Fractures And Sprains Specialist

What are fractures?

A fracture is a break in a bone. With about 25% of the human body's bone in the feet, fractures in this area are fairly common. There are two main kinds of fractures, including:

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are cracks in the bone. They usually go part of the way through the surface of the bone. 

Foot stress fractures usually occur with overuse, such as high-impact sports or a sudden increase in physical activity. The most common area for stress fractures is the forefoot. 

General bone fractures

General fractures are bone fractures that go all the way through the bone. A bone fracture can be either nondisplaced, with no change in bone alignment, or displaced, with the bone ends misaligned. 

Most bone fractures are closed, which means they don't pierce the skin. Open fractures break the skin, so they're a particularly severe type of fracture. General bone fractures usually happen with trauma such as sports injuries, heavy objects dropped on the foot, falls, or other major injuries. 

Both stress and general bone fractures can be serious. An untreated stress fracture could develop into a full break if you don’t allow the injury time and space to heal.

What are sprains?

Sprains are injuries affecting ligaments, the connective tissue that holds your bones together. Sprains can vary quite a bit, with the mildest one, first-degree sprain, involving over-stretching but no tearing. 

A second-degree sprain is a partial ligament tear, and a third-degree sprain is a complete tear of the ligament. 

What are the symptoms of fractures and sprains?

Fractures and sprains can cause similar symptoms, with some of the most common issues including: 

• Tenderness 
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising 
• Skin redness
• Inability to bear weight

A severe sprain can hurt as much as a broken bone, but the two conditions may require different treatment approaches. It's important to call Gentle Foot and Ankle Care to schedule an appointment as soon as your symptoms start. 

How are fractures and sprains treated?

Fracture and sprain treatment can vary with the specific type of injury, the severity of the injury, and what kind of symptoms you're having. 

Many milder injuries, such as a first-degree sprain or a stress fracture, usually heal with conservative treatments including rest and temporary immobilization. 

More serious fractures and sprains may need a more aggressive treatment plan. For example, a third-degree sprain or a severe fracture could require reconstructive surgery. During foot surgery, the Gentle Foot and Ankle Care surgeons can restore bone alignment, repair ligaments, or replace ligaments based on your needs. 

The highly-trained board-certified surgeons can perform surgery in the office, and they're also on staff at many Michigan hospitals. 

Book your appointment by phone or call the Gentle Foot and Ankle Care office nearest to you.