Broken ankle or foot

A broken foot or ankle happens when one or more bones crack or fracture, often after a fall, twist or direct impact. This common injury can cause sudden pain, swelling and trouble putting weight on your foot. With prompt diagnosis and the right treatment plan, most people heal well and return to their normal activities.

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Anatomy of the ankle and foot, showing ligaments, tendons, and bones, labeled for clarity.

Anatomy of the foot and ankle

Your foot and ankle have more than two dozen small bones, along with ligaments, tendons and muscles that work together to support your body weight and allow movement. The ankle joint connects the leg bones, the tibia and fibula, to the talus, a bone in the foot. This joint allows you to flex, point and rotate your foot.

A fracture can happen in any of these bones, from the ankle joint down through the midfoot and toes. Because your foot and ankle bear so much weight and absorb so much impact, even a small fracture can make walking painful and difficult until it heals properly.

Overview

Symptoms

A broken foot or ankle often causes noticeable symptoms right after the injury. Common signs include:

Sudden, sharp pain at the time of injury
Swelling around the foot or ankle
Bruising that may spread over time
Tenderness when touching the area
Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot
Visible deformity in more severe fractures
A popping or cracking sound at the time of injury

Pain and swelling may worsen over the first day or two after the injury before gradually improving with treatment.

Causes

A broken foot or ankle usually results from a specific event rather than gradual wear. Common causes include:

Falls from a height or on an uneven surface
Twisting or rolling the ankle
Direct impact, such as a heavy object landing on the foot
Car accidents or other high-impact trauma
Repetitive stress from running or high-impact sports, which can lead to a stress fracture over time

Risk factors

Certain factors can raise your chances of a foot or ankle fracture, though having one or more of these does not mean you will experience a break:

Participating in high-impact sports, such as basketball, soccer or running
Osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bone
Previous foot or ankle injuries
Poor footwear or unsafe walking surfaces
Age-related changes in bone density and balance

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a broken foot or ankle starts with a conversation about how the injury happened and a physical exam to check for swelling, tenderness and range of motion. Your orthopedic specialist will also check circulation and sensation in your foot to rule out nerve or blood vessel involvement. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, help confirm the location and severity of the fracture. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be used to get a more detailed look at the bone or surrounding soft tissue.

Dr. William Corey in a suit and bow tie discusses foot and ankle injury prevention on a television show.

Foot and ankle surgery options to get you moving again

An orthopedic specialist explains when foot and ankle surgery may be needed — and how the right treatment can relieve pain, restore function and keep you moving.

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We offer leading-edge treatments for most foot and ankle conditions, treating many with medications, bracing and injections.

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Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.