What are the symptoms of a fracture?
The symptoms of a fracture include:
- Immediate pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking
- Pain that increases with activity
In some cases, you may notice an obvious deformity in your foot or ankle. Some fractures can even cause damage to your soft tissue and pierce through the skin.
Common causes of foot and ankle fractures include falls, car accidents, missteps, and heavy objects falling on the foot. Certain factors can increase your risk of fractures like wearing improper footwear, failure to train properly, or having osteoporosis.
Certain occupations and sports activities (like football, tennis, or soccer) can also increase your risk of foot and ankle fractures.
What is a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a type of fracture that commonly affects the feet and ankles. A stress fracture is a hairline crack or break in your bone that typically occurs when you place too much stress on your feet and ankles at one time.
Stress fractures commonly occur as a result of overuse and repetitive stress. Increasing the intensity of your physical activity suddenly can overload your feet and ankles, leading to a stress fracture.
How are fractures diagnosed?
Fractures can happen in many different ways, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. During your appointment, your podiatrist performs a physical exam and discusses your injury. They also perform imaging tests like an X-ray to get a detailed view of your foot structure.
Your doctor uses your diagnosis to determine the severity of your fracture and determine which treatment is best for you.
What treatments are available?
Whenever possible, the podiatrists at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, use non-surgical methods to treat fractures. Depending on your condition, non-surgical treatment may include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Splint, cast, or brace
In some cases, you may need surgery to treat your fracture. The board-certified surgeons at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, offer several safe and effective procedures.
Your doctor may perform surgery to realign your displaced bones and place pins, rods, or screws to keep the pieces held together. If you suffer from soft tissue damage, the team also offers advanced wound care.
To find out which treatment is right for you, call or book your appointment online today.
