Foot and ankle fractures affect your mobility, so they can impact every part of your life. When you have a fracture, the dedicated team of skilled podiatrists at Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists can help in their Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills, California, offices. If you suspect a bone injury, call the office nearest to you or schedule an appointment online today.
Fractures, or broken bones, can occur anywhere in your feet or ankles. A bone fracture may be fairly small, like a hairline crack in the bone, or quite serious, like a bone snapped into more than two pieces. With a nondisplaced fracture, the broken parts of the bone still connect properly, and with displaced fractures, the bones don't line up.
At Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists, the team of podiatric surgeons diagnoses and sets fractures in the office. They also perform foot and ankle surgery and guide healing and recovery until you're back to your pre-injury condition.
Foot and ankle fractures can happen in various ways, including:
Although most fractures happen during a sudden accident, those that develop over time can be harder to identify. That's why you should know the signs and symptoms of foot and ankle fractures.
Foot and ankle fractures usually cause noticeable symptoms, including:
If you have any of these signs, visit Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists for a diagnostic evaluation as soon as possible.
In some cases, your body can heal the fracture over time with some help. If you have a mild nondisplaced fracture, the team may prescribe rest, immobilization (a cast, splint, or brace), and physical therapy to help you heal.
In other situations, you may need surgery before you can start the healing process. The team can perform foot and ankle surgery to restore your bones to their correct positions, which may require internal hardware like pins and screws.
After surgery, you'll follow a physical therapy plan to help you gradually resume your regular activities.
The Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists team can also help you to avoid future fractures. To avoid another fracture, they may recommend protective equipment during sports, custom orthotics, and other safety protocols.
If you think you might have a bone fracture, get off your foot immediately. Call the Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists office or schedule an appointment online right away.
