Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment in Maryland
A fracture, or break, in the foot or ankle usually happens because of a fall, an accident, or a hard blow. Different types of fractures occur depending on the severity of the injury, and each requires the right treatment to heal properly. The podiatrists at Foot Centers of Maryland are experts in fracture care for patients in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Timonium, and Reisterstown, MD.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Foot and Ankle Fractures
- Hairline and Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone, often caused by repetitive impact in runners and athletes.
- Spiral Fractures: Breaks caused by a twisting force, common in ankle injuries.
- Displaced Fractures: Breaks in which the bone ends have shifted out of alignment.
- Open Fractures: Breaks in which the bone punctures the skin, requiring urgent care.
- Crush Fractures: Injuries caused by heavy objects or high-impact trauma.
- Toe and Metatarsal Fractures: Breaks in the toes or the long bones of the foot.
Signs You May Have a Fracture
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness directly over a bone
- Deformity or a foot that looks out of place
- Inability to bear weight
Fractures and ankle sprains can feel similar, so an exam and imaging are important.
Diagnosing Foot and Ankle Fractures
Our doctors perform X-rays to determine the exact type of fracture you have and how the bones are aligned. On-site X-rays are available at our Overlea, Glen Burnie, and Mercy offices, allowing many injuries to be diagnosed and treated during the same visit. Advanced imaging may be ordered for stress fractures or complex injuries.
Fracture Treatment
- Reduction: When bones have shifted, we realign them through a process called reduction.
- Immobilization: A cast, walking boot, brace, or splint holds the bone in place during healing. Learn more about our casting and immobilization services.
- Protected Weight-Bearing: Crutches or a knee scooter to keep weight off the injured foot.
- Surgical Repair: Displaced or unstable fractures may need screws, plates, or pins through foot and ankle surgery.
- Bone Healing Support: Shockwave Therapy may help stimulate healing in delayed or non-healing fractures.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Most fractures take six to eight weeks or longer to heal. Follow-up X-rays help us track progress, and physical therapy restores strength, motion, and balance before you return to full activity. Athletes can count on our sports medicine team for a safe return to play.
Foot and Ankle Fracture FAQs
How do I know if my foot is broken?
Signs of a fracture include pain that worsens with walking, swelling, bruising, tenderness over a bone, deformity, and trouble bearing weight. X-rays confirm the diagnosis.
Can I walk on a broken foot?
Walking on a fracture can worsen the injury or slow healing. Follow your podiatrist’s instructions, which may include a boot, cast, or crutches.
What is a stress fracture?
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive impact, often from running or sudden increases in activity.
How long does a foot fracture take to heal?
Most fractures heal in six to eight weeks or longer, depending on the bone involved and the severity of the break.
Do all fractures need a cast?
No. Some fractures heal well in a walking boot, brace, or stiff-soled shoe. Your podiatrist will choose the best option for your injury.
When does a fracture need surgery?
Surgery may be needed for displaced, unstable, or open fractures, or when a fracture does not heal properly with conservative care.
Can a podiatrist treat a broken toe?
Yes. Podiatrists treat broken toes and all other fractures of the foot and ankle.
Get Expert Fracture Care Fast
If you think you have a broken bone in your foot or ankle, do not wait. Call (410) 844-4700 - Overlea Office, Mercy Office, Reisterstown Office, Glen Burnie Office, or Lutherville Office or request an appointment at our Overlea, Mercy, Glen Burnie, Lutherville, or Reisterstown office.