Foot and ankle fractures are some of the most frequently occurring bone breaks. Healthy feet and ankles are crucial for your long-term mobility, so it’s important to make sure you heal properly. At Anderson Foot & Ankle Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mikol Anderson, DPM, uses advanced on-site diagnostic equipment and expert fracture care techniques to ensure your full recovery. Call the office or book an appointment using the online scheduler today.
Bone fractures are bone breaks. The different types of foot and ankle fractures include:
A stress fracture is a hairline surface crack in a bone. This type of fracture generally occurs because of repetitive force. Stress fractures are a common sports injury. Athletes often develop stress fractures when they don’t allow enough recovery time between high-impact exercise sessions.
You can also develop stress fractures without any unusual activity if you have weak bones due to osteoporosis.
A stable fracture is a clean break in the bone, with the two broken sections lining up perfectly.
An open compound fracture is severe because a section of the bone breaks your skin. Open compound fractures are very dangerous and require emergency care.
In a comminuted fracture, your bone breaks into three or more sections.
Fractures can happen in any of the bones in your foot or ankle. Around 35% of foot fractures are metatarsal fractures occurring in one of the five long bones in the top of your foot. Another common fracture, an ankle fracture, occurs in any of the three bones in your ankle joint.
Treatment varies with the type of fracture, the specific bone, and your unique needs. Your body has tremendous healing powers, and over time, will repair and rebuild the broken bone.
Dr. Anderson may use bracing, casting, or buddy taping (taping a broken toe to the unbroken one next to it) to position and stabilize your fracture. Ice packs and medication can relieve inflammation and pain as your bone heals.
If you have a complex fracture, you may need surgery that allows Dr. Anderson to use screws and plates to reposition your bone. The hardware keeps your bone from shifting so it can knit back together.
Dr. Anderson may recommend:
Although accidents happen sometimes, you can prevent many fractures simply by making these changes.
Call Anderson Foot & Ankle Clinic or schedule your appointment using the online booking tool. Same-day fracture care is available.
