October 2018

If you have experienced a breaking of any of the bones that make up the ankle joint, which is referred to as an ankle fracture, you may be aware that there can be significant pain as well.  The bones that make up the ankle joint are the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. There are many reasons an ankle injury can occur, such as twisting your ankle inwards or outwards, falling, a crush injury, or a motor vehicle accident. An ankle fracture can also occur due to sports injury, repetitive stress, or as a consequence to nerve problems of the feet and legs.

The symptoms of a broken ankle are pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, throbbing, and difficulty putting weight down on the foot.  In more severe cases, there may be a deformity, which may represent a dislocation where the foot can actually separate from the ankle.  If you have had an ankle injury, it is important that you consult with your podiatric surgeon so you can start the best course of treatment immediately. If you have any concerns regarding you ankle, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs

Ankle fractures are usually diagnosed with a proper history, as well as x-rays. For proper evaluation, it may be necessary for the doctor to order a CT or MRI scan.

A broken ankle can lead to complications and can occasionally cause long standing deformity or severe pain if not treated properly. In certain cases, a splint, cast, or boot may be the preferred treatment, along with rest, ice, and elevation depending on the fracture type. In other cases, surgery may be necessary, which may involve open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with screws and/or plate hardware or the use of external fixation (frame around skin). At LSFA we use the latest in biologic techniques to achieve efficient healing with amniotic tissue, bone marrow aspirate, bone stimulation, shockwave, and laser.

By Lee R. Stein, DPM, FACFAS, FACLES, FAENS

Trauma to the foot, especially the toes, can occur in many ways. Banging them, stubbing them, or dropping something on them are a few different ways this trauma can occur. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break or fracture. Another type of trauma that can break a toe is repeated activity that places stress on the toe for prolonged periods of time.

Broken toes can be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. Symptoms of minor toe fractures include throbbing pain, swelling, bruising on the skin and toenail, and the inability to move the toe with ease. Severe toe fractures require medical attention and are indicated when the broken toe appears crooked or disfigured, when there is tingling or numbness in the toe, or when there is an open, bleeding wound present on the toe.

Generally, a minor toe break will heal without long-term complications. However, it is important to discontinue activities that put pressure on the toe. It is best to stay off of the injured toe and immediately get a splint or cast to prevent any more additional movement of the toe bones. You can also immobilize your toe by placing a small cotton ball between the injured toe and the toe beside it. Then, tape the two toes together with medical tape. Swelling can be alleviated by placing an ice pack on the broken toe directly as well as elevating your feet above your head.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery, especially when the big toe has been broken. Due to its position and the pressure the big toe endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if it is not properly treated. Pain associated with minor toe fractures can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Prescription pain killers may be necessary for severe toe fractures.

The healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. In severe cases where the toe becomes infected or requires surgery, healing time can take up to eight weeks or more. While complications associated with a broken toe are immediately apparent, it is important to note that there are rare cases when additional complications, such as osteoarthritis, can develop over time. You should immediately speak with your podiatrist if you think you have broken your toe due to trauma. They will be able to diagnose the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment options.