5 Common Types of Foot Fractures

Experiencing a fracture to the foot or ankle is a common reason for visiting your foot doctor. Foot fractures can vary considerably in type and severity and your foot doctor is uniquely qualified to provide the proper care. Even a seemingly minor break could have hidden aspects that are intermittent and difficult to accurately trace and properly treat. Your foot doctor will perform a physical foot exam followed by imaging studies to access the full extent of the damage.

The five common types of fractures that can affect the feet and ankles may include the following:

1. Stable fracture—When the bones are not widely displaced and stable it is the most straightforward and easiest type of fracture to treat.
2. Compound fracture—Part of one or more bones breaking through the skin characterizes this type of fracture which will most likely require surgery.
3. Comminuted fracture—When a bone is broken into many pieces, more complex reconstruction is needed using screws and plates.
4. Oblique break—This is the name given to a diagonal fracture across the foot or ankle.
5. Transverse fracture—A horizontal break characterizes this type.

If you have experienced a traumatic injury to your foot or ankle see your foot doctor for the proper treatment and to help prevent future complications. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.