Foot & Ankle Fractures

Foot and ankle fractures are common injuries that can happen to anyone, whether from a sports-related incident, a simple misstep, or an accident. These fractures can range from minor cracks to severe breaks, often requiring immediate medical attention and specialized care.

What is a Foot and Ankle Fracture?

A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. Fractures can occur in any of the 28 bones in the foot and ankle. These fractures vary widely in severity and can impact how you walk, balance, and perform daily activities.

Types of Fractures

Different types of fractures may require different treatment approaches. Here are some of the most common types of foot and ankle fractures:

• Toe Fractures: Small but often painful, fractures in the toes can happen from stubbing, dropping something heavy on the foot, or from repetitive stress
• Metatarsal Fractures: These fractures involve the long bones in the midfoot and are often seen in athletes (ie, runners, hikers, military)
• Calcaneus (Heel) Fractures: Heel fractures typically result from a high-impact injury, such as falling from a height
• Ankle Fractures: The ankle is made up of three main bones—tibia, fibula, and talus—and fractures can occur in one or more of these bones. These fractures are often caused by twists, falls, or sports injuries

Causes and Risk Factors

Foot and ankle fractures can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma or Injury
• Sports Activities
• Osteoporosis
•  Overuse

Recognizing the Symptoms

Knowing the signs of a fracture can help you decide when to seek medical attention. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and Tenderness that is often severe and localized to the fracture site
• Swelling and Bruising around the affected area
• Difficulty Walking
• Deformity of the foot/ankle

Diagnosis of Foot and Ankle Fracture

•  Physical Examination
• Imaging:
  • X-rays
  •  Ultrasound - sometimes can be used to identify stress fractures that are not obvious on X-rays!
  • CT Scans or MRIs

Treatment Options

Treatment for foot and ankle fractures depends on the type and severity of the injury. Here are some common approaches:

•  Immobilization - cast, splint, or walking boot to keep the bone in place
• Activity Modification - not all fractures require you to be non-weight bearing on crutches/knee scooter/wheelchair! This is determined based on physical exam and imaging findings
• Reduction of Pain and Inflammation - here at Performance Foot & Ankle, we offer MLS laser therapy to facilitate bone healing and an overall speedier recovery!
• Bone Stimulator - for those stubborn fractures that fail first-line therapies
• Surgery - severe fractures, especially those where the bones are misaligned, may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. This often involves metal screws, plates, or pins

Foot and ankle fractures can be painful and disruptive, but with timely and appropriate treatment, most people make a full recovery. If you suspect a fracture, contact your Podiatrist promptly for evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored to your injury and fracture pattern.