What are fractures?
A fracture occurs when one (or several) of your bones experiences damage. There are many types of fractures. Some are small and respond well to conservative treatment; others are extensive and require casting or surgical intervention.
If you or a loved one drop something heavy on your foot or experience another injury that results in pain, swelling, or bruising, contact the team at Diablo Podiatry and Bay Vascular right away.
What are the symptoms of fractures?
Symptoms of fractures include:
- Throbbing pain
- Bruising
- Pain that’s worse during activity
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle
- Inflammation and redness
If you experience a serious fracture, you might also notice a visible abnormality, like a bump or lump that’s tender to the touch.
What causes fractures?
Foot and ankle fractures occur for various reasons, including rolling your ankle, over-extending your ankle joint, or jumping down onto a hard surface from a height. You might also experience a fracture due to a crush injury, car accident, or slip and fall.
What are the types of fractures?
The team at Diablo Podiatry and Bay Vascular treats several types of fractures, including:
Comminuted fractures
Comminuted fractures occur when a bone breaks into more than two pieces.
Extra-articular fractures
Extra-articular fractures only affect the bone itself and don’t extend to a joint.
Intra-articular fractures
Intra-articular fractures tend to be longer than other types of fractures and extend to the joint.
Open fractures
Open fractures are relatively rare and occur when a bone breaks through your skin.
How are fractures diagnosed?
At Diablo Podiatry and Bay Vascular, the team diagnoses fractures by asking about your symptoms and physically examining your foot and ankle. There’s no way to detect fractures with the naked eye, so your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or a CT scan.
How are fractures treated?
Treatment of fractures depends on the type, location, and severity of your injury. Usually, the team at Diablo Podiatry and Bay Vascular recommends fracture management with conservative treatments, including:
- Rest
- Ice
- Elevation
- Casting or splinting
If you experience a fracture that occurs alongside a muscle, tendon, or ligament injury, you might benefit from surgery. During fracture repair, your Diablo Podiatry and Bay Vascular provider uses screws and plates to hold your bones together and encourage healing.
The team has years of experience performing fracture management and knows what it takes to relieve your symptoms and help you feel better.
To receive treatment for foot or ankle fractures, make an appointment at Diablo Podiatry and Bay Vascular by calling the office today or scheduling online.
