Foot & Ankle Fracture
Foot & Ankle Fracture Treatment in The Woodlands | Conroe | Spring | North Houston
Foot and Ankle Fractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Foot and ankle fractures can happen for various reasons, ranging from direct impacts to repeated stress on the bones. Whether you’re an athlete or simply experiencing an accident, fractures are common injuries that need immediate attention. In this guide, we'll explore the common causes, symptoms, and treatments of foot fractures and ankle fractures to help you understand the injury and seek the right treatment.
If you are experiencing pain, call our foot doctor in The Woodlands at 936-273-6000 or schedule your appointment below.
Sports injuries: High-impact sports or activities that involve jumping or rapid direction changes can lead to fractures.
Accidents or falls: Tripping or falling from a height can lead to severe fractures in the foot or ankle.
The location of the fracture provides crucial insights into the injury’s cause, which helps podiatrists in creating a personalized treatment plan.
Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Fractures
Recognizing the signs of a foot or ankle fracture is key to seeking timely medical attention. Common symptoms include:
Pain: Sharp pain, especially when putting weight on the affected foot or ankle.
Swelling: Swelling around the fracture site is common and can cause difficulty moving the foot.
Bruising: Bruising or discoloration around the injury is often present due to internal bleeding.
Deformity: A visible deformity or abnormal alignment of the foot or ankle can occur when the bone is misaligned or a joint is dislocated.
Tenderness: Pain when touching or pressing on the area around the fracture.
In cases where individuals have nerve damage or diabetes, pain may not be experienced. Instead, changes in foot appearance, swelling, or discoloration may be the only signs of injury, which is why consulting a podiatrist in The Woodlands is crucial.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Foot and Ankle Fractures
If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
Severe pain or the inability to walk without limping.
Open wounds near the suspected fracture site.
Numbness or tingling in your toes or foot, which could indicate nerve damage.
Visible deformity of the foot or ankle.
Prompt evaluation by a podiatrist or food doctor is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to prevent complications.
Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment Options
Treatment for foot and ankle fractures depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Common treatments include:
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): The first step in treating a fracture is managing swelling and pain through the RICE method.
Immobilization: For less severe fractures, an ankle boot or cast may be used to keep the area still during healing.
Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe fractures, where bones are displaced or misaligned, surgery may be required to realign the bones and promote healing.
Physical Therapy: After the fracture heals, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and movement to the foot or ankle.
Why Choose Experts for Foot and Ankle Fractures?
When dealing with foot or ankle fractures, trust the podiatrists at Doctors Inc. for expert care. Our specialists are equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your injury, ensuring you receive the right care for a full recovery. Our foot doctor will work with you every step of the way to prevent complications and restore your mobility. Schedule your appointment today. Call our office at 936-273-6000 or book online.
Causes of Foot and Ankle Fractures
Fractures in the foot and ankle can occur due to a range of reasons:
Sudden impact: A direct blow to the foot, such as dropping a heavy object or falling, can cause an immediate fracture.
Repetitive strain: Stress fractures are common among athletes and individuals with physically demanding lifestyles. These occur due to the gradual accumulation of pressure on the bones.