Fractures Specialist

What is a foot fracture?

A foot fracture is an injury to one or more of the bones or joints in your foot. Foot fractures come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and as thin as a human hair, while others cause large visible breaks and significant pain.

Some common causes of foot fractures include car accidents, falls, overuse injuries, and missteps. No matter what caused your foot fracture, if it’s interfering with your quality of life, make an appointment at Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists right away.

What are the symptoms of a foot fracture?

The symptoms of a foot fracture depend on where the break is and how severe it is. Telltale signs of foot fractures include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Throbbing pain
• Pain that gets worse with activity
• Visible deformity

If you experience a foot fracture, you might also have difficulty walking and/or bearing weight.

When should I see a doctor for a foot fracture?

Minor fractures get better on their own with conservative care like ice and heat therapy, rest, and elevation. If there’s a visible deformity or the pain and swelling in your foot gets worse, it’s important that you make an appointment with a trusted podiatrist. The sooner you’re treated, the less likely you are to experience serious complications.

How are fractures diagnosed?

To diagnose foot fractures, your Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists podiatrist reviews your medical history, asks you questions about your symptoms, and examines your foot and ankle.

Your doctor also checks for areas of tenderness in your foot; pinpointing the location of your pain can help determine the cause. If these examinations don’t provide enough information, your podiatrist will order X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your feet.

How are fractures treated?

At Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists, treating fractures focuses on decreasing pain and swelling, restoring mobility, and promoting healing of your broken bone. Depending on the severity of your fracture, the team could recommend a cast or splinting, anti-inflammatory and/or pain-relieving medications, shock wave therapy, or MLS laser therapy.

In rare cases, you’ll need surgery. This is especially true if you experience a crush injury, and your bone breaks into several pieces.

Don’t wait to have your foot fracture treated. Request an appointment at Orthopedic Associates: Foot & Ankle Specialists today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.