The foot and ankle are highly complex structures that play an essential role in supporting your body weight, allowing you to walk, run, jump, and perform many other movements. There are 26 bones, 28 ligaments and many joints in the foot and ankle. The feet give you the ability to be mobile and to perform almost every task. If you have sustained a serious foot or ankle fracture, it is critical to seek help from a professional sooner than later.
While recovering from a foot or ankle fracture, it is important to take proper care of your injury and follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. You may also want to seek the advice of a physical therapist to help you improve your strength and flexibility as you recover.
With time and appropriate care, most people fully recover from foot and ankle fractures and are able to resume their normal activities.
There are several things you can do to help prevent foot and ankle injuries, including:
Foot and ankle fractures can occur as a result of injuries or falls, and they can vary in severity depending on the type of fracture sustained.
Some common types of foot and ankle fractures include stress fractures, hairline fractures, avulsion fractures, spiral fractures, and compression fractures.
A stress fracture is a type of bone injury in which there is a small crack or fracture in the bone, typically caused by overuse and repetitive high-impact activities.
A hairline fracture is a mild type of bone injury in which the bone cracks and breaks into many smaller pieces, but does not fully separate. This type of fracture typically occurs as the result of an impact or twisting injury, such as when your foot turns suddenly while walking or running.
An avulsion fracture is a relatively minor type of bone injury in which a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main body of the bone. These types of fractures typically occur in the ankle or foot, and are often caused by ligaments or tendons that pull on the bone when they are stretched beyond their limits.
A spiral fracture is a type of bone injury in which the bone sustains damage as it twists abnormally inside the joint. This type of fracture often occurs in the lower leg or foot, and can be caused by a fall or impact injury.
A compression fracture is a type of bone injury in which the bone is compressed, or squished, by an outside force. These types of fractures often occur in the spine and can be caused by a fall or impact injury.
If you have sustained a foot or ankle fracture, treatment will depend on the type and severity of your injury and the type of fracture.
Some common treatment options for foot and ankle fractures include rest, immobilization with a brace or cast, physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the injured area, and surgery in some cases.
