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Playing sports or simply staying active can increase your risk of painful foot or ankle fractures. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona, board-certified foot and ankle surgeons Alex Stewart, DPM, and Antonius Su, DPM, use in-office X-rays and other diagnostic tests to confirm fractures and provide complete fracture care for adults and children, including nonsurgical therapies like bracing and minimally invasive surgery. Call the Chandler, Arizona, office to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online today.
What are fractures?
A fracture describes a break in a bone that typically occurs as a result of trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Fractures can be partial, when only part of the bone breaks, or complete when the bone breaks into two or more pieces.
The team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona offers diagnostic testing and treatment services for different types of foot and ankle fractures, including:
- Broken toes
- Broken ankles
- Heel fractures
- Forefoot and metatarsal fractures
- Lisfranc (midfoot) fractures
The podiatry team can also treat stress fractures that develop over time due to repetitive movements or bone weakness that results from osteoporosis. Without treatment, fractures from injuries or underlying diseases can lead to deformities and disability.
What are the symptoms of a fracture?
Fractures in the feet or ankles can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulties bearing weight on the foot
Pain is also a common side effect of stress fractures. However, pain may only be occasional at first and go away with rest and activity changes. As the stress fracture worsens, pain can intensify and interfere with your mobility.
If you have symptoms of a fracture, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona. The podiatry team provides X-rays and other diagnostic imaging tests on-site to quickly identify a fracture and its location.
How are fractures treated?
Your treatment plan for a fracture depends on the severity of the break and its location.
Your provider may recommend bracing, wearing a cast, and limiting activities to heal minor fractures and stress fractures. You can use over-the-counter medications to relieve inflammation and pain.
If you have a serious fracture, you may be a candidate for surgery. The board-certified foot and ankle surgeons at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona use minimally invasive techniques to repair fractured bones so they heal properly and as quickly as possible.
After surgery, you may need to participate in physical therapy and perform at-home exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your feet and ankles.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for a foot or ankle fracture, or book an appointment online today.