When Injury Strikes
A traumatic injury to the ankle or foot can be a devastating diagnosis. From simple ankle fractures to crush injuries sustained at work, careful examination and attention to your injury by an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist is crucial to a successful outcome.
Where to Go First
Often patients are referred to Dr. Flynn after initial X-rays were taken in the emergency department or urgent care setting. However, if you even just suspect that you have such an injury, you can call Dr. Flynn’s office or come to the OrthoNOW urgent care at South Bend Orthopedics for initial evaluation.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Care for fractures around the ankle and foot is individualized to reach patient at Dr. Flynn’s office. Many of these injuries simply require a period of immobilization and rest, with the patient’s being advised to limit their weightbearing based upon the severity of the injury. If surgery is indicated, all attempts are made to arrange for intervention as early as possible.
Surgical Repair & Recovery
Surgery for ankle and foot fractures may involve the use of plates and screws around the ankle and foot to stabilize the fracture. The majority of the time, this hardware remains in place forever, but if the hardware causes irritation or pain, it may be removed at a later date.
After surgery for an ankle or foot fracture, a patient is splinted and then ultimately casted for a period of time. Cast changes are frequent to allow for proper hygiene. Typically, a patient’s weightbearing may be advanced around 6 weeks after surgery, though a boot or brace may be needed to protect the injured site until the patient is fully recovered. Physical therapy helps these patients to achieve maximal improvement.
