Fractures Specialist

What are foot and ankle fractures?

A foot or ankle fracture is a broken bone in any foot or ankle bone. These fractures can occur in any of the 26 foot bones or 14 ankle bones. 

A broken bone can affect either part of the bone or the entire bone. In a severe fracture, the two broken pieces no longer align properly and possibly even break the skin (a compound or open fracture). 

Foot and ankle fractures can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty standing. It’s best to rest a suspected fracture and come into Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado as soon as possible. 

What are some common foot and ankle fractures?

Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado treats all foot and ankle fractures. Some common foot and ankle fractures include:

LisFranc Injury

The LisFranc joint is in your midfoot, where your metatarsal bones and tarsal bones join together. You also have a LisFranc ligament in your midfoot. LisFranc injuries can affect the ligament or the joint. 

A LisFranc joint fracture is often an avulsion fracture, in which a shard of bone gets pulled away by a ligament or it can also be a simple break in any of the joint bones. Usually, LisFranc fractures happen in an accident. 

Fifth metatarsal fracture

A fifth metatarsal fracture affects the long bone in your outer foot. This bone connects with your little toe. A fifth metatarsal fracture can be either an avulsion fracture or a Jones fracture. A Jones fracture happens in a small portion of your fifth metatarsal and is usually linked to repetitive stress. 

Calcaneus fracture

A calcaneus fracture is a break in your heel bone. This kind of fracture often happens during an accident because it's typically connected to severe sudden force like a bad fall. 

Ankle fracture

An ankle fracture can be either an avulsion fracture or a major break in your tibia or fibula. In the most severe ankle injuries, the tibia and/or fibula can be shattered. Most ankle injuries happen because of ankle rolling, and sometimes fractures are confused with ankle sprains because they can cause similar symptoms.

There are many other foot and ankle fractures, as well. Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado can diagnose and treat all kinds of fractures. 

How are foot and ankle fractures treated?

Foot and ankle fracture treatment can range from rest to surgery, depending on the situation. Your treatment may include:

• Rest
• Ice pack application
• Elevation
• Splint 
• Anti-inflammatory pain medication
• Surgery to realign bones
• Cast
• Crutches, walker, or other device
• Physical therapy 

The Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado surgeons have advanced training in fracture treatment, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical procedures. This ensures minimal pain and a smooth recovery.

Call Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado for fracture care, or schedule with the online tool to book your appointment now.