Foot and ankle fractures are a common problem, especially as you get older. Bones become more brittle, and you are less flexible than you once were. Foot and ankle fractures can also be debilitating, keeping you from your active life. You want to heal as quickly as possible, and for that, you need a podiatrist.
What You Need To Know About Foot and Ankle Fractures
There are different types of foot and ankle fractures, including:
Stress fractures, which can happen from changing a sport, or increasing activity levels. Stress fractures can also occur if you are on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time, or if you have a degenerative bone condition like osteoporosis.
Bone fractures, which can happen due to a traumatic injury or an accident. A bone fracture can still maintain the alignment of your bones, or the bones can be completely moved out of position.
When you have a foot or ankle fracture, you may experience:
- Pain that increases when you put weight on the injured area
- Swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the injured area
- Decreasing pain when you rest and take weight off the injured area
- Increasing pain when you try to become more active
Your podiatrist plays an important role in managing foot and ankle fractures, and helping you heal. When you visit your podiatrist, your podiatrist will:
- Perform a comprehensive examination of the injured area
- Order imaging studies to determine the location and degree of damage
- Order laboratory testing if necessary, to determine if an underlying medical condition contributed to the fracture
Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Resting and elevating the injured area
- Assistive devices including crutches, or a walking cast or boot
- Placing ice packs on the injured area for 20 min several times daily
- Wrapping the injured area in a flexible bandage to add support
- Taking prescription anti-inflammatory medications
Surgery may be indicated for severe cases, to realign bones and repair damaged areas. Your podiatrist can discuss surgical options and techniques with you.
Want To Know More About Foot and Ankle Fractures?
To find out more about foot and ankle fractures, and how our podiatrist can help, talk with an expert. Call our podiatrist today.