Ankle and Foot Fractures

An ankle or foot fracture is a painful and debilitating injury that impairs mobility and disrupts normal daily activities. Occurring as either an isolated injury or in conjunction with other trauma, the severity of an ankle or foot fracture depends upon its location, the degree and type of fracture, and the damage to the surrounding tissues. When not treated promptly these fractures can have dangerous complications and result in long-lasting impairment.

Symptoms of a broken ankle or foot may include:

• Pain
• Difficulty bearing weight/limping
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Deformity

If any injury to any associated nerves or blood vessels has occurred, additional symptoms including paleness, numbness, or an inability to move the ankle, the foot, or the toes may be present. The treatment of a foot or ankle fracture depends upon the type and severity of the injury, which bone in the foot is broken, what part of the bone is broken, as well as where this bone is located in the foot. Foot or ankle fracture treatment can range from buddy taping an uncomplicated toe fracture to immobilization with a splint or cast as well as complex surgical procedures designed to restore bone integrity and function.