Every step you take can quickly worsen a foot fracture, potentially leading to a major mobility challenge if you don’t seek treatment. The good news is that foot fractures often heal quite well if you start the healing process early enough. In offices in Hudson, Brooksville, and Lutz, Florida, expert podiatrist Alexander J. Pappas, DPM, provides both nonoperative and surgical treatment modalities, customized for your injury. Call the office in your area or click the scheduling link now.
Request an AppointmentWhat is a foot fracture?
A foot fracture is a break in any bone inside your foot. Toe fractures are the most common type of foot fracture. Metatarsal fractures, which affect the long bone shafts that lead to your toes, are also very common.
Nondisplaced fractures aren’t out of position, while displaced fractures are significantly out of position. Fortunately, nondisplaced foot fractures — the less serious type — make up 80% of foot fractures.
How do foot fractures happen?
Foot fractures may happen in many ways, with common examples including:
- Sports injuries
- Auto accidents
- Missteps
- Blow from a heavy object
- Trip-and-fall accidents
Some fractures may happen after extended stress on your feet. This can occur in active athletes, like long distance runners, who routinely demand a lot from their feet. If you have osteoporosis, a condition that causes brittle bones, you may be vulnerable to foot stress fractures from ordinary daily walking.
How do you treat a foot fracture?
Foot fracture treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether it’s nondisplaced or displaced. Conservative treatment is effective for the majority of foot fractures.
Dr. Pappas prescribes treatments including anti-inflammatory medication, wearing a foot brace, splinting, resting your foot, and physical therapy. He may also recommend custom orthotics as you transition back to full activity.
If you have a displaced fracture, you’re much more likely to need surgery. Dr. Pappas is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who has high-level training in fracture repair and foot reconstructive surgery, so he can expertly repair your fracture and restore complete foot function.
How long does a foot fracture take to heal?
A foot fracture can begin to heal quickly after starting treatment, but for complete bone healing it usually takes 4-12 weeks.
During this healing period, you have regular physical therapy. Your physical therapy appointments help you to prepare the rest of your foot to properly support the newly healed bone.
Dr. Pappas can help you ease back into your normal activities, gradually increasing your foot use until you’re completely back to normal.
If you have a foot fracture, don’t risk poor healing or recovery complications. Alexander J. Pappas, DPM, can make sure you heal the right way, in the fastest time. Book your appointment online or call the nearest office now.