Foot and Ankle Fractures and Dislocations

What is a foot or ankle fracture or dislocation?

Foot and ankle fractures and dislocations happen when one or more bones break or move out of their normal position, often after a fall, sports injury, car accident or misstep on uneven ground. These injuries can make walking and everyday activities painful and challenging.

At Novant Health, we understand how challenging these injuries can be, and our specialists take the time to evaluate your injury and provide personalized care focused on restoring stability, easing pain and supporting healing.

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

Foot and ankle anatomy

The foot and ankle are made up of 26 bones connected by joints, ligaments and tendons that work together to support balance and movement. The ankle joint connects the lower leg to the foot, while the midfoot and forefoot help absorb impact and distribute weight as you walk and move throughout the day.

A fracture occurs when one of these bones cracks or breaks. A dislocation happens when bones are forced out of alignment at a joint. In some cases, fractures and dislocations occur together, requiring careful, coordinated care to protect the joint and support healing.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Foot and ankle fractures and dislocations can result from many types of injury, including:

Falls or sudden twisting injuries
Sports or recreational activities
Motor vehicle accidents
Workplace injuries
Osteoporosis or weakened bones

Some fractures occur from high-impact trauma, while others — such as stress fractures — develop gradually from repetitive activity or overuse.

When to seek emergency care

Some foot and ankle fractures or dislocations need urgent attention to protect your bones, joints and circulation. If you notice any of the following, contact our orthopedic specialists and seek immediate treatment:

Severe or worsening pain
Visible deformity or bones that look out of place
Inability to stand or put weight on the injured foot or ankle
Numbness, tingling or changes in skin color or temperature
Open wounds or broken skin near the injury

These symptoms can signal a serious injury, and getting timely evaluation and treatment helps reduce complications and support safer healing./p>

Diagnosis

Your Novant Health foot and ankle specialist will perform a thorough evaluation to understand your injury. Diagnosis may include:

A physical exam to assess swelling, alignment and circulation
X-rays to identify fractures or joint displacement
Advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI, when needed
A discussion of how the injury occurred and your activity level

This detailed approach helps your care team determine the most appropriate next steps.

Why treatment matters

Prompt treatment helps restore alignment, protect joints and reduce the risk of long-term complications such as chronic pain, stiffness or arthritis. Without appropriate care, foot and ankle fractures or dislocations may heal improperly and affect balance, mobility and quality of life.

Early care can help prevent complications and support long-term mobility.

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

Preventing foot and ankle injuries

Learn how to prevent foot and ankle injuries, protect your joints, and stay active safely during sports and outdoor activities.

Take the next step

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.