Foot and Ankle Fracture | Treatments

Our team of doctors specialize in non-surgical treatments and surgery. Our experienced foot and ankle surgeons offer you the comprehensive care you need for an effective procedure and a successful recovery. Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and specialize exclusively in caring for lower extremity conditions. Foot and ankle treatment services are located in the Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.

What is the best treatment option?

Treatment will vary based on the severity and location of your foot or ankle injury. Our orthopedic specialists will carefully examine your injury, recommend treatment, and closely monitor your healing process. Our physicians may recommend a combination of non-surgical and surgical treatment options, followed by physical therapy to rebuild strength and ease of movement in the foot or ankle. We may suggest conservative treatment options, including:

Ice
Elevation
Rest
Pain medication
Assistive devices, such as a walking boot or lace-up bracing
Physical therapy

In instances where conservative treatment options are unsuccessful, or your injury has caused the bones in your foot or ankle to shift out of place, you may need surgery to restore the proper alignment. In these cases, our physicians may recommend an advanced surgical option.

What is foot or ankle fracture surgery?

A broken ankle or foot could require surgery if the fracture is severe or cannot heal on its own. Foot and ankle fractures can range in severity, from a minor crack in the bone to a full break, shatter, or even a bone breaking through the skin. An orthopedic surgeon can offer recommendations for treatment based on your unique fracture. When needed, this type of surgery may involve plates or screws that help hold the broken portion of the bone in the correct position while it heals.

What does surgery involve?

Your exact surgical procedure will vary depending on the type of fracture you are suffering from. One of our experienced foot and ankle surgeons will work with you and your family to explain your exact surgical procedure, which may involve any of the below, based on your needs:

Repair of broken bones
Repositioning of bones
Screw, plate, or other implant for stability

In these cases, our physicians may recommend one of the following advanced surgical options:

What does recovery involve?

After surgery, recovery time can vary, depending on the condition, the type of surgery, and you as a patient. For most procedures, recovery will take six to twelve weeks. However, more complex traumatic injuries and fractures may take six to twelve months to recover fully.

When needed, your plan may include services from specialists in other fields, which we can coordinate for you. Typically, your surgeon may recommend one or more of the following to promote the best possible recovery from ankle or foot fracture surgery:

Pain medications
Rest
Elevation

What are the benefits of surgery?

The benefits of visiting MedStar Health for your ankle and foot fracture surgery include:

Ankle and foot pain relief
Corrected fractures and misaligned bones
Ability to return to normal activities without pain
Improved balance and ankle strength

Why is surgery performed?

It is generally required when the fracture involves:

Multiple breaks in the bone
Bones moving out of alignment
A bone that has broken through the skin
Shattered bones
A misaligned joint

Learn about the related conditions:

Videos

Foot and Ankle Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

This online pre-operative class is designed for patients preparing to undergo foot or ankle surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Foot and Ankle Surgery at MedStar Health Timonium

This online pre-operative class is designed for patients preparing to undergo foot or ankle surgery at MedStar Health – Timonium’s outpatient surgery center.