How do I know that my Foot or Ankle is Fractured?

How do I know that my Foot or Ankle is Fractured?

Indications of foot and ankle fractures are fairly obvious. The major symptom is pain. In most cases, pain is “referred,” meaning it does not come from the exact point of fracture. There may also be associated fractures, especially in the knee or on the side of the small toe. When severe, pain from a foot and ankle fracture may deter a patient from walking.

Another symptom of a fracture is swelling around the ankle. Swelling may mean two things – damage to the soft tissue with possible blood around the joint or the presence of fluid within the joint (in many cases, blood). Blood in the joints is known as hemarthrosis.

There may also be bruising around the joint that may not occur immediately. Bruising may course towards the toes or the sole of the foot. In extreme cases, the bones around the ankle may also be deformed. The skin may stretch over the underlying fractured bone, or the bone itself may be visible. If the bone is visible, please contact your foot and ankle doctor at Foot & Ankle Associates at any of our Wyandotte, MI, Southfield, MI, or Greenfield, MI clinics.

Pain may become more severe if injury occurs to the blood vessels and nerves of the foot. If numbness sets in, you may be unable to move your toes or feet.



When is it the right time to consult a Podiatrist near you?

Here are some things to look for if you have sustained a fracture or injury to your ankle. This list will help you decide if it's time to visit a podiatrist in Wyandotte, MI.

• You find it difficult to bear weight on your ankle.
• You experience intolerable pain, even after using pain relievers.
• Pain persists despite numerous home care treatments.

The Signs and symptoms outlined below require immediate medical attention:

• Ankle bones are grossly deformed.
• Bones are exposed to the outside of the skin.
• Unbearable pain despite using pain relief medications.
• Unable to move toes.
• Unable to move ankles.
• A numbing sensation in the ankles.
• Cold or blue feet.

The content provided in our Foot & Ankle Patients guides is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. We kindly ask you to contact any of our clinics to arrange an appointment with one of our skilled doctors.