Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois
Podiatrists located in Springfield, Decatur, Carlinville, and Shelbyville, IL.
The surgeons at the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for foot and ankle fractures. Whether you sustain a fracture in a car accident or fall, or you experience cracks in your bone due to age-related health issues, we offer both conservative and surgical treatment plans to help you recover fully. We strive to keep you weight bearing during recovery. Also, request our ankle fracture care. DON'T LET THE ER DICTATE WHO PROVIDES TREATMENT.
Fractures Q & A
What are fractures?
Fractures are breaks in the bone that can develop due to direct trauma, because of age-related degeneration, or due to underlying issues, like osteoporosis and arthritis. As bones deteriorate, they become weak and increase your risk for developing stress fractures, very small cracks in the bone that can grow over time.
The bones of your ankle and foot may be at increased risk for fractures because of the role they have in supporting your overall body weight. These areas may also be prone to fractures if you engage in sports or other high-impact activities.
What are the warning signs of fractures?
If you experience a fracture in your foot or ankle, you may experience an immediate, intense pain in the area near the broken bone. Other common signs you have a fracture include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Noticeable deformity
These issues can worsen over time until you lose feeling and range of motion in the affected area. When you have a compound fracture where your bone protrudes through your skin, you need to seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room or by calling 911.
If you have symptoms of a fracture or unexplained pain in your foot or ankle, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois as soon as possible. The team offers on-site imaging tests, including X-rays, to quickly confirm a fracture and create the right treatment plan for your injury.
How are fractures treated?
If your foot or ankle fracture doesn’t involve displacement of your bone, your Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois provider may apply a protective wrap or brace to stabilize the bone and recommend plenty of rest to allow the bone to heal properly.
If the fracture is more serious, you need a procedure to reposition the bone and a cast to prevent movement of the affected bone. Wearing a cast on your foot or ankle may require you to use crutches or other assistive device to help you keep your weight off your lower extremities while you heal.
In serious fractures where multiple cracks develop in the bone or the bone otherwise unstable, the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois medical team can recommend surgery. Typically, they use medical screws and plates to repair the bone and provide you with long-term stability.
If you're interested in receiving treatment for your fracture,
Call Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois at (217) 787-2700 today!
We serve the following locations: Springfield, Decatur, Carlinville and Shelbyville, IL