Foot and Ankle Fractures

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Causes of Stress Fractures to the Foot and Ankle

Foot Fractures treatment in the Gastonia, NC 28054; Salisbury, NC 28144; Charlotte, NC 28215; areas

When the foot or ankle experiences trauma, a fracture may occur. Causes of foot and ankle fractures can vary. In some cases, an obvious impact to the foot or a fall can be behind a fracture. Fractures can also occur because of increased stress on the bone over time. The location of the fracture can often give your podiatrist information on how the fracture occurred.

Pain, especially when bearing weight, is a telltale sign of a fracture. Limping due to this pain is a further sign of a foot or ankle fracture. Other symptoms include inflammation, bruising, deformity, and tenderness. A deformity may occur due to a shift in bone alignment or a joint dislocation near the fracture. While pain is a significant symptom of breakage, a patient who has nerve damage or who has diabetes may not feel this pain. In this instance, your podiatrist will look for additional signs to determine whether a fracture has occurred.

Treatment of Foot and Ankle Fractures in Concord, Charlotte and Salisbury, NC

From this point, treatment can vary patient to patient with the severity of the fracture. Rest is absolutely required for the foot. Fractures vary in healing time, some can be healed with short bursts of rest, and others require prolonged periods of resting paired with crutches. In cases in which the fracture is very serious, surgery may be authorized to install pins supporting the fracture and aiding in healing.

On diagnosis of a stress fracture—immediately cease the activity that caused the fracture and rest! Prevention is always your first step, however, if relief of the symptoms does not occur naturally and within a reasonable time frame, an orthopedic specialist is highly recommended.

If you are experiencing severe pain, cannot walk without limping, have an open wound near the suspected break, or have numbness or tingling in the toes, you should see your podiatrist.

Stress Fractures

Foot and Ankle Fractures (FAQs)

How can you break your foot or ankle?
The most common ways that people fracture their foot or ankle bones are sudden, high impact injuries, such as a direct blow to the foot or ankle while playing sports, or stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones that occur due to repetitive overuse. Symptoms of a possible fracture include throbbing pain that worsens with activity, bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, difficulty walking, and difficulty bearing weight. There may also be foot or ankle deformity due to bones moving out of alignment, or in very severe cases, poking through the skin.
How are foot and ankle fractures treated?
The treatment for your fracture will depend on the type of fracture and the extent of the injury. Milder stress fractures may be treated through activity and footwear modifications, icing the affected foot or ankle, taking medications to relieve pain, and keeping weight off of the injured leg while it heals. More severe fractures may require surgery or immobilization with a cast, brace, or boot.
How long does it take for a foot or ankle fracture to heal?
Recovery time will depend on the type and severity of the fracture. Generally, it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a fracture to heal. If the fracture is severe, it can take longer. For optimal recovery, it is suggested that you follow home care instructions provided by your doctor.
Can you still walk with a broken foot or ankle?
With a broken foot or ankle, you will likely experience some degree of difficulty walking. You will probably be able to walk with a milder injury, although resting the injured foot or ankle as much as possible is strongly suggested. With a more severe injury, walking may be impossible for several weeks to months as your injury heals. Your injured leg may be in a cast or other immobilizing device and you might need crutches or another mobility aid to get around until you recover.

 

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Concord, NC 28025, Charlotte, NC 28215, Gastonia, NC 28054 & Salisbury, NC 28144 areas