Foot and ankle traumas can cause many different injuries including: fractures, sprains, tears, or dislocations. There are 26 bones in the foot. A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Fractures are assessed for a number of complex factors including: stability, alignment, location, type, open/closed, displacement, rotation, angulation, and whether they occur at a joint (intra-articular/extra-articular).
Certain activities or injuries can cause a break or fracture in one of more of the bones in the foot and ankle.
Fractures of the foot and ankle can be diagnosed by xrays or other studies. A foot and ankle surgeon can determine the best treatment course.
Symptoms of a fracture can include: pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, blisters over the fracture site. If a bone is protruding through the skin, that is a sign immediate care is needed. Based on the individual fracture, treatments can include: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), Immobilization, and Surgical repair.
To learn more about foot and ankle conditions, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ patient education website, FootHealthFacts.org