A broken foot can make standing and walking painful because the foot carries body weight with every step. The foot contains 26 bones that work with joints, muscles, and tendons to support movement. A fracture means that one or more of these bones has cracked or broken. Causes include falls, crush injuries, and direct blows. Twisting injuries can also break bones. Stress fractures can develop from repeated force linked to activities like walking or running. The location of the injury helps determine how serious the fracture is and how long recovery can take.

Pain, swelling, and bruising are important signs of a broken foot. Patients can also develop tenderness or a limp, and putting weight on the injured foot can become very painful. A badly displaced fracture can change the shape of the foot. Numbness or tingling in the toes can point to nerve involvement. Some fractures break through the skin, creating an open wound and a greater risk of infection. X-rays can show many foot fractures. Certain injuries can require additional imaging when the fracture is difficult to see or involves a complex area of the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify where the pain is located, and check movement and circulation. Treatment depends on which bone is broken and whether the pieces remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can prescribe a stiff-soled shoe, walking boot, or cast to protect certain fractures. Some displaced or complex fractures require surgery to restore stability and proper bone position. Careful treatment is important because complications can include poor bone healing, arthritis, and infection. A podiatrist can monitor healing and determine when the foot can safely handle more weight. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective treatment solutions.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A sudden ankle injury can cause pain and swelling, but it may be difficult to tell whether the ankle is broken or sprained. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn. A broken ankle, also called an ankle fracture, means that one or more bones around the joint have cracked or broken. Both injuries can happen after a fall, awkward landing, or sudden twist. Symptoms can overlap, which is why appearance and pain alone may not provide a clear answer. A professional evaluation is often needed to determine the type and severity of the ankle injury.

Both ankle fractures and sprains may cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. However, certain signs can raise concern for a broken ankle. Severe pain directly over a bone or a visibly changed ankle shape may suggest a fracture. Some people hear a cracking sound at the time of injury, although this does not always mean a bone is broken. A severe sprain can also make it difficult to place weight on the foot. Because symptoms can be similar, imaging such as an X-ray may be necessary to confirm whether a fracture is present and guide appropriate treatment.

A podiatrist can examine an injured ankle and determine whether symptoms are more consistent with a sprain, fracture, or another problem. The evaluation may include checking swelling, tenderness, and ankle stability. When needed, diagnostic imaging can provide more information about bones and surrounding structures. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of the injury. Podiatric care may focus on protecting damaged tissues, restoring ankle function, and supporting proper healing. An accurate diagnosis can also reduce the risk of long-term instability or ongoing ankle pain. If ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight develops after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Paula F. Angelini, DPM from Board Certified Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Attleboro, Foxborough, Southborough, and Sudbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.