Ankle Fracture Los Angeles – Foot Fracture Beverly Hills
Fractures are small cracks that occur in the bones. Because the feet and ankles contain more than one quarter of all the bones in your body, there are plenty of opportunities for these types of injuries to occur in these areas. And because they support your entire body, the feet and ankles are the area of the body most prone to injury. Stress from rotational injuries or repeated impact can cause these bones to fracture, leading to pain, swelling, tenderness, and/or bruising. If you think you might have developed a fracture in your feet or ankles, it is important to see your podiatrist. Patients in the Los Angeles area can schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamshidinia to get the best possible treatment and recovery for their foot and ankle fractures.
Causes of Foot and Ankle Fractures
Foot and ankle fractures commonly affect athletes in a variety of sports. Because of the nature of their movements and the amount of impact involved, athletes in the following sports are especially susceptible to these types of injuries:
- Basketball
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Athletes often develop fractures from overuse. As the muscles of the feet and ankles become overtired, they are less able to act as shock absorbers. This transfers additional stress to the bones, resulting in fractures. As common as these injuries can be in athletes, they are hardly the only ones who develop these types of fractures. People who don’t exercise can lack bone density, making it easier for them to suffer fractures. These individuals can develop fractures during normal activities like walking, or as a result of a sudden increase in activity. It is important to remember that any new exercise routine should be implemented gradually to reduce the risk of injury.
Accidents are also a common cause of fractures in the feet and ankles. Stubbing the toes can result in fractures. Rotational injuries can occur when the side of the toes strikes a solid object, another common cause of fractures. Fractures to the metatarsals can occur as a result of a fall or twisting of the ankle. Following a fracture, the area around the bone will usually be tender and swollen. Pain usually increases with increased levels of activity, especially anything that forces the bone to bear additional weight or pressure (like running or jumping). If you suspect you may have fractured a bone in your feet or ankles, you should see a podiatrist to ensure it will heal correctly.
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” I’m a heel lover. I love my pumps. Unfortunately, my bunions have made wearing them an excruciating experience for most of my life. Even just walking in general has been painful. I finally mustered up the courage to undergo surgery and I’m so glad I chose Dr.Jam. He is one of the most caring doctors I’ve dealt with. His gentle demeanor put me at ease and he explained everything about the procedure to me in full detail. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a stress free experience with this sort of thing.”
Kimberly D. / Los Angeles, CA
Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment
Treatment for a foot or ankle fracture will depend upon the location and severity of the injury. Fractures will heal by themselves, but without proper care they may not heal correctly. As soon as you think you have a fracture, you should cease all strenuous activity. Rest is crucial for your body’s healing process. Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and keep your foot elevated above your heart. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen can reduce swelling, but these are not recommended as they inhibit the bone from healing.
Dr. Jamshidinia may recommend several treatment options for your foot or ankle fracture. Most of the time, protective footwear or a cast will need to be worn for six to eight weeks. During this time, you should avoid putting any weight on the injured foot. Crutches or a wheelchair may be used to help you get around. Shoes with a solid sole or a special fracture brace may be worn to support the fractured foot. If the fracture is on the outside of the foot, a cast is usually applied to immobilize the injured area.
In some cases, surgery is necessary to support the fractured bones. In these instances, pins, screws, and/or plates are inserted into the fractured bone to hold it in place. The surgery is usually simple, but will require a period of no walking to properly heal. The fifth metatarsal is one bone that has particular difficulty healing on its own. Dislocated toes can be put back into place by the doctor. It is important to consult a podiatrist when you have a foot or ankle fracture to ensure the proper course of treatment.
Bunions -Frequently Asked Questions:
When a fracture occurs in the foot or ankle, there will usually be pain and swelling in the fractured area. Putting weight on the fractured bone will usually be painful, progressively getting worse as the level of activity increases. The fracture sight is usually tender and bruising may be present.
Only a doctor can determine whether or not surgery is necessary to repair a fracture. However, fractures in the fifth metatarsal often require surgery in order to heal properly. Make an appointment with Dr. Jamshidinia if you think you may have a foot or ankle fracture. He can let you know if surgery is required in your case.
Because foot and ankle fractures often occur as a result of an accident or fall, avoiding situations that may cause these types of injuries can help minimize your risk. Getting more exercise can help increase bone density, making your bones less susceptible to fracture. However, it is important to know your limits. Too much activity can also lead to a foot or ankle fracture. This is true even in athletes.
