Broken Foot or Ankle

Rely on a podiatrist with EvergreenHealth for specialized care of any type of foot, toe, or ankle fracture—a partial or complete break in the bone.

Types of Fractures

Your injury may be:

• Ankle fracture – Occurs most often when the ankle rolls inward or outward and may happen along with a sprain
• Avulsion fracture – Makes a small piece of bone break away
• Calcaneal (heel bone) fracture – Happens most often after a traumatic event, such as a fall or car accident, but may also result from overuse
• Fifth metatarsal fracture – Causes pain in the long bone on the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe
  • Jones fracture – Happens in a small area of the fifth metatarsal due to overuse or a sudden injury
  • Metatarsal head and neck fracture – Occurs toward the top of the bone
  • Mid-shaft fracture – Results most often from trauma or twisting
• Stress fracture – Involves a tiny, hairline break that happens over time

Signs & Symptoms

You may experience:

• Pain that can extend all the way up to the knee
• Swelling at the fracture site or along your leg
• Blisters and bruising
• Trouble walking or standing on the injured foot
• Change in how your foot or ankle looks
• Bone sticking out through the skin, which needs immediate medical care

First Aid

Right after a foot or ankle injury, follow the RICE method:

• Rest – Stay off the injured foot to prevent more damage.
• Ice – Wrap a bag of ice in a thin towel and put it over the injured area for 20 minutes each waking hour to reduce swelling and pain. Don't put ice directly against your skin.
• Compression – Wrap the foot and ankle in an elastic bandage to prevent more swelling.
• Elevation – Keep the leg propped up at or above the level of your hip to decrease swelling.

Go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible and follow up with an EvergreenHealth foot and ankle surgeon for complete care.

Diagnosis

Your EvergreenHealth Foot and Ankle Care doctor will ask about the injury, examine your foot and ankle, and order X-ray tests or other imaging exams to diagnose a fracture.

Treatments

Depending on the type and severity of your fracture, you may need:

• Cast or splint – Holds the injured bone in place so it can heal
• Pain medication – May include prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• Bone stimulation – Uses a painless device to speed healing
• Physical therapy – Teaches exercises to restore strength and range of motion safely
• Surgical fracture repair – Fixes your broken bone