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Foot and Ankle

Common Foot and Ankle Trauma Injuries

The foot and ankle are complex structures that bear the body’s weight and facilitate movement. Given their critical function, they are vulnerable to injuries, especially in active individuals and athletes. Below are some of the most common foot and ankle injuries, including their causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.

Dr. Allison Boden is experienced in diagnosing and treating common foot and ankle injuries, helping patients get back to their daily activities. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from a sports injury or someone dealing with foot pain after an accident, getting expert care can make a big difference in your recovery.

The 5th metatarsal is the long bone on the outer side of the foot. Fractures at its base commonly occur due to twisting injuries or direct trauma.

  • Causes: Inversion ankle injuries (rolling the ankle inward), sudden impact, or repetitive stress.
  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
  • Treatment: Conservative treatment with immobilization in a walking boot or cast; surgery may be required for displaced, non-healing fractures, or fractures in certain locations.

Metatarsal fractures involve the long bones in the foot and can occur due to trauma, overuse, or stress. Causes: Direct trauma (such as dropping an object on the foot), overuse (common in runners), or twisting injuries. Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Treatment: Non-displaced fractures are treated with rest, immobilization, and gradual return to activity. If there is significant displacement or multiple metatarsals are involved, some fractures may warrant surgical intervention.

A Lisfranc injury affects the midfoot ligaments or bones, often leading to significant instability. Causes: High-impact trauma, falls, or sports injuries involving twisting of the foot while bearing weight. Symptoms: Midfoot pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, and bruising on the bottom of the foot. Treatment: Mild injuries may require immobilization and non-weight-bearing protocols, while severe cases often require surgical fixation.

Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe’s metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, common in athletes playing on artificial turf. Causes: Hyperextension of the big toe due to sudden forceful movements, such as pushing off forcefully. Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and limited movement of the big toe. Treatment: Rest, ice, taping or bracing, and rehabilitation; severe cases may require surgery.

Sesamoid bones are small bones embedded in the tendons beneath the big toe joint. Injury or inflammation can cause pain and dysfunction. Causes: Repetitive stress (common in dancers, runners, and athletes), direct trauma, or improper footwear. Symptoms: Pain beneath the big toe joint, swelling, difficulty bearing weight. Treatment: Rest, orthotics, taping, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgical excision.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones due to repetitive overuse, commonly seen in athletes and military personnel. Causes: Overuse, improper footwear, sudden increase in activity level, and poor bone health. Symptoms: Gradual onset of pain with activity, swelling, and localized tenderness. Treatment: Rest, activity modification, supportive footwear, and in some cases, immobilization with a walking boot.

A Pilon fracture is a severe break of the distal tibia with fracture lines extending into the ankle joint, often caused by high-energy trauma. Causes: Falls from height, motor vehicle accidents, or sports-related impact. Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight. Treatment: Surgical fixation is often required due to joint involvement; recovery includes immobilization, physical therapy, and gradual weight-bearing progression.

A calcaneus (heel bone) fracture is a severe injury that can lead to long-term complications if not properly managed. Causes: High-impact trauma such as falls from height or car accidents. Symptoms: Severe heel pain, bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Treatment: Mild fractures may be treated with immobilization, but displaced fractures often require surgical repair.

The talus is a crucial bone in the ankle joint; fractures to this bone can severely impact mobility. Causes: High-energy injuries, falls, or motor vehicle accidents. Symptoms: Ankle pain, swelling, difficulty bearing weight, and limited ankle motion. Treatment: Non-displaced fractures may heal with immobilization, but displaced fractures often require surgery due to the risk of avascular necrosis (bone death from disrupted blood supply).

Foot and ankle injuries vary in severity, from minor stress fractures to complex joint-disrupting injuries like Pilon and Lisfranc fractures. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery. Individuals experiencing persistent pain or difficulty walking after an injury should seek medical evaluation for proper management.

Dr. Allison Boden, a fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at the University of Louisville. She treats conditions ranging from sports-related injuries to degenerative foot and ankle conditions. By working closely with an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist, individuals with foot and ankle injuries can explore the best options to improve mobility and maintain an active lifestyle. Contact Dr. Boden to schedule a consultation today to receive the correct diagnosis and all your treatment options.

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