Foot and Ankle Trauma

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.