What is an foot or ankle fracture?

A foot or ankle fracture can occur in one or more of the bones in your ankle joint or foot: the tibia, fibula, or talus. In most cases, an ankle fracture occurs because of trauma or injury. For example, you may twist or rotate your ankle during a sporting event or while tripping on a flight of stairs. 

Even a direct impact, such as a car accident or someone landing on your foot, can lead to an ankle fracture. These types of injuries are known as traumatic ankle fractures. 

But you can also suffer from an ankle fracture that occurs gradually. If you’re a distance runner, for instance, the repetitive stress on the bones in your foot and ankle can lead to small breaks that worsen over time. These are called stress fractures. 

Anyone of any age can develop an ankle fracture that’s minor or severe. Your risk further increases as you get older, especially if you have weakened bones due to osteoporosis. 



How do I know if my ankle is broken?

The only way to know for sure that you have an ankle fracture is to come visit Dr. Kyle Hopkins.  Dr. Hopkins may also perform a series of screenings and may manipulate your ankle joint to determine if you have a fracture or another type of injury, such as an ankle sprain.

It’s important to let your doctor know all of the details of your injury, including any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling or tenderness
• Limited range of motion 
• Redness or contusions (bruises)
• Inability to bear weight on your ankle
• Severe ankle pain that may spread to your foot or knee

Dr. Hopkins will most likely order a digital X-ray or maybe another type of imaging test, such as a CT scan, to determine the severity of your ankle fracture. 

What is the treatment for an ankle fracture?

As with most types of injuries, healing just takes time. The goal of Dr. Hopkins is to minimize your pain and discomfort, promote proper healing, and restore your full ankle functions.

For minor breaks, we may place you in a splint, cast, or another type of brace to immobilize your joint.

More serious fracture may require surgery. Ankle fracture surgery is important for realigning your bone fragments and implanting specialized devices, like plates and screws, to keep your ankle joint in place as it heals.

Recovery from an ankle fracture takes at least 6-8 weeks.

We partner with many physical therapy groups to help teach you exercises you should perform during your recovery period, so you can build up strength and flexibility over time.

AVORS Medical Group provides complete ankle fracture care, including restorative surgeries. You can book your ankle fracture exam by calling any office directly at 726-5005.

Dr. Hopkins is a Board Certified Podiatrist specializing in foot trauma and fracture care, podiatric surgery, sports medicine, wound care, and regenerative medicine. He works in the hospital on all foot traumas, as well as in his community clinic prescribing orthotics to help peoples feet, performing nail surgery, sports medicine and injury, and diabetic care. 

"I am excited to be able to help build a program in partnership with Palmdale Regional Medical Center. We are creating a specific goal in preventing amputations and offering hope combined with cutting edge technology to prevent amputations or hospitalizations. Our goal is to provide improved limb preservation to everyone in the Antelope Valley" Said Dr. Kyle Hopkins.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

No, you can self-refer to any of our podiatrists. However, your insurance carrier may require a referral before covering appointments and treatments. Check with your insurance company to understand your specific benefits.

Dr. Hopkins practices at 42135 10th St West, STE 101, Lancaster, CA 93534 or at 26357 McBean pkwy, STE 255, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

To learn more about what your local podiatrist Dr. Kyle Hopkins can offer, click on the following www.avorsmedgroup.com/foot-and-ankle-specialists

To learn more about Dr. Kyle Hopkins, click on the following www.avorsmedgroup.com/Kyle-Hopkins

Call us at 661-726-5005 to schedule a consultation!