Breaking Down Foot Fractures
When people hear the word “fracture,” they often panic. Many people mistakenly assume that fractures are somehow worse than broken bones. The two terms are synonymous. Fractures, which come in more than one variety, can often be treated effectively without surgery.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, our patients frequently have misconceptions about what fractures are and how they must be treated. Fortunately, our team relishes assisting patients with proper foot care. To that end, we’ve prepared a brief breakdown of foot fractures below.
The Three Forms of a Fracture
Contrary to popular belief, fractures come in several varieties:
A displaced fracture involves a broken bone with fragments that are out of position.
Hairline fractures are barely visible when examined via x-ray.
Open or compound fractures feature fragments that have punctured the skin. They can get infected, so they require prompt surgery.
Recovery and Management
It can be anxiety-inducing to consider which treatments are required for fractures. Yet the reality is often less intimidating than what patients imagine.
When fractures occur, splints are typically used to stop bones from moving around, as such movement might cause damage to surrounding soft tissue.
Then, depending on the fracture type, the bone might need to be set. This is most common in the case of displaced fractures.
If setting the fracture proves challenging, we suggest surgery for the best possible outcome.
These kinds of injuries seem scary, but they can often be addressed with conservative, non-invasive methods. Mesh tape casts for broken toes exemplify this, as they hold the toe in place and bolster the healing process with minimal intervention.
If you’ve sustained a foot fracture, don’t stress! When you come to PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, you can rest assured that our experienced, professional foot doctors are well-equipped to handle all your podiatric needs. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are committed to getting Hartford County patients back on their feet and keeping them there. To contact us or schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.