Expert Foot Fracture Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
A foot fracture can make it difficult to stand, walk, or participate in your normal daily activities. Whether your injury occurred during sports, a fall, a workplace accident, or from repetitive stress, early diagnosis is important to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for foot fractures in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering personalized care for both simple and complex injuries.
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist, Dr. Ohlson treats fractures involving the heel, midfoot, forefoot, and stress fractures using evidence-based non-surgical and surgical techniques. Every treatment plan is customized based on the type of fracture, bone alignment, activity level, and recovery goals to help patients regain mobility and return safely to their normal activities.
Foot Fracture Specialist in Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC
A foot fracture is a break in one or more of the bones of the foot, caused by trauma, overuse, or twisting injuries. The trauma or repeated stress on the foot often results in pain, swelling, deformity and inability to bear weight. Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides expert diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatments for foot fractures in Mount Pleasant, SC. Contact Blake Ohlson, M.D.’s team for an appointment today!
What is a Foot Fracture?
Trauma and repeated stress can cause fractures in the foot. Extreme force is required to fracture the bones in the hindfoot. The most common type of foot fracture is a stress fracture that occurs when repeated activities produce small cracks in the bones.
What is the Normal Anatomy of the foot?
The foot has 26 bones that can be classified into 3 sections:
- The hindfoot is comprised of two bones: the talus bone that connects to the bones of the lower leg and the calcaneus bone that forms the heel.
- The midfoot is comprised of the navicular, cuboid and three cuneiform bones.
- The forefoot is made up of five metatarsal bones and 14 toe bones called phalanges.
The hindfoot is separated from the midfoot by the mediotarsal joint and the midfoot is separated from the forefoot by the Lisfranc joint.
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments support the bones and joints of the feet, enabling them to withstand the entire weight of the body while walking, running and jumping.
What are the Types of Foot Fractures?
Foot fractures can involve different bones and joints, and are classified into several types:
- Calcaneal fractures: This affects the heel bone and occurs mostly because of high-energy collisions. It can cause disabling injuries and if the subtalar joint is involved, it is considered a severe fracture.
- Talar fractures: The talus bone helps to transfer weight and forces across the joint. Talus fractures usually occur at the neck or mid portion of the talus.
- Navicular fractures: Navicular fractures are rare and most often include stress fractures that occur with sports activities, such as running and gymnastics, because of repeated loading on the foot.
- Lisfranc fractures: This type of fracture occurs due to excessive loading on the foot, which leads to stretching or tearing of the midfoot ligaments.
What are the Common Causes of Foot Fractures?
Foot fractures commonly occur because of a fall, motor vehicle accident, dropping a heavy object on your foot or from overuse such as with sports.
What are the Symptoms of Foot Fractures?
The common symptoms of a foot fracture include pain, bruising, tenderness, swelling, deformity, and inability to bear weight.
How are Foot Fractures Diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses a foot fracture by reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination of your foot. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Navicular fractures can be especially difficult to diagnose without imaging tests.
What is the Treatment for Foot Fractures?
The treatment for foot fractures depends on the type of fracture sustained. For mild fractures, non-surgical treatment is advised and includes rest, ice, compression and elevation of the foot. Your doctor may suggest a splint or cast to immobilize the foot. For more severe fractures, surgery will be required to align, reconstruct or fuse the joints. Bone fragments may be held together with plates and screws.
Physical therapy may be recommended to improve range of motion and strengthen the foot muscles. Weight-bearing however, should be a gradual process with the help of a cane or walking boot.
If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of foot fractures, please contact Blake Ohlson, M.D., serving the communities of Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Foot Fracture Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Foot fractures require accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to restore proper alignment, preserve foot function, and reduce the risk of chronic pain or arthritis. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines advanced orthopedic expertise with individualized care to provide comprehensive treatment for a wide range of foot fractures.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding communities choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle injuries
- Comprehensive evaluation using physical examination and advanced imaging
- Personalized treatment plans based on the location and severity of the fracture
- Expertise in both conservative fracture management and surgical reconstruction
- Advanced fixation techniques for complex foot fractures when necessary
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility
- A patient-centered approach focused on helping patients return safely to work, sports, and everyday activities
Dr. Ohlson is committed to promoting proper bone healing while minimizing the risk of long-term complications such as stiffness, instability, chronic pain, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Foot Fracture FAQs
What causes a foot fracture?
Foot fractures commonly result from falls, twisting injuries, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or direct trauma such as dropping a heavy object on the foot. Stress fractures may develop gradually from repetitive overuse activities like running or jumping.
What are the symptoms of a foot fracture?
Common symptoms include severe foot pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, difficulty walking, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot.
How is a foot fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a review of your symptoms and a physical examination. X-rays are typically used to identify fractures, while CT scans or MRI may be recommended for complex injuries or stress fractures that are difficult to detect.
Can a foot fracture heal without surgery?
Yes. Many stable or minimally displaced fractures can heal successfully with rest, immobilization using a cast or walking boot, and activity modification. Your physician will monitor healing with follow-up evaluations.
When is surgery necessary for a foot fracture?
Surgery may be recommended for displaced fractures, unstable injuries, fractures involving the joints, Lisfranc injuries, or fractures that cannot heal properly with conservative treatment. Surgical fixation helps restore normal foot alignment and function.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Many fractures require several weeks of immobilization, followed by gradual weight-bearing and physical therapy. Complete recovery may take several months.
Will I need physical therapy?
Physical therapy is often recommended after immobilization or surgery to improve flexibility, restore strength, increase range of motion, and help you safely return to daily activities and sports.
What happens if a foot fracture is left untreated?
An untreated foot fracture can heal improperly, potentially leading to chronic pain, deformity, arthritis, instability, reduced mobility, and difficulty walking. Early evaluation and appropriate treatment help reduce these risks.