Foot & Ankle Fractures

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Suspected foot or ankle fracture? Get same-week evaluation, on-site imaging, bracing/casting, and surgical care when needed—so you can heal safely and return to activity.

A fracture is a break in the bone. It can be a small crack (stress fracture) or a complete break that may shift (displaced fracture). In the ankle, breaks often involve the malleoli (inside/outside/back of the ankle). In the foot, common sites include the toes, metatarsals (especially the 5th), midfoot/Lisfranc, navicular, calcaneus (heel bone), and talus.

Common symptoms

• Sudden pain after a twist, fall, or impact
• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness to touch
• Trouble bearing weight or pushing off
• Visible deformity in severe injuries
• For stress fractures: gradually worsening, pinpoint pain with activity

Risk factors

• High-impact sports, falls, or uneven surfaces
• Poorly supportive footwear, sudden training changes
• Low bone density, vitamin D deficiency, smoking
• Diabetes or circulation issues (slower healing)

We begin with a focused history and exam, checking alignment, swelling, and stability, and screening nearby joints/ligaments.

• Weight-bearing X-rays (when safe) help identify the fracture pattern and alignment.
• CT or MRI may be recommended for complex patterns (e.g., Lisfranc, calcaneus/talus) or to confirm stress fractures not visible on X-ray.

Many fractures heal well without surgery when they’re well-aligned and protected.

Immobilization & protection

• Walking boot or cast, sometimes a post-op shoe or buddy taping for toe fractures
• Crutches or knee scooter if non-weight-bearing is needed
• Elevation and swelling control in the first 48–72 hours

Weight-bearing plan

• We’ll outline exactly how much weight you can put through the limb and when to advance (this varies by bone and pattern).

Bone & soft-tissue care

• Guidance on supportive footwear for transition phases
• Review of bone health (vitamin D, nutrition) and factors that slow healing (e.g., smoking)
• A progressive return-to-activity plan once the bone is consolidating

Typical healing time frames (vary by person/pattern):

• Toes: ~3–6 weeks
• Metatarsals & non-displaced ankle fractures: ~6–8+ weeks
• Complex midfoot/heel/ankle injuries: often longer, with staged rehab

Surgery is recommended when alignment or stability can’t be maintained with immobilization, or when joints are involved:

• Ankle fractures: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of one or more malleoli; syndesmosis stabilization if needed
• 5th metatarsal “Jones” fractures: screw fixation in athletes or slow-healing cases
• Lisfranc (midfoot) injuries: fixation or fusion to restore stability
• Calcaneus/Talus fractures: CT-guided planning; fixation or other reconstruction to protect joint surfaces

We’ll explain benefits, risks, timelines, and milestones for walking, shoes, work, and sport.

1. Evaluation: Exam, X-rays (and advanced imaging if needed).
2. Stabilization: Boot/cast or splint the same day; pain and swelling plan.
3. Plan: Clear instructions for weight-bearing, follow-up X-rays, and return-to-activity steps.
   Follow-ups typically occur at 1–2 weeks, then periodically until healed.

• Inability to bear weight after injury or visible deformity
• Numbness, tingling, or pale/blue toes
• Open wounds over a suspected fracture
• Worsening redness, fever, or severe, uncontrolled pain

• Board-certified care led by Hannah Lee, DPM
• Same-week access and on-site imaging
• Personalized boot/cast weight-bearing protocols and shoe transition
• Surgical expertise when needed, with clear rehab milestones

Do I need an X-ray for a sprain?
If you can’t bear weight, have bony tenderness, or significant swelling/deformity, an X-ray helps rule out a fracture. We use clinical rules to decide and keep imaging targeted.

Boot or cast—what’s better?
Depends on the fracture. Boots allow hygiene and gentle motion; casts provide more rigid protection. We’ll choose what’s safest for your pattern.

How long until I’m walking normally?
Simple fractures may be back to regular shoes in 4–8 weeks; complex injuries take longer. We’ll give a stepwise plan and check healing on follow-up X-rays.

Will I need physical therapy?
Often yes—especially after the bone heals—to restore strength, flexibility, and balance and reduce re-injury risk.

Can I work or drive?
We’ll tailor guidance to your job, which foot is injured, and whether you’re in a boot, cast, or on pain medications.

Prompt stabilization and a clear plan protect the joint and speed recovery.