What are the different types of foot and ankle fractures?
When you break a bone, the fracture is either simple, compound, or stress. A broken ankle most likely refers to a break in your tibia or fibula, the bones in your lower leg. Foot fractures are most likely to occur in your metatarsals.
Stress fractures are thin cracks in the bone, sometimes called hairline fractures, that develop gradually because of increased pressure or stress.
Simple fractures are clean breaks where the bone doesn’t break through your skin. In some cases, simple fractures are partial, which means the bone doesn’t break in two, but a deep crack develops.
Compound fractures are the most severe variety of bone fracture. Compound fractures completely snap the bone. In some cases, a compound fracture includes more than one break, and the bone could pierce your skin.
What are signs of a fractured ankle or foot?
If you break a bone in your foot or ankle, you’ll experience intense pain both when you’re at rest and if you try to put pressure on the injury. Your foot or ankle will swell and bruise, and you might notice that your foot or ankle looks deformed. If you have a compound fracture, your bone may break through your skin.
What causes foot and ankle fractures?
Fractures are common injuries since people put stress on their feet and ankles every day. Some common causes of fractures include:
- Missteps: Perhaps from landing on your foot incorrectly or bending your ankle unnaturally when you take a step
- Trauma: Sports and car accidents
- Overuse: Athletes who run a lot, for example
- Weakened bones: Osteoporosis can make them more prone to break
How are foot and ankle fractures treated?
The podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center offer customized care to set and stabilize your bones while they heal. They can identify the location and the severity of your fracture, which guides your treatment. For example, serious compound fractures may require surgery and extended immobilization.
After your fracture heals, your doctor can recommend physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility in the supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
If you think you’ve broken a bone in your foot or ankle, call or schedule an appointment online today.
