Foot & Ankle Fractures 

What Are the Two Types of Fractures?  

There are two types of fractures that can impact the ankle and the foot bones. There are complete fractures, in which the bone is broken into two. Complete fractures often happen suddenly and require an immediate ER visit.   

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The second type of fractures are known as incomplete fractures. Incomplete fractures are partial breaks of the bone and are also called stress or hairline fractures. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone, caused by repeated stress or movements, and are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot.   

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Stress fractures are unique because they can develop gradually, often due to repetitive stress and overuse. The tiny cracks can be quite painful and are commonly seen in athletes who engage in high-impact activities like running, dancing, or jumping. Over time, repetitive stress without enough time to heal can lead to small cracks, causing pain and discomfort. When fractures are not healed correctly, they can lead to further fractures or breaks. 

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What Are the Most Common Types of Foot and Ankle Fractures?  

Foot and ankle fractures occur from sudden injuries, falls, sports-related accidents, or repetitive stress. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. 

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Some of the most common types of foot and ankle fractures include: 

• Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure or overuse, particularly among runners and athletes. 

• Ankle Fractures: Breaks involving the tibia, fibula, or both, ranging from isolated fractures to more complex injuries that affect ankle stability. 

• Toe Fractures: Broken bones in the toes, commonly resulting from stubbing a toe, dropping a heavy object, or sports injuries. 

• Metatarsal Fractures: Breaks in the long bones of the foot, often caused by twisting injuries, direct impact, or repetitive stress. 

• Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Injuries affecting the outer edge of the foot, including Jones fractures and avulsion fractures. 

• Heel Bone Fractures: Breaks in the calcaneus caused by significant impact or trauma. 

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What is the Difference Between Ankle Sprains and Ankle Fractures?  

Ankle instability caused by ankle sprains are often billed as less severe than ankle fractures, but a sprained ankle can be just as painful as a broken one. It can also be difficult to distinguish between sprains and fractures, as they share many overlapping symptoms.  

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Common signs of an ankle sprain include: 

• Swelling and bruising, often around the outside of the ankle after a roll or twist. 

• Soft-tissue tenderness and pain around the joint rather than directly over the bone. 

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion are common, although some movement may still be possible. 

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Common signs of an ankle fracture include: 

• Pain and significant tenderness over the bone. 

• An ankle that looks visibly deformed or misshapen.  

• A popping or cracking sound at the time of injury.  

• Being unable to stand or walk on the injured ankle.
   

What Are Other Common Ankle & Sports-Related Injuries?  

Along with foot and ankle fractures, there are many other foot and ankle injuries that plague athletes of all levels. Dr. Krynski at MK Podiatry treats a wide range of sports injuries, including but not limited to the following:  

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• Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse. Commonly affecting the Achilles, posterior tibial, and peroneal tendons, tendonitis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness during physical activity. 

• Tendon Tears: Partial or complete tears of a tendon resulting from sudden injuries, excessive force, or gradual wear and tear. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty moving the affected foot or ankle. 

• Ankle Impingement: A condition that occurs when soft tissue or bone becomes pinched within the ankle joint, causing pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. It frequently develops following repeated ankle sprains or repetitive stress. 

• Arthritis: Inflammation or degeneration of the joints in the foot and ankle that can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Previous sports injuries and repetitive joint stress may contribute to the development of certain types of arthritis. 

• Turf Toe: A sprain of the ligaments and supporting tissues surrounding the big toe joint, typically caused by forcefully bending the toe upward. This injury is common in sports involving running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. 

• Runner's Toe & Nail Injuries: Repetitive pressure or friction against the inside of athletic shoes can damage the toenails, causing bruising, discoloration, tenderness, or even toenail loss. These injuries are especially common among long-distance runners and athletes participating in repetitive-impact activities.