A break treated right is a break that heals right.

Suspected fractures typically involve severe pain that's worse with weight-bearing, inability to walk normally, visible deformity, rapid significant swelling, and tenderness directly over a bone rather than soft tissue. Imaging confirms the diagnosis.

Sprains and fractures share many symptoms, which is why imaging is often necessary to distinguish them. The Ottawa Ankle Rules suggest imaging should be obtained for any ankle injury where the patient cannot bear weight for four steps immediately after the injury and at the time of evaluation. When in doubt, get imaging — missing a fracture and treating it as a sprain can lead to non-healing and long-term problems.

Recovery varies dramatically by injury. Stable toe fractures heal in 3 to 6 weeks. Most metatarsal fractures take 6 to 8 weeks. Stable ankle fractures heal in 6 to 8 weeks of immobilization plus 2 to 4 months of full recovery. Surgical ankle fractures often require 6 to 12 months for complete recovery.

Stress fractures typically need 6 to 8 weeks of relative rest, then a gradual return to running or impact activities over 4 to 6 additional weeks. Returning to activity too quickly is the most common cause of refracture or non-healing — patience during recovery pays off. We coordinate every milestone to keep healing on track.

Many ankle fractures heal well without surgery, particularly stable, non-displaced patterns. Displaced or unstable fractures, bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures, open fractures, and certain Jones fractures in athletes typically require surgical fixation to heal correctly.

The decision depends on the specific fracture pattern, displacement, joint involvement, and patient factors like activity level and overall health. Modern fracture surgery uses small plates and screws to restore alignment, allowing for predictable healing. Recovery typically involves weeks of non-weight-bearing followed by progressive return to activity over months. Our surgical team will walk you through whether your specific fracture is a candidate for non-surgical management or whether surgery is the right path.

A stress fracture is a small, hairline crack in the bone caused by repetitive impact rather than acute trauma. Stress fractures most commonly affect the metatarsals or calcaneus and are common in runners, dancers, and military recruits who increase activity too quickly.

Stress fractures often don't appear on initial X-rays and may require MRI or bone scan for diagnosis. Treatment involves rest from impact activities, a walking boot or modified footwear, and gradual return to running. Patients who try to push through stress fractures often progress to complete fractures requiring surgical fixation. If you're a runner with persistent localized pain that builds with mileage, get evaluated.

Yes, most major insurance plans fully cover foot and ankle fracture diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care when warranted. Table Mountain Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, and workers' compensation.

Coverage typically includes office visits, imaging, casting or walking boots, surgical procedures and anesthesia, and follow-up care. For workers' comp injuries, we coordinate directly with your employer and adjuster. Our front office team verifies benefits before treatment so there are no surprises.