A fracture is more than just a broken bone; it’s an injury that affects mobility, stability, and overall quality of life. In the foot and ankle, fractures can range from hairline stress fractures to complex injuries involving multiple bones and surrounding soft tissue. At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we provide accurate diagnosis, advanced ankle fracture treatment, and personalized recovery plans so you can return to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Dr. Edward Lang has over three decades of experience in treating both simple and complex foot and ankle fractures. Our team uses advanced imaging, evidence-based treatment protocols, and individualized care plans to ensure the best possible outcome. Whether your injury requires conservative management or surgical intervention, you’ll receive the same high level of attention and follow-up care throughout the healing process.
Breaks or cracks in one or more bones of the foot or ankle.
Twisting injuries, falls, direct impact, repetitive stress, or sports-related trauma.
Nondisplaced fractures, displaced fractures, stress fractures, comminuted fractures, avulsion fractures, intra-articular fractures, extra-articular fractures, open (compound) fractures, and closed fractures.
Include walking boots, physical therapy, or surgical repair, depending on the severity of the injury.
The foot is made up of many bones — including the metatarsals, phalanges (toes), midfoot bones, calcaneus (heel), and talus — that work together with surrounding ligaments to provide support, balance, and mobility. Fractures may involve the metatarsals, toes, midfoot (such as Lisfranc injuries), or the heel bone (calcaneus).
A fractured foot can result from a sudden twist, a misstep on uneven ground, a fall from a height, or repetitive overuse that leads to stress fractures. Some injuries are minor and stable, such as nondisplaced fractures, while others — including Jones fractures, Lisfranc fracture-dislocations, or displaced calcaneal fractures — may require surgical repair to restore alignment and prevent long-term foot dysfunction.
Proper treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Minor fractures may heal with a walking boot, or supportive bracing. More serious fractures, such as displaced lateral malleolus fractures or comminuted fractures, may require surgical repair to realign bones and restore ankle stability.
The following signs and symptoms may indicate a fracture that requires prompt medical attention. Think it's just a sprain? The only way to know if a fracture has occurred is X-ray imaging from a medical professional.
Pain: Sudden, sharp pain is a hallmark of a fracture.
Swelling: Swelling around the injured area is a common symptom.
Bruising: Bruising may develop as blood vessels underneath the skin rupture.
Deformity: The injured bone may appear bent or out of alignment.
Inability to Move: Difficulty using or moving the injured area, or nearby joints, can indicate a fracture.
Grating or Popping: A "grating" or "popping" sensation may be felt or heard during movement.
Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, numbness, tingling, or coldness may be felt at or below the injured area.
Bleeding or Protruding Bone: In open fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin), bleeding or a visible bone may be present.
Pale, Clammy Skin: Serious fractures involving large bones like the pelvis or femur can cause a person to look pale and clammy, and experience dizziness, fainting, or nausea.
A precise diagnosis is essential for proper healing. We start with a review of your medical history and a physical exam to assess the injured ankle, foot, and surrounding soft tissues. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans help determine the type of fracture, whether there are bone fragments, and if ankle ligaments, like the deltoid ligament, have been injured.
Common Treatment Options
Our surgical treatments are designed to protect soft tissue, restore joint function, and prevent complications. After immobilization or surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in regaining strength, mobility, and proper body mechanics.
Healing time varies depending on the fracture type and your overall health. Stable fractures may heal within 6 to 8 weeks, while complex fractures may require several months of recovery. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including weight-bearing guidelines, home exercises, and activity modifications to protect the healing bone.
Long-term care may include supportive footwear, orthotics, and ongoing monitoring to prevent reinjury, especially in patients with a history of ankle instability or repeated fractures.
If you're experiencing sudden foot or ankle pain, New Orleans Podiatry offers same-day podiatry appointments for urgent care needs. We treat a full range of conditions, including foot fractures, ankle sprains, infections, and foreign body injuries.
You'll receive a prompt, thorough evaluation and same-day treatment from board-certified New Orleans podiatrist Dr. Edward Lang, an expert in both medical and surgical foot care. Don’t wait in pain—contact us today for urgent foot and ankle care in New Orleans.
They are the same thing. Both terms mean the bone has cracked or broken.
No. Stable, nondisplaced fractures may heal with immobilization, while unstable or displaced fractures often require surgical repair.
Recovery can range from 6 weeks for minor fractures to several months for more complex injuries.
Severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and sometimes a visible deformity.
Walking on a fracture can make the injury worse. Always seek medical evaluation before putting weight on an injured ankle.
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