Fracture Management

Fracture Management in Podiatry: Expert Care for Foot and Ankle Injuries

What Is a Foot or Ankle Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. In the foot and ankle, fractures can range from small stress fractures caused by overuse, to acute fractures resulting from trauma like a fall, sports injury, or misstep.

Because your feet bear your entire body weight, even a minor fracture can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life — and may worsen if left untreated.

Common Types of Foot and Ankle Fractures

Podiatrists are specially trained to assess and treat fractures affecting:

Metatarsals (long bones in the foot)

Phalanges (toe bones)

Calcaneus (heel bone)

Navicular and Cuboid bones

Talus and Tibia at the ankle

Stress fractures from repetitive strain or poor biomechanics

Signs and Symptoms of a Fracture

If you’ve injured your foot or ankle, symptoms of a possible fracture include:

Sudden, sharp pain
Swelling and bruising
Inability to bear weight or walk
Visible deformity (in more severe breaks)
Localised tenderness

Even if pain seems mild, it’s important to have injuries assessed early to avoid complications.

How Podiatrists Diagnose Fractures

At our clinic, fracture diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical examination and may include:

X-rays to identify and assess the break
In house ultrasound (for bone and soft tissue involvement)
Referral for CT or MRI if needed for complex or subtle injuries

We assess not just the fracture, but also your biomechanics, footwear, and lifestyle factors to support long-term recovery.

Treatment and Management Options

Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Immobilisation with a moon boot, cast, or stiff-soled shoe
Crutches or offloading devices to rest the area
Strapping or taping
Custom orthotics to correct underlying mechanical issues
Activity modification to allow proper healing

Surgical Referral

If the fracture is displaced, unstable, or not healing as expected, surgical intervention may be required. We can refer and coordinate care with trusted orthopaedic surgeons or foot and ankle specialists when necessary.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Recovery

Fracture healing doesn’t stop at the bone knitting back together. We provide support through:

Gradual return-to-weight-bearing plans
Rehabilitation exercises
Footwear advice
Ongoing biomechanical support to reduce re-injury risk

Early and proper management helps ensure optimal recovery and prevents complications like chronic pain or post-fracture arthritis.

Why Choose a Podiatrist for Fracture Management?

Podiatrists are experts in the structure and function of the foot and ankle. We understand how fractures affect not only healing, but your ability to move, work, and live your life comfortably.

Our goal is not just to heal the bone — but to get you walking pain-free again.

Injured Your Foot or Ankle? Don’t Wait.

Prompt diagnosis and management of a fracture leads to faster healing and fewer complications.