Trauma & Fractures

Our Approach: Image First, Then Decide

Foot and ankle injuries get mismanaged in two directions — significant fractures walked on for weeks because they were assumed to be sprains, and simple injuries over-treated with unnecessary immobilization. Imaging resolves the question quickly, and we perform it in the office so you get an answer the same visit rather than waiting on an outside facility.

Once we know what we are treating, the decision is straightforward. Many foot and ankle fractures heal well in a boot with protected weight-bearing. Surgery is reserved for fractures that are displaced, unstable, or involve a joint surface, where alignment determines long-term function. We will show you the imaging and explain exactly why your fracture does or does not require fixation.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Be Seen Urgently

Warning signs of a fracture include inability to bear weight for more than a few steps, focal pain directly over a bone rather than diffuse soreness, significant swelling and bruising, and pain that is not improving after 48 hours. Obvious deformity, an open wound over the injury, numbness, or a cold or dusky foot are emergencies — go to an emergency department.

Stress fractures behave differently and are easy to dismiss. They build gradually with activity, hurt during and after exercise, and often show nothing on an initial X-ray. Runners and anyone who recently increased training volume should be evaluated for activity-related bone pain that persists beyond a couple of weeks.

Recovery: Healing Bone on Schedule

Bone healing follows a biological timeline that cannot be rushed, but it can absolutely be derailed. The single most common cause of delayed healing is weight-bearing before the bone is ready. Smoking is the second — it measurably impairs bone and wound healing, and stopping even temporarily during recovery makes a real difference.

We monitor healing with follow-up imaging rather than assumption, and for fractures showing delayed union or in patients with risk factors like diabetes or prior nonunion, bone growth stimulation can be added to support the process. Most patients transition from boot to regular shoes over several weeks, with a return to full activity guided by imaging and symptoms rather than the calendar.