Treatment for a broken foot and/or toes depends on the severity of the fracture and may include nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Applying ice, resting the area and taking anti-inflammatory medication for pain are universal treatment options that can help reduce the severity and symptoms of your injury.

Mild fractures can often be treated by immobilizing the area with a cast or brace while it heals over the course of several weeks. More severe fractures may require surgery to restore the broken bone to its normal position so that proper healing can occur. This may require the use of metal pins, rods, screws or plates to hold the bone in place, and which may or may not be removed once healing is completed.

Dr. Lager will decide which type of treatment is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your fracture.

The tendons are the thick, fibrous structures that connect muscles to bones and allow for fluid motion and function of the bones. These structures may become torn or damaged as a result of injury, usually caused by a fall or sports injury.

Torn tendons may be repaired through a surgical procedure that reattaches the torn ends of the tendon with sutures, although a tendon graft may also be required in some cases. During the procedure, an incision is made over the affected area and the torn ends are located. They may be simply sewn back together or a tendon graft may be acquired from another part of the body to reconnect the broken tendon. This procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on each patient’s individual condition and overall health.

After the procedure, a cast or brace will be applied to the treated area to promote proper healing. The healing process usually takes up to six weeks after surgery. Tendon repair is considered safe for most patients, but as with any type of surgery, can lead to certain complications such as excessive bleeding, infection and scarring. However, most patients achieve successful results from this procedure and are able to enjoy restored function to the affected tendon.

Ligaments are strong tissues found throughout the body that support the bones and joints to allow for smooth movement. These structures are composed of a great deal of collagen, which provides strength to the joint but also have poor blood flow. Ligaments can be torn as a result of injury, accident or other trauma.

Because of their lack of blood flow, most ligaments cannot repair themselves after and injury and may require replacement tissue from another part of the body or a donor.

During the ligament reconstruction procedure, a series of incisions will be made and the remaining damaged ligament will be removed. The harvested ligament is then inserted and attached to a nearby tendon with sutures. The incisions will be closed and the ligament will gradually heal in place, allowing patients to enjoy restored function to the foot.

An ankle fracture is a common injury that involves a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. Treatment for an ankle fracture can vary depending on the severity of the condition. While mild fractures may be treated through nonsurgical methods, more severe fractures may require surgery to realign the bones and ensure that they heal correctly.

Open reduction internal fixation is a surgical technique that secures the bones in place with the help of screws, plates, wires, rods and pins that may or may not be removed from the ankle in the future. These tools allow the bones to heal properly, restoring function to the joint with no damage or discomfort to the patient.

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle it twisted or turned, and results in torn ligaments within the joint. This injury often causes pain, swelling and bruising, and may lead to ankle instability as the condition is prone to recur. Ankle ligament reconstruction is commonly performed on patients with ankle instability or repeated sprains, as it is effective in tightening loosened ligaments and improving the overall stability of the joint.

The ankle ligament reconstruction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the two ligaments may be simply reattached, or part of a lateral tendon around the ankle may be used to repair the torn ligament. Dr. Lager will decide which technique is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.

After surgery, patients may need to use crutches for up to several weeks, at which point they can begin walking in a removable walking booth. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the healing process, and usually begins after about six weeks. Most patients fully recover from this procedure after three to four months, after which they can resume all regular activities including running and exercise.

An Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury that involves a tearing of the thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel and helps with nearly any kind of foot movement. The Achilles tendon can be partially or completely torn and most commonly occurs as a result of repeated stress on the tendon.

Most Achilles tendon injuries require surgery to reattach the tendon and allow the patient to resume normal foot function. Nonsurgical treatment is only reserved for the mildest of cases or for patients who lead a sedentary life.

During the Achilles tendon repair procedure, an incision is made along the back of the ankle to access the tendon. The torn ends are then reattached using strong sutures that are placed on both ends. The sutures are tied together and the incision is then closed.

After surgery, patients will need to undergo six to eight weeks of physical therapy while the foot heals in a walking boot or cast. The foot may be positioned differently within the cast as healing progresses to maximize movement.