Dr. Michaels’ Foot & Ankle Fracture Checklist
Is it just a bad sprain, or is it broken?
At the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, we know that making this distinction is crucial for proper healing. While it’s no substitute for a podiatrist’s expert opinion, the following guide serves as a helpful checklist for spotting the signs of a potential fracture.
What to Look for Immediately
Run through this checklist if you’ve had a foot or ankle injury. The more items you check, the more important it is to seek immediate professional evaluation.
- Did you hear a sound?
Many patients with a fracture report hearing an audible “pop” or “crack” at the exact moment of injury. This is a significant clue.
- How does the pain feel?
While sprains are painful, a fracture often causes an immediate, sharp, and severe pain that feels deeper than a typical muscle or ligament ache.
- Can you bear weight on it?
This is a major red flag. If you find it impossible or extremely painful to put any weight on the injured foot, you should treat it as a potential fracture. Never try to “walk it off.”
- Does it look different?
Carefully look at the injured area. Any obvious deformity – a crooked toe, a misshapen foot, or a bone that looks out of place – strongly suggests a fracture or dislocation.
- Is there rapid swelling or bruising?
Fractures often cause immediate and significant swelling. Bruising that appears very quickly after the injury can also indicate a more serious injury, like a broken bone.
- Is there pinpoint tenderness?
Gently press along the bones of your foot and ankle. If you find one specific spot directly on a bone that is intensely painful to touch, it could indicate the fracture site.
Why an Expert Diagnosis is Critical
A severe sprain can feel like a fracture, and some fractures can be subtle.
- We use a combination of physical examination and imaging, like X-rays, to get a definitive answer.
- An accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications like chronic pain, arthritis, or a non-healing bone (which we can fix with advanced ultrasound stimulation techniques!)
Did you end up checking a lot of items on the list above? The next and most important step is seeking expert evaluation to get on the right path to recovery.
Like Dr. Michaels always says:
If It’s Below the Knee, Think of Me!
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC offers comprehensive podiatric services. Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.
