Foot Fracture
A trip or fall can result in a painful foot fracture. At Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio, in Mentor, Chardon, Westlake, Bedford and Garfield Heights, Ohio, the experienced foot and ankle surgeons can repair bone fractures in your foot to ensure proper healing. The team offers surgical and nonsurgical treatments to protect your bone health and get you back to doing the things you love. Find out more about treatment options for foot fractures by booking an appointment online or over the phone today.
Foot Fracture Q & A
What causes a foot fracture?
Your foot contains 26 bones that support your weight and help you walk, run, and jump. During these types of activities, you are at risk for missteps that can cause a fracture, or break, in one or more of the bones of your foot.
What are the symptoms of a foot fracture?
A fractured bone in your foot can make it difficult to walk and cause symptoms, like:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
In mild fractures, you may not have any initial symptoms. However, if you continue putting weight on your foot, fractures can worsen and become more painful.
How is a foot fracture diagnosed?
To confirm a fracture in one or more of your foot bones, your physician at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio will order X-rays or other imaging test to get a closer look at the bones.
Your provider will also perform a physical evaluation of your ankle and review your symptoms to rule out other medical issues.
Do I need surgery for a foot fracture?
Not all foot fractures require surgery. The experts at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to address your specific needs.
For mild foot fractures, your provider may recommend taking plenty of rest and keeping weight off your foot to prevent swelling and promote healing. They may also recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and prevent swelling.
In severe fractures, surgery may be the best option to repair the damage and restore functionality to your foot.
What is involved in foot surgery?
To keep you comfortable during surgery, you will be given general anesthesia. Depending on the nature of your fracture, your surgeon will perform a traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Your surgeon will use one or more incisions to repair your bone, which will be sewn up with stitches once the surgery is done.
You may need to wear a stabilizing boot or cast, and you may need to keep any weight off your foot for a month or longer. Furthermore, you’ll need to frequently elevate your foot to prevent swelling and improve blood circulation.
Once the fractured bone has healed, your doctor will likely suggest doing simple exercises to start rebuilding the muscles that support your foot. Your surgeon will prepare a custom treatment plan prior to your procedure so you’ll know what to expect during and after your procedure.
To learn more about treatment options for foot fractures, book an appointment online or over the phone with Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio.