Foot and Ankle Fracture Care and Repair

What You Need To Know

Understanding foot and ankle fractures, symptoms, and when to seek care.

Understanding Foot and Ankle Fractures

A break in one or more of the bones of the foot is called a fracture. It can happen due to trauma, like a fall, accident, or injury. There are two main kinds: a compound or open fracture, where the bone may break through the skin or break in more than one place, and a simple or closed fracture, where the bone does not come through the skin and there is a single break.

There are 26 bones in each foot and ankle, all of which undergo significant strain and pressure as you move. When bones receive more force than they can endure, they can fracture. The usual areas that suffer broken bones are the toes, the top of the foot, the underside of the foot, and the ankle. Stress fractures occur when pressure is placed on weak points of the feet and are common in people with osteoporosis, the elderly, and athletes who train heavily.

Fractures and sprains share similar signs, including severe pain that starts immediately after the injury, swelling, redness, or bruising, reduced range of motion, difficulty walking, and tenderness around the area. Some fractures cause a visible deformity or a snapping sound, while a hairline stress fracture may cause only mild pain.

Causes include trauma, impact from something falling on the feet, sports injuries, sudden twists, arthritis, osteoporosis, overuse, and added pressure from being overweight. Do not attempt to self-diagnose. If you suspect a broken bone, contact our office promptly so our providers can perform a thorough exam and on-site digital X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.

Treatment, First Aid, and Recovery

Until you are able to see a foot and ankle surgeon, the RICE method of care should be performed. Rest by staying off the injured foot, since walking may cause further injury. Ice the area with a thin towel between the ice pack and the skin for 20 minutes, then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again. Use an elastic wrap for compression to control swelling, and elevate the foot slightly above the level of your heart.

Certain first aid steps matter before medical help arrives. Stop any bleeding, control swelling with ice, elevate the foot, and get medical help immediately. Do not touch a bone that is pushing through the skin, do not try to put a bandage or footwear on the injured area, and try not to put weight on the injured foot. If your fracture involves an open wound or a piece of bone through the skin, go to an emergency room right away, as open fractures carry a high risk of infection.

Less severe fractures typically require immobilization with a cast, cast boot, or stiff-soled shoe for about 6 to 8 weeks. Crutches may be needed to avoid placing weight on the injured foot. Bone stimulation, a pain-free external device, is sometimes used to speed healing, most commonly for Jones fractures.

More complex or unstable fractures may need surgery. Our skilled foot and ankle surgeons reposition the bones and may use plates, screws, or rods to hold them in place as they heal. After the bone heals, we recommend a physical therapy program to restore strength and mobility so you can return to your normal activities.