Toe, Foot & Ankle Injuries

Our world-renowned orthopedic surgeons and orthopedists are experts in their fields with specialized training to provide the optimal diagnosis and treatment for a range of orthopedic conditions. We are internationally recognized for delivering the highest-quality orthopedic care to our patients.

Toe, foot and ankle injuries most commonly occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks or projects done around the home. In children, most toe, foot or ankle injuries occur during sports, play or falls. Any bone injury near a joint may injure the growth plate in a child and needs to be evaluated. There are generally two types of injuries affecting these areas:

• Sudden (acute) injury
• Overuse injuries

An acute injury may occur from a direct blow, a penetrating injury or fall, or from twisting, jerking, jamming or bending a limb abnormally. Pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after the injury. Acute injuries include:

• Bruises (contusions)
• Puncture wounds: Sharp objects, such as nails, tacks, ice picks, knives, teeth and needles can all cause puncture wounds. Puncture wounds increase the risk of infection because they are hard to clean and provide a warm, moist place for bacteria to grow. The bacteria pseudomonas is a common cause of infections when a puncture wound occurs through the sole of an athletic shoe.
• Injuries to ligaments that support joints
• Injuries to tendons, such as ruptured tendons in the heel (Achilles tendon). Some children ages 8 to 14 may have a condition known as Sever’s disease, which causes injury to the growing bone where the Achilles tendon is attached. This usually occurs during activity and is relieved with home treatment.
• Injuries to joints (sprains). If a sprain does not appear to be healing, a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans may be present, causing persistent symptoms.
• Pulled muscles (strains): Muscles of the foot and ankle can be strained and can also rupture.
• Broken bones (fractures), such as a broken toe
• A bone moving out of place (dislocation)
• A crushing injury, which can lead to compartment syndrome.

Overuse injuries occur when too much stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, often by overdoing an activity or repeating the same activity. Overuse injuries include:

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa that causes swelling and tenderness of the back of the heel and ankle. Pain often worsens when wearing shoes or during activity, and it improves during rest.
• Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis (tendinopathy), the breakdown of soft tissues in and around the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
• Stress fracture, which is a hairline crack in a bone.
• Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a broad, flat ligament on the bottom of the foot that extends from the front of the heel to the base of the toes and helps maintain the arch of the foot.
• Metatarsalgia, which is pain in the front (ball) of the foot.

Treatments for toe, foot and ankle injuries may include first aid measures (such as the application of a brace, splint or cast), wearing a special shoe (orthotic device), physical therapy, medicine and, in some cases, surgery. Treatment depends on:

• The location, type and severity of the injury
• When the injury occurred
• Age, overall health condition and daily activities performed, such as work, sports or hobbies

Check symptoms to decide if and when to see a doctor.