Foot And Ankle Fractures

What are foot and ankle fractures?

A fracture occurs when you break one or more of your bones. Foot and ankle fractures vary in location and severity. Some are small hairline fractures that cause mild discomfort and swelling, while others cause the entire bone to snap, affecting your mobility and requiring the use of crutches or a wheelchair. 

Foot and ankle fractures affect people of all ages, but they’re especially common in physically active individuals and athletes.

What causes foot and ankle fractures?

Foot and ankle fractures occur for various reasons, including trips and falls, dropping heavy objects like tools or weights, and automobile accidents. You might also experience a foot and ankle fracture while playing sports or participating in physically demanding work.

How do I know if I have a foot or ankle fracture? 

Common symptoms of foot and ankle fractures include:

• Immediate, severe pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Redness, tenderness, or warmth
• Protruding bone or other visible abnormality
  
  

If you fracture your foot or ankle, you might also have difficulty putting weight on the affected limb.

How are foot and ankle fractures diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and ankle fractures, the team at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute reviews your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and asks questions, including how the injury occurred, how severe your symptoms are, and its effect on your mobility.

The team visually observes your foot and ankle, gently presses on them to pinpoint the source of discomfort, and has you perform a few range of motion exercises. 

Afterward, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan, to obtain detailed pictures of the bones and joints that make up your feet and ankles. The team combines all of this information to develop a custom treatment plan.

How are foot and ankle fractures treated?

Treatment of foot and ankle fractures depends on the severity and location of the broken bone. Whenever possible, the team at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments like:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Casting and bracing
• Physical therapy
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

If you have a severe fracture that won’t respond to integrative treatments, you might benefit from foot and ankle surgery. The team offers minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis.

To receive treatment for foot and ankle fractures, request a consultation at The Foot and Ankle Sports Institute. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.