Foot Dislocation, Subtalar

Injury to a joint in the foot below the talus so that adjoining bones are displaced from their normal position and no longer touch each other. A minor dislocation is called a supluxation. Joint surfaces still touch, but not in normal relation to each other.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Any of the foot bones below the talus.
• Ligaments that hold foot bones in place.
• Soft tissue surrounding the dislocated bones, including nerves, tendons, muscles and blood vessels.

Causes

• Direct blow to the foot.
• End result of a severe foot sprain.
• Congenital abnormality, such as a shallow or malformed joint surface.

Signs & Symptoms

• Excruciating pain at the time of injury.
• Inability to bear weight and walk.
• Severe pain when attempting to move the foot.
• Tenderness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and bruising at the injury site.
• Numbness or paralysis below the dislocation from pinching, cutting or pressure on blood vessels or nerves.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

If a cast is not necessary:

• Use ice soaks 3 or 4 times a day. Fill a bucket with ice water, and soak the injured area 20 minutes at a time.
• After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use hot baths, showers,compresses, heat lamps, heating pads, heat ointments and liniments, or whirlpools.
• Wrap the foot with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decreasing swelling.

If a cast is necessary:

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting under general anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• For participation in contact sports, protect vulnerable joints with supportive devices, such as wrapped elastic bandages, tape or high-top athletic shoes.
• Warm up adequately before physical activity.
• Build your overall strength and muscle tone with a long-term conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Avoid irregular surfaces for running, fast walking, or track and field events.