Foot and ankle fractures can happen to anyone, but if you’re curious about the tests and evaluation process when you go to a podiatrist, we at New Braunfels Podiatry Associates in New Braunfels, TX can help answer some of your questions.

Foot and Ankle Fractures

If you’ve suffered any type of trauma to the foot and ankle area and wonder about a possible fracture, you’re probably already experiencing pain and swelling. There could be bruising, redness, or maybe even warmth in the area. These types of injuries should be seen by a podiatrist as quickly as possible to avoid increasing the amount of injury to the affected area.

Imaging and Other Fracture Evaluations

Some of the testing done to detect a foot or ankle fracture is done with imaging. X-rays can help see where there are fractures in the bones and help determine how severe the fracture is. This is usually one of the most commonly used methods for evaluating foot and ankle fractures.

Another key way to test for breaks is by doing diagnostic ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive technique that can also show torn tendons or ligaments, soft tissue masses, and even plantar fascia.

When there is chronic foot or ankle pain, MRIs can help, although there is a much higher cost associated with them than X-rays and ultrasounds. MRIs will be able to detect an Achilles tendon rupture.

There are also some ways to help diagnose a fracture that do not involve machine testing. Your healthcare provider will know the best method to test for any potential foot and ankle fracture and can also see if there are other forms of damage to the area.

If you would like to know more about how to evaluate foot and ankle fractures in New Braunfels, TX then we at New Braunfels Podiatry Associates are here to help. Stop by our office or call today to get on our schedule.