Due to force, pressure, or impact, you can break any of the various bones within your foot or ankle. At New York City Ankle & Foot in Woodside and Jackson Heights, Queens, skilled podiatrists Shweta Raina, DPM, Rolando Melendez, DPM, and their team offer conservative and surgical treatments for foot and ankle bone fractures. For more information about fractures and treatments, call New York City Ankle & Foot or book an appointment online today.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
You should also follow your treatment plan for any conditions that you have that might put you at a higher risk of getting fractures.
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:
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease the pain of your fracture as it heals and reduce the swelling.
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.
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.