Foot & Ankle Fractures and Sprains Treatment in Flower Mound, TX
A foot or ankle fracture or sprain can happen in an instant — a misstep, a fall, or a collision — and the pain can be immediate and severe. At DFW Foot and Ankle, Dr. Davey Suh provides prompt, expert diagnosis and treatment for foot and ankle fractures and sprains in Flower Mound, TX, helping patients heal properly and return to full function as quickly as possible. Call (972) 899-2170 today.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
A fracture is a break or crack in one or more of the bones of the foot or ankle. The foot contains 26 bones, and any of them can fracture under the right circumstances. Fractures range from hairline cracks to complete breaks that may displace the bone from its normal position.
Types of Foot and Ankle Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks that develop gradually from repetitive impact — common in runners, dancers, and athletes who increase their activity level too quickly. They cause localized pain and tenderness that worsens with activity and may be easy to overlook early on. The metatarsals and navicular are the most frequently affected bones.
Acute fractures result from a sudden traumatic force — such as a fall, a direct blow, or a twisting injury. They typically cause immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight.
Ankle fractures can involve one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint — the fibula, tibia, and talus. Ankle fractures often occur alongside ligament injuries and require careful evaluation to determine the extent of the damage and whether surgical stabilization is needed.
Jones fractures are fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal (the small bone on the outside of the foot) that are notorious for being slow to heal due to limited blood supply in that area.
Foot and Ankle Sprains
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments — the tough bands of connective tissue that stabilize the joints of the foot and ankle. Sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, overstretching or tearing the ligaments. The ankle is the most commonly sprained joint in the body.
Ankle Sprain Grades
Grade 1 (Mild): The ligament is stretched but not torn. There is mild pain, tenderness, and minimal swelling. Most Grade 1 sprains heal within 1 to 3 weeks with conservative care.
Grade 2 (Moderate): The ligament is partially torn. There is moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and some joint instability. Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 weeks with proper treatment.
Grade 3 (Severe): The ligament is completely torn. There is significant pain, swelling, bruising, and joint instability. Severe sprains may take several months to heal and sometimes require immobilization or surgical repair.
It is important not to ignore ankle sprains, even mild ones. Inadequately treated sprains are a leading cause of chronic ankle instability — a condition where the ankle repeatedly gives way during activity. As part of our sports medicine services, Dr. Suh provides comprehensive ankle sprain treatment to ensure proper ligament healing and stability.
How Are Fractures and Sprains Diagnosed?
Dr. Suh will conduct a thorough physical examination of your foot and ankle, assessing range of motion, stability, tenderness, and swelling. Imaging studies — including X-rays to identify fractures and MRI or ultrasound to evaluate soft tissue injuries — are used as needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Treatment Options at DFW Foot and Ankle
Treatment for foot and ankle fractures and sprains depends on the type and severity of the injury. Options include:
- RICE therapy — Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to manage acute pain and swelling
- Immobilization — Splinting, casting, or a walking boot to protect the injured bone or ligament during healing
- Protected weight bearing — Crutches or a boot to reduce stress on the injured area
- Custom orthotics — To support proper healing alignment and prevent re-injury
- MLS laser therapy — To reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation — To restore strength, range of motion, and proprioception
- Surgical fixation — For displaced fractures, unstable ankle fractures, or complete ligament tears that require repair
Dr. Suh will guide you through every step of your recovery, from initial diagnosis and treatment to full rehabilitation. Call (972) 899-2170 to schedule your evaluation at DFW Foot and Ankle in Flower Mound, TX.
Fractures and Sprains FAQs
How do I know if I have a fracture or a sprain?
Both fractures and sprains can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight, so it can be difficult to tell them apart without professional evaluation. In general, fractures tend to produce more point-specific tenderness directly over the bone, while sprains produce tenderness over the ligaments. X-rays and other imaging are often needed to make a definitive diagnosis. If you’re unsure, always get evaluated — an untreated fracture can heal improperly and cause long-term problems.
Can I walk on a fractured foot?
Some fractures — particularly stress fractures and non-displaced fractures — may allow limited weight bearing, while others make walking very painful or impossible. Walking on an untreated fracture risks worsening the injury. Dr. Suh will advise on safe weight-bearing activity after evaluating your specific fracture type and location.
How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?
Healing time depends on the grade of the sprain. Mild sprains typically heal within 1 to 3 weeks, moderate sprains in 3 to 6 weeks, and severe sprains can take 3 to 6 months or longer. Proper treatment and rehabilitation significantly shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of chronic instability.
What happens if a sprain is not treated properly?
Inadequately treated ankle sprains are the leading cause of chronic ankle instability — a condition where the ankle repeatedly gives way, increasing the risk of re-injury and long-term joint damage. Proper treatment, including rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and balance, is essential for full recovery.
Do all fractures require a cast?
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture. Some fractures heal well in a walking boot or with buddy taping, while others require a cast for immobilization, and displaced or unstable fractures may require surgical fixation. Dr. Suh will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific injury.
Can MLS laser therapy help fractures and sprains heal faster?
Yes. MLS laser therapy reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes cellular repair in the injured tissues — including ligaments and the soft tissue around fracture sites. It is a non-invasive way to support faster, more complete healing and is particularly useful in the early recovery phase.
When can I return to sports after a foot or ankle fracture or sprain?
Return-to-sport timelines vary depending on the injury, your sport, and how well you respond to treatment and rehabilitation. Dr. Suh will provide specific clearance guidelines based on your recovery progress. Returning too soon increases the risk of re-injury and long-term complications.