Whether you have a severe foot or ankle fracture or just a simple stress fracture, it’s important to visit with a podiatrist as soon as possible after your injury occurs. Without proper treatment, offered at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County, you risk having permanent issues with instability or lingering pain. Book your evaluation online, or call the state-of-the-art Watsonville or Santa Cruz, California, clinics directly to schedule.
Fracture Q & A
What causes foot and ankle fractures?
Even though you have dozens of bones and joints in your feet and ankles that are strong enough to support your entire body weight, one move in the wrong direction, and you can easily have a fracture. Foot and ankle fractures can occur because of a sports injury, trip and fall, or a similar type of trauma. But you can also have a bone fracture due to:
- Overuse or repetitive use
- Twisting your ankle
- Bone weakness, possibly due to osteoarthritis
Sometimes foot and ankle fractures – including stress fractures – even occur because you suddenly increase your activity level or boost your exercise duration.
How do I know if I have a foot or ankle fracture?
A bump or bone protruding through your skin is a common sign of a fracture. Foot or ankle fractures aren’t always that obvious though. Instead, you may experience:
- Bruising, swelling, or tenderness
- Immediate throbbing pain
- Difficulty bearing weight on the area
It’s also common for pain to worsen with activity, but resting and elevating it should relieve some discomfort.
What is the treatment for a foot or ankle fracture?
Your foot or ankle treatment plan at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County depends on the severity of your break. For instance, if you have a serious break where your bone fragments are out of alignment, your podiatrist may need to line up the ends of your bones to help them heal properly. This is known as a reduction.
You’re likely going to need a cast or removable brace to help keep your foot or ankle stable, to promote healing. As your fracture continues to heal, your dedicated podiatrist can teach you some strengthening exercises.
If your foot or ankle fracture is unstable and at risk for leaving you with a weakened foot or ankle, you might need surgery. The foot and ankle surgeons at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County can correct the most complex of foot and ankle fractures through minimally invasive measures, so your recovery time is as short as possible.
Because the team cares for you from diagnosis all the way through surgery and post-operative physical therapy, you can feel confident that you’re going to have a full recovery.
Learn more about how the team at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County can help with your foot or ankle fracture by scheduling an exam. Book online or over the phone.
