Foot Fracture Treatment in Los Angeles
There are 28 bones and 32 joints in each foot, and it is not uncommon to break them. Dr. Alexis Dixon, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey, diagnoses and treats foot fractures.
Foot & Ankle Conditions
What Is a Foot Fracture?
A fracture and a break are the same thing and may be used interchangeably. There are 28 bones and 32 joints in each foot, and it is not uncommon to break them.
Each bone is unique and important in its own way, so full details of each fracture are to be discussed separately. Foot fractures are relatively common, and many people never seek medical attention, or only see a primary care physician. Sometimes a specialist is seen well after the fracture has healed, this limits treatment options significantly. It is important to see a specialist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Get an Accurate Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A set of high-quality weight-bearing (standing) x-rays are required for diagnosis to rule out fracture and to assess the structure of the foot and ankle, as well as a thorough physical examination. Sometimes, an MRI or CT may be necessary if there is concern for an occult fracture, or to better characterize the pattern of the fracture. This will be a decision discussed with you by your physician.
Unstable injuries of the foot should always be seen by a board-certified orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist to ensure proper management, as they often need to be treated surgically: a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation (midfoot sprain or fracture), an ankle fracture, fractures of the talus, navicular, or calcaneus, a high ankle sprain, and a fifth metatarsal fracture.
Symptoms
Signs of a more severe injury include severe swelling and bruising, blister formation, inability to weight bear, and failure to improve.
Dr. Dixon evaluates the symptoms in the office with a thorough physical examination and weight-bearing (standing) x-rays.
What a Fracture Means
Each bone is unique and important in its own way, so full details of each fracture are to be discussed separately. What a fracture means depends on which bone is broken, whether the pieces have moved far apart from one another, and whether the weight-bearing structure of the foot has been compromised.
Conservative First, Surgical When Needed
Treatment Options
Some foot fractures heal on their own and some need surgery. This is decided on a case by case basis.
Nonsurgical
Non-operative fractures
Non-operative fractures tend to have minimal displacement and will heal on their own. This means the pieces have not moved far apart from one another, and that the weight-bearing structure of the foot has not been compromised. Usually, fractures of the toes and metatarsals are not operative.
Operative fractures
Operative fractures have inherent instability or have altered the anatomy significantly such that pieces must be replaced to their original place and held in place with hardware.
Nonsurgical
Immobilization and rest
This will be achieved by use of a tall CAM boot or cast while the pain is severe. Ace bandages and lace-up braces are not adequate. The CAM boot or cast may be used for six to twelve weeks.
Ice and anti-inflammatories
NSAIDs and ice can be used to decrease the pain day-to-day. Ice should be placed with a tea towel protecting the skin for no more than 20 minutes per hour. Ice is not advised in patients with neuropathy or any numbness in the feet. Speak to your doctor if there is concern for contraindications to anti-inflammatories such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen.
Why See a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon (MD)?
Unstable injuries of the foot should always be seen by a board-certified orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist to ensure proper management, as they often need to be treated surgically. Sometimes a specialist is seen well after the fracture has healed, and this limits treatment options significantly.
Dr. Dixon is a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon, not a podiatrist. Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons complete medical school, five years of residency training in orthopaedic surgery, and a yearlong advanced fellowship focused on foot and ankle care. They are the only providers with the depth and breadth of experience to treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions. USC-trained and fellowship-trained in foot & ankle surgery, Dr. Dixon is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS).
After Treatment
What Recovery Looks Like
The CAM boot or cast may be used for six to twelve weeks. Injury and recovery alter our brain’s ability to know where the foot is in space, which is known as proprioception.
Regular physical therapy appointments will aim to strengthen the muscles that are weak, improve balance and establish a program of therapeutic exercises. Physical therapy has been shown to improve both balance and proprioception. To prevent further injury or reinjury, it is best to wait until your balance has been regained and improved. This requires specific balance training as well as core strengthening. Results from home exercises can be accelerated with use of a BOSU to gain balance. This should be implemented at the appropriate time and performed under the supervision or approval of your physical therapist or physician.
6 to 12 weeks
Immobilization in a CAM boot or cast while the bone heals, depending on the fracture.
Physical therapy
Strengthens weak muscles and improves balance and proprioception, your brain’s sense of where your foot is in space.
Return to activity
Once balance is regained through balance training and core strengthening. A BOSU ball can accelerate home exercises at the right time, with your therapist’s or physician’s approval.
What Patients Say
Patient Reviews
Patient Questions
Foot Fracture FAQs
About Your Surgeon
Alexis E. Dixon, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Dixon is a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon practicing in Marina Del Rey, California. USC-trained and named an LA Magazine Top Doctor since 2017, she combines surgical expertise with a conservative-first philosophy, treating the underlying joint and tendon, not just the symptom. She treats ganglion cysts, bunions, Achilles injuries, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and the full range of foot and ankle conditions.
Meet Dr. Dixon →Think You Broke Your Foot? Get a Real Diagnosis.
Get an accurate diagnosis and a clear plan from a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey.
Sources
References
The patient handout for this condition draws on the following sources.