Fractures Specialist

What are fractures?

In the medical world, a fracture is another word for a broken bone. Fractures can range from tiny hairline cracks in your bone to full-fledged breaks into multiple pieces. Some fractures, called open or compound fractures, can even break the skin. There are many possible causes of foot and ankle fractures, including:

• Car accidents
• Falls 
• Missteps
• Impact (e.g., kicking something or dropping something on your foot)
• Overuse

If a fracture happens because of consistent weight or pressure on your foot, it’s called a stress fracture. Stress fractures are common in runners and other people who use their feet repeatedly. People with osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases are also at a higher risk for stress fractures. 

How can I tell if I have a fracture?

Fractures at all levels of severity come with similar signs and symptoms. If the fracture isn’t a stress fracture, you likely know what caused it because of sudden and severe onset of symptoms. You might have a bone fracture in your ankle or foot if you experience:

• Severe pain
• Trouble walking or standing
• Difficulty moving your foot or ankle
• Numbness or tingling
• Swelling around the injury
• Bruising
• Deformity

As soon as you notice symptoms, you need to get medical attention to prevent your fracture from worsening. The team at New York City Ankle & Foot can take X-rays and other diagnostic images to view the bones and find the fracture.

How can I prevent fractures?

Fractures aren’t always predictable or preventable. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize your chances of getting a fracture. The team at New York City Ankle & Foot advises you to:

• Wear protective gear while playing impact sports
• Wear supportive shoes
• Warm-up before working out
• Use night lights in your home
• Keep your floors clear

You should also follow your treatment plan for any conditions that you have that might put you at a higher risk of getting fractures.

How are fractures treated?

Treatment for your fracture depends on the type and severity of your fracture. After diagnosing your fracture with X-rays, bone scans, and other imaging techniques, the team at New York City Ankle & Foot might recommend one or more of these strategies for treatment:

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease the pain of your fracture as it heals and reduce the swelling.

Therapy 

To strengthen your foot or ankle and restore its mobility after a fracture, the team at New York City Ankle & Foot might recommend personalized physical therapy.

Surgery

In many cases, surgery is necessary to repair a fracture. The team can realign the bone segments before placing your foot in a cast to control healing. They might also place pins and plates to hold your fractured bones in the correct position as they heal. 

To find out if you have a fractured bone in your foot and ankle, call New York City Ankle & Foot or book an appointment online today.