Frankel Fast Response Trauma Care
Injured foot? Broken ankle? Call us!
Is it painful? Swollen? Have trouble walking it? A traumatic injury of your foot or ankle is just that – traumatic. You’re in pain, it’s swelling up. What is your most important move? Call Dr. Marc Frankel. Frankel FastResponse to trauma means you’ll have a Board Certified Foot and Ankle specialist ready to help you get the care you need.
Is it a sprain, a tear or a break? Call us!
There are many different types of breaks that can have similar symptoms. An ankle sprain and a fracture may both be painful, both involve swelling. That’s why a thorough exam and diagnosis is essential.
In 20 years of practice, Dr. Frankel has treated more than 100,000 patients. He has years of training and experience in the latest techniques to effectively repair and restore fractures and soft tissue injuries. Not all trauma requires surgery and we’re happy to share that news with you.
When you have an injury at home, work or play, don’t delay, contact Dr. Frankel today!
Stress fractures of the foot
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone from over-use sports injuries. They can occur following repetitive activities such as long walks, running or jumping. A stress fracture frequently results in foot pain, swelling and an inability to place your full weight on your foot. These types of stress fractures are most common in the foot long bones, namely the metatarsals. However, they can occur in the heel bone as well. Another cause of stress fractures or cracks in the bone can be direct trauma to the bone such as when you drop a heavy object on your foot. These cracks in the bone can occur in the ankle too. If you are experiencing a sharp pain in your foot or ankle that keeps returning, and if you have other persistent soreness, it’s time to talk to a foot and ankle specialist at Frankel Foot & Ankle.
You should be seen by a foot and ankle specialist if you experience these symptoms:
- Pain deep inside your foot, ankle, or toe.
- “Pinpoint pain” (soreness and tenderness when touched).
- Swelling either on top of your foot or in your ankle.
- Pain that occurs during or after normal activity.
- Pain that is made worse while being active and that rest causes relief.
TREATMENT
Many foot or ankle stress fractures can be treated with immobilization in a walking cast for 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes, a bone stimulator device is worn daily to facilitate bone healing. Surgery to stabilize the fracture may be indicated in cases of failed bone healing.
Fractured toe
At some point we have all stubbed our toes, or tripped and wrenched a toe when barefoot or wearing flip-flops, or dropped something heavy on our feet. More often than not, these actions can result in toe fractures. This is one of the most common injuries that a foot and ankle specialist treats. Toe pain, swelling and discoloration are indicators that your toe may be fractured and requires follow up care.
TREATMENT
Sometimes the fracture toe simply needs to be taped to the next toe, but it is equally possible that a cast or surgery may be needed. In any case, if the pain, swelling and discoloration continue for more than a day or two, or if the symptoms increase, call Frankel Foot & Ankle for a diagnostic appointment.
With correct treatment, your fractured toe should heal in around 4 to 6 weeks.
Heel Fracture
The medical name for the heel bone is calcaneus. It may seem solid but it is possible to fracture or break this bone. Fracture of this bone is considered a high-energy injury and if left untreated may result in substantial disability. This injury frequently occurs when a person falls from a height –such as when falling off a ladder–and lands on his or her feet. Another common heel-impact injury can occur when you have braced your feet during an auto accident. Whether or not there is joint damage is a determining factor whether this injury can be treated with or without surgery. Seeking treatment very soon after injury is critical to ensure proper care is administered in a timely manner.
TREATMENT
Heel fractures may be treated with a cast and non-weight bearing for 4 to 6 weeks. However, when there is joint damage, surgery to restore the joint surface to its proper anatomic position results in better patient outcomes.
