Ankle Sprains: Expert Care and Recovery

What You Need to Know About Fractures

Understanding foot and ankle fractures helps you get the right care at the right time.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures

A break in one or more of the bones of the foot or ankle is called a fracture. It could happen due to a trauma, like a fall, accident, or an injury. There are 26 bones in each foot and ankle, all of which undergo significant strain and pressure as you move throughout the day. When bones receive more force than they can endure, they can break.

There are two main kinds of fractures. In a compound or open fracture, the bone may break through the skin, break in more than one place, or more than one bone may be broken. In a simple or closed fracture, the bone does not come through the skin and it is a single break. A stress fracture is a tiny bone break caused by overuse, often developing over time rather than suddenly.

Foot and ankle fractures and sprains share similar signs and symptoms, including severe pain that starts immediately after the injury, swelling, redness, or bruising, reduced range of motion, difficulty walking, and tenderness around the injured area. A fracture may also cause a visible deformity, or make the bones and joints appear out-of-place.

Injuries are the most common cause, especially during sports like basketball and football. Trip and fall accidents, vehicle or bicycle accidents, osteoporosis, and overuse also contribute to broken bones. Our providers offer comprehensive diagnostic services, including on-site digital X-rays, and can order an MRI or ultrasound to confirm a fracture and begin treatment right away.

Treatment, First Aid, and Recovery

Foot and ankle fractures require prompt treatment to reduce the risk of future problems, such as posttraumatic arthritis. If your fracture involves an open wound or a piece of bone that pokes through the skin, go to an emergency room immediately. Open fractures have a high risk of infection.

Until you are able to see a foot and ankle surgeon, the RICE method of care should be performed. Rest the injured foot and stay off it, since walking may cause further injury. Ice the area, placing a thin towel between the ice pack and the skin, for 20 minutes at a time. Use an elastic wrap for compression to control swelling. Elevate the foot slightly above the level of your heart. Ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling.

There are also important things to avoid. If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch it. Do not try to put a bandage or footwear on the injured area, and try not to put weight on the injured foot.

Once you are seen, we create an individualized treatment plan based on the severity of your injury. Less severe fractures typically require immobilization, such as a cast, cast boot, or stiff-soled shoe, for about 6 to 8 weeks. Bone stimulation may be used for certain fractures, such as Jones fractures. More complex or unstable fractures may need surgery, where our foot and ankle surgeons reposition the bones and may use plates, screws, or rods to hold them in place as they heal.

After the bone heals, we recommend a physical therapy program to restore strength and mobility so you can return to your normal activities with confidence.