Foot And Ankle Fractures Specialist
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Pritesh Patel, DPM
Board Qualified Podiatrist located in Boca Raton, FL
You might not know you fractured your foot or ankle until your doctor tells you because the symptoms are similar to a sprain. That’s why it’s important to seek the medical assistance of Pritesh Patel, DPM, at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates for proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. If you’re looking for a licensed podiatrist in Boca Raton, Florida, call or click the “book now” button to set up an evaluation with Dr. Patel.
Foot and Ankle Fractures Q & A
What is a foot or ankle fracture?
A podiatric fracture is a crack or break in any bone in the ankle, foot, or toes. The most common location for a podiatric fracture is a fifth metatarsal fracture along the pinky toe side of the foot.
The two most common types of foot fractures are:
- Acute fracture: an accident or injury causes an immediate break
- Stress fracture: overuse or repetitive stress causes hairline cracks in the bone
How can I tell if my ankle or foot is fractured?
You won’t be able to tell if your foot or ankle is fractured by looking at it. In fact, you may experience less pain than you would expect from a broken bone, so you might not suspect a fracture.
The symptoms of a fracture are similar to that of a sprain, so you need a proper medical evaluation for diagnosis.
Symptoms of a foot or ankle fracture include:
- Bruising
- Pain and tenderness
- Difficulty walking
If you experience these symptoms, especially accompanied by an accident or injury, make an appointment with Dr. Patel right away.
How are foot and ankle fractures diagnosed?
Dr. Patel begins his diagnostic process by asking about the location, type, cause, and severity of your pain. Then, he performs a physical exam to evaluate your foot function and the location of the pain.
Dr. Patel then orders an X-ray or other diagnostic imaging to confirm his diagnosis. A fracture should show up on an X-ray. If it doesn’t, you may have sprained your ankle instead.
What treatment options are available for foot and ankle fractures?
Dr. Patel favors nonsurgical treatments whenever possible. Nonsurgical therapies for fractures include:
- The RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Immobilization: cast, boot, or shoe keeps the foot immobile
- Bone stimulation: an external device stimulates bone healing
If a bone breaks in multiple places or becomes separated, you may need surgery to realign the bone and help the fracture heal properly. Dr. Patel handles surgery on a case-by-case basis.
If you think you may have broken your foot or ankle, contact Dr. Patel online or over the phone right away.
