foot and ankle fracture treatment at Performance Foot & Ankle in Thousand Oaks, CA

Foot & Ankle Fracture Treatment in Thousand Oaks

Foot and ankle fractures are common injuries that can happen to anyone, whether from a sports incident, a simple misstep, or an accident. Fractures range from small cracks to severe breaks and often require prompt, specialized care to heal correctly. At Performance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA use in-office imaging and advanced healing therapies to diagnose fractures quickly and guide you through a full recovery.

Request an Appointment

What Is a Foot or Ankle Fracture?

A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. Fractures can occur in any of the 28 bones of the foot and ankle, and they vary widely in severity. Even a small fracture can affect how you walk, balance, and perform daily activities if it does not heal properly.

Types of Foot and Ankle Fractures

  • Toe fractures – Small but painful breaks caused by stubbing a toe, dropping something heavy on the foot, or repetitive stress
  • Metatarsal fractures – Breaks in the long bones of the midfoot, common in runners, hikers, and military personnel
  • Stress fractures – Tiny cracks caused by repetitive force, often seen with sports injuries and sudden increases in activity
  • Calcaneus (heel) fractures – Usually the result of high-impact injuries such as a fall from a height
  • Ankle fractures – Breaks in the tibia, fibula, or talus, often caused by twisting injuries, falls, or sports

Causes and Risk Factors

Fractures can be caused by trauma or accidents, sports activities, overuse, and conditions that weaken the bones such as osteoporosis. Patients with neuropathy or diabetes may not feel a fracture right away, which makes prompt evaluation especially important.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common signs of a foot or ankle fracture include:

  • Severe pain and tenderness at the injury site
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight
  • A visible deformity of the foot or ankle

Diagnosing Foot and Ankle Fractures

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and a discussion of how the injury occurred. Our office offers in-house digital x-rays and diagnostic ultrasound. Ultrasound can sometimes identify stress fractures that are not yet visible on x-rays. CT scans or MRIs may be ordered for complex injuries.

Fracture Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Common approaches include:

  • Immobilization – A cast, splint, or walking boot to hold the bone in place while it heals
  • Activity modification – Not all fractures require crutches, a knee scooter, or a wheelchair. Weight-bearing guidance is based on your exam and imaging.
  • Pain and inflammation reduction – We offer MLS laser therapy to support bone healing and a speedier recovery
  • Bone stimulators – For stubborn fractures that do not respond to first-line treatment
  • Surgery – Severe or misaligned fractures may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones with screws, plates, or pins

With timely treatment, most people make a full recovery. Untreated fractures can lead to chronic pain, deformity, and posttraumatic arthritis. If you suspect a fracture, call (805) 273-1415 to schedule an evaluation with Performance Foot & Ankle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot and Ankle Fractures

How do I know if my foot is broken?

Signs of a broken foot include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and visible deformity. An x-ray is the best way to confirm a fracture, and we offer x-rays in our office.

Can I walk on a broken foot?

Some minor fractures allow limited walking in a protective boot, while others require you to stay off the foot entirely. Walking on an untreated fracture can make it worse, so get evaluated first.

How long does a foot fracture take to heal?

Most foot and ankle fractures take six to eight weeks to heal, though complex fractures and those requiring surgery may take several months.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, such as running or a sudden increase in activity. It often causes gradually worsening pain with activity.

Do all ankle fractures need surgery?

No. Many stable ankle fractures heal with a cast or walking boot. Surgery is typically needed when bones are displaced or the ankle joint is unstable.

Can MLS laser therapy help a fracture heal faster?

MLS laser therapy may help reduce pain and inflammation and support the healing process, contributing to a speedier recovery for many patients.

Is a broken toe serious?

Many broken toes heal with buddy taping and supportive footwear, but fractures of the big toe or those that are displaced may require more treatment. It is best to have any suspected toe fracture evaluated.