Foot & Ankle Fracture

The podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons at Cape Fear Valley Health are experienced in treating foot and ankle fractures. We’re here to help you reduce pain, heal your fracture and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Foot & Ankle Fracture Symptoms 

Foot and ankle fractures are potentially serious injuries that need prompt attention.

Some common signs that you may have a fracture include:

• Sudden and severe pain at the injury site
• Swelling of the affected area
• A bluish or purplish bruise around the injured area
• Trouble walking or bearing weight on that leg
• An audible snap or grinding noise
• The area is painful or tender to touch

When to Seek Care for a Foot & Ankle Fracture

Here are some signs that you should seek medical attention for a potential fractured foot or ankle.

• If you experience sudden pain after an injury or if your foot or ankle appears deformed, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you can't bear weight on the injured foot or ankle, it's crucial to see a doctor.
• If a bone breaks through the skin, it's a medical emergency. This can lead to infection if not treated promptly.
• Even if you think it might be a minor injury, it's essential to get it checked out.
• If you've rested and iced the injury, but the pain persists or worsens over a couple of days, see a doctor.

It's important to note that a foot or ankle injury might seem minor initially. However, it may still be a fracture or another serious injury.

Always err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Foot & Ankle Fracture

There are many different types of foot and ankle fractures that range from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common:

Phalangeal Fractures (Toe Fractures): The toes consist of phalangeal bones, and fractures here can result from direct trauma, such as something heavy dropping on the foot.

Calcaneal Fractures (Heel Bone Fractures): These occur in the largest bone of the foot, the calcaneus, or heel bone. They're often the result of high-energy traumas, such as a fall from a significant height.

Lateral Malleolus Fractures: These fractures occur in the bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle, a part of the fibula. Commonly resulting from ankle rolls or direct trauma, they can range from small cracks to larger, displaced breaks.

Stress Fractures: These are tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, such as running long distances, or from normal use on weakened bones.

Metatarsal Fractures: The foot has five metatarsal bones extending to the toes. Fractures in these bones can be caused by direct trauma, twisting injuries or repetitive stress.

Pilon Fractures: A severe type of ankle fracture where the weight-bearing surface of the shinbone (tibia) shatters, typically due to high-energy traumas.

Foot & Ankle Fracture Treatment at Cape Fear Valley Health

There are many different treatment options available from Cape Fear Valley’s foot and ankle specialists. These depend on the location and severity of your fracture.

All treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. Using X-rays or other imaging, doctors can see the exact location and severity of the fracture. From there, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan, which might include:

Rest and Elevation: It's crucial to give your foot or ankle time to heal. Keeping it elevated can reduce swelling and promote healing.

Immobilization: For many fractures, the key is to keep the injured area still to allow the bone to heal. This can involve using a cast, brace or special boot.

Medication: Pain relief is essential. Over-the-counter painkillers or prescribed medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Physical Therapy: Once the bone starts healing, physical therapy can be beneficial. It helps strengthen the muscles around the injury, improves flexibility and ensures you regain full function.

Surgery: If the bone is significantly out of place or if it's a more complicated fracture, surgery may be required. Surgeons will realign the bones and may use screws, pins or plates to hold them in the correct position.

Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ins with your doctor ensure the bone is healing correctly and that there are no complications.

Lifestyle Adjustments: While healing, you might need to make some changes, such as avoiding certain activities, wearing protective footwear or using crutches.

Remember, every fracture is unique, so the treatment approach can vary. Always follow the advice of healthcare professionals to ensure the best recovery.