foot bone fractures. Check with your doctor first to be sure the treatment is appropriate for your individual situation and state of health.

You can use home remedies to heal fractured foot bones. (Image: sanyanwuji/iStock/Getty Images)

Rest and Immobilization

Resting your injured foot needs to be your No. 1 priority, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. According to the Academy, rest is the primary treatment for foot fractures. Give your foot a break from whatever activity caused the fracture for at least three to four weeks. Avoid any activity that causes foot pain. Resting involves immobilizing your injured foot and not placing any weight on the area. Decreasing your foot's loading forces plays an essential role in treating your foot fracture, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Not putting any weight on your foot allows the affected bones a chance to begin the healing process. Harsh movements can prolong your recovery process and increase bleeding, according to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma.

Elevation

Elevation plays a key role in any home remedy program involving fractures, including fractured foot bones. Elevation involves lifting your injured leg so your foot is above heart level. Elevating your leg serves two purposes, according to the physical therapy firm Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. Elevation helps return blood to your heart and decreases bleeding. Start elevating your leg while lying in bed or on a sofa by placing your foot onto a pillow or pile of pillows. Put enough pillows underneath your foot and calf area to lift your leg to the appropriate height.

Applying Ice

You should apply ice as soon as you suspect fractured foot bones, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Applying either an ice pack or crushed ice to the affected area helps reduce swelling. Crushed ice conforms to areas easier than ice packs. Avoid putting ice directly on your skin. Wrapping the ice in a towel prior to applying it to your foot will help prevent ice burn. Do not apply ice for longer than 20 minutes at a time. Use ice as a home remedy throughout the day.

Wear Special Shoes

Once you can place weight onto your foot, using appropriate footwear plays an important role in successfully treating your foot area. Start wearing a shoe with a wide sole, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Buy and use shoes that have ample room for your toes. Do not wear shoes that crunch or squeeze your toes. Wearing a wider shoe for an average of two to four weeks usually provides sufficient treatment for fractured foot bones.