Signs You've Fractured your Foot or Ankle

Find out if the symptoms you’re experiencing could mean you fractured your foot or ankle.

From a skiing holiday to a car accident, there are many situations in which you could find yourself dealing with an injury. If you are dealing with sudden pain, swelling or other symptoms in your foot or ankle after an incident, then you may be wondering if it warrants a trip to see our Aurora, CO, podiatrists, Dr. Robert Anderson and Dr. Erik Thelander. Learn how to pinpoint the telltale signs of a fractured foot and ankle.

A fracture means that a bone has been broken in either the foot or the ankle. If you have a fracture the most common symptom is sudden and often intense pain. If the fracture is the result of an accident, fall or sports injury you may have heard a pop or cracking sound when the injury occurred. This is also a telltale sign that you could have fractured your foot or ankle.

Other signs that you fractured your foot and ankle include swelling, bruising, tenderness, a deformity (the foot or ankle may look like it's out of place) or numbness. If you find it difficult to move your foot or ankle without experiencing severe pain this is also indicative of a broken bone. If you can’t put weight on the foot or ankle this means that you need to visit our Aurora foot doctors right away.

While pain and swelling are also common in sprains and strains, it’s important to recognize that there is a difference between a fracture and a sprain. A sprain means that the ligaments or tendons around a bone have been stretched further then they should, which can result in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Of course, the symptoms won’t be nearly as intense as they will be if you have a fracture. Most minor strains and sprains can be treated from the comfort of your own home with rest, ice and, over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you suspect that you have a fractured foot or ankle it’s important that you seek proper medical attention to ensure that your injury heals properly. If the fracture isn’t treated it could lead to chronic ankle weakness and instability. Turn to the experts at Centennial Foot and Ankle Specialists in Aurora, CO, right away if you think you have fractured your foot or ankle.