Fractures Treated in Alexandria

What causes foot and ankle fractures?

Foot and ankle fractures, or broken feet and ankles, vary in severity from tiny cracks to severe breaks that result in bone piercing the skin. They often result from:

• Auto accidents, which can crush or forcefully compact the foot or ankle
• Falls, either tripping and falling or the impact of jumping
• Heavy objects, which, when dropped on the feet, often break bones on top of the foot
• Missteps, such as landing awkwardly on your foot or twisting your ankle awkwardly while walking on stairs or an uneven surface
• Overuse, as your feet and ankles bear your weight when you walk, run, and stand, so tiny cracks called stress fractures may form over time

Depending on what type of work you do or how you exercise, you may be at an elevated risk of foot and ankle fractures.

Because many foot and ankle fractures are small and don’t necessarily have an easily traceable cause, you may have one and not realize it. For example, you may think of a stress fracture simply as pain from having to stand a lot at work.

You should book an appointment at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center right away if you’re experiencing foot and ankle pain, difficulty bearing weight on your foot, a change in the shape of your foot, swelling, bruising, or tenderness.

How are foot and ankle fractures treated?

Treatment of foot and ankle fractures depends on the severity and exact location of the fracture. If you have a stress fracture, a tiny crack resulting from overuse, you’ll need to avoid putting more stress on the affected foot or ankle and give the bone time to heal.

The team at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center may give you a walking boot or crutches to help you get around, and they’ll advise you on how to safely and gradually become more active again while reducing your risk of future stress fractures. They’ll also help you change your exercise routine so you can maintain the same level of physical activity without putting excessive pressure on your feet. The team may recommend you change your footwear, including wearing shoes designed for specific sports, and placing custom-made orthotic inserts inside your shoes.

If you have a more severe foot or ankle fracture, they may recommend surgery to stabilize the broken bone and fit you for a boot, cast, or splint to help it to heal.

How can I prevent foot and ankle fractures?

Accidents happen, but you can thankfully prevent many foot and ankle fractures by:

• Wearing appropriate supportive footwear for your job or physical activity
• Keeping your home well-lit and free of clutter
• Increasing the intensity of your workouts gradually

If you’re experiencing pain in your foot or ankle or need follow-up treatment for a fracture after an emergency, make an appointment at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center by calling or using the online booking tool.