Avulsion Fractures Often Affect Young People

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There are a variety of different bone fractures that can affect the feet and ankles, but the avulsion fracture is one that is seen most commonly in younger folks. In this type of fracture, a ligament pulls away with a small piece of bone attached. It happens more in youngsters because their bones and other tissues are not fully developed. The hip, elbow, and ankle areas are among the most common locations for a ligament to pull away with a piece of bone during a fracture.

A fracture in your foot will often exhibit the following symptoms and problems:

  • If you hear a popping or cracking sound you know it’s bad

  • Bleeding, swelling, bruising, and tenderness will occur rapidly at the site of the fracture

  • You won’t be able to walk on the affected foot

  • You will have extreme difficulty taking your shoes on or off due to the pain and swelling

  • Any protruding bones are obviously going to need immediate care

Medical attention is necessary for proper treatment and evaluation if any of the above problems occur. Imaging studies including x-rays and MRI may be needed. While x-rays are good at detecting bone fractures, hairline breaks and tissue damage need a more refined MRI for an accurate depiction and diagnosis. Foot or ankle surgery may be necessary.

Breaking your foot is not very fun, so if your youngster has a foot fracture see your foot doctor so it can be managed it with flying colors! At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts.  Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, Gregory Cook, DPM, and Huy L. Nguyen, DPM provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

fracturesFIT FEET FOR LIFE FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTfractures, foot and ankle surgery, sports injuries