5 Ways to Spot Foot & Ankle Fractures
Foot and ankle pain after an injury is common, but how do you know if it’s “just” a sprain or something more serious, like a fracture?
Ignoring a broken bone can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain, arthritis, and difficulty walking. At Fulshear Foot and Ankle, we know it can be hard to tell the difference, so the guide below includes 5 of the most common signs we see.
Could It Be Broken? Look for These 5 Signs
1. Immediate, Sharp Pain:
- A fracture often causes immediate, intense pain right at the injury site. While sprains or plantar fasciitis might hurt too, the pain from a fracture is frequently described as deeper, sharper, and more severe. Don’t “walk it off” – listen to your body’s immediate warning signal.
2. Difficulty Bearing Weight:
- This is a major red flag. If you find it difficult or impossible to put weight on your injured foot or ankle, a fracture is a strong possibility. While severe sprains can also make weight-bearing painful, the inability to bear any weight often points towards a broken bone.
3. Rapid Swelling and Bruising:
- Significant swelling that appears quickly after the injury is common with fractures. You might also notice bruising (discoloration) appearing soon after, sometimes spreading down towards your toes. While sprains also swell, the speed and extent of swelling can sometimes be more pronounced with a fracture.
4. Obvious Deformity:
- Does your foot or ankle look “off”? Any visible deformity – like a bone protruding, an unusual angle, or a clear misalignment – is a strong indicator of a fracture or dislocation. This requires immediate medical attention and potentially surgery.
5. Tenderness at a Specific Point:
- Gently press along the bones of your foot and ankle. If you find a specific point that is extremely tender to the touch, it could indicate the location of a fracture. This pinpoint tenderness is often different from the more generalized pain associated with a sprain.
Why Trust Us for Suspected Fractures?
Foot and ankle injuries are our specialty. We have the expertise to accurately diagnose fractures, even subtle ones, and differentiate them from severe sprains. We also have on-site X-ray capabilities. That means you get answers fast, allowing treatment to begin immediately.
The takeaway? Don’t gamble with foot or ankle pain after an injury, and don’t wait: come directly to us for specialized relief instead!
Fulshear Foot & Ankle, led by board-certified podiatrists Dr. Yumna Siddiqui and Dr. Kunal Amin, provides comprehensive, patient-focused podiatric care in Fulshear, TX. We treat a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions for patients of all ages, covering everything from routine foot care to advanced surgical procedures. New patients are always welcome! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
