Your foot contains more than two dozen bones, and a fracture in any one of them can sideline you for weeks. Allyson Otten, DPM, at Kettle Moraine Podiatry in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, diagnoses and treats foot fractures for patients throughout Ozaukee County. Dr. Otten identifies where your fracture is, explains what your treatment will involve, and monitors you throughout the healing process. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about foot fracture care.

What types of foot fractures are most common?

Your foot is built from a complex network of bones, joints, and soft tissue that work together to absorb impact and support your weight. Because of how much your feet do every day, fractures can show up in several different forms. The most common types include:

• Stress fractures, which develop from repetitive impact and overuse
• Metatarsal fractures, which affect the long bones in the middle of your foot
• Calcaneal fractures, which involve the heel bone
• Lisfranc injuries, which affect the midfoot
• Talus fractures, which involve the bone connecting your foot to your ankle
• Sesamoid fractures, which involve the two small bones beneath your big toe joint

Each type carries its own healing timeline and treatment approach. Dr. Otten identifies which bone is involved and uses that information to guide your care.

What causes foot fractures?

Foot fractures usually come from one of two sources. The first is acute trauma, where a single event like a fall, sports collision, or car accident produces enough force to break a bone. The second is repetitive stress, where smaller forces build up over time and eventually cause a small crack to form. 

Runners, dancers, and patients who suddenly increase their activity level are especially prone to stress fractures.

Certain conditions also raise your risk. Osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, hormonal changes, and some chronic illnesses can weaken your bones and make fractures more likely.

How do podiatrists diagnose and treat foot fractures?

Dr. Otten starts with a hands-on exam to check for tenderness, swelling, bruising, and changes in how your foot looks or moves. She asks about the injury, your activity level, and any underlying conditions that might affect healing. From there, she usually orders imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Options include:

• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which catch stress fractures that don't always show up on X-rays
• Computed tomography (CT) scans, used for complex breaks or fractures involving multiple bones
• Ultrasound

Treatment ranges from rest and immobilization in a boot or cast to surgical repair for severe or displaced fractures. Dr. Otten builds a plan based on the type of fracture, your overall health, and your activity goals. 

Call Kettle Moraine Podiatry today or book online to schedule your foot fracture appointment.