Broken ankle/broken foot

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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

You may initially seek treatment for a broken ankle or broken foot in an emergency room or urgent-care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly to allow healing with immobilization, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.

What you can do
You may want to write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
  • Information about medical problems you've had
  • Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
  • All the medications and dietary supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor will check for points of tenderness in your foot and ankle. The precise location of your pain can help determine its cause. He or she will also check to see if the nerves and blood vessels for your foot and ankle have been damaged.

References
  1. Ho K, et al. Ankle and foot: Foot. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119940582-3/803115108/1365/151.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  2. Ho K, et al. Ankle and foot: Ankle. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119940582-3/803115108/1365/150.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50060-3--cesec26_2557. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  3. Toe and forefoot fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic=A00165. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  4. Ankle fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00391. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  5. Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00379. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  6. deWeber K. Overview of stress fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  7. Hatch RL, et al. Metatarsal shaft fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
  8. General nuclear medicine. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=gennuclear. Accessed Feb. 12, 2009.
  9. CT: Body. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=bodyct. Accessed Feb. 12, 2009.

DS00951

April 24, 2009

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