If you have suffered a foot injury, you may wonder whether you need surgery. It is best to ask Dr. Russel Grimes and Dr. Ross Bartley of Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons in Independence, MO, if foot fracture surgery is needed.

Overuse

Overuse injuries may start slowly but eventually progress to acute injuries. Several factors increase the risk of a stress fracture. However, most overuse injuries are preventable. Stress fractures are common in athletes. Small cracks in the bone develop due to frequent repetitive stresses. The bone may break down, or the cracks can become more profound.

Foot and ankle fractures can be painful. In addition, they can interfere with walking. Therefore, having Dr. Grimes and Dr. Bartley check for foot and ankle injuries is a good idea. 

Stress fractures

When a stress fracture is severe, surgery may be necessary. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the fracture. Typical procedures involve surgery to secure the bone in place. This is an outpatient procedure and is usually quick.

Sudden increases in activity typically cause stress fractures. For example, high-impact sports or work activities can cause them. A person's fitness level can also affect how long it takes for a stress fracture to heal.

Lisfranc fractures

Lisfranc injuries can be severe. This is because they can cause arthritis, nerve damage, and muscle damage. To reduce these problems, you must treat your Lisfranc injury carefully. An excellent first step is to keep your injured foot elevated. It is also important to ice the area. Then, wrap a thin towel around it to help reduce swelling. You should also rest your foot as much as possible.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can also be helpful. However, it is best to consult the Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons for foot fracture consultation in Independence, MO, before taking them. They may be able to prescribe a better treatment.

Navicular fractures

Navicular stress fractures are a relatively uncommon foot injury. These types of fractures often occur with repetitive stresses. A high-level athlete may be particularly at risk of suffering one of these fractures. Nondisplaced navicular stress fractures are generally treated conservatively. Patients should avoid weight bearing for a few weeks while healing and begin physical rehabilitation exercises as soon as possible.

Displaced navicular stress fractures require surgical repair. It involves excising fibrous tissue and bone from the dorsum of the foot, repairing the fracture, and packing it with a bone graft.

Contact the Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons at (816) 364-2338 to schedule your foot fracture consultation in Independence, MO, with Dr. Grimes and Dr. Bartley.