Fractures

Even a simple fall can lead to painful bone fractures. If you think you have a fracture in your foot or ankle, you can find comprehensive and compassionate care at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. Experienced foot and ankle surgeons Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, and Joel Segalman, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAO, offer both nonsurgical therapies and minimally invasive surgeries to support the healing of a fractured bone. To schedule a consultation for foot or ankle fractures, call the office in Newtown or Waterbury, Connecticut, or book an appointment online today.

What are fractures?

Fractures are breaks in a bone that can occur because of a fall or other type of injury. You might also be prone to fractures if you have osteoporosis that weakens your bones.

The feet and ankles are susceptible to fractures because they are constantly under the pressure of your body’s weight. Foot and ankle fractures are also common in people who run or play high-impact sports.

There are two main types of fractures:

Closed fractures

Closed fractures describe broken bones that do not puncture the skin.

Compound fractures

Compound fractures, or open fractures, are bone breaks that pierce the skin and cause an open, bleeding wound.

When should I seek treatment for a fracture?

If you have a compound fracture with an open wound, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital. In addition to causing severe pain, a compound fracture can also increase your risk for infection and other complications if not promptly treated.

You should schedule an evaluation at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, if you have symptoms of a closed foot or ankle fracture, such as:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Numbness
• Tingling sensations
• Bone deformity
• Intense pain

The providers offer X-rays and other advanced diagnostic imaging tests on-site to confirm a fracture and determine what treatment you need. 

How are fractures treated?

If you have a closed fracture, you might not need surgery. The Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC providers can set the bone back in place manually. They may tape the area or apply a brace or cast to immobilize your foot or ankle, so your bone can heal naturally.

When your fracture is more serious, you may be a candidate for surgery. The surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to remove bone fragments from your foot or ankle. To repair broken bones, they may use metal rods, plates, or screws that eventually fuse to your natural bone to stabilize your foot or ankle.

After surgery, you may need to wear a walking boot or cast and use crutches to keep weight off your foot or ankle. The surgeons can discuss how long you need to recover from fracture surgery before you can return to work and other activities.

If you have symptoms of fractures in your foot or ankle, schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or call the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, office near you today.