Foot & Ankle Fractures Treatment Questions and Answers

The time it takes for an ankle fracture to heal depends on its severity and what treatment options are used. On average, it takes around six to twelve weeks to fully heal from an ankle fracture, although this number may be higher for more severe injuries. In addition, if someone does not seek treatment for an ankle fracture or delays treatment, the recovery period can be significantly longer and may even lead to permanent damage.

Walking on a fractured foot or ankle can exacerbate the injury, which is why is it so important to use a non-weight bearing support, such as crutches or a brace. If too much pressure is placed upon the ankle or foot after a fracture, it can re-damage the injury and prolong the recovery period.

In order to heal a broken bone, it must be immobilized so that its ends can fuse back together. In most cases, this requires a cast. Minor foot fractures may only need a removable brace, boot or shoe with a stiff sole, whereas severe foot fractures may require a cast, crutches and surgery as well as lots of bed rest. A fractured toe is typically secured to a neighboring toe with tape and a piece of gauze between them.

If a fracture is left untreated, it can result in failure to properly heal, known as a nonunion or a delayed union. In a nonunion, the bone remains fractured and does not heal, which causes pain, inflammation and swelling to worsen over time. In a delayed union, a fracture takes longer than usual to heal.

The length of time it will take a fracture of the foot to heal depends on its severity, which bone or bones are affected, and how well the patient responds to treatment. In mild or minor cases, foot fractures can heal within 4 to 8 weeks, although pain usually improves much earlier. In serious or severe cases, foot fractures can take several months to heal and require medical intervention in order to ensure a proper and expeditious recovery.

If you or someone you love has a broken foot or ankle or is experiencing symptoms indicative of a fracture, come to Bay Area Foot & Ankle Associates for professional treatment. Our kind and compassionate foot and ankle specialists are experienced in treating fractures and can help you get on the road to recovery. We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of foot and ankle care at each visit, for every patient. Call us today to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you!

We serve patients from Brentwood CA, Sand Hill CA, Arbor CA, Bixler CA, and Oakley CA.