When the foot or ankle experiences trauma, a fracture may occur. Causes of foot and ankle fractures can vary. In some cases, an obvious impact to the foot or a fall can be behind a fracture. Fractures can also occur because of increased stress on the bone over time. The location of the fracture can often give your podiatrist information on how the fracture occurred.

Pain, especially when bearing weight, is a telltale sign of a fracture. Limping due to this pain is a further sign of a foot or ankle fracture. Other symptoms include inflammation, bruising, deformity, and tenderness. A deformity may occur due to a shift in bone alignment or a joint dislocation near the fracture. While pain is a significant symptom of breakage, a patient who has nerve damage or who has diabetes may not feel this pain. In this instance, your podiatrist will look for additional signs to determine whether a fracture has occurred.

If you are experiencing severe pain, cannot walk without limping, have an open wound near the suspected break, or have numbness or tingling in the toes, you should see your podiatrist.

A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a professional who is trained in the treatment of injuries or issues concerning a person's feet, ankles, or areas of the lower leg. When it comes to treatments, podiatrists have the ability to reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, request lab tests or x-rays, as well as perform surgery.

To become a podiatrist, one must complete 4 years of medical school, as well as 3 years of a residency where they gain real world experience working at a hospital. After those two requirements are completed, some choose to gain further certifications by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) in areas such as surgery of the foot and ankle.

A podiatrist may be of help to you if you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, arthritis, heel pain, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, fungal nails, flat feet, plantar warts, or athlete’s foot, to name a few. They can also be useful if you are curious about maintaining general care for your feet, picking the correct shoe size, obtaining footwear inserts or orthotics, as well as suggesting stretches or exercises to help strengthen your feet.

If you’re experiencing any problems involving your feet, ankles, or lower leg areas, it is highly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist near you for a proper diagnosis and treatment regime.

3D - Custom orthotics are shoe inserts made specifically for your feet in order to treat foot pain, discomfort, deformities, or an abnormal gait or walking pattern. Orthotics can be prescribed to people of all ages, from young children to seniors. They are designed to cushion and support the feet, reduce symptoms of various foot disorders, and make going about your day-to-day life more comfortable.

A variety of foot conditions can warrant a custom orthotics prescription. Pain from chronic foot injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or a stress fracture, can be helped by wearing cushioning, or supportive orthotic inserts in your shoes. Symptoms from common foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can also be managed, and the progression of the disorders stopped or slowed down, by wearing orthotics. Foot structure abnormalities, like flat feet or high arches, can cause discomfort while walking or standing, which can be alleviated with orthotics. An abnormal gait, for example, one in which your feet turn too far inwards while walking, can also be corrected with custom orthotics.

If you are experiencing any foot pain or discomfort, please consult with a podiatrist. This specialist can determine if custom orthotics are right for you and prescribe them.