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Foot and Ankle Fractures Q & A

What are foot and ankle fractures?

Foot and ankle fractures are breaks in any one of your foot or ankle bones. Types of fractures include:

Ankle joint fracture

An ankle joint fracture means one or more bones that make up this joint are broken. The break may be a simple fracture in one bone or a severe fracture that affects multiple areas of the ankle and ankle bones.

Metatarsal bone fracture

The metatarsal bones are the long bones that run from the mid-foot to your tones. A metatarsal bone fracture is a break in one of these bones. 

Sesamoid bone fracture

A sesamoid bone fracture affects the sesamoid bones, the small round bones located at the end of the metatarsal bone in the big toe.

Toe fracture

A toe fracture is a break in one of the bones in your toe.

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle fractures?

Symptoms of a foot or ankle fracture may depend on the location and severity of the break. Common symptoms of foot and ankle fractures include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling, inflammation, and bruising
  • An obvious deformity
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot or ankle

If you have any of these symptoms or concerns about an injury to your foot or ankle, schedule an appointment at Roka Foot and Ankle Centers. Dr. Buckley can handle any urgent foot or ankle need.

How are foot and ankle fractures diagnosed?

Dr. Buckley performs a thorough examination to diagnose foot and ankle fractures. She first reviews the details of your injury and examines your foot and ankle. Dr. Buckley orders imaging tests, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to determine the severity of your injury.

How are foot and ankle fractures treated?

Treatment for foot and ankle fractures depends on the severity and location of the break. For metatarsal and toe fractures, Dr. Buckley may recommend wearing supportive shoes, allowing the bones to heal on their own.

If you have a simple fracture, Dr. Buckley places a cast to immobilize the bones so they can heal.

For more severe fractures, Dr. Buckley may recommend surgery so she can realign the bones, repair other damage, and then cast your foot or ankle to support the healing process.

Fractures take at least six weeks to heal. Dr. Buckley schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing of your foot or ankle fracture.

To schedule a foot or ankle fracture consultation with the podiatric surgeon, call Roka Foot and Ankle Centers or book online today.