Ankle and Foot Fractures

What Are Ankle and Foot Fractures?

Ankle and foot fractures refer to breaks in the bones of the lower extremity, including the tibia, fibula, talus, calcaneus, and the many smaller bones of the foot. These injuries can range from hairline cracks to complex, displaced fractures affecting joints, stability, and mobility.

Fractures may be caused by trauma, falls, sports injuries, or chronic stress on bones over time (stress fractures).

Common Types of Foot and Ankle Fractures

Ankle Fractures

• Lateral malleolus fracture – Break of the fibula on the outer ankle.

• Medial malleolus fracture – Inner side of the tibia.

• Bimalleolar & Trimalleolar fractures – Involve two or three ankle bones; often unstable and require surgery.

• Pilon fracture – A high-impact fracture of the lower tibia where it meets the ankle joint.

Foot Fractures

• Metatarsal fractures – Common in athletes; can be stress or acute.

• Calcaneal fracture – Heel bone; often caused by falls from height.

• Talus fracture – Affects the bone connecting foot and leg; serious due to limited blood supply.

• Jones fracture – Break at the base of the 5th metatarsal; often seen in runners.

Signs & Symptoms

You may have an ankle or foot fracture if you experience:

• Sudden, sharp pain

• Swelling and bruising

• Difficulty bearing weight

• Visible deformity or bone protrusion

• A popping sound at the time of injury

Stress fractures may present with:

• Gradual onset of localized pain

• Tenderness to touch

• Pain worsening with activity

Diagnosis and Imaging

At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, our specialists use:

• X-rays for initial fracture assessment

• MRI scan for complex or stress fractures

• Weight-bearing imaging to assess joint stability

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Immobilization (walking boot, cast, brace)

• Crutches or scooter to reduce weight-bearing

• Pain management with NSAIDs

• Physical therapy during recovery phase

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be needed for:

• Displaced or unstable fractures

• Joint involvement

• Non-healing stress fractures

Procedures may involve screws, plates, or rods to realign and stabilize bones.

Recovery Timeline

Healing time depends on the type and severity of the fracture:

• Simple fractures: 6–8 weeks in a cast or boot

• Surgical cases: 10–12+ weeks with rehabilitation

• Stress fractures: 4–8 weeks of rest with gradual return to activity

Your care team will guide you through physical therapy, gait training, and long-term joint health.

Preventing Foot and Ankle Fractures

• Wear supportive footwear

• Cross-train to avoid overuse injuries

• Gradually increase intensity in workouts

• Maintain strong bones with calcium and vitamin D

• Use proper technique during sports and lifting

When to See a Specialist

Prompt evaluation can prevent long-term complications like arthritis or deformity. Seek care if:

• Pain persists more than a few days

• You heard a snap or felt a shift

• You cannot walk or stand comfortably