What are fractures?
A fracture is a break in a bone. Feet and ankles are common sites for bone fractures. There are many types of bone fractures, including:
Hairline fracture
A hairline fracture, aka a stress fracture, is a bone crack that doesn't go all the way through the bone.
Stable fracture
Stable fractures have a complete line through the bone but no significant bone displacement.
Open compound fracture
An open compound fracture is a bone break in which the bone protrudes from the skin.
Transverse fracture
A transverse fracture occurs when your bone breaks horizontally. A break in the fifth metatarsal, the long bone leading to your pinky toe, it's called a Jones fracture.
Oblique fracture
An oblique fracture features an angled line through your bone.
Comminuted fracture
A comminuted fracture is a multipart fracture in which your bone breaks into at least three sections.
Pathologic fracture
A pathologic fracture occurs when a disease such as osteoarthritis causes so much bone weakening that the bone breaks.
At Rhode Island Foot Care, the podiatrists specialize in fracture care for any bone fractures throughout the foot or ankle areas.
How do foot and ankle fractures happen?
Foot and ankle fractures are among the most common reasons for seeking medical care. They can happen in many ways, including:
- Twisting your ankle
- Rolling your ankle
- Stubbing your toe
- Dropping a heavy object on your foot
- Stepping down awkwardly
- Tripping
- Falling
- Repetitive impact
Fractures often occur with sports injuries, workplace injuries, and accidents at home; though they can happen anywhere.
What are the signs that I need fracture care?
If you're having significant foot or ankle pain after an accident, especially with additional problems like difficulty bearing weight, swelling, and bruising, book an appointment at Rhode Island Foot Care right away.
Even if your pain doesn't have a clear-cut cause, for example, if you have nagging soreness or discomfort after physical activity, it's still important to get treatment before the issue worsens.
The team can rule out other possible causes, like ankle sprains, and then diagnose your fracture immediately on-site using their state-of-the-art medical imaging equipment.
How does fracture care work?
Fracture care varies with the kind of fracture and the area affected. Standard treatment protocols include:
- Rest
- Cast, brace, or walking boot
- Physiotherapy
- Custom orthotics or bracing
- Oral anti-inflammatory medication
Some fractures require foot or ankle surgery to restore normal bone alignment and foot balance. The fellowship-trained and board-certified podiatric surgeons at Rhode Island Foot Care perform both inpatient and outpatient surgery at local surgicenters and hospitals.
Schedule fracture care by calling Rhode Island Foot Care or booking online today.
