Fractures Q & A

If you have a fracture in your foot, it will gradually worsen to the point that it becomes quite painful, preventing you from participating in sports, walking and living a normal life. The footcare professionals at Fair Oaks Podiatry and Sports Medicine are here to prevent such an outcome. Non-surgical treatment has the potential to heal the fracture if it is non-displaced and mild. Rest combined with the use of ice, compression through wrapping and elevation might prevent the need for surgery. However, if surgery is necessary, it will repair the fracture whether it is a traumatic fracture or a broken bone that is not healing properly. If necessary, reconstructive surgery will be performed.

Examples of surgical procedures for foot fractures include reduction surgery, non-union surgical repair and fixation surgery. Open toe fractures typically require considerable wound cleaning to reduce the chances of infection. Our medical team will explore the wound to determine if there are any foreign objects present and also evaluate the condition of the tendons and other deep structures to identify potential lacerations. Conservative care might suffice for fractures of the metatarsal variety, meaning surgery will not be necessary. This approach involves wrapping the foot to improve comfort while simultaneously reducing swelling. However, the overarching strategy for the diagnosing and treatment of fractures in the foot ultimately hinges on the subtleties of the injury site. This is precisely why we rely on imaging for diagnoses that sets the stage for effective treatment and healing.