Foot and Ankle Trauma

What is a Foot and Ankle Trauma?

There are 26 bones in the foot. These bones support our weight and allow us to walk and run. Certain activities or injuries can cause a fracture, or break, in one or more of these bones. Common fractures in the foot include Metatarsal fractures, Jones Fractures, Lis-Franc Fractures, and calcaneal fractures. Pain, swelling, redness and even bruising are signs of a possible fracture. Fractures of the foot can be diagnosed by x-rays or other studies. We can determine the best treatment course. Rest, icing and immobilization are often the treatments; however, surgery is sometimes necessary to repair the fracture.

Symptoms

• Swelling of the foot
• Pain throughout the midfoot when standing or when pressure is applied
• Inability to bear weight (in severe injuries)
• Bruising or blistering around the foot.
• Abnormal widening of the foot.

Treatment

Treatment of trauma is highly dependent on the mechanism of injury and the location. Our physicians are well versed in the treatment of every type of trauma within the foot and ankle. When injuries are amenable to nonsurgical treatment, immobilization in a boot or cast is likely. With certain injuries, our physicians will require surgical repair in order to ensure the best possible longterm outcome for our patients.