Stress fracture

A foot or ankle fracture or dislocation can happen in an instant, after a fall, a sports injury, a car accident or a simple misstep on uneven ground. These injuries can make walking and everyday activities painful and difficult, but with prompt care, most people recover well and regain their mobility.

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Close-up of a human ankle with visible muscles and ligaments, highlighting an area of pain.

Anatomy of the ankle

The peroneal tendons run along the outside of your ankle, behind the bony bump known as the outer ankle bone. They help stabilize your foot and turn it outward during movement, which is important for balance whether you're walking on uneven ground or pushing off during a run.

Repeated strain or overuse can cause inflammation, friction and tiny tears in these tendons, especially behind the ankle bone. Without support, this irritation can worsen over time, leading to weakness and ankle instability.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of your injury. You may notice:

Immediate pain or tenderness
Swelling or bruising
Difficulty standing or walking
Limited movement
Visible deformity or abnormal alignment

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain depending on how serious the fracture or dislocation is.

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.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your chances of experiencing a foot or ankle fracture or dislocation, including participation in high-impact sports, weakened bones from osteoporosis and repetitive stress from overuse. Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you'll experience an injury, but understanding them can help you take steps to protect your foot and ankle health.

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, and advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI, when needed. Your specialist will also talk with you about how the injury occurred and your activity level to help guide the most appropriate next steps.

View treatment options

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

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