Foot & Ankle Fracture and Injury Care
A foot or ankle injury can happen in an instant—from a fall, sports collision, workplace accident, or simply stepping the wrong way. Because the feet and ankles contain numerous bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, determining exactly what was injured is important.
At Brazos Foot & Ankle, we evaluate foot and ankle injuries and develop treatment plans based on the location and severity of the damage.
Signs of a Foot or Ankle Fracture
A fracture is a break in a bone. Some fractures cause immediate, severe symptoms, while smaller stress fractures may develop gradually.
Possible signs include:
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Pain following an injury
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Tenderness
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Difficulty bearing weight
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Pain that worsens with activity
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Visible deformity
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Persistent pain that doesn't improve
Being able to walk after an injury does not necessarily rule out a fracture.
Acute Fractures vs. Stress Fractures
Acute fractures typically occur after a specific traumatic event. Stress fractures are small cracks that may develop from repetitive loading, particularly with running, sports, or sudden increases in activity.
Both deserve appropriate evaluation because continuing to place stress on an injured bone can interfere with recovery.
Diagnosing Your Injury
Your provider will examine the injured area and ask how the injury occurred. Imaging may be used to determine whether a fracture is present and evaluate its location, alignment, and severity.
Foot and ankle trauma can also involve ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or joints, so identifying the full extent of the injury is important.
Treatment for Foot & Ankle Fractures
Treatment depends on the bone involved and the type of fracture.
Some injuries can be managed with protection, immobilization, activity modification, or other conservative measures. More complex or displaced fractures may require additional intervention, including surgery in certain cases.
Your provider will explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and appropriate progression back to normal activity.
When to Seek Care
Seek prompt evaluation for significant pain or swelling following an injury, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, an open wound near the injury, or numbness or color changes in the foot.
Start Your Recovery With the Right Diagnosis
Ignoring an injured foot or ankle can delay appropriate treatment.
At Brazos Foot & Ankle, we'll evaluate the injury and help you understand the next steps toward recovery.
If you've injured your foot or ankle, schedule an evaluation with Brazos Foot & Ankle.
