Fractures Specialist
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Willamette Foot & Ankle
Myles Knutson, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Lake Oswego, OR
Foot and ankle fractures are common side effects of car accidents and sports injuries. If you experience a foot and ankle injury and suspect a fracture, don’t wait to seek professional help. At Willamette Foot & Ankle, board-certified podiatrist Myles Knutson, DPM, provides comprehensive care for foot and ankle fractures. To make an appointment, call the office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, or click the online booking feature today.
Fractures Q&A
What are fractures?
A fracture is an injury to a bone. You might experience a fracture if you drop something heavy on your foot or stub your toe while walking barefoot.
Fractures vary in severity. Some are finer than a strand of human hair and heal on their own with rest and immobilization. Others split a bone into several pieces and require surgery to repair.
What are the symptoms of fractures?
Symptoms of fractures include:
- Immediate, throbbing pain
- Pain that gets worse during activity
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Visible abnormality (like a bulging bump)
Depending on the location and size of the fracture, you might also experience difficulty standing up or walking.
How are fractures diagnosed?
To diagnose a foot or ankle fracture, Dr. Knutson asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, their severity, and if they respond to at-home treatments like ice and over-the-counter pain medication.
Next, Dr. Knutson has you remove your shoes and socks, and he carefully examines your feet and ankles. He gently presses on them to pinpoint areas of tenderness. Then, he moves your feet in various positions to test their flexibility and range of motion. He might also ask you to walk a short distance to examine your gait.
Dr. Knutson might also order X-rays or a CT scan. These imaging techniques capture detailed photos of your bones and soft tissues.
How are fractures treated?
Treatment of foot and ankle fractures depends on various factors, including the severity and location of the injury and your medical history. Dr. Knutson might recommend:
Reduction
If you have a displaced fracture, meaning there’s a single break and the two pieces of bone aren’t aligned, Dr. Knutson might recommend reduction.
During reduction, Dr. Knutson administers a muscle relaxant to ensure your comfort. Then, he carefully manipulates the pieces of bone, restoring their alignment. After reduction, your body heals and your bones fuse together.
Immobilization
Immobilization involves Dr. Knutson putting your foot or ankle into a cast or a splint. These devices limit your range of motion, allowing your bones to heal.
Surgery
If you experience a severe fracture, and your bone breaks into several pieces, Dr. Knutson might recommend surgery. During fracture surgery, he uses pins, plates, and screws to hold your bones in the proper position. Over time, these interventions allow your bone to heal.
To learn more about the treatment options for foot and ankle fractures, make an appointment at Willamette Foot & Ankle by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
