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.
