Fractures
What Are Foot and Ankle Fractures?
A fracture in the foot or ankle occurs when one or more bones in these areas break due to trauma, overuse, or stress. These injuries can range from small hairline fractures, which might be difficult to detect initially, to complete breaks that result in significant pain, swelling, and loss of function. Foot and ankle fractures can impact everyday activities like walking, running, or standing, making prompt and effective treatment crucial.
Signs and Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Fractures:
- Severe pain in the foot or ankle, especially during movement or weight-bearing
- Swelling and bruising around the injured area
- Deformity or misalignment of the bones (in severe cases)
- Inability to walk or bear weight
- Tenderness or pain upon touch
Causes of Foot and Ankle Fractures:
- Traumatic injuries, such as falls, car accidents, or sports impacts
- Overuse or repetitive stress, leading to stress fractures
- Weak bones due to conditions like osteoporosis
- Missteps or twisting injuries causing excessive force on the bones
Comprehensive Treatment Approach for Foot and Ankle Fractures
At ActiveCare Physiotherapy & Rehab, we provide a structured and multi-disciplinary approach to treat foot and ankle fractures. Our goal is to facilitate healing, restore mobility, and help you return to normal activities safely.
- Physiotherapy
- Massage Therapy
- Custom Orthotics
- Acupuncture
- Shockwave Therapy
- Education and Recovery Strategies
Physiotherapy plays an essential role in fracture recovery by focusing on regaining strength, mobility, and function.
- Early Recovery Phase:
- Gentle exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain blood flow to the area without stressing the fracture site.
- Focus on non-weight-bearing movements to preserve joint health.
- Strengthening Exercises:
- Targeted exercises to rebuild muscle strength in the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
- Gradual progression to weight-bearing activities as the fracture heals.
- Mobility and Flexibility Restoration:
- Range-of-motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness and improve flexibility in the ankle and foot.
- Gait Training:
- Assistance with walking aids like crutches and transitioning back to full weight-bearing activities with proper biomechanics.
Massage therapy complements physiotherapy by improving soft tissue recovery and relieving secondary muscle tension caused by immobilization.
- Scar Tissue Management:
Helps break down scar tissue and adhesions around the injury site for better movement. - Improved Circulation:
Promotes blood flow to the healing area, speeding up recovery. - Pain and Muscle Tension Relief:
Eases discomfort in surrounding muscles compensating for the injured area.
Custom orthotics are vital during the recovery phase and for long-term support.
- Post-Healing Support:
Ensures proper alignment of the foot and ankle to prevent reinjury. - Shock Absorption:
Reduces stress on the bones during walking or running as you transition back to normal activities. - Biomechanical Corrections:
Helps distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing stress on previously injured areas.
Acupuncture is an effective modality to support fracture healing and manage associated pain.
- Pain Reduction:
Targets specific points to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. - Inflammation Control:
Stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms to reduce swelling around the fracture. - Improved Blood Flow:
Enhances circulation to promote faster recovery of the bone and surrounding tissues.
Shockwave therapy can be particularly beneficial in cases of delayed or complicated fracture healing.
- Bone Stimulation:
Encourages new bone growth by stimulating cellular activity in the fractured area. - Pain Management:
Provides relief for chronic pain that may linger after the fracture has healed. - Accelerated Healing:
Supports the body's repair mechanisms for faster recovery.
Empowering patients with knowledge is key to effective recovery.
- Activity Guidelines:
Guidance on safe movements and gradual return to normal activities post-recovery. - Home Exercise Plans:
Customized exercises to maintain progress between therapy sessions. - Footwear Advice:
Recommendations for supportive shoes to protect the healing bone and prevent reinjury.